Great thread Dave

From a guides point of view;

Unfortunately Washington State does not require much for obtaining a guides license and that I have a problem with. For a couple of changes I think the State should require all guides to show, before obtaining a guides license, proof of insurance, and a valid first aid and CPR card to be renewed every year just as the Coast Guard requires. (Currently CPR is required yearly but first aid is only required every two years by the American Red Cross) These should be absolutely required!!

Until such changes are made, as far as a guides experience and knowing the waters he guides on well enough to safely carry passengers down a river should be somthing anyone attempting to hire a guide should find out for themselves first hand. Our job is not only to put you on fish but to get you from point A to point B safely.
Ask your guide if he's insured, ask how much for and if he's willing to show proof of insurance the morning of your trip, ask for proof of current first aid and CPR cards (God forbid we ever need it, but make sure we have it!!)
Ask for referrals, how long has he or she been guiding and how many days a week, or when was the last time he or she rowed or run the stretch of river they plan on taking you on. Sure not all guides are going to be honest with you on some questions that do not require proof, so how about asking your local tackle shops or tackle shops in the areas you plan to fish for a guide reference.

Don't mean to get long winded here,..sorry.
Before you get in the boat of a guide or anyone else at that matter remember one thing, you are putting your safety into their hands and it is up to you to know their experience and what plans they do have in place in case a boat is lost.

Even the very best oarsman (or women) can't control every situation and some have lost their boats, but the very best that have are usually the ones that are on the rivers every single day and have a very long list of references.
(I'm not talking about people who "think" they can row anything just because they'sve made it through some tough spots, but the guys (and gals) with years at the sticks or behind the tiller)

Nuf' Said,

J