Tipping the guide

[Rod Builder]

I was trying to think of a cool tip for the river guide I use. I've fished with him 2-3 times a year for the last 15 years and I always give him cash, but was trying to think of something different this year.

Any ideas?

 

[FamilyMan]

Havalon fillet knife with a dozen extra blades?

 

[LuJon]

Havalon fillet knife with a dozen extra blades?

30-45 trips with the same guy... I dig the knife deal unless he already has one that is super sweet. Maybe one of these http://www.eagleriverknife.com/fillet.html

 

[Milo]

Unless you already know what he really wants, go with cash.
A guide already has the knife he likes. He can't make his truck payment with a knife. He can't take his wife to dinner with a knife.

 

[kingfisherktn]

Unless you already know what he really wants, go with cash.
A guide already has the knife he likes. He can't make his truck payment with a knife. He can't take his wife to dinner with a knife.

Ditto.....

 

[LuJon]

Unless you already know what he really wants, go with cash.
A guide already has the knife he likes. He can't make his truck payment with a knife. He can't take his wife to dinner with a knife.

Good point. My thoughts would be more along standard tip for this trip + gift for the combined 15 year history of great fishing.

 

[bkmail]

Unless you already know what he really wants, go with cash.
A guide already has the knife he likes. He can't make his truck payment with a knife. He can't take his wife to dinner with a knife.

Ditto again.
BK

 

[Old John]

Unless you already know what he really wants, go with cash.
A guide already has the knife he likes. He can't make his truck payment with a knife. He can't take his wife to dinner with a knife.

speaking as a retired Halibut Charter Capt... Milo has it correct... Money Talks best... If your favorite guide has been guiding that many years he already has his favorite fillet knife.

 

[FamilyMan]

A well taken photo of the guide, his boat, etc... (in addition to the proper amount of cash) is a priceless gift to give your faithful guide; maybe of the two of you - and give him rights to use it in his adverts?

I heard your (the OP's) request in post #1, re: a present that is not cash. An original and well done photo does this well.

 

[ysr_racer]

I never met a man (or woman) yet that said "no thanks" to a $20 bill.

 

[Outdoorsmen2012]

Cash and a nice note. Cash is always the best. As a guide, a knife wont pay for my college education.

 

[LuJon]

I wonder how many of the guides responding have been taking the same client out 2-3 times a year for the last 15 years?

Heck I don't have a single friend that isn't blood related that I have known for 15 years!! My BIL is an off shore captain down out of Gulf Shores AL and sure he needs $$ number one but he has some long standing clients that have given him gifts over the years. Kicking around the boat there were a number of things aboard that were gifts and the BIL could tell me where each of them came from. Personally I wouldn't give a gift in lieu of cash but I would give cash + a gift and it would be something personal.

 

[willphish4food]

It all depends on how well you know the guide. After 15 years spending a few days a year with him, you likely know a few things he could use or would like. A sincere note expressing your appreciation goes a long way, along with whatever you decide to tip him.

Cash is always great. Its downfall is that its used up on bills right away. I have a DeWalt impact driver that a group of DeWalt headquarters guys gave me as a tip a few years ago. I use it a ton, and couldn't really remember what happened to cash tips, other than gas, food, and gear for my business. The danger of a tip like that is that the guide won't appreciate it, but I sure appreciated it! They asked me beforehand if it would be ok as a tip, and I quickly agreed that it would be great! If each of the four guys had given me $20, I would have been half way to buying a new driver. But as it was, they used their leverage to buy me a much more valuable item with their $20 apiece.

Don't be afraid to ask him, either. You should be able to talk frankly with him after so long as a client. He may appreciate a gift for a child or wife, too. I know that I certainly appreciate that type of discussion with a client. Whatever you do, have fun!

 

[willphish4food]

I just noticed your screen name. A nice custom rod can be a very nice gift! That could definitely be discussed with him...

 

[Rod Builder]

I've done the custom rods, as well as doing repairs for him. I was just looking for ideas on something new but I guess cash it will be again.