9 Things Fishing Guides Won't Tell You

We’re all amazed at how fishing guides nearly always know what to do and where to go to put fish in the boat. Most guides are fishing gurus who know and use every angle when it comes to great fishing. Many people assume that guides are born with a special skill the rest of us don’t have. In many respects, that’s true… but they also have secrets to their success—and here are nine of them:

1. Guides are always listening and learning.
Many think fishing guides are born knowing how to be great anglers. That’s not true. Most successful guides make it a habit to always be learning. However, many also want their charter customers to believe they already know everything.

2. They listen to the rookies.
Most guides won’t admit it, but they often talk with—and listen to—the new guys in the business more than to veterans. Newcomers sometimes bring fresh ideas and intel that older, more set-in-their-ways guides might miss.

3. Follow the old, dented Jon boat.
Most anglers instinctively follow the $200,000 flats or bay boat with all the bells and whistles. A smart guide? He’ll follow the beat-up Jon boat driven by the guy who fishes every day. That guy knows the hot spots because he’s been fishing them for years.

4. They often check out their competitors’ rigs.
This is a great way to learn about the latest lure trends and the depths fish are hitting. Some guides will even lay their rods flat on the deck when returning to the dock—just to keep prying eyes from seeing what they’re using.

5. They know where the other guys are fishing.
Guides often take mental notes about where other guides are working. That doesn’t mean they’ll poach a spot, but it gives them insight for future trips.

6. Check out Facebook.
Smart guides regularly scan Facebook to see what’s biting—and maybe where. They even check the clothes anglers are wearing in photos. A coat in a July post? That pic might be from early spring. Details matter.

7. They look at their own posts from last year.
Looking back at social media posts from the same time last year is a great way to remember what worked. While conditions can change, patterns often repeat.

8. Talk to the tackle shop guys.
Tackle shop staff talk to fishermen of all levels every day. They know what’s biting—because anglers are coming in to buy the lures that work. A small gift card for chicken wings? That just might earn you some extra tips.

9. Take another guide fishing.
Guides often team up for scouting trips to share info on rigs, tactics, and locations. It’s a great way to learn from each other and expand your game.

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