The Benefits of Fishing with a Guide
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Why Fish With a Guide?
Whether you’re fishing for the very first time or you’ve been in the sport for years, we can all gain insight and entertainment from heading out with a guide. Here are 6 reasons why we recommend finding a guide to take you out!
1. Learn fast
Is it your first time on the water with a rod in hand? Awesome! Congratulations! Learning proper technique, how to set your bait and tackle and how to handle the fish is easy when you have someone to walk you through the steps. Professional fishing guides can also teach you about the conservation and ethical treatment of the fish in the area.
Is this your 10th weekend on the water this year? Great! Maybe you’re trying out a new area and don’t know the terrain under the water. Or maybe you’re not sure where the fish will be in a body of water you’re unfamiliar with. Lean on the local knowledge of a guide who has years of expertise in the area.
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
2. No need for your own fishing gear
This point speaks for itself. Not having to bring your own gear is a huge plus, especially if you’re new to fishing and don’t know where to start and what you’ll need. Which brings us to our next point…
3. No need for your own boat
Owning and operating a boat is an expense and commitment that not everyone can afford. But don’t fret! One of the perks of going with a guide is that they also provide water transportation. They also take away the stress of driving the boat in unfamiliar waters, along with the knowledge of safely navigating the river.
4. Go for the adventure and share the experience
Opting to take a fishing trip with a guide eliminates the stress of dealing with potential issues alone and lowers the pressure of having to find the fish. This leaves you and your friends, or family, time to enjoy the experience to its fullest.
Credit: Yervana
5. Understand new environments
For those new to fishing and those who have had years of experience, learning new waters and the best time of the year to fish in a specific area isn’t easy. Get rid of the frustration of figuring out the water by going with a guide. Each guide in each area, lake, river or ocean, will have the knowledge to help you. And they’re often willing to share this knowledge with you for future use!
6. Relationship and business building
Support local! By hiring a local guide, you’re supporting local economy. By giving back to those who are trained to guide, you are also giving back to conservation efforts, community growth and overall sustainability efforts. On top of all that positivity, you will also have the opportunity to build a long-lasting relationship with your guide. After fishing with your guide, there’s a high chance you’ll be ‘hooked’ and come back every season for more! This happens more often than you think, so be ready for an epic experience.
Where to Start?
Consider checking out some freshwater fishing with a Yervana Local! Heading out with a local guide will help to familiarize yourself with the types of fish found in freshwaters, along with the ethical fishing practices. This is a great entry to eventually trying out coastal fishing (get your water legs under you before experiencing the swells of tidal water!). If you’ve been fishing off the coast for years, consider freshwater fishing as a way to get to know some different fish in a different environment.
Once you’ve picked your fishing destination and have your trip booked, make sure you come prepared with the correct fishing license. Read our guide on fishing licenses in BC to find out which you’ll need.
Fishing in British Columbia is truly a supernatural experience. We can’t wait to see you on the waters and hear about all of your Adventures!
