Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Texas fishing license?

A fishing license is required of anyone who fishes in the public waters of Texas. This covers all the legal means and methods used for taking fish from rod and reel to bow fishing. All persons under 17 years of age, whether Texas residents or non-residents, are exempt from license requirements. Texas residents who were born before September 1, 1930 are exempt from license requirements. Texas residents who are 65 years of age and older and who were born after September 1, 1930 may purchase a Senior Resident Fishing License. Please see the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual for additional information on age requirements and other exemptions.


How many clients can you accommodate at one time?

One guide can take two clients on a float trip and three clients on a walk-wade trip at a time, while instructional classes are best kept to a limit of four students per guide.  I do work with other highly qualified and experienced guides and together we can accommodate larger groups; ideally groups of six work very well on a three boat float or a two guide walk-wade trip.  If you have a larger group such as with a convention, family reunion, or community gathering, we can accommodate that with more advanced planning and spreading out more over the river.


How long do half day, 3/4 day and full day trips last?

Half day trips we will be on the water for at least four hours.
3/4 day trips we will be on the water for at least six hours.
Full day trips we will be on the water for at least eight hours.


How far in advance should I plan on booking my trip?

That varies from time of season, type of trip, and which river but a basic rule of thumb is a least two to four weeks prior to your preferred date; Guadalupe River trips book up fast particularly from January through April so a little advanced planning goes a long way.  If you are looking to book a last minute trip, don’t hesitate to give me a call because even if I am booked, I can refer you to another guide who may have an open day.


Do you require a deposit to book a reservation?

Yes, once I receive your deposit you will be confirmed on my calendar; a deposit of $175 is required for all trips and classes.

(Note: Multi-day trips require a deposit of $175 for each day.)

Bookings are handled on a first come first served basis when the deposit is paid.

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What is your refund policy if I have to change or cancel my booking?

I try to be as flexible as possible and prefer to reschedule on what would be a better date for you, but if you are not able to reschedule I will give you a full and immediate refund of your deposit if it more than 14 days prior to your scheduled date.  If it is 14 days or less prior to your scheduled date it would depend on if I can fill your time slot with another booking; if I am able to get another booking for the time that I have reserved for you then I will give you a full refund upon request.  If I am not able to fill your time slot then unfortunately I will not be able to refund your deposit.


What if the weather turns bad on the day of my trip?

I keep a very close eye on the weather as well as river conditions of flow and level, if your trip has to be canceled due to weather or river conditions then I would prefer to reschedule if at all possible; rescheduled trips receive top priority.  If you are not able to reschedule then I will give you a full refund upon request.


Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes, I can custom tailor gift certificates to suit your needs, anything from an introductory fly fishing lesson for one person all the way up to a multi-day combination of trips for a number of people.  As gift certificates are usually intended for someone other than yourself, I would require payment in full at the time of issuance.  Please have the recipient of your gift contact me so that we can schedule their adventure.  Gift certificates are good for one year from the date of issuance and are transferable, but not refundable; all changes of bookings and cancellation policies apply.

Buy your Gift Certificate online!

Gift Certificates are issued via e-mail as a PDF attachment that can be printed out and presented to the recipient.  Please be sure to specify to whom and from the Gift Certificate should be issued.


What do you provide?

In addition to an excellent opportunity for a quality adventure, on all trips I will provide all fly tackle including flies, sun screen, drinks and snacks.  On full day trips in addition to the above I will also provide a deli style lunch; if you have any special dietary requirement, please let me know at least a week in advance of your trip so that I can plan accordingly.  If requested in advance of the trip I will also supply fly rod and reel with fly line; rental waders and boot are also available for $20 per person per trip with advanced notice.  If you require rental waders and boots please send me your height, waist and shoe measurements at least a week before your trip.


What should I bring with me?

In addition to a sense of adventure I would recommend that you bring along a hat with a wide brim for the sun, polarized sunglasses are a must, waders (during the winter season), wading boots for Guadalupe trips (no studs), comfortable shoes that can get wet for warm-water trips, a 4 to 6 weight fly rod and reel, appropriate clothing for the weather, a rain jacket just in case, a dry change of clothes just in case you take a spill, any medications that you may need, and a camera to capture your trophy as I only practice catch and release on all trips.  If you like, I will take measurements so you can have a replica mount made.  You are also welcome to bring along any adult beverages that you may want; no glass containers or Styrofoam are allowed on the river!  If you are planning on bringing any drinks please let me know how many you will be bringing, due to safety concerns I will provide the ice chest and ice.


Is it customary to tip the guide?

Whether or not to tip the guide is a personal choice; I will do my best to put you onto fish and to ensure that you have a rewarding, safe, and pleasurable experience.  Most people appreciate the extra effort that I put into my guided trips and generally tip about 15% of the trip cost per angler.


I have a spouse, child or friend that would like go on the trip with me to just take photographs but not to fish, is that allowed and if so is there a reduction in price?

Yes a non-fishing member of your party is allowed, but as they would be occupying a place that would otherwise be open to another angler and requires my same attention for their safety; there is no reduction in the cost of the trip.


I have a service animal that alerts me to a medical condition that I have, can I bring them along?

Yes service animals are more that welcome as long as your are able to maintain control of them at all times; while there is no additional fee for bringing your service animal, please be advised that for float trips your service animal would be occupying a space that would otherwise be available to another angler.


Do you know of any places to stay in the area?

Yes, there are a number of choices for lodging available all the way from campgrounds to luxury resorts; a good place to start your search for sleeping accommodations would be on our Links page.


I have a spouse, other family members, or friend(s) on vacation with me, are there any other things for them to do while I am fishing?

Yes, if fishing is not their thing, there are several other attractions and entertainment possibilities here in central Texas and adjacent Hill Country; please visit our Area Attractions page for possible suggestions.


Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

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Guadalupe river trout fishing at its best!

guadalupe river trout fishing guide

 

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