I am thinking of doing a guided trip on the Mosquito Lagoon in the Titusville, FL area. I have never done this before and am wondering what the tipping protocol is. The rates run from $350 to $450 a day. This is a significant cost. Is a tip required? If so is it dependant on how successful the trip was? I don't want to come off sounding like a cheapskate, but am curious what others do.

Thanks,

Herb

Hi Herb,

I live about 35 mins from the Lagoon, I don't guide there but I do guide in Boca Grande for Tarpon May-June, Gators in the fall, and Bass in the Spring. From a guides perspective 'I can only speak for myself' a tip while not expected it is very appreciated. I see a tip as highly reflective of my performance, did I provide a top notch experience for my anglers? Did I deliver what they expected?.. That doesn't always mean did they catch every fish in the sea, the number of fish is often irrelevant, it is all about the way the captain carries himself, and keeps the clients happy while busting his butt to do everything he can to make the most of that particular day on the water. If a captain does that, then it is up to you to determine what that is worth. The average seems to be 15%

I will say that it means the world to us when our customers show much they appreciate the work that goes into delivering a top notch day on the water. There is A LOT more that goes into a day on the water than what clients see when they step onboard. $350-$450 is a chunck of money but all things considered, if you choose a top notch guide, you will get more than your money's worth.

I would highly suggest Capt. Tom Van Horn. for the lagoon. He isn't flashy, or have a 'killer' website, but he is a top notch guy and an even better guide. [www.irl-fishing.com]
Tell him Kevin Brotz sent you.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/20/2011 03:58PM by Get Bit Outdoors.Com.

Herb,
Guided Steelhead/Salmon trips in Michigan usually run pretty close to what you are paying and is for one or two anglers and 20% tip is the norm. They usually provide a tasty shore lunch and provide all the snacks and cold beverages. Not too bad if your sharing the expense with another angler. If it is a one angler trip I'm not sure what I would do, probably at least 10%.

Tipping is just that, a tip. Several of my guide buddies work their tails off trying to put their clients on a fun trip, if they catch fish then it's a bonus. I know that sounds strange but if I'm fishing with the south end of a north bound mule, no amount of fish is worth my money. So me a good time, do your best and let the fish decide if they want to bite is all I ask of a guide. I also have friends like the aforementioned mule, he catches the devil out of fish and gets a lot of repeat business but nobody is ever smiling in the pictures. Your paying for the day, if the guide goes above and beyond tip him. If not, don't.
That's a lot of typing to say 15-20% is customary but I haven't paid for a trip in a while.

I've hired and worked with a few guides over the years. I have a method which serves me well. I have a figure in mind at the start of the day (usually $50) that I plan to tip at the end of the day. If things go well on all fronts that's what I give. I deduct from that number throughout the day for lousy service/performance. And its rarely about the quantity or quality of the fish caught. Demerits come from boat/equipment in poor shape; not ready to fish (rigging lines for 20 minutes); late for meetup; being anxious to get off the water; not being social (they don't have to be a Regis but I prefer fishing with interesting people), etc. Superior performance or trophy catches get bumps up from my starting point.

I don't like idea of tipping. No one gives me tips for doing a good job, it is built into my fee. That being said, tipping is customary for guides and you might as well just add it to the fee when you are looking to hire one. I think 15% is customary and 20% if they do an exceptional job. So, if they quote you a rate of $350 to $450, you might as well assume they really mean $400 to $520.

I recommend Nathaniel Lemmon, he fishes 250+ days per year in that area. He has a great personality, which always adds to the experience. His rates can be found on his site and he is well worth his asking price. In respect to tipping, my standard is 20-25% ... with more of the latter. These guys work HARD and expenses run high these days.

Since we're all recommending guides, Capt. Mike Hakala does a great job. He's designed and built rods, continues to build some of the finest spoons available and is an overall great guide.

[www.aquadreamliving.com]

for a trip like that $50 is what i would assume. depending on how well everything goes. its all up to you.