Your Day on the Water
A walk-through of what to expect, from sunrise launch to fish cleaning at the end of the day.
Before the trip
A few days before your trip, Mike will text or call to confirm the meet-up location and start time. Start times are usually early — first light produces best — but they vary with season, species, and tide.
Meet-up
You'll meet Mike at the boat launch (we'll send the address and Google Maps pin). Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so we can launch on time.
On the water
Once we're underway, Mike rigs the rods for the target species and conditions. We'll fish 6–8 hours on a full day, with breaks as needed. Expect fast action when the bite's on, and a real "guide-led" experience the whole time — Mike's job is to put you on fish and to teach you the why behind the tactics if you're interested.
Fish handling
Fish you keep go on ice immediately. At the end of the day Mike cleans, fillets, and bags your catch. Bring a cooler if you want to take fillets home.
End of day
Wrap-up is back at the launch. Tipping is appreciated but not expected — 15–20% if you had a great day is the going rate, similar to other guide services.
Things to bring
- California fishing license (and salmon report card for King trips). Don't forget this — there's no shortcut around it.
- Layers. Even summer mornings on the river are cold. A fleece + wind layer goes a long way.
- Rain jacket — fall and spring trips, always.
- Sun protection — hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Food and drink for the day. We don't usually stop for lunch.
- Cooler if you plan to take fish home.
- Camera for the obligatory hero shot.