The TWRA contacted me over 6 months ago exploring the possibility of a state wide guide lic. This began because of complaints that some of our trout guides had concerning out of state people guiding on Tennessee waters with just a out of state lic.
Recently the TWRA sent out a questionaire to all the guides that they could identify and it was followed up by a telephone conversation with them. I don't have a problem with the concept myself if it is fair across the board. When I started my business I got my coast guard lic. because I spent most of my time on Old Hickory. That was the rules thats what I did. But of the few guides that I have talked with there are soem major concern we all have.
If a Guide Lic is requiured #1 How the TWRA going to enforce it on the water ? I was born here and have fished here most of my life and have never 1 time been checked on the water by any TWRA officer other than a creel clerk and that is now and then on Tim's. And by the way NEVER by the coast Guard on Old Hickory.
If this is JUSTa revenue issue it's wrong as far as I'm concerned. It becomes no more than a targeted tax and thats what the TWRA should call it a "Guide Tax"
Now if it is to make sure that every guide has proper Red Cross Training-Water Safty Training-Proof of Commercial Insurance because your regular home owners insurance WILL NOT COVER YOU-YOUR BOAT OR TOW VEHICLE if you use your equipment for hire and if a guide is smart a $1,000,000.00 ubrella policy over and above....and it is verified before the lic is issued and backed up with ON THE WATER checks it becomes another matter.
BUT what will happen is that the only guides this will effect will be the ones that are the most visable-the guys that do this on a part time basis and work else where most of them the TWRA won't have a way to identify.
#2...another issue is that if a guide lic is required it should be for every body of water within our borders no exception. Other wise the TWRA is just targeting those of us that are again the most visable.
#3.....The lic should also include Hunting Guides not just Fishing Guides.
I've been doing this for a long time (16 total years) and I can tell you that you better own your boat-truck and have a lot of good sponsors and another scource of income if you plan to be a full time guide in the state of Tennessee....I'm fortunate I'm at the place when I choose when I go..I don't go because I have to..I love what I do and will continue to do it until the Lord sends me in a different direction.
If anyone that reads this is thinking about becoming a guide I will be happy to answer any question via telephone that you might have if it will help you. My cell is 615-308-9936 and TK I'm sure would do the same........Rick
www.tennesseebassguides.com