To become a guide, you require the proper Transport Canada certifications, C#, insurance and gear.
I have it all and the reason I have it is to satisfy my insurance company, Transport Canada and help me provides a better service. If in case of an accident, I want to make sure the insurer cannot wiggle their way out of compensation by saying, you were not qualified to perform the service. It is always good for you and your clients for you to know as much as you can about guiding and having your certification.
Currently Transport Canada doesn’t have the manpower or the drive to enforce the Rec guiding regulations. So, who is going to enforce CTAG, it is not Government regulated?. I have been stopped by the police and DFO numerous times and all they have ever checked is fishing gear, licenses, safety gear and registration.
You can have CTAG to make you a better guide, and all the certification needed but clients do not look at that or care. They mainly look at four things and they don’t even ask if you have insurance. I have only had one client in all the years ask for proof of insurance, which I always asks for first when dealing with some services which should have it.
I’ve talk with thousands of clients over the years, (For sure 850 people in 4 yrs. photo) and I always ask questions during our waiting period between fish bites, and that is sometimes hours on bad days. I ask the questions to have a better understanding of what clients like to see and attracts them to hire a guide.
Clients look at your web site first, your boat, your prices, and photos of fish pictures.
It is always best to meet all Gov regs, have insurance, know what you are doing by having training like CTAG and other course.
Photos>Fish pictures client really liked.