Overall fishing guides put their full effort into finding their clients fish. Most fishing guides are professionals that decided to quit their full time jobs because they enjoy putting people on fish so much. My personal favorite part is creating memories for people. Often times father/son trips or family trips are my favorite, it gives me an opportunity to create a memorable experience for my clients. Some of the best fishing guides perfect the art of entertainment on their boats as well, this can be evident in the reviews that many of us receive. The one caution I would add, is finding someone who is a “full time” guide. There are lots of gaps in knowledge between the casual charter, and someone who is dedicated to perfecting their craft. This is why it is so hard to find good guides out there. So why should you book a fishing charter?? Well for one, catching fish!!! Personally Ive been guiding for over 5 years at the time of this writing and I haven’t had a trip where we didn’t catch a fish (Outside of Tarpon specific trips; where success is NOT guaranteed on any level). Proper gear is another reason, most guides use the gear they would use should they be fishing the water you are in. For example, people will routinely take advice from the wrong people on what gear to use. The easiest shortcut to the right answer is to find a guide and ask them. If you take a walk down any fishing pier in Florida there will be greater than 50% of fisherman using wire leader of some sort. I can tell you, that outside of King Mackerel and Shark fishing, we NEVER use wire leader. If anything that is preventing you from getting bites. Fishing guides come in all shapes and sizes and one size doesn’t fit all, so it is important to find one that fits you. Start a conversation with your prospective guides to see who fits you the best, or if the one you picked didn’t quite do what you wanted to, try another one! Also, most of us are pretty flexible, so let us know what you expect out of the trip so we can do our best to deliver those expectations! Or in the least level the expectations to where they should be!