Tipping Etiquette

[MJ]

Can anyone advise as to what is appropriate and customary to tip a guide for his or her good service? I understand we are not talking about if one catches fish or not, but if the guide provides attentive service and is diligent in seeing that the client has a good day fishing...again, regardless if fish are or are not caught. Moreover, what does one do if the owner of the service is the guide as well? I understand a person guiding for a concern does not receive the fee paid to the outfitter and that his/her gain is primarily from tips...much like a waiter of waitress. Does one tip the owner of the concern as one would an employee of it? Logic being, of course, is that the owner gets the whole ball of wax...the guide fee plus the tip. So, again, what is an appropriate and customary tip for a hard working guide, and does one tip an owner/guide in the same manner?

[LeeG]

Marcus here is my take on this. I have fished in New Brunswick with guides and they do get most if not all the guide fee you pay, I guss this depends on the outfitter. So 15 to 20 percent is a good tip. With the outfitter we used we got the owner one time as a guide and most deffinately he was also tipped.

Hope this helps. Also I believe it is totally up to you and how you feel your service was from the guide.

Lee

[petegas]

During the past few years i've spent my summers guiding at a lodge in montana. so take into account that perspective with regards to my reply.
I've been stiffed and also been given tips upwards of a few hundred per days guided. Basically, if you feel that the guide was proficient and you learned something regardless of whether you caught fish a tip is in order. how much depends on your budget. many people will say a good rule of thumb is $50 per day, with more or less depending on your eperience. some of my buddies have received more creative tips, a painter once sent my friend a framed painting of lake by the lodge, a guy who refinished bamboo rods tipped a friend with a refurbished Montague Bamboo. The point is whatever the tip, it will be appreciated. i agree with Lee in that if the owner of the service guides you they also should get a tip if warranted.