TW

Unless there has been a MAJOR CHANGE in the coast guard requirements, I believe that your friend has misled you. Your friend may have been wise to take special training to run the snake, but I do not believe that it is a requirement for ALL cost guard licenses. Most guides get what is called a "limited license". It is usually only good to guide on 3 rivers. That's the way it was a couple of years ago, and I do not believe that is has changed.

Let's not forget one thing! The "insurance thing" was never meant to show that the Guide was good or that his clients will be safe or are in "good hands" while fishing. What that really means, is that the guide has gotten insured to protect himself against a personal lawsuit if some unforeseen misfortune happens. What that also means is that the guide has now obtained "liability insurance" just like the home owner has done to protect him self against any possible lawsuits. So I guess if you are concerned about being able to sue someone, than by all means use a guide who has liability insurance. What that also means is that the guide will most likely include these charges in the cost of his charter service.

Guide only buy insurance for their own protection, not for your protection! Let's not try to fool anyone into thinking that just because your guide has "insurance" that you will have a better or safer fishing trip. Word of mouth and good references is what I would use if I was to charter a guide. The insurance thing does not impress me, the CPR thing, and the first aid thing is a very close runner-up. What good is CPR or first aid going to do for you if it is the "guide" who gets hurt?

This is only my opinion, and I am sure that it will offend some of the guides who advertise this in their brochures. I just try to tell it the way that I see this issue.

Cowlitzfisherman

Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook???