Summer is heating up and it’s the busy time for licensed guides up and down the Columbia. The biggest event of the year, Buoy 10 is just around the corner. Crowds of people will be descending on Astoria. Each of them hoping to hook into a big fish during the Super Bowl of salmon. This means that seats will be filling up, especially for the most prized dates. Additionally, seats on a guide boat are not cheap. The going rate in our area for a licensed guide is $250 per seat per day. This is cheaper than paying for your own boat, but it can still be tough on the budget. Unlicensed guides will try to make a quick buck and offer trips for during our peak season.
What’s the benefit of a licensed guide?
In short, it’s safer. A licensed guide is less likely to cut corners when it comes to safety. Licensed guides carry certain safety equipment and train on how to use it. They take and must pass random tests for illegal drugs. If something bad does happen on your trip and you get hurt, they have insurance that can help out. If you get hurt on a trip with an unlicensed guide you will probably have to go to court. Nobody wants to try to sue someone for their house or the tools they use for their livelihood. Many times those things aren’t worth enough to cover it. Even if they are, the person can file for bankruptcy and get out of it.
You also know that if the boat gets inspected by law enforcement your trip will not get canceled. Law enforcement is very strict about this. In the case of one unlicensed guide in our area things got pretty ugly for their clients. Even if you get a full refund from the guide, your day on the water will be over early.
In Oregon, the Oregon State Marine Board also handles complaints regarding licensed guides. This can include intentionally violating fish and game regulations to taking money and not providing a trip.
What does it take to become licensed?
This depends on where the trip is happening. In Oregon, you only need a state guide and outfitter license if you are running trips on “non-navigable waters”. This includes many drift boat and raft trips where power boats do not go. The state license will be enough for someone guiding from shore as well. The Coast Guard requires a master or OUPV (operator of uninspected passenger vessels) for navigable waters.
A Coast Guard license requires at least 360 days of experience operating a vessel. At least 90 of those days have to have happened in the last three years. A licensed guide must also pass an exam covering everything from navigation to fire safety. Licensed guides must also pass a physical examination by a medical provider. To keep the license, a guide has to participate in random drug testing. There must also be least 90 days on the water operating a vessel every three years. Coast Guard licenses also have restrictions on where and what types of vessels you can captain based on your experience. My license allows me to captain a boat of up to 25 tons with any number of paying passengers inland. In the ocean I am limited to smaller vessels and no more than 6 passengers.
Oregon and Washington also require guides to carry insurance in case anything happens on the boat. Insurance companies will not cover any injuries or damages if the guide does not have the right licenses. Each state checks annually to make sure that a guide continues to meet these requirements.
Does hiring a licensed guide mean you will have a good experience?
Unfortunately no. There is so much that goes into a “good experience”. Being a licensed guide means that the person knows and commits to operating safely. It does not mean that they are good at catching fish, treating people well, or have good social skills. I recommend talking to a guide before you book or read about them on their website. Ask what their goal is during a trip and make sure it matches your goal. Some people want to most “hardcore”, catch the most and biggest fish guide they can. Other people are looking to catch fish but also put a high priority on comfort, customer service, and pleasant company. Each guide is different.
How do I verify someone’s license?
The Oregon State Marine Board offers a database of licensed guides and charters in Oregon. To my knowledge, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife does not maintain a similar database. Oregon also issues stickers that guides must place on their boat. The stickers have color codes depending on what waters the guide can offer trips in. Some booking websites like Guidesly, Fishing Booker, and Captain Experiences also require guides to verify their credentials. Oregon requires guides to carry their license with them. I keep mine in a waterproof bag. The Coast Guard also requires this of anyone using a Coast Guard license.
What should I do if I found out a guide is not licensed?
In Oregon, contact the Oregon Turn in Poachers program. You can submit a report online confidentially or call them at 1(800)452-7888. The Oregon Guides and Outfitters Association offers a cash reward for turning in unlicensed guides. Keep in mind that when you are fishing on the Columbia, Washington guides do not have stickers. In Washington, contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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