This was the perfect response: I pay to fish with river guides in WA and OR several times a year, with friends, family and clients. Very little that's been said here resonates. The best guides are booked a year out and are not struggling for business. I covet my 'reserved' prime Fall weekend Forks days, they are the result of years of loyal business. When weather cancels a trip, it's not clear that I'm going to get to replace that date because my guide's book is full and other cancellations are trying to reschedule.

I only fish with a few guides but not one of them has any jealousy about kids soliciting business on the internet. If anything, we find it amusing to watch a couple boats slide through a hole with nothing and then pull a fish or two out when we follow. I am not a great fisherman, but my guides are. Often they know exactly which rock is holding a fish. I've fished with Bob. He's like that.

My go-to guides also never yell at my wife, even when she's doing crazy [Bleeeeep!]. They mask frustration and disappointment. They want fish badly, but they put the pressure on themselves, not on me. And they are fun to be with even if the fishing isn't great.

This is not a young guy thing, or an internet thing, or a fancy truck thing, the issue is quality. If you don't have enough business, improve your quality or your attitude. I have no idea what craigslist customers pay, but I tip well because I know that I'm fishing with the best guys on the river, and for some reason they are charging me the same price as the mediocre masses.

And if this is a requirement then SF is screwed LOL!: Guide Qualifications

must be able to row down the river %80 of the time without getting in a pissing match.

Only one pissing match allowed per trip

Must not low hole some poor old guy

May only use the "N" word once per trip

Must never have never received an ass whuppin for running into a bankie

Must have DRAMAmine onboard. We don't need no drama

Must be able to see your shoes by looking down over your puss gut

May not ride up the river in a sled after bitching about them on the same river.