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have to do. They’re not trying to be dishonest, it’s just natural human tendency to inflate our abilities.”
AnglingTrade.com / March 2012
How often do clients tell you they fish 20-30 days a year, then first thing you end up teaching them is how to roll cast? The reality is the majority of clients are paid well and very good at whatever their career is. I’ve seen it plenty of times; out on the water they expect to excel, like they do in their world. Instead they struggle and get upset with themselves and guide too. If you smooth it over too much or give up on them, waiting it out for a tip, they can feel it and both of you will be disappointed with the experience.
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“Be honest with them, when it’s not working. Build their confidence and remember this is what they do for fun. Good guides are able to do it without much effort.” says Mike. “Again, education. Everyone needs to be informed of the expectations and realities of a day on the water. If this is the case, even if the client gets blanked, they’ll at least learn a few things to take away and have a fun experience in a pretty place. If they had a good time, they’ll come back for more.” Our crazed world of fly fishing contains a cornucopia of personalities and egos, on both sides of
the counter, or oars. Obviously not all of them are amenable, customers and clients often come in with unrealistic expectations, even distrust based on past experience or simple ignorance. In our position as shop pro or guide, we have the opportunity to blow apart their notions and replace them with truths about new, beneficial technologies, methods and trends. When we teach our customers and build their trust, they will have a more positive experience on the water and we have a stronger industry. We can have our cake and eat it too. at