Steelhead86
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 04/06/04
Posts: 503
Loc: Washington
|
|
Thinking about teaching fly fishing for Steelhead/Salmon.
Just wanted to get a few opinions.
thanks
--------------------
What good is treasure if you can't share it
|
BobK
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 07/17/03
Posts: 2141
Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
|
|
Good thought! Why not?? But is there much of a market out there for fly fishing and sportsmanship??
Here, they just want to know the fastest way to catch (and keep) a limit, if they are not "bellyrippers" to get the eggs to sell for drug money!!
BobK 
|
Kerrys
Offline
steelie
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/30/04
Posts: 180
Loc: Skagit
|
|
Are you trying to do this to make a buck or two? If that is your objective, I doubt that you will do very well. With that in mind however you would be better off starting a guide business that focuses on the beginner. Although most of the existing guides already do this. If you have never guided before, good luck. It is a difficult business to be successful at. And you know what they say about teaching? "Those that can, do. Those that can't, teach."
--------------------
just another steelheader
|
Black_Ghost
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5172
Loc: Western GLs
|
|
Quote:
Here, they just want to know the fastest way to catch (and keep) a limit, if they are not "bellyrippers" to get the eggs to sell for drug money!!
Actually I don't see that out here in western GLs country well maybe at midnight when I am not around.
BG
--------------------
"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
|
Verne
Offline
chum
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 65
Loc: Washington State
|
|
Clay, you should do it, you would be good, you might need to be licensed as a guide though.
|
Black_Ghost
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5172
Loc: Western GLs
|
|
Are you patient ?
BG
--------------------
"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
|
H2H
Offline
TWO-HANDER !
Profile Status:
Reged: 02/07/04
Posts: 727
Loc: CHROME TRIANGLE !
|
|
So you where self promoting.
Here a list of things you’ll need:
What about your own web-site.
You’ll have to buy a new rig for transportation.
Guides Licensed.
Join Washington State Guide Association (Good Idea).
Then you have equipment (enough said about these, K-Mart is calling).
What about a Boat?
Big $$$$$$$$$$$$!
Try it you’ll like it!
--------------------
Brian
|
Steelheader69
Online!
Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
Profile Status:
Reged: 12/30/00
Posts: 7926
Loc: South Prairie, WA
|
|
I know about the pasts here. This one is open for debate, and can lead to some nasty responses. This isn't the other boards, so please keep it as civil as possible and don't bring the anger/frustration/whatever here. So if you have something constructive to say, please say it. But don't want this going any further then it is right now. We can keep it civil, no name calling, etc. Don't want this slowly turning into a slam fest back and forth. So please keep a civil tongue. I let things pretty much go their course on here, and give you all a pretty free reign to say as you wish. I do draw the line.
Thanks guys.
--------------------
TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
|
Steelhead86
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 04/06/04
Posts: 503
Loc: Washington
|
|
Brian, there are two things I really want to do
with my life - Work with wildlife, and work in
adaptive physical education. Fly fishing has always
been a very personal thing for me and until last
year was very private - it was my escape! My original
intentions from day one was to share something very
personal to be helpful in the hope that it would lead
to a career in the outdoors serving special need kids
and wildlife. I have given away some real secrets
for very real reasons. Maybe just maybe for some
reason I'm supposed to teach fly fishing - still
trying to figure it out myself!
--------------------
What good is treasure if you can't share it
|
Denjamin
Offline
returning spawner
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/23/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Washington State
|
|
You ever fished alongside someone and asked yourself "Wow how does that guy keep catching fish over and over again?" Well Clay is that guy. I have fished alongside of Clay several times and will continue to do so whenever possible. He is one of those guys that will gladly put down his own rod to help a complete stranger catch a big fish. Hell I have even seen him let another person use his own rod as he coaches them and low 'n' behold "FISH ON". Whenever I have a fishing question I talk to Clay and not to the jacko at the local fly shop that wants to sell ya everything he can. All I can really say is I would gladly take a lesson from Clay. (He was there with me and helped me catch and land my very first steelhead btw) Oh and one more thing, "Homer" it doesnt take a million dollar fishing pole, boat, SUV, or anything else of the sort to catch a fish. It only takes a little bit of patience and some helpful advice.
--------------------
Chill Out and Flow Slowly!!
|
BobK
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 07/17/03
Posts: 2141
Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
|
|
Yeah... but the REAL problem comes with the "attitude" of the "students/customers". All too many of 'em expect a personal servant, to tie on their flies, give 'em the flies, and expect to catch LOTS of BIG fish, and in many instances, supply a rod. (I can recall a turkey one time verbally and literally "cussing out" and berating a guide because all he was catching were "little" brown trout of 20 to 24 inches! (That was because some of us had taken the occasional fish approaching 30" in length.) This was on pre-spawn lake-run browns, and that was the day I was lucky enough to catch a 20-pounder. Unfortunately, this guy saw me catch it, then release it. Then, he was REALLY all over his guide.... I'm sure the guide didn't get a tip that day, and was very happy when the day was over.
I even had to tell another dummy who broke a guide's rod (and LAUGHED about it) through sheer carelessness, that the least he could do was make a good-faith effort to replace it!
Yeah, 95% of your clientelle will be good guys, but it only takes a horse's arse or two to really ruin things
Good luck in your endeavor, whatever you decide.
BobK
|
Kerrys
Offline
steelie
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/30/04
Posts: 180
Loc: Skagit
|
|
Denjamin,
I think Homer was trying to point out a few things that most successful guides use. Most will have a boat and in some cases 2 or 3. A tow vehicle, better be a decent 4x4 because you never know what shape the launches will be in and a stuck tow vehicle will ruin yours and your client's day. A lot of guides will have some sort of way to provide a shore lunch whether that be a chase vehicle, which by the way you will need if you drift, or some sort of RV setup along the way. Or perhaps a seperate outfitter boat. Sure there are few guides that strictly road fish but they are not the norm. Also you will need rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, nippers, you name it because your clients are going to forget this stuff. And those rods and reels bought at Walmart are not going to cut it. They might catch fish but they will not impress clients and believe me you will hear about having to fish with cheap crap from your clients. Like Bob said some of your clients will be total assholes. Insurance, certifications, licenses, depending on what type of guiding you want to do will dictate what type of insurance, licenses, and certifications you will need. I think Clay coming from the Caost Guard knows a bit about this. Being a guide is not easy or cheap. Being a successful guide is even harder.
Good luck.
--------------------
just another steelheader
Edited by Kerrys (09/14/04 06:04 AM)
|
Denjamin
Offline
returning spawner
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/23/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Washington State
|
|
I think this post is going in the wrong direction. The key word here is teach not guide. Guides are people you pay to take you out and catch fish. I believe what clay wants to do is teach people the basics of fly fishing; IE flytying, casting techniques, proper gear selection and other things of that nature. Correct me if i am wrong Clay.
--------------------
Chill Out and Flow Slowly!!
|
Steelheader69
Online!
Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
Profile Status:
Reged: 12/30/00
Posts: 7926
Loc: South Prairie, WA
|
|
Well, I can see Kerry's and Homer's points though Denjamin. Though he is wanting to "teach", he will be paid to take people fishing. Under the state laws, he would have to get a guides license, and meet all the requirements. If he wants to teach the basics, he'll either have to stick to a classroom only and possibly a "no hooks" on river policy, or have to get a guides license so he can actually take them out onto the river with "live" gear to hookup fish. Plus, with alot of people out there (especially those who'll PAY to learn to flyfish), they'll have money to spend, and want their teacher to be using the best of gear. Though gear doesn't make a person a good fisherman, it's the "prestige" you show the incoming students that lures them in. I know it isn't right, but it's how most "sales" are done, and teaching is just that. You have to "sell" yourself to potential students. The better you look (besides fish caught) and endorsements do help. Like I said, you have to look at the clientele you'll be drawing in willing to pay for flyfishing lessons. They won't be your lower end or middle class. It'll be more you upper middle class and up. Most of those below are usually more frugal, or will spend all they can on the gear they're using.
--------------------
TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
|
Steelhead86
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 04/06/04
Posts: 503
Loc: Washington
|
|
Appreciate all the insights - Yea, for the guides it even
gets more involved when your running a six pack etc. Just
trying to figure this out, if and where to fit in - and
where it will do the most good. If I'm going to get
involved with this; want to work with the folks that are
struggling to catch fish, newbies, and those that can't
afford to go out with guides. Have no doubt that I can
teach people to become successful with a fly rod.
thanks
--------------------
What good is treasure if you can't share it
|
KENAIKING
Offline
Native Slab
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/27/04
Posts: 1802
Loc: Alaska
|
|
Sh86, another aption is to contract threw other guide services. Then all you would need is your own gear, guide license and insurance. If your operating a drift boat under 20 feet you shouldnt need a sixpack.
--------------------
Team Jackson Baldwin
www.rwfishing.com
HABERVISION
|
Denjamin
Offline
returning spawner
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/23/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Washington State
|
|
Go for it Clay, just remember instead of investing in alot of pricey equipment first, I would invest in a couple of hotty fishing assistants in form hugging waders and tight fishing vests. 
--------------------
Chill Out and Flow Slowly!!
|
Steelheader69
Online!
Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
Profile Status:
Reged: 12/30/00
Posts: 7926
Loc: South Prairie, WA
|
|
KK, don't think he's planning on using a boat at all. I do believe he's planning on banking it primarily. SH86 can expand on that. But do believe it's bank only.
--------------------
TEAM JACKSON BALDWIN
Project Healing Waters
CampChef Prostaffer
|
KENAIKING
Offline
Native Slab
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/27/04
Posts: 1802
Loc: Alaska
|
|
Well that makes things simple. I dont know about washington, but up here all you would need is your license, insurance and a business. Shouldnt be that expensive. I would get gear with lifetime warrenty thoughs  alot of stuff is broken with clients
--------------------
Team Jackson Baldwin
www.rwfishing.com
HABERVISION
|
Black_Ghost
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5172
Loc: Western GLs
|
|
I don't have the patience to be a guide nor the strength to get up early to fish more than 3-4 days in row any more.
Give it a try on a part time basis and see if you like it. Try your skills out with some friends that are newbies to fly fishing to see if you have the patience and character to teach them calmly through all of their errors.
Best of luck.
BG
--------------------
"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
|
Steelhead86
Offline
Chromer
Profile Status:
Reged: 04/06/04
Posts: 503
Loc: Washington
|
|
BG - already passed the test in that area. It's a lot
of fun to build confidence and empower. If I really
do start something - want to stay low key and modest.
Not looking for fame or fortune - think a few people
have misinterepted what I'm really about. I'm honestly
trying to figure out if this is what I'm supposed to
do - what will it lead to etc. Looking back, actually
surprised how much stuff already shared. Feel just
a little bit humbled getting published - it's for
real.
Trying to figure out a career where people, wildlife,
and nature are more important than money, power, status,
and a piece of paper!
--------------------
What good is treasure if you can't share it
Edited by Steelhead86 (09/14/04 01:13 PM)
|
fredaevans
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/12/03
Posts: 3907
Loc: Upper Rogue River- Oregon
|
|
"I think this post is going in the wrong direction. The key word here is teach not guide."
A good thought! I suspect that Clay may have gone in two directions within his original question. "Teaching" is one thing, 'guideing and teaching clients' is quite another.
One may be for 'profit,' the other is basic 'self-satisfaction.' (And 'profit' in either is a far off wish.) If teaching is your goal, call the Boy Scouts, local Community Collage(s), school district(s), fising clubs to see if they have 'youth fishing programs' to which you could contribute your expertise.
Ask this way as this is THE main point of the annual 'Charity Spey Casting Clinic' here in Southern Oregon. This is where all the net-nut ends up going. All of these programs nationwide need funding assestence and we've posted over $5 grand over the past 3 years to good youth projects (all over the US).
May be something you'd like to look into; trust me everyone of these is worth the time, effort and energy.
--------------------
Fred A. Evans
|
Denjamin
Offline
returning spawner
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/23/04
Posts: 43
Loc: Washington State
|
|
I think there is alot of opportunity for this. Alot of fly shops I have visited offer lessons in basic fly fishing and fly tying. I think his idea is to take it a step further and teach people at a actual river instead of the backlot at a flyshop. It could encompass volunteer work for organizations( IE boy scouts, special need kids, schools, etc. etc.) and very possibly individual folks that would pay to refine there skills or learn the basics of fly fishing. I also know Clay is a stickler for the regulations and conservation. I think this could bring more awareness for our rivers and our sport. 
--------------------
Chill Out and Flow Slowly!!
|
Magicfly
Offline
THE TROOPER
Profile Status:
Reged: 04/28/04
Posts: 1302
Loc: Pasco Bulldog country
|
|
First let me say guilt  has kept me from posting here as of late. Please for give me.
As for Clay wanting to TEACH fly fishing... I think it's a great idea. I say GO for it, he'd be great at it and besides life’s to short to NOT to do something you really want to do.
Clay has offered many of times to take me to some of his favorite holes and teach me how to sink a fly. It's not every day you find some one like Clay who is AS eager to take & teach someone.
Denjamin welcome to the board. I must say I'm a little envious of you. 
Mf
--------------------
The schexy van...under the Trees
There is unrest in Camas...
trouble with the van
for the family
wants to keep it...
and the PANTS ignores
their pleas....
(Part XII of Fear)
|
KENAIKING
Offline
Native Slab
Profile Status:
Reged: 05/27/04
Posts: 1802
Loc: Alaska
|
|
Clay, I looked into your question a little more and found out you can start with volenteering with community schools. Its only for a short time so you could see if you liked it or not. You would have all kinds of skill levels from begginer to expert.
--------------------
Team Jackson Baldwin
www.rwfishing.com
HABERVISION
|
workin4fishin
Offline
Chromer - I wonder what one looks like up close
Profile Status:
Reged: 09/13/02
Posts: 2971
Loc: Monroe and Redmond WA
|
|
Great idea Clay. I just wish you were closer to Monroe...
|
Black_Ghost
Offline
Thick Tail
Profile Status:
Reged: 06/13/03
Posts: 5172
Loc: Western GLs
|
|
Go for it, you can teach me some of those WA rivers when I get there.
BG
--------------------
"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
|
Steelheader69
Online!
Nooch Diver and Camp Cook
Profile Status:
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: 
