looking for info on guiding

[rlandrew]

Hello.  I am new to the forum.  The forum is very helpful, and I already have gained some insight into fly fishing guiding through it.

I used to be a saltwater fishing guide and gave it up to start a "real" career.  As I realize more and more each day that a traditional working environment is not for me, I am considering other options.  I think normal (real world) careers are for folks who lack a sense of creativity, passion, and adventure.  I am interested in your guide school and would like to guage the level of fly fishing expertise most students have coming into the school.  More importantly, how easy can a intermediate level fly fisherman land a guiding job and become a more advanced fly fisherman after attending your school? 

I am a novice/intermediate fly fisherman with experience in Southern Appalachian trout waters and saltwater.  I have 5 years of guiding experience for big game saltwater species as an offshore sportfishing charter boat mate in North Carolina (mostly conventional tackle).  I have an expired OUPV license, CPR training, etc.  I work as an environmental scientist and have extensive formal educational and work experience with the natural environment, especially stream ecology and river physical processes.  I think my experience and skillset are suited for this type of work, but I'm just a little concerned about not having the knowledge about the finer points of fly fishing.

Does anyone have any suggestions or feedback for me about the guiding school and/or working as a river guide?

[Eben Schaefer]

Well, as the owner, I can tell you that the school would be great for you!    Seriously, though, it does sound like you should be a fishing guide.  My advice is to take a guide school.  You are just the person they are for.  And do a lot of trout fishing!  Start learning the finer points before you even get to a guide school.

Have fun on your adventure.

[captmike]

See my recent post..