If you want a memorable fishing experience on Lake Texoma, hiring a guide can increase your odds of having a successful trip. Friends’ stories about their experiences with fishing guides can vary wildly. Some may share delightful memories of a day spent with loved ones while others narrowly escaped danger or spent the day on the water waiting for a tow back to the dock.
What can you expect when hiring a fishing guide?

Here are some qualities to look for when selecting a guide for your fishing trip.

1. Ask about the size and layout of the boat your group will using. How many people can comfortably fit in one boat? Are more boats available for larger groups?

2. Check reviews on TripAdvisor and social media pages. It is perfectly acceptable to ask a guide to forward your phone number or email address to prior clients to see what their experience was with your guide.

3. Ask if the guide fishes every day, or at least every week. A weekend only guide may not be familiar with current patterns or weather changes. What times of the year are best for the type of fishing you want?

4. Ask about the guide’s cancelation policy. It is perfectly understandable for a guide to enforce a cancelation fee within a certain time period of your trip as he will not be able to re-book your trip.

5. What type of weather conditions will you be fishing in? Will rain gear be provided?

6. Ask what the guide provides and what you will be expected to bring.

7. Ask the catch limits and fishing regulations for the species you will be fishing for.

8. The guide should be aware of your experience level. Be honest. Your guide will stock the proper equipment on board and will know which areas of instruction to focus on during your fishing trip.

9. Be sure the guide knows your expectations before your trip. Your guide should ask what you would like to accomplish during your trip. Are you hoping for a trophy bass? Are numbers of fish more important? What species would you like to catch?