Guiding: QCL or Rivers Inlet Sportman’s Club

[ChinookChaser]

I took it upon myself to follow my heart this Summer, give up the desk job and spend the summer doing what I love: being on the water and putting people on big fish (and lots of them).

After applying at about 90% of the lodges in BC heard back from maybe 10, interviewed with 4 and have an offer from one and excepting another from one in the coming days.

For those who have guided at, fished at or have insights into the operations at QCL or Rivers Inlet Sportmans Club: what can you tell me, good or bad?

I feel I have a fairly good idea of the pros and cons of each fishery and lodge after speaking with some people in the industry, and doing a fair bit of research, but I’d also love to get the forum’s input some balanced insights.

 

[Reel Gone]

Not first hand knowledge so maybe I shouldn’t comment but I have heard the RI Sportsman’s Club has gone down hill considerably over the past few years

 

[Hardy Guy]

Longer season and way more fish at QCL

 

[Samnjoe]

My son guided 4 years while going to university. Go for the place with the biggest covered boats. Preferably head and heat.

 

[marbledmurrelet]

I guided at QCL from 2001 -2008, I loved it, I cant speak to the operation today, I can only imagine its more refined now. As a family we head to Hakai every year (close to Rivers), you will get a longer season out of the Gwaii.

 

[ChinookChaser]

Also feel free to DM if you’d rather not post anything unscrupulous publically.

 

[Aces]

I guided at QCL from 2001 -2008, I loved it, I cant speak to the operation today, I can only imagine its more refined now. As a family we head to Hakai every year (close to Rivers), you will get a longer season out of the Gwaii.

My nephew is one of the lead guides there and loves it. He’s worked for almost every lodge in the Charlottes so he’s a pretty good judge of the guide’s experience

 

[Chuck]

Not a guide but have fished Hippa and more so Rivers several times over the recent years. From what I've seen and heard you don't go to Rivers for quantities which I would think that could create client tension and that's never fun. More and good size catches at QCL. Also, I bet tips from the big spenders that go to QCL would be significantly better and has to be a consideration. Keep us posted. Good luck.

 

[kaelc]

Following along with @Rain City if this whole having employees thing gets any more tiring!

 

[adanac]

My nephew is one of the lead guides there and loves it. He’s worked for almost every lodge in the Charlottes so he’s a pretty good judge of the guide’s experience

Jake is a top rod

 

[Onchy]

Personally, I would not miss an opportunity to work a summer in the Haida Gwaii. I have not been off the North end, but spent a good 8/9 summers off Tasu and Hippa. My favorite place in the world up there. It’s unlike anything else.

 

[Aces]

Jake is a top rod

He has a good attitude as well

 

[ChinookChaser]

Yea I think the biggest deciding factor might end up being quality of boats and equipment, and quality of fishing

Pay after expenses ends up being fairly close from my estimates (when you factor in cost to buying two islander to bring plus some gear to bring plus room and board at QCL, plus the added days/cost of someone taking care of my dog longer). RI season being 63 days straight garunteed pay vs 105 days in Haida gwaii, though the earning potential is significantly higher at QCL if things go well with tips, but all depends on number of days I can work—they estimated about 70-75/105days I’ll work (not paid on days I don’t)

Boats equipment is another story

RI

Mostly 17ft fiber glass, no cover, tiller, hand crank riggers, 1 or 2 larger boats with cover

QCL

Smallest boat is I think 19 ft aluminum up to 26 or 28 feet. All boats have at least SOME cover, steering wheels, and electric riggers

RI

Chance to put people on truly some of the biggest fish out there, but I hear many days are slow fishing up there

QCL

Plenty of fish 20+ and plenty of Tyees too, seems like it would be more enjoyable putting people on a ton of 20-30+ fish than spending many days grinding for a couple fish with a chance at something ridiculously huge

 

[mikep]

QCL hands down, not even a contest. Rivers is a short season and smaller boats.

 

[Spring Time in Vienna]

Not sure if you are single or not but QCL always has some pretty cute girls working up there. Just make sure not to spend your whole pay check at the staff bar (happened more than you'd think back in the day)!

 

[Pippen]

I do have a couple of buddies who did QCL as guests about 10 years ago and really liked it. They did Joe's a year or two after and said it was a FAR poorer experience compared to QCL to the point they said they would never go back.

 

[ChinookChaser]

Not sure if you are single or not but QCL always has some pretty cute girls working up there. Just make sure not to spend your whole pay check at the staff bar (happened more than you'd think back in the day)!

I am a single 26 year old so this is a factor I am not a huge drinker so this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

 

[ChinookChaser]

I do have a couple of buddies who did QCL as guests about 10 years ago and really liked it. They did Joe's a year or two after and said it was a FAR poorer experience compared to QCL to the point they said they would never go back.

Apples to oranges on the guest experience side.

Luxury vs blue-collar rustic

price difference is very likely reflected by that.

 

[bryce]

I am a single 26 year old so this is a factor I am not a huge drinker so this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

You should have started with this… go to qcl

 

[trophywife]

I do have a couple of buddies who did QCL as guests about 10 years ago and really liked it. They did Joe's a year or two after and said it was a FAR poorer experience compared to QCL to the point they said they would never go back.

comparing apples to potatoes