Ok.......for all of you that say you don't know why they should get tipped because you don't get tipped??? What about all your year end bonus's and for a most companies nowaday's profit sharing. You say you aren't rewarded for working your arse off but think about next time you get a 2 or 3 hundred dollar bonus for profit sharing. I personally know a few guides, Johnny Coho, having worked for him in AK this last summer, and Dennis Dickson, and I know how much work behind the scenes goes into it all. Whenever I am over at Dennis's house he is always tying up flies, every time I am over there he's either at the bench or emailing clients. And for the gear guides, start adding up the costs of 25,000 dollar sleds, 7 or 8K drift boats, 10 rod and reel combos @300 each, and it starts adding up. Heck.........take the cost of corkies and slinkies. A jar or shot cost 8-10 bucks and granted they buy corkies in bulk, but start adding up losing 30-50 a day which is commin when side drifting and it starts to add up.
Yes if they weren't covering costs they would raise there rates, but wouldn't you rather them charge a little less, and give you the option of tipping than raise there raits. I know these guys and the industry fairly well and lets just say that these guys are in it for the love of the game and to see that smile on the person's face as they land their first steelhead. They are not going to retire rich anytime soon.