Becoming a Guide

[tie1on]

Hey there - so i have a question that has been wondering through my mind for a while, How do you go about becoming a fishing guide ? I understand that its a seasonal type job and that although it may seem glamourous from the outside some days must be mofo's ! Is it a case of knowing flyfishing inside out - is it a job you could do part time or do you need time on the rivers consistantly so you know whats going on ? So if anyone (catch ) can shed some light on this topic it would be appreciated. 

[geoff_fishie]

taupos got a 12 month season so taupo is probably the best place to guide around NZ in terms of how much work you get. Good topic man, im sure its on alot of our minds, including mine as im in that time where i have to get my shit together and decide what i want to do

[catch N release]

Wow!
You have to love being outdoors and enjoy just doing it! Sometimes when I'm with a first time client and they are struggling with the basics, I just take a good look around me, soak in the wonderful atmosphere and try to remeber what a HOT kitchen in the middle of a frantic night feels like, (I was a chef before i took this on). That takes care of the frustration part!
As the saying goes you never stop learning in the fly fishing game, but you do need to start guiding with some fairly good skills. Being able to catch trout for yourself is great but you have to teach your clients to do the same and so having a repertoire of good teaching techniques is essential. To become proficient in these you need clients.
Yes the money can be good and if you are a busy all year round guide then you could live off it. However for the most part having a part time well paid job is necessary. Some guides work for DOC, some are Chefs, some are Security guards.
You need to know your water as well. and the more water you know the better your options are to get clients onto fish. For this you need to spend CRAP loads of time on the water for yourself. I don't just mean out there with the boys having a days play. I mean studying access points, what pools are fishing best at what time of the year and all the other things that will get your client fish.
Is it rewarding. Hell yes.
Can anybody do it? At this stage there is no governing body that says you have to be registered. If you have enough money to advertise yourself and back yourself to do the ground work, then welcome aboard.     

[Trout Stalker]

Good points catch