The life of a professional fly-fishing guide is an enviable one. Instead of being confined by four walls, your office consists of wide open spaces, rocky banks with limestone ledges and streams packed with largemouth bass and rainbow trout.
Anglers who have chosen this career (or maybe this career chose them?) are fortunate to be able to use their personal passions to help others while also earning a living. Though, your role as a guide extends beyond your knowledge of local waters and fly-tying techniques. First and foremost, it’s about protecting clients while they are under your supervision. While you may have grown up with a river in your backyard, you can’t assume that your customers have that same level of experience with basic water safety.
Accidents do happen. But, there are a few safety measures you can implement to protect your fly fishing business and most importantly – ensure that everyone returns home safely.
Risk Management Tips for Fly-Fishing Guides
- Mandate wading belts. Everyone has a different level of physical fitness and tolerance for standing for long periods of time. That’s why it’s important to require (not just suggest) that clients on fly-fishing tours wear wading belts while in the water.
- Go slow. If it is one of their first trips out on the river, clients may be excited to get started and move too quickly. When you are wading through the water, it’s important to remind others to go slow and keep a wide stance on their feet. This can substantially reduce the risk of unnecessary falls in the water.
- Don’t allow drugs or alcohol. If you are taking a group out on a fly-fishing tour, they may not realize the potential hazards and think it’s okay to bring alcohol or drugs along for the trek. Keep your clients sober – and safe.
- Ensure you have the right insurance coverage. Just like any other entrepreneur, you need to protect yourself, and your assets when becoming a business owner. Find an insurance provider that is well-versed in outdoors insurance and can advise you on the coverage that’s right for your business.
Protect Your Business: Consult an Outdoor Insurance Specialist
A part of the Knoxville, TN community since 1946, the John Bailey Company knows that you need more than the run-of-the-mill coverage offered by other insurers. That’s why our specialty insurance policies are designed especially for adventure seekers, hunters and outdoorsmen in East Tennessee. We know the outdoor recreation market, and cover the following insurance: outfitter and fly-fishing guide, hunting lease, rod and gun, shooting range, rafting, ATV rental and more.
Call 865.524.0785 or email brandon@johnbaileyco.com for a free policy quote. Contact us today!