Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via WikipediaA review of history reflects that guiding as a profession has existed for hundreds of years perhaps starting with the Ghillie of British fishing tradition. The early guides were viewed as men of reputable character, keen and knowledgeable in the ways of fish and rivers and skilled in the handling of boats and often the fishermen who shared them. Reputations gained by consistent patterns of success, repeated requests for their services, a testimonial by the fishermen who employed them. It is little wonder that their names were addressed with a deep respect by those who followed in their footsteps, or more appropriately in their wake. During those long fishing seasons the ghillie was a daily companion, mentor and familiar friend. The river was his kingdom and the fishing hut his castle.
How do today's fishing guides compare with those of yesteryear? Guiding in Alaska and in particular on the Kenai River has a short history, approximately 50 years at best. With such comes a certain lack of tradition including a nurturing process. An opportunity if not a requirement to work side by side with a more seasoned person is lacking. Among today's guides are those who posses a tremendous working knowledge of modern tackle and equipment as well as an understanding of the movement of fish and the waters as is humanly possible. However, often new entrants into the fishing guide profession are not afforded the opportunity to work with such a person, instead they are thrown into the fire having to learn as they go. These people become so concerned about having a job and making a living that they never gain a true understanding of what it takes to be a guide. A professional guide today is a full time job, not only fishing people in the Summer and Fall but also working for the industry throughout the year, pursing the trade as a way of life, ahead of all others.
Knowledge and experience are important factors when one is considering whom to hire as a guide. In the old days being a gillie was a profession in which tradition was strong and few acquired the knowledge and wisdom to make a success of the job who did not start young and was matured along the way. Often the ghillie of old spent his entire life working only one river, first learning about it and then experiencing it. Today there are some opportunities to acquire knowledge from the "experts" who are out in the field as well as from the printed media where their knowledge is placed. However, today the priorities seem to be backwards as there are less and less chances to take one's time and be nurtured. The emphasis instead tends to be that of getting the new guide out into the field and having one learn by his mistakes.
Joe Connors
Kenai River Fishing
Big Sky Fish Camp
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