What to Expect on Your First Guided Fly Fishing Trip with All Water Guides
Booking your first guided fly fishing trip can feel a little intimidating. You might be wondering if you're good enough, what you're supposed to bring, or what the day actually looks like from start to finish. I get these questions all the time and they're completely valid.
Here's exactly what to expect when you book a trip with All Water Guides — no guesswork, no surprises.
Where You'll Meet Your Guide
We meet our clients on the river. Your guide will send you specific meeting location details ahead of your trip — a put-in spot, a parking area, a landmark — so you know exactly where to be and when. When you arrive, your guide will be there getting the boat ready. Because most of our local rivers do not have shuttle services, the first order of business is running the shuttle - the guide will leave his vehicle and the trailer at the end point of your trip. He will ride with you to the starting point. At the end of the day the guide will give you a ride back to your vehicle.
What We Provide
Everything you need to fish is included. Fly rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, waders, and wading boots are all provided at no extra charge. If you have your own gear and want to use it, bring it — your guide can help you get it rigged and set up correctly for the water we're fishing. Either way you're covered.
We provide ice and cold water on every trip. On full day trips we also provide lunch, so you don't need to worry about food. On half day and three-quarter day trips, feel free to bring your own snacks or drinks for the boat.
What You Need to Bring
Keep it simple. You'll need your Texas fishing license — you can buy one online at tpwd.texas.gov before your trip. Beyond that, bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Layers are smart in cooler months. Soft-soled shoes work well on the boat if you have them. That's really it. We handle the rest.
What About Casting?
This is the number one concern I hear from first-timers, and I want to put it to rest right now — your guide will help you with casting. That's part of the job and honestly one of the parts we enjoy most.You do not need to be an experienced caster to have a great day on the water. Our guides work with complete beginners all the time. If you've never held a fly rod before, we'll get you fishing. If you've got some experience but want to improve, we'll work on that too. Show up ready to learn and willing to have fun and you'll do great. The only thing we'd ask is that if you have zero fly fishing experience, let us know when you book so we can plan the trip accordingly and make sure you have the best possible day.
What the Day Looks Like
You'll meet your guide at the river, get launched, and be on the water within the first 15 to 20 minutes. From there the guide drives the day — positioning the boat, reading the water, pointing out fish, and coaching your presentation. Your job is to cast when and where the guide tells you, keep your eyes on the water, and enjoy the ride. Depending on the trip length and the river, you'll cover a good stretch of water and hit a variety of different spots throughout the day. Full day trips typically run 7 to 8 hours on the water. Half day trips run about 4 hours. Three-quarter day trips fall right in between. at about 6 hours. At the end of the float your guide will pull the boat out and you'll be done. Tips are always appreciated and never expected — though if your guide put you on fish and took good care of you, they'll certainly deserve one.
Ready to Book?If you've been on the fence about booking a guided trip, hopefully this clears things up. We work with anglers of every skill level and our goal on every single trip is to make sure you have a great day on the water — whether that's your first cast ever or your hundredth day on a fly rod.
