Some anglers only fish with guides; others only fish on their own. The best fishermen we know do both.

Guides literally fish for a living. They are on the water every day and can share critical knowledge, improve your technique, and fast-track your learning. Even fishing just once a year with a good guide will make a difference. Besides, guides tend to be pretty cool people and their stories, alone, are worth the price of admission.

 Equally valuable is fishing on your own. Doing so will challenge your problem solving and give you the unique satisfaction that comes with figuring it out for yourself. Just don’t fish your guide’s secret spots … if they find you doing so, they won’t be your guide for very long.

 —Cory