As a guide myself, let me say $400 is a bargain. The way I see it, you’re fishing with a rock star (in the angling sense of the term). I went to sea school, passed my test, and I’m a captain. The DNR wants to know what I do every trip, because they are scratching their heads as to what’s going on out there. I paid $150 for that license, and I have to send in my reports every month. I use the best equipment. Johnny Ohio can’t even spell
Geeloomiss! And, I’m an entertainer when we are not catching fish. I change people’s lives. So yeah, $400 for four hours with me (plus tip because I put you on a bull red), in my world, doesn’t even buy me the big size Yeti cooler.
quote:
Originally posted by JunkpileAs a guide myself, let me say $400 is a bargain. The way I see it, you’re fishing with a rock star (in the angling sense of the term). I went to sea school, passed my test, and I’m a captain. The DNR wants to know what I do every trip, because they are scratching their heads as to what’s going on out there. I paid $150 for that license, and I have to send in my reports every month. I use the best equipment. Johnny Ohio can’t even spell
Geeloomiss!</font id=“red”> And, I’m an entertainer when we are not catching fish. I change people’s lives. So yeah, $400 for four hours with me (plus tip because I put you on a bull red), in my world, doesn’t even buy me the big size Yeti cooler.
Good thing, we wouldn’t Johnny Ohio thinking he was using the best equipment if that’s what he’s using. Fishing alone can be humbling, no sense in setting him up for disappointment right out the gate.
Seriously though, I don’t think $400 for a half day is a bad deal at all. Like some have said, what is a “ho-hum” day for some may very well be a once in a lifetime outing for other. Value is relative. Granted, if the guide is burning “a lot of fuel” in four hours, their either not on fish and searching or they need to get a more fuel efficient motor.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
Xpress H20B Bay Series
Yamaha 115 SHO
Like any good paying job, you are paying for the level experience/expertise of the captain. I’ll take you out for $20 on my creek boat, but you’ll be more comfortable and catch more fish with an experienced guide.
May all your favorite bands stay together…
quote:
Originally posted by 23SailfishLike any good paying job, you are paying for the level experience/expertise of the captain. I’ll take you out for $20 on my creek boat, but you’ll be more comfortable and catch more fish with an experienced guide.
May all your favorite bands stay together…
Ok Ricky , I’ll take you up on that . I want 3 days and , you do have a place for me to sleep . I’m not worried about experience < I got that covered. Should I bring my own ice and cooler ? Oh and PM me your address so I will know where to come . Oh and I am serious REELY as Mitch used to say
Boat Cost: 10,000/Year
Routine Maintenance: $1,600-$2,400/Year
Insurance: $2,500/Year
Fuel: $150 minimum per trip
Dock Fees: $4,800/Year
Ice: $20/trip
Equipment: $2,500/Year minimum
Bait: $1,000/Year minimum
DNR License
NMFS Licenses
Wear and tear on truck and trailer
Mechanical/electrical failures: God only knows
Office supplies (phone, computer, internet, websites)
I could not afford to do half day trips for $400. I would be in the red, and I would like to actually make a little money.
Olde Man Charters
843-478-1538
Oldemancharters@gmail.com
286 Seafox/Twin 300’s
If you burn 150 dollars inshore fishing you either suck or are doing river tours especially because most of the guides I see got 4 strokes. I had 2 strokes and would go from Edisto to folly and back and wouldn’t burn 50 and that’s like 4hrs of riding in its self. I have never heard of a inshore guide traveling 30 + miles to fish. Sulcatman’s list looks like what you would send the tax man as “expenses”. Basically 30,000 grand to run a inshore charter company a year is a ton unless you run charters like 300 days a year and most charters I’ve talked to don’t considering season and weather. The main thing I add to the 100 dollars an hr is the time put in that the customers no there for and that ranges a lot from like 10 minutes to several hours.
That would be something to see a inshore guide with a 29’ boat
SP- There are all kinds of clients looking for all types of services from a fishing guide/charter captain. The real question as mentioned earlier is, “What’s it worth to you?” I am a captain and continuously HIRE captains in other parts of the country to either A)Shorten my learning curve for a specific area/species or B) Save money, time, frustration on hauling my own boat and gear to said area. Information on techniques, locations, and patterns are well worth $400 for a half day. I am NEVER concerned with how many fish I catch as I am looking to learn and be able to duplicate the experience or enhance my knowledge in said area when the opportunity arises. Are all captains able to provide these services equally? ABSOLUTELY NOT, but my use out of a captain is informational and not measured in pounds and ounces. With that said, I have many clients that book 4-6 trips per year in order to avoid the hassle of doing everything themselves to achieve mixed and mostly disappointing results. Again, it is all perception as to the value associated with a trip. If you’ve got it all figured out and own your own boat, no need to pay a charter captain. The free market has its own way of taking care of prices.
quote:
Originally posted by StrikePositionHonestly, it seems to me like $400 is more than a little pricey for a half day of inshore fishing. Just curious to know where some of you other guys stand on this. I mean, it’s not like a lot of fuel is burned running to Castle Pickney and back or dock-knocking in the creeks, nor is catching a few spottail and trout what I would consider the trip of a lifetime. Is this cost appropriate for the quality of the trip that is being delivered by most guides in our inshore waters? Maybe there are many other expenses that I am not considering, but it just seems like a bit much. I know guys are trying to make a living, but come on. Thoughts?
<hr height="1
quote:
Originally posted by 40inchredsIf you burn 150 dollars inshore fishing you either suck or are doing river tours especially because most of the guides I see got 4 strokes. I had 2 strokes and would go from Edisto to folly and back and wouldn’t burn 50 and that’s like 4hrs of riding in its self. I have never heard of a inshore guide traveling 30 + miles to fish. Sulcatman’s list looks like what you would send the tax man as “expenses”. Basically 30,000 grand to run a inshore charter company a year is a ton unless you run charters like 300 days a year and most charters I’ve talked to don’t considering season and weather. The main thing I add to the 100 dollars an hr is the time put in that the customers no there for and that ranges a lot from like 10 minutes to several hours.
I am offshore but the general expense items, maybe not the values, are the same. And yes 40 inch, actual expenses are a legitimate tax deduction. You know you have to earn more gross than expenses before you actually have taxable income. Try getting an inshore charter business togethet, charge $200 for half day trips, and see how long you stay in business.
Olde Man Charters
843-478-1538
Oldemancharters@gmail.com
286 Seafox/Twin 300’s
like my earlier post on this thread, buy your own boat with all
needed equipment and supplies , license , tackle , and bait , do the math and compare price per lb on your own against price per lb caught with guide…
[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org
When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown
$400 for half day is about what it is anywhere. if its only 1 person it might seem like a lot but its mostly 2 or 3 so its about $100 each or so (not bad) cant even go to a football game or baseball for that. just to take my small boat to the jetties for the day cost $100 or so. I think I would go broke if I only charge $400 a 1/2 day
230 Tidewater 250 Yamaha
NikkiB
quote:
Originally posted by Fishingpoxquote:
Originally posted by 23SailfishLike any good paying job, you are paying for the level experience/expertise of the captain. I’ll take you out for $20 on my creek boat, but you’ll be more comfortable and catch more fish with an experienced guide.
May all your favorite bands stay together…
Ok Ricky , I’ll take you up on that . I want 3 days and , you do have a place for me to sleep . I’m not worried about experience < I got that covered. Should I bring my own ice and cooler ? Oh and PM me your address so I will know where to come . Oh and I am serious REELY as Mitch used to say
You can sleep in the guest bedroom, no problem. I’ll make sure the dogs don’t sleep in there. No need for ice either, I got stacks of igloos and a whirlpool that makes good cubes. Three days is good, remember guests are like fish, they start to stink after three days…
May all your favorite bands stay together…
[/quote]
You can sleep in the guest bedroom, no problem. I’ll make sure the dogs don’t sleep in there. No need for ice either, I got stacks of igloos and a whirlpool that makes good cubes. Three days is good, remember guests are like fish, they start to stink after three days…
Humm , Ricky it sounds like you might not like me to much . Can we make that a 2 day stay , I don’t like sinking .
Oh we have a pad next to our bed for our dachshund , he is a great watchdog and let’s us know at the noise . Dogs make better friends than most people ,Your dog could stay in the same room as me as long as he don’t like sinking people 
May all your favorite bands stay together…
[/quote]
[quote]Originally posted by gail wins
like my earlier post on this thread, buy your own boat with all
needed equipment and supplies , license , tackle , and bait , do the math and compare price per lb on your own against price per lb caught with guide…
I did all of the above and I take people out all the time . I never charge them for anything . I won't even let them buy gas or drinks , ice , ramp fee, food ,and most of the time they fish with my rods and tackle . The way I look at it is if I am going anyway it doesn't cost me much of anything for someone to come along for free. BUT it is a hobby to me.
My last thought , if someone asked you for a break in price because he was not fortunate enough to pay the full price would you give them a break ?I know plenty of fishing guides around the world and in Charleston. I know of a few that I would consider saying that they have made some serious money fishing and that was fishing tournaments not charter fishing. Get to know them, see where they live, see how they live. Not to insult anyone but it’s just not the most lucrative career money wise. I wouldn’t say it wasn’t without many perks though. That being said $100 an hour is pretty standard inshore and some do it for less. I think you have to look at the overall big picture not just the fact they only burned a couple gallons of gas.
Mayhem
Pioneer 197
Just back from Islamorada and had a blast on a Backcountry charter. $450 for 1/2 day with my wife and two boys. Worth every penny. Mainly hit a bunch of sea trout with the biggest being 22". Caught a couple of catfish as well and played with 2 pods of dolphins. The 2nd rode alongside in our wake for about 3-4 minutes. Our guide made all of that possible.
RWS
quote:
Originally posted by Fishingpox[quote]Originally posted by gail wins
like my earlier post on this thread, buy your own boat with all
needed equipment and supplies , license , tackle , and bait , do the math and compare price per lb on your own against price per lb caught with guide…I did all of the above and I take people out all the time . I never charge them for anything . I won't even let them buy gas or drinks , ice , ramp fee, food ,and most of the time they fish with my rods and tackle . The way I look at it is if I am going anyway it doesn't cost me much of anything for someone to come along for free. BUT it is a hobby to me. My last thought , if someone asked you for a break in price because he was not fortunate enough to pay the full price would you give them a break ? <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I would refer them to my neighbor in the marina that pairs people up to make a group trip. ' Down here is where a signature goes but they can confuse and anger some people so I don't have one.
quote:
My last thought , if someone asked you for a break in price because he was not fortunate enough to pay the full price would you give them a break ?
If you take your car to a repair shop, do you ask for a break because you can’t afford the repair? If you run a transmission shop and a customer needs a new $3000 transmission, do you give it to him at half price if he asks for a break? If you go to McDonalds and order a burger, do you ask for a break because you can’t afford the burger? The charter business is a business just like any other. If it isn’t run as such, it won’t be in business for very long. How much business does your business, whatever it may be, give away?
You also have to consider that the charter business is seasonal and the guide looses a lot of work days due to bad weather. His bills still have to be paid. They also don’t get paid vacations, holidays, sick time or health insurance. If they don’t fish they don’t make anything, so they have to make it when they can.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
When I first read the intro to this thread, I just about blew a gasket, but I see that you guys have pretty well nailed this already so, hopefully, StrikePosition has a better idea of why the cost of chartering a guide is what it is. Still, I’ll put this here. There are those in my family that make their living chartering as well, and I see these folks working their a$$es off just so that little Johnny Ohio can get the thrill of catching a fish, and maybe blindly enjoy some of this blessing that we call river fishing in the SC lowcountry. Face it, no one becomes a charter captain because they plan to get rich doing it, rather they do it because it’s something that they love to do and are compelled to share it with others. It is the hardest work for sure on so many levels, and not necessarily manual labor type. I seriously have no clue what the charter business does these days, but I would venture to say that if a captain can net out at the end of the year/season and say that they make 40-50k a year, then they are doing alright. That’s “good money” right? Well, like I said, I do know and maybe you Captains who do guide can weigh in or not. Either way, if you’re looking at the price alone you probably will not be able to ever justify what a trip will cost you when you climb on a charter Captain’s boat. Just nevermind the experience vs. dollar value and stay on the bank with all of the other folks who look at boats going by and discuss with them how nice would be to do that “one day”.
Matthew K. Mizell
Sea Pro 190CC
Johnson 115 4-Stroke
quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larryquote:
My last thought , if someone asked you for a break in price because he was not fortunate enough to pay the full price would you give them a break ?
If you take your car to a repair shop, do you ask for a break because you can’t afford the repair? If you run a transmission shop and a customer needs a new $3000 transmission, do you give it to him at half price if he asks for a break? If you go to McDonalds and order a burger, do you ask for a break because you can’t afford the burger? The charter business is a business just like any other. If it isn’t run as such, it won’t be in business for very long. How much business does your business, whatever it may be, give away?
You also have to consider that the charter business is seasonal and the guide looses a lot of work days due to bad weather. His bills still have to be paid. They also don’t get paid vacations, holidays, sick time or health insurance. If they don’t fish they don’t make anything, so they have to make it when they can.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
Larry , funny you should say this . I have seen you offer to fix peoples boats etcc for free or just materials , You’re a good egg as the old timers used to say , a keeper !
I agree people have to make a living so get what you can . I posted here just to keep the pot stirred and to use up some of my recycled electrons . Happy fishing yall .