[Saba Slayer]

OK...MHO...I've been a licensed/bonded DFG kayakfishing guide for 15 years...probably longer than a lot of you have been kayak fishing...that's not to say I know everything there is about fishing or kayaking! I don't and I'm the first to admit it...I love learning new rigging ,fishing tricks, and about the new electronics. I've seen this thread before over the years and it's always a bash on guides and what a waste of money that is. The same comment is usually made..."just come fishing with us".
Most of the kayakers I've taught over the years were very new to the sport of fishing or hooping...many had never been on a kayak before, let alone handled a fish or a lobster. Most didn't have a kayak or had just bought one. These folks had the MONEY to hire a guide and rent a kayak and they saw THEIR VALUE in that learning experience. It wasn't about catching a trophy for them...it was about learning a new sport and having fun. I've also taught a few sonar/GPS OTW clinics and those people were there to learn how to use their expensive electronics....that's why Lowrance has a classroom setting at the Fred Hall Shows. That's why I do seminars teaching kayak fishing and hooping...as a mater of fact I've seen a few of you guide haters at my seminars...why can't you just think of it as a seminar on the water!
It's not always a fun experience as a guide...I've baby-sat some knuckleheads that couldn't catch themselves in a box and I've answered a million questions till I had had it! Not everyone has access to a friend that will teach them the ropes...and the amount of time and attention that I pay to a client thats paying me is very different from the amount of time a friend will spend while fishing with you. It's also a tremendous amount of work setting up two or three yaks getting them on the water and then cleaning the gear and yaks then packing everything away so its clean and ready for the next client...baiting up the cages and cleaning them out...it's a lot of effort and doesn't really work out to a great hourly wage after all the prep and wrap work and time. Ask Ron from Baytubbers...he considered running some guided hoopnet trips...untill he realized how much work and babysitting it can be for only a few bucks.
There are many folks out there that have a gift and don't realize it...I've met lots of kayakers and clients over the years that didn't need a guide...they have that ability to experiment and experience just about anything and learn from it, weather it's from a friend or another kayaker on the water...those folks don't need a guide...! Cherish your God given GIFT and don't rag on those that don't have your life experiences or innate skills and need or can afford a TEACHER!
Then there is the client that wants to get a trophy...much like the Big Game Safaris...these are usually folks with MONEY and that's the way they operate...perhaps your jealous of their way of life or their access to the funds to enjoy their life as they see fit!
To each his own...whatever floats your boat/kayak !