When to turn pro???

I know that there are a number of guides on this site, so this question goes out to you folks. When did you decide to turn pro?

I have always joked with my friends that when I win the lottery, I'll become a professional fishing/hunting guide and do it until all my money is gone. I would certainly need some work on the fishing part, but I think that I have the hunting part down.

Don't worry, I'm not going pro, but I always wonder what events took place to make a person decide to "go pro".

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I know that while some see your life as a "dream job", please let us "potential clients" know what are some of the hardships you folks endure in your daily trips.

Andy

I've always wondered what they net (after taxes, no pun intended). 35K-50K....50-75....over 75? I'm sure it varies, so generally speaking????

I have wondered if it becomes a chore,having to keep people happy and all?I have heard some reel horror stories!?

Turn pro when your friends start offering money to take them fishing!

Bob D

I'd say be totally competent in a wide variety of conditions before you becomce a fishing guide. And learn every aspect of what it entials to be sure it's what you really want to do. I've seen many young ones that weren't ready yet. Also understand that it's not an easy job. All the prep work before trips and cleanup afterward, along with the pressure of having to please clients makes this type of job much less fun than what many think it is.

On the up side, you do enjoy many great days on the river when the right conditions, and clients, are in place. Tough way to make a living though. Most guides have other part-time jobs to augment guiding income, which becomes necessary in times like we've had with steady high muddy water lately. As for those upper figure guestimates for guiding income, you would have to also guide the big dollar AK or BC areas during the summer to reach those levels.

RT