I haven't had a ton of experience on guided trips, but when I've had a guide a always try to bring my own stuff. I cast left handed and retrieve right handed, and it doesn't seem like many people have reels set up like that
Guided Fishing Trip- Bring your own gear?
- Thread starter MarshRat
- Start date
That is the correct way....all others are incorrect.
fatbillybob
Steelhead
I 99% use guide gear because it is set-up for the job and is serviceable for the job. Funny, I have not trout fished for 2 years. I got my 4wt rig out on the water and the 1st 10ft of my flyline is sinking. It's old and must be replaced. You just don't have that kind of simple failure with the guide gear under constant use and supervision. Other simple issues can also take place like maybe old tippet and you loose a fish. The other reason is the hassle of traveling with full gear. The further away the distance the less gear I bring and it is usually cheaper gear. So I will bring a 6- 8 piece cheap rod but a quality reel in case I do some diy. Guide gear is usually at least medium quality but ask your guide. I'm even a right hand wind guy but 90% of the time the guide gear is setup LHW. I'm adaptable that RHW vs. LHW never bothers me of cost me a fish but that's the only issue I would discuss with your guide before the trip if that's an issue for you. On Florida flats boats all guides are fishing traditional single hand rods. I like using a switch rod 90% 2 handed so under those conditions I will bring my rod.
For me, I gotta have some gear with me. No way I'm going anywhere near water without being able to DIY.
One example: went to Ambergris on a family dive trip that included two days guided ffing with gear included. But standing on the dock at out condo I could see baby bones. Set up my 8 wt and had a blast right by the pool. Plus my DIL and son got to catch 'em too.
One example: went to Ambergris on a family dive trip that included two days guided ffing with gear included. But standing on the dock at out condo I could see baby bones. Set up my 8 wt and had a blast right by the pool. Plus my DIL and son got to catch 'em too.
Coach Potter
Life of the Party
I have always brought my own gear and leaned on the guide for any deficiencies in my personal equipment. That said, every “exotic” trip I’ve done was a combo trip with my wife. I typically do a couple of dedicated fishing days and then I will steal fishing time wherever and whenever I can.
My wife usually won’t go on a fishing trip with me unless the lodge has a sommelier…which narrows it down considerably…