Fishing Rod and Reel Store

If you ae just getting started in fly fishing and have not experienced it, my advice would be to choose an experienced guide. A good guide can provide you with a lot of help, and you can pick his brain and benefit from his knowledge. Here are a few steps to help you choose a good guide.

First
Ask your local fly shop for recommendations on guides. This will connect you with fishermen familiar with the areas you want to fish.  Many guides work out of local fly shops and get their clients through referrals. Book early; or else you may wind up with any fisherman the shop can round up at the last minute.

Second
Decide whether you want to do walk-and-wade fishing without a boat, or if you want to try fishing on a drift boat. This might point you in the direction of a guide more experienced in the type of fishing experience you are looking to gain.

Third
Find out the skill level in which the guide specializes, and make your selection accordingly.

Fourth
Don’t buy a pig in a poke.  Find out just what the guide’s price covers. Things you should consider when evaluating the price are: What equipment is included inthe price; Does he charge extra for flies; what gear do you need to bring; how much time will you actually spend on the water; is there a fee for use of private water; does lunch come with the price and does it also include transportation to the fishing site?

Fifth
Ask how many fishermen the fee covers and how much to add another person.  Check to see whether you can partner with a someone of similar ability. Sometimes it is possible to split the cost of the trip by adding  an additional fishermen you can save money by not going alone.

Sixth
Select someone who is not going to fish while you are, but will be helping help you fish. The best way to learn is to do it, not just watch someone else do it for you.  This applies to almost everything you try and certainly applies when learning to fly fish.