The questions below are good ones to read through and consider before booking a trip with a guide or charter service. Many may not apply to your trip and some are related to trips in other countries and don't apply to your nest outing, but we suggest you look through all the questions and consider asking at least a few of them before booking a trip and perhaps you'll end up having a better understanding of exactly what to expect and you won't end up getting surprised.

• 1 How long have you been in business continuously as a guide?
• What size is your boat/boats?
• What is the age of your boat/boats?
• What is the size of engine/engines on your boat & how old are they, & do you maintain them?
• Do you brief the clients as to life jacket/fire extinguisher locations before departure?
• Do you brief the clients as to your fishing procedure & what to expect before departure?
• Do you ask input from the clients as to their fishing preferences each day?
• What species of fish do you target?
• How many clients do you take out at a time?
• How many rods do you run at a time?
• Do you normally troll, mooch or jig?
• Do you supply the rods & reels?
• Do you use the long "noodle rods" & single action reels, common in Canada?
• Do you offer star drag reels & downrigger rods as an option if the answer is yes to the above?
• Can I supply my own rod & reel if I am left handed & bring gear matches your requirements?
• Do you run bait, or lures?
• Do you clean & provide for packaging & freezing of the clients catch?
• Do you supply the clients with a map of how to initially find your location?
• Do you make provisions for client’s motel/cabin stays if applicable?
• Where do we meet you for a day of fishing, at our cabin or the dock?
• When is the departure time, & how long are we on the water?
• Do you offer a "Rain Check" provision for unfishable weather?
• Is your fee is based on how many clients per trip?
• Are there any extra hidden charges?
• What type of funds do you require?
• How much of a deposit do you require?
• When is the balance due?
• Do you have any crab pots that you offer your clients the use of?
• Do you stay abreast of any new fishing regulation changes?
• Do you have a e-mail & a web-page?
• Do you have a cell phone that we can contact you if need be?

The above information was used with the permission LeeRoy Wisner of  www.pugetsoundanglers.org
LeeRoy Wisner had posted several EXTREMELY informative articles on the Puget Sound Anglers website and we strongly recommend visiting that website or click here to email him directly. As an editor's note I must say that in my lifetime of searching every available resource I have never come across so many helpful and informative articles as those written by LeeRoy Wisner. Thanks again and hats to LeeRoy for giving us permission to post these articles so that you can learn more about fishing and hopefully you catch more fish!