Sandy now adays your not going to break the bank guiding around the saltwater Vancouver area. Just look at the local reports of how slow the saltwater action is this year. You are better off to apply for the provincial guide lic. and try and make a go with the freshwater end of guiding, more species to target not just salmon.. But just remember it's also getting pretty cutthroat
Well...the same stuff is comin' down for 2009 and 2010...cuz there's plans to have SMOKIN' salt fisheries during those summers...let's just say that in 2010 if all goes well, we're going to have more mature springs in Vancouver than we've seen since the early 1980's.
At any rate, it's quite a bit different now, if someone knows how to market themselves. You shouldn't have a problem to make a living off it---and having a whole lotta fun.
There's a few reputable firms around now, and the better ones are thriving whereas the other guys are soaking the public....
This past spring was BAR NONE the best winter spring fishing lots of locals can remember...English Bay was loaded with keepers..the thing was to fish a bit larger lures so you were fishing for 'em instead of shaking off shakers! .I myself would get out 2 times a week and LIMIT in next to no time with chunky 8 and 10 lb fish.
The hatchery Coho fishery this summer was a BUST..the early run went up the River...then summer run never showed...(at least not yet and they're a good 4 weeks overdue if they were released like past years...I think----they're not coming), and the fall run we'll see what happens.
If you know how to market yourself..you shouldn't have a problem to keep yourself quite busy through the summer. I know of one guy, he's on the water from now til the end of the season....EVERY day for at least a trip..and 80 percent of the day he's doubled up! Bravo!
Hear what you're saying Bill...loud and clear...was thinking on joining the fray here with a charter business myself...however I'd be marketing and running the show instead of skippering and guiding---which is my passion---so it's a catch 22...
There's plenty of room to get back in...the key is to market and position yourself appropriately.
Also, the cost of fuel is MURDER right now..and really slicing the margin down.
Anyways...Bill...what was your favorite rig up in the 80's off the mouth of the Fraser for springs? Bait? Hardware?