Corpusfishing.com

Coach · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject: Guide Lic?

What is the process of being a licesensed TX guide? Not a Capt. or a REAL fishing guide. I was thinking about how to take people on a charity fishing trip anywhere from Vets to single parent family to even my Policy Holders. I know this would be an expensive deal so I would want to write it off - anybody? Pros & Cons?
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Happy Hook'n
Coach

Member of Team Stingray

ArtificialB8 · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 3:17 pm Post subject:

Bottom of page.....also appears you would need a USGS operators license.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/general/fish_licenses/

poorboy · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 4:04 pm Post subject:

looks like you only need the lisence if your being compensated if the trips are donated you should be ok

Matt · Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 6:40 pm Post subject:

It's a little bit of a grey area...

If you only take money to cover expenses (and keep receipts) you should be fine.

Getting an actual USCG license was a very rewarding process, and I learned quite a bit. If you don't charter or advertise as a "guide" I would highly recommend it to anyone who spends any significant amount of time on the water.

As a "guide", you have $210 for a TPWD guide's license, $132.50 for a TWIC card, and $50-100 per year for a random drug screen enrollment. The USCG license and TWIC card need to be renewed every 5 years. TPWD license and drug screen program are annual expenses.
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I'd rather be fishing

GoinCoastal · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:54 am Post subject:

You can take anyone out as a guest!

If you take any $$$, i think even expense money, would be considered compensation. That would indeed require a 6-pack license ... as long as you are running a powerboat.

The other option, the one I took, is the Texas All Water Paddle Guide license. You have to take ACA Coastal Expedition classes and earn their certification, complete a first aid course and the boater safety course. The annual license fee is the same $210. TWIC cards and drug screening are not required for kayak guides.

Just another option that is available.....

Coach · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:46 am Post subject:

good info - thanks

I was thinking about learning more "Stuff" like the USCG lic. material ..where kind I find info to learn like that ? Is there a USCG manual?
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Happy Hook'n
Coach

Member of Team Stingray

GoinCoastal · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:03 am Post subject:

You can actually take a class at the Sea Academy in Aransas Pass. It is around a $1000 but it also includes your physical, drug screen, USCG Application and testing fees. You leave the 1 week school with your 6-pack license basically.

there used to be some study guides out there. most take the school because they handle all the USCG paperwork and do all the testing.

Coach · Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:16 am Post subject:

I guess I can get a freshwater lic - maybe write off my gear??
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Happy Hook'n
Coach

Member of Team Stingray