becoming a guide

If you're an experienced angler with exceptionally good knowledge about the fishing opportunities in certain locations, you may think you would like to make some money out of this by offering your services as a guide to anyone prepared to pay you. The first thing you should know is that its unlikely you will earn a rich living in this way. Professional fishing guides are doing it because they love fishing. The second thing is that if you start professionally guiding people without having adequate insurance, you run the risk of not only earning little money but of losing everything you already have.

The PFIGA was formed originally to provide a means of accreditation for members, to differentiate them from people offering to guide anglers on the basis of defraying some of the costs of their own fishing activity. If you set up a proper business as a professional fishing guide or instructor, you can join the PFIGA as a Provisional Member. This will entitle you to all the rights and benefits of membership except you will not be allowed to advertise that you are a member until you gain full accreditation.

accreditation

Gaining PFIGA accreditation is a worthwhile goal for anyone who is in the business of fishing instruction and guiding. Accreditation involves meeting defined standards that incorporate: codes of practice compliance with legal regulations operating standards Only accredited members of the PFIGA are allowed to display the PFIGA logo in advertising their services. By using the logo, members are increasing public awareness of the association, and many anglers are now looking for it before engaging a guide.

To gain accredited membership, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the required standards in the following areas:

• They must offer their services through a business entity which is properly set up to deal with the public.

• They may own the business as a sole trader or in partnership, or they may be employees or subcontractors of the business.

• The business and the applicant must meet legal requirements for licensing and insurance, hold public liability insurance cover of at least $10 million, and comply with all statutory regulations in respect to buildings, vehicles, boats, or other plant in use.

• There must be systems and procedures appropriate for dealing with the public in a professional manner.

• There must be procedures for dealing with emergencies, including first aid equipment and training.

• Adequate facilities must be provided or be available to allow the business to deliver its services in a professional manner.

• They are of good character

• They have adequate skills and knowledge in fishing, guiding and instruction.

code of ethics

• Observe high standards of business ethics in all dealings.

• Ensure their image as evidenced by their behaviour and the appearance of their dress, plant, equipment and tackle, at all times reflects a high standard of professionalism.

• Maintain exemplary standards of behaviour in relationships with clients, other anglers and users of the aquatic environment.

• Ensure that all instructing and guiding operations are based on well developed skills and contemporary techniques.

• Observe, foster and promote all fishing regulations.

• Ensure good standards of sportsmanship in all fishing activities with particular reference to the welfare, conservation and propagation of the target fish species.

• Encourage and promote conservation of the environment, the fish and the species upon which fish feed.

• Demonstrate an authoritative knowledge and understanding of the natural history and heritage of the fishery and its surrounds.