Most of the people on this board would probably find it insulting to be with a guide and have him hand off the rod to us. If and when I hire a guide (which is verrrryyy rare) I do it for instruction, just like you would pay for any other type of training and I would not want a handed off rod. As for the guides clients I think that they are there to take fish home so they don't mind taking a handed off rod. Bottom line, it's up to the client not the state. As long as the boat doesn't exceed the daily allowable limit, especially on rivers like the Cow that is 99.9% hatchery anyway, who cares??? My .02
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff