The Odyssey of a First-Time Fishing Guide

Well, I did it. I took a major leap into the outdoor lifestyle I'm pursuing, and it didn't come lightly.

I ended up with an opportunity I feel I was led into. It took sacrifice on my part and my family's part this spring, and it's something I'd been thinking about for years. I had the chance to work at one of the premier fishing lodges in all of Canada, a world-renowned one. I truly believe I was led there by God for reasons I didn't know at the time, and maybe still don't fully understand.

Over several months, my family and I made the decision that I was going to go try being a fishing guide in a remote spot. So in May I packed everything up and away I went. I ended up on a remote island just off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii.

Keys to a Boat

I had no clue what to expect, and I didn't know how long I'd stay. In my mind I'd decided to go until the end of June, when the kids were out of school, and then decide if I liked it or not.

The first 10 days I didn't have any guests. They basically toss you the keys to a boat and tell you to set it up and learn the area, which I did. June 7 I got my first guest: a hardcore fisherman from Toronto, a successful businessman who loved to fish. There weren't a lot of fish around, just a few springs, but the trip went well. And then I was into the routine of it.

The first month was a complete blur. When the end of June rolled around, it felt like I'd only been gone for the weekend. I think part of that was being so busy every day learning the ropes.

It's a Marathon

One thing another guy told me up there stuck with me:

It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

Manage your energy. Manage your sleep, so you can show up and do the best job you can every day. That was super important.

Over the first two months I learned how to be more efficient in the boat with my time. Five minutes saved a day sure adds up over a summer.

It taught me discipline again. You're going fishing no matter what: rain, shine, wind. You're working long hours. Fishing times run 7 AM to 7 PM, usually with a lunch break in the middle, but sometimes you stay on the water all day. And you've got your boat prep before and after. Super long days.

Rest and Fish

Halfway through the season, as the new guy at a remote camp job, I noticed a few people starting to crack. That's when it starts to wear on you. I just stayed really focused and boiled it right down to rest and fishing. I didn't do much else on my time off.

I also learned this one:

Don't count the days down.

I was told not to, and I didn't, because as soon as you start counting, things get really long.

Finishing the Season

The season started to feel long around August 15. I'd been trying to dial in my end date, and by all circumstances I was staying till the end, and I was stubborn about it. My end date was September 12. After August 15 the days slowed down a bit, especially the end of August. From September 1 to the 12th, you're really ready to go home. You have to stay focused and committed.

One of the guides told me, "You've got to do the whole season, because it feels really good to make it to the end." And man, did it feel good to make it to the 12th and come home.

Would I Recommend It?

Overall the experience was good. It taught me discipline and how to live remote camp life, and I met some amazing people from all over the world.

If you're wanting to chase a life of adventure and you get the chance to be a fishing guide somewhere, take it. It doesn't have to be the salmon grounds. It could be a lake or a river, anywhere in the world that makes sense to fish. Try it for at least one season. You'll come out of it a better person.

— Lyman

Want the whole story? Listen to the podcast episode: 114 Days as a First-Time Fishing Guide on Haida Gwaii