Guiding with Purpose: Understanding Every Client Before the First Cast
As a professional fishing guide, I’ve learned that no two clients are the same. Each person who books a trip brings a different level of experience, goals, and expectations to the boat. Some are lifelong anglers chasing a bucket-list walleye, while others are stepping into a boat for the very first time.
That’s why communication before the trip even begins is so important. When we take the time to talk ahead of time ..to find out what a client truly wants out of their experience …it sets the tone for the entire day. Some folks want to learn new techniques or explore a new body of water. Others simply want the ease and enjoyment of being out on the water without the hassle of planning, setting up, or navigating.
Too often, we as guides assume every trip is about catching the biggest or most fish possible. The truth is, many people book guided fishing trips because they want to learn, relax, and make memories ….not necessarily to fill the livewell.
Adapting to Every Situation
No matter how much time we spend pre-fishing, things on the water can change. Weather, wind, or fish behavior can all shift quickly. When that happens, flexibility becomes just as important as experience.
If a client books a trip to target walleye, for example, and that bite slows down, it’s crucial to adapt. Having backup plans, different presentations, or new locations ready can turn a tough bite into a day full of laughs and smiles. At the end of the day, if they’re catching fish and enjoying the experience, that’s a win.
As guides, it’s our responsibility to make every trip memorable …whether it’s by finding fish, teaching new skills, or simply creating an experience that clients will talk about long after they’ve left the boat ramp.
Final Thoughts
Guiding isn’t just about knowing where the fish are … it’s about understanding people. The best guides don’t just read electronics; they read their clients. By being open, communicative, and adaptable, we can create trips that mean more than just fish in the net.
Whether it’s a day on Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Glacial Lakes Region, or a quiet Nebraska reservoir, every trip starts with one thing: listening to the client and making sure they have a day on the water worth remembering.