Become A Fly Fishing Guide

Some people want to trade in their suit and tie for a t-shirt and wading pants, and this can be done by enrolling in a fishing guide school. Having a career in fishing can be done in many ways, but a popular choice is becoming one of few Colorado fly fishing guides. While it is not a requirement to enroll into a fly fishing guide school, it is recommended to get your new career started in the right direction. Before you enter a fly fishing guide school, immerse yourself in all things fishing; become the best fisherman you can. Perfecting your skills as a fisherman will greatly improve your success at a fishing guide school.

At fishing guide school you will learn all the tools needed to teach future clients. Before you enroll in a fishing guide school make sure you understand what the position is about. A common misconception is that you will hang out every day getting paid to fish. Aside from demonstration of techniques and pointers you will do little to no fishing on the job. At a fishing guide school you learn to be an instructor, cheerleader, babysitter, and fly fisherman expert - your ultimate goal being to increase the skill set of your clients.

Once you understand what a fishing guide is and decide it is the path for you, you can begin to look at a fishing guide school that fits you. Every fishing guide school is different and the courses vary in length and the knowledge you will gain. A fishing guide school can be two weeks and include everything from fly-fishing techniques to leading a fishing trip on horseback. More commonly a fly-fishing guide school will last one week and cover everything from first aid to rowing strategies for fishing. Your main concern when finding a fishing guide school should be accreditation; make sure you get the state required certificate upon completion.

A typical fly-fishing guide school should cover safety topics first aid, CPR certification, and the proper use of safety equipment. The fishing guide school should cover walk and wade techniques, drift boat fishing, aquatic entomology, fundamentals of instruction, knots and tackle, winter fly fishing and much more. Find a fishing guide school that will train you in rigging, boat-maneuvering techniques, scouting rapids, hazards and obstacles, and many more water and fly fishing techniques.

Upon completion of a fishing guide school you should have extensive knowledge in all things fishing from reading water to handling a boat during fish fights. A fishing guide school may offer to assist you with job placement, for those that don't, pick the brain of your instructor for tips in gaining employment. Good fishing guide school instructors show maturity, dependability, and knowledge.