Sundancefisher
Member
I heard that Covid has caused a shortage of fishing guides on the coast. How long does it take to get licensed and how much does it cost?
Shortage of licensed salt water salmon and bottom fishing guides
- Thread starter Sundancefisher
- Start date
Roberth
Crew Member
It is a five day course with 4 courses And costs in the neighborhood of $1000
that gets you a Small Vessel Operators proficiency certificate that allows you to take paying passengers on you boat.
your boat also need to be commercially registered with Transport Canadato be legal
that gets you a Small Vessel Operators proficiency certificate that allows you to take paying passengers on you boat.
your boat also need to be commercially registered with Transport Canadato be legal
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Aces
Well-Known Member
The shortage of fishing guides is mostly due to the poor management by DFO making it an unfeasible business plan now. When you aren't allowed to retain or even fish in a lot of areas then you aren't going to get any business. I was in the business for over 35 years and i seriously would never get into it now.....it's a sunset industry now
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
Before If i was to book with a guide in van it would be Feb,March, april, may, august, sep. Now with the new regs if i was going to id only book in Feb for prawns and winter chinook or September.
Don't think there is a shortage of guides just same demand in a very small window. Creating a very narrow Peak season
Don't think there is a shortage of guides just same demand in a very small window. Creating a very narrow Peak season
spring fever
Well-Known Member
It is not that easy to schedule and get the courses-not always available when you are-I took some courses in comox but the first aid I had to go to Nanaimo.
ab1752
Crew Member
Damn there goes my retirement strategy, doh!
Sundancefisher
Member
Interesting. I know some lodges are looking for guides right now. Never used to be a problem.
Sea lyin’
Well-Known Member
I see this too. Most want several years experience though so not looking for new guides they’re looking for old guides. Soon…..no guides through self induced attrition.
Sundancefisher
Member
I know of at least one lodge that would take new guides if they know how to mooch and bottom fish.
hippaisland
Well-Known Member
I know there’s some shortages of guides at lodges in the Gwaii. I know some bailed and took other jobs with the uncertainty up there paired with the then shortened season. Peregrine looking if anyone is interested or knows anyone. I don’t work there and haven’t been there so can’t comment on it.
Sundancefisher
Member
I thought they were going to stay closed this year. Too bad West Coast Resorts closed and didn't sell to a new buyer. I loved Englefield but never got a chance to fish Hippa.
hippaisland
Well-Known Member
They’re open. Opened late due to restrictions, believe July 1st or right around there.
Peregrine needs a guide for tomorrow if anyone knows anyone, dm me and I’ll put them in touch. Short notice to say the least.
@Raincity cancel your tee times this week and get up there
ab1752
Crew Member
I think there could be more than a few guys heading towards retirement from long and arduous careers who could certify and train up as contract guides with their own rigs. I know the costs for boats and gear has to be a significant barrier to entry and ya never know, there could be some knowledge on those whitecaped heads!
