Do you ever wish you could fish for a living? Along the Alabama Bass Trail, we have plenty of guides who do just that. Luckily for the rest of us, they know the ends and outs and ups and downs of the lakes, the seasons, the spots and the baits. In a state so steeped in fishing tradition – and with the tall tales that go with it – you know they have to be good at what they do.

Here are some reasons to hire a guide when you hit the trail.

Waters – If you’re new to the trail or one of its lakes, hiring a guide is a great investment of both time and money. After you learn the waters, next time you might decide to take to the waters on your own. If not, you’ve got a great resource to call again.

Gear – Going with a guide gives you an affordable way to test new products and techniques and learn from his or her experience what works best for certain conditions or in certain waters.

Tips – Guides want you to have a successful, enjoyable day on the water, so they are sure to share a few of their secrets. They are an excellent resource for tips and tricks that work.

So how do you know which guide is best for you? Start by deciding your goals for the trip. Do you want to find the biggest bass or do you want to enjoy a day on the water with a friend? Are you introducing a young angler to sport or is yours an experienced crew? Which of the trail’s 13 lakes do you want to fish?

When you’ve set those goals, we suggest these next steps:

  1. How familiar is the guide with the lake you’ll fish? Does he fish full time and how long has he been at it?
  2. What type and size boat will you be on and how many people can fish comfortably?
  3. If you’d like to bring a young angler, be sure to ask about age limits and safety for youngsters.
  4. Does the guide provide all the gear you’ll need? If you’ve got your go-to tools of the trade, should you bring them along? And don’t forget to ask about drinks and snacks.
  5. Make sure you’re aware of all the costs involved and don’t forget, tipping is customary for great service.
  6. Don’t let the need for a last-minute cancellation catch you by surprise. Make sure to learn the policy in advance.

The lakes of the Alabama Bass Trail are home to many experienced guides and with a little advance planning, finding the one who is right for you won’t be a chore. Check out the guides listed on each of the Lakes pages and let one take you on the fertile waters of our beautiful, diverse lakes.