The Guides on Table Rock

[Chris Tetrick]

To begin I'd like to mention what a great website this is. It's nice to be able to communicate around with other fishermen from around here.

I just wanted to take some time to give thanks to those guides who I get to work with. I became a liscensed guide in March 04. I thought passing the test was hard, but I knew returning home from St.Louis and start a guide service was a bit scary. The fishing aspect of it didn't worry me, i'd been here all my life on Table Rock and spent 2 years not working much but dedicating my time to just learning this lake. Mom and Dad kinda got mad . But what was the scariest part was wondering if the other guides on the lake was going to kill me or boot the new guy out. Since then I have learned out of all of us, there's not one I don't like or get along with. I'm just happy to have friends who enjoy fishing as much as I do.

When I began the I knew who every guide was but they didn't really know me. The only ones I talked to was Pete Wenners and Brian Snowden. Them 2 really helped me out getting started. Now today I've got to know everyone who's guiding here and I wouldn't call them co-workers but good friends of mine. Thanks guys for helping me out so much! I've seen we don't just have some of the best fishermen around here but some of the finest gentlemen this country has here. To name a few names-Bill Beck who's probably one of the nicest guys I can say I'll ever meet, and pretty dang good. Seems like he's got a new name for me every week. I can't wait until he runs out of them. Last one he came up with I'd say it but don't want to get into trouble here.

Buster Loving's been a great friend to me also. Somehow or another he always ends up a conversation by telling me to stay off his stuff. If I knew where half his stuff was at he'd probably hi-jack my boat .

And last but not least, one very good friend-Bill Babler. Bill's taught me how importent it is to keep in mind we just love to fish and it's not all about work and money. I've been lucky enough to fish with him before and do guide trips together, that'll be something I could never forget. I only hope that someday I'll get to be as good a guide and gentlemen as him-Thanks Bill!

If you're someone new to the area's lakes, I really can't imagine picking a wrong guide. There's a lot more I didn't mention here that's also very good and some very good trout guides on Taneycomo. But no matter if you go and smack them that day or strugle a bit, my only guarantee is you'll have an enjoyable fishing trip with whomever guide you take.

Thanks Guys and I look forward to seeing you on the water soon-Chris

[Chief Grey Bear]

Hey way to go. Living your dream. Good luck!

I gotta question for you though. The last I knew Missouri did not require a license to be a guide. It's my undstanding that they used to but not anymore. Was it the Coast Guard test you are speaking of? Or am I out of date?

[Bill Babler]

Hey Skukin!!! Thanks for the shout out. It just would not be as fun around here without you. Us old dogs, wouldn't have anyone to pick on.

And by the way, stay off all our stuff.

Chief, You must have a federal Capt's lic. to guide on any Navigatable water in the state of Missouri.

Mo, unlike Ark were you can just buy a state Lic. at Wal-Mart, has no State Lic. for guides, but you must have the Federal.

The major resorts where the trips come from must have a copy of your lic. and insurance on hand before they will send clients with you.

I have had some of the guys in Arkansas tell me they are insured without the federal Lic. They just think they are. You get in a problem, and I will guarantee you the insurance will say "Where is your federal Lic."

We had a big raid here about 6 years ago, and it really hit us hard. There were fines aplenty and lots of new regulations.

We now have a lot fewer guides, as drug testing, insurance and lic. are a major commitment, we all have to follow in order to guide. It weeded out the part timers.

[davekeim]

Hey Chris, I'm moving to TR as soon as this house sells in STL. Been fishing Taney for the past 20 tears. (I know it was on purpose) Need to get an education on TR from you when I get down there.

I'll look you up when I get there. I figure the new guy has an edge on the old guys!

Signed,

Cardiac

[Chief Grey Bear]

Chief, You must have a federal Capt's lic. to guide on any Navigatable water in the state of Missouri.

Thanks Bill. Let me ask you a couple questions then.

Does this also apply to river guides?

Without a gas powered motor?

Electric motor?

[Bill Babler]

Any type of motorized propulsion, with passengers for hire.

Rowing or wading no lic. required.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Thanks Bill, that clears up some things.

[CMAC]

To begin I'd like to mention what a great website this is. It's nice to be able to communicate around with other fishermen from around here......

Welcome.

Sounds like you had the "best" two getting you started (Wenners/Snowden).

Take care.

[Gavin]

Were you can operate also depends on who controls the waterway. If you plan to operate on federal lands, you need to check with the appropriate federal agency. I'm not sure what the Forest Service requires, but guides who operate in the National Parks need to register as concessionaires with the park service, report their number of trips, and pay a percentage of revenues in addition to insurance and other requirements. Cheers.