If you do decide to use a guided fishing service, whether day-fishing or through a lodge, be sure to check references before you put down your hard-earned cash. The internet and social media have a way of making every guided trip look like the experience of a lifetime, but that just isn’t the case. Be sure to talk directly to others who’ve fished with that guide or been to that lodge before making your decision. And when you are checking references, be prepared with specific questions. Depending upon the trip, that might mean asking about the quality of the boat and tackle provided, the food and accommodations, the atmosphere (some guides are more sociable than others), and of course the number and size of fish caught.
Be clear about your expectations when hiring a guide. Are you looking for size or numbers.
Be clear and honest about your expectations when making your decision. Are you looking for lots of fish, or large fish, or to learn new waters or new presentations? The clearer you are about your expectations, the easier it is for a guide to meet your needs. They want you to be happy, and that means knowing exactly what it is you want.