QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Q: Dear Guides,
My name is Spencer Busler, and I live in upstate New York. I am 17 years old and I am intrigued by what you do. An ice fishing guide! I love fishing, both open water and ice fishing, and someday would like to become a charter captain or guide like you! I have a few questions to ask you regarding this profession? First, what is it like to be a fishing guide?Also, how did you get started? Were you just a weekend angler with a will and the recourses?Was there any licenses you had to get to become a guide? Is it a profitable job, or do you do it as an extra income in the winter?
I know fishing can be hit or miss, so what do you do for costumers who are not satisfied with their catch?
Spencer Busler
A: Dear Spencer,
Thank you for emailing us. We tried to email you back, but didn't have your email address. My Cousin and I have been ice fishing together for 15 years now. Growing up, like you, my cousin I thought that having a guided ice fishing service would be really neat. We are just starting our guided service this year. The idea for the charter ice fishing business came to us from some friends who encouraged us to share with others our talent and love of icefishing. Contrary to popular believe, being a guide requires allot of time and energy. We spend hours studying lake maps, fishing habits, and fishing equipment. ( Not to mention state certifications) Right now, we run our ice fishing service during the winter as a way to get outdoors more, not as a way to make money or get rich. The money we do make gets re-invested into our business for more equipment and icefishing gear. You are right that ice fishing is hit or miss. No matter what we do we can't guarantee that someone will catch fish. However, we try very hard to go icefishing in at the right lake, at the right time, with the right bait so our odds are increased. To date we haven't had any complaints from our customers. Ice fishing is about more than just catching the big fish, it is about having a positive outdoor experience
Aaron and Kevin
