I don't know how common this is, but at a couple of lodges I fished in Alaska, the guides working for the lodge were paid minimum wage and really depended on tip income to make their summer.

One lodge actually had a posted tipping schedule for the guides, wait staff and housekeeper.

I found that a little strange to be told that we should be tipping in this manner.

I realize this is different from fishing with an independent guide.

If a guide or other staff member does a great job of making your trip a memorable one, tipping is appropriate. If it was a lousy experience, something I have yet to experience, I'd be inclined not to tip.

A couple of guides I've fished with many times became close personal friends and never expected a tip, but we always made a point of picking up breakfast or dinner the day we fished.

Since I am a working photographer, I always try to give the guide or friends that take me in their boat a set of photos of the trip for personal use and promotion if they are a professional guide.

While this is getting off this thread,when fishing with friends who provide the boat, a contribution for gas is a given, one that is often refused, so I and my buddy will slip it on to the dashboard.

If it is a salmon fishing trip in the salt, I always expect to buy the bait,pay the boat launch fee if there is one, and bring snacks and drinks.