I’d like to be a Walleye guide – do I have to get some sort of certificate or license?

If you are serious about becoming a walleye guide, you first need to have the experience before the license. If you do not know the fishing areas and the walleye fish and characteristics, you will not have a happy charter. To be a guide, you need to have many years of experience fishing for walleye with good results. Walleye fishing is not something you just figure out along the way.

You will need to be certified by the right department, which in most states is the Coast Guard. You need to have insurance and a license to be a walleye guide. To be licensed you need to have training in navigation, weather, water safety, water conditions and first aid. Your boat will also be subject to inspection to make sure it is up to code and you will be told how many people you can accommodate safely.

If you feel confident that you know the area you will be a walleye guide for then you can apply for the license and certification. You will have to take the appropriate training classes that are needed for obtaining the license and certification. Keep in mind that being a guide is a lot of work. You have a responsibility to your guests and you must provide a good fishing day if possible. You will also want to have gear and supplies to provide to fishing guests who do not have their own. It is a great opportunity if you have the experience and gear.