Best Fishing Guides 2022
Guides Northwest
Guides Northwest is a guided fishing company serving the Edmonds area. Clients use the group for salmon and bottom fishing trips in the Puget Sound and around the San Juan Islands with potential catches of king salmon, coho, pink salmon, ling cod and halibut. The team caters to the novice fisher as well as fun family outings and experienced fishermen with everything from rods and reels and Shimano rain gear to bait and tackle and licenses available. Guided trips also include fish processing. The 26-foot boat is skippered by a Licensed Captain with the U.S. Coast Guard, and Guides Northwest is a Team SHIMANO MBA National Pro Staff member.
Adventure Charters
Adventure Charters brings over 30 years of fishing experience to Seattle clients. The family-owned company provides bottom fishing, crabbing, and salmon fishing excursions all year direct from Seattle and caters to fishers of all ages and level of experience. Customers appreciate the affordable rates and friendly crews, and six-hour trips are also available mid-day and in the afternoon. Adventure Charters has been featured on the Discovery Channel and Hawai'i Goes Fishing. The owner is a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine and Anadromous Sport Fishing Advisor, and the crew is licensed, a member of NACO and the Charter Boat Association of Puget Sound, and First Aid/CPR certified. The group has one of the highest daily catches in the Central Puget Sound as well.
All Star Seattle Fishing Charters
All Star Seattle Fishing Charters provides guided fishing in Seattle. The luxury charter service offers year-round fishing trips with experienced skippers licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and who specialize in innovative methods for making a catch. All equipment is included along with up to six hours of fishing, cleaning and bagging of any fish caught, and beautiful views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, The Cascade Range, and the Olympic Mountains. All Star uses boats that are fully licensed with the Washington State Department of Fisheries and that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the group can also provide fishing licenses. The owner is president of the Charterboat Association of Puget Sound and a member of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Citizen Sport Fishing Advisory Board.
All Rivers & Saltwater Charters
All Rivers & Saltwater Charters has been providing fishing guides in Snoqualmie for over 10 years. The group offers six to nine hours of fishing to freshwater and saltwater areas including the Puget Sound, Westport, Anacortes and San Juan Islands, the Columbia River and Olympic Peninsula rivers. Clients are taken to wherever the fishing is best at that time of year and can charter a state-of-the-art boat (private or shared) that is fully equipped with premium gear and veteran guides. Groups need to bring food for the journey as well as a Washington fishing license and can otherwise enjoy a trip of fishing for salmon, steelhead, tuna, ling cod, halibut, and crab.
Ruby D Charters
Ruby D Charters brings 30 years of fishing experience to guided fishing clients in Edmonds. The team is known for affordable pricing, an experienced crew, and comfortable boat for full or half-day fishing excursions on the Puget Sound. Trips are available year-round for up to six people and catch can include king salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, and ling cod. The owner served in the US Navy as Navigator on the USS Moctobi in Everett, is licensed with the U.S. Coast Guard, is certified in CPR and First Aid, and is a member of the National Association of Charter Boat Operators and the Puget Sound Charter Boat Association.
Salmon Guide
Salmon Guide brings almost 30 years of experience as a fishing guide to the Seattle area. The company specializes in mooching and fly fishing and features the only Spot Tail Salmon Guide service with light tackle and saltwater fly fishing in the area. Clients also get to check out local wildlife during the tour such as bald eagles, seals, sea lions, otters, porpoise, killer whales, and gray whales. Available options include four to eight hours of fishing with equipment, licenses, and beverages or a Group Fishing Adventure for private groups of up to five people. Salmon Guide is associated with the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
365 Charters
365 Charters handles guided fishing excursions in the Seattle area and has over 25 years of experience in the field. Professional fishing guides take clients on fully furnished and fully equipped charters in the Puget Sound, Skagit River, Skykomish River, Snohomish River, Cowlitz River, and Columbia River. Anglers can catch salmon, ling cod, steelhead, sturgeon, trout, bass, sockeye salmon, or kokanee salmon during a six to eight hour trip to the area of their choice and can obtain a fishing license from 365. The owner served in the US Navy, has a U.S. Coast Guard license, is a licensed freshwater guide, and holds a TWIC card. The company is insured, holds US Forest permits, and is a member of CAPS, NACO, and the Coastal Conservation Association.
Tyee Charters
Tyee Charters has been a guided fishing group on Bainbridge Island for 22 years. The charter service specializes in light tackle angling on the Puget Sound for salmon, ling cod, and halibut and offers excursions for steelhead in the rivers of the Olympic Peninsula as well. Clients can take in views of the Cascade and Olympic mountains along with possible sightings of Dall and harbor porpoise, orcas, and gray whales, and the 24-foot Alumaweld Formula Vee carries top-quality gear from companies such as Sage, Islander, Shimano, and Gamakatsu. Tyee Charters is a member of the National Association of Charterboat Operators, Puget Sound Anglers, and the Charter Boat Association of Puget Sound.
Fish Finders Private Charters
Fish Finders Private Charters offers fishing guide services in Seattle and is backed by 35 years of Salmon fishing experience. Clients receive friendly, professional service from a native Seattle fishing guide recommended by the best hotels and tackle shops in town and can enjoy salmon trolling, drifting, and bottom fishing on a 28-foot boat. The owner and operator of the group, as well as Captain, holds a 100 ton USCG Masters license, is Vice President and Secretary of the Charter Boat Assn of Puget Sound, and is a Member of the National Assn of Charter Operators. The group holds a fisheries license, is insured, and is certified in First Aid and CPR as well.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- What is a fishing guide?
- What types of fishing guides are there?
- How much does a fishing guide cost?
- How much are guided fishing trips?
- How much should I tip a fishing guide?
- How do I prepare for a fishing charter?
- Do I need my own fishing license?
- Are fishing guides worth it?
- Is fly fishing hard to learn?
- What do I need for beginner fishing?
- What food should I bring on a fishing trip?
- What should I wear to go fishing?
- What should you not do while fishing?
- How can I become a fishing guide?
- How much do fishing guides make?
- How much does fishing guide insurance cost?
- Q: Introduction
- A: Hiring a fishing guide is a way to get the best result from the time you spend fishing. A professional fishing guide can offer advice on the type of bait to use for the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. A fishing guide can also offer insight on where specific types of fish are most likely to be caught at different times of the day.Some guides offer packages that include the supplies you need, such as poles and bait. Others let you know what you need to bring. It can be especially helpful to hire a guide if you’re visiting an unfamiliar area or you're new to the sport of fishing.
- Q: What is a fishing guide?
- A: A fishing guide is an experienced individual who helps others achieve success when fishing. Guides may lead guests to a body of water or charter a boat for fishing in water that can’t be accessed from the shore. Fishing guides also often share stories to keep guests entertained when the fish aren’t biting.
- Q: What types of fishing guides are there?
- A: There are 12 main types of fishing, and you can hire a guide for whichever type you want to pursue:
- Bank fishing
- Bow-fishing
- Drop-lining
- Freshwater fishing
- Fly fishing
- Ice fishing
- Jigging and spinning
- Kayak fishing
- Saltwater fishing
- Spearfishing
- Surfcasting
- Trolling
- Q: How much does a fishing guide cost?
- A: Some fishing guides charge about $200 for a full day of fishing, while others may charge around $425 for six hours. Numerous factors affect the price, including the type of fish you want to catch, if you’re fishing from shore or a boat, and whether you’re in a popular tourist location.
- Q: How much are guided fishing trips?
- A: The price for guided fishing trips varies depending on location, length of the trip, and the number of people taking part. For example, a seven day, six night fishing trip for two to Alaska costs about $4,575. A half-day fishing trip in Alaska costs about $175 per person.
- Q: How much should I tip a fishing guide?
- A: A typical tip for a fishing guide is 15-20% of the total bill. For example, if the total cost for the guide is $300, a reasonable tip would be between $45 and $60. If you have an exceptionally good time, you may want to give a higher tip to thank your guide.
- Q: How do I prepare for a fishing charter?
- A: To prepare for a fishing trip, read the charter company’s information and talk to the fishing guide. Discuss your skill and past fishing experience. If you’re new to fishing, consider how hands-on you want to be in terms of baiting hooks and taking fish off hooks and ask your guide how to best prepare.
- Q: Do I need my own fishing license?
- A: Each state has its own laws about fishing, however, most require a fishing license, and the cost varies by state. Some states also require separate licenses for specific types of fishing, such as freshwater or saltwater. On average, resident fishing licenses cost $25, and nonresident licenses cost around $70.
- Q: Are fishing guides worth it?
- A: Hiring a fishing guide can be worthwhile if you want to learn more about fishing or you're planning a fishing trip to a location you're not familiar with. Having a guide can make the excursion more enjoyable and let you pick up fishing tips you can use use in the future.
- Q: Is fly fishing hard to learn?
- A: Fly fishing is considered easier to learn than bait-casting. The casting technique used in fly fishing is what's hardest for beginners to learn. Instead of focusing on the weight of your bait and sinker, you focus on the line when casting in fly fishing. You have to back-cast, switch directions mid-cast, and then forward cast.
- Q: What do I need for beginner fishing?
- A: To begin fishing, you need gear that includes a rod and reel combo, fishing line, a bobber, sinker, and a hook. Additionally, you should have extra bobbers, sinkers, and hooks in case your line breaks. You also need bait and a fishing license. Gloves and hook-removing pliers are also useful.
- Q: What food should I bring on a fishing trip?
- A: Pack foods that are easy to prepare if you plan to take a cooler and build a fire for cooking. If you aren’t taking a cooler, choose foods that don’t spoil quickly, such as peanut butter sandwiches and chips. Be sure to take along wet wipes to clean your hands after handling fishing tackle.
- Q: What should I wear to go fishing?
- A: What you should wear depends on the type of fishing you'll be doing. For example, you'll likely need hip waders if you’re fly fishing in a river or boat shoes if you’re chartering a boat. In general, choose lightweight shirts and pants with cargo pockets for carrying gear.
- Q: What should you not do while fishing?
- A: When fishing, you shouldn't make a lot of noise or move around carelessly when fishing because it scares the fish and disturbs others. You shouldn’t touch a fish without first wetting your hands if you’re doing catch-and-release fishing. You also shouldn’t pollute the water or litter, and leaving fishing line behind is considered littering.
- Q: How can I become a fishing guide?
- A: To become a fishing guide, you need to gain expert-level experience with the type of fishing you plan to teach others to enjoy. Learn all the rules and regulations for fishing in your state and anywhere you plan to take others. Advertise your service and register with fishing guide organizations, such as Boone and Crockett Club.
- Q: How much do fishing guides make?
- A: The median annual wage for fishing workers, which includes fishing guides, is $28,530. Some in this industry earn under $18,710 annually, while the highest-paid guides can earn over $48,170 per year. Geographic location and number of hours worked can affect how much fishing guides earn, and those in tourism areas tend to earn more.
- Q: How much does fishing guide insurance cost?
- A: The cost of outfitter’s insurance for a fishing guide varies by the type of fishing they offer. A guide who takes guests out on the water will have higher annual premiums of around $1,000. Inland fishing guides who hike with guests to the shore have lower yearly premiums of around $300.