College first. Learn how to run a business. Maybe marine biology too. Then be a guide.

Yes,school comes first ,always has.

yes of course school first!! defintly high school, 7 years from now, college it would be up to him i guess?? some kids just dont want to go to college even though they have the smarts??? my philosophy, the most important things in life is family, health and happiness, money is 4th!!! its good to have, but if u aint happy making it what good is it?? in 7 years, if being a guide is whats going to make him happy all his life, they aint nothing wrong with that at all!!! i think seeing your son happy, is the most important thing to u??? good luck!!! he sure looks some happy in them pictures!!

Sounds you have a good boy there. I'm not sure where you live at but my recommendation is to keep him on the water as much as possible and have him learn the area as well as he can. Have him keep a log book of the conditions (weather, water temp, tide), his catches, bait of choice, and spots in which he caught. Teach him all about safety and proper etiquette. As far as learning on the water, make sure he is constently paying attention to his surroundings and use common sense. Lastly, as he gets older see if he can work with other captains in the area. What area are you guys from and has he ever taken a charter?

Catching fish is probably the easiest part of guiding. Your son may enjoy fishing but may regret the business And social contracts associated with guiding. I know I couldn't babysit a bunch of newbies on a daily basis and deal with all of the uncertaintties such as weather, income, health issues ( think skin cancer) associated with guiding.

captj

He is already a small guide

You must meet your customers at day light. Now think of this if you live anywhere out you will have to get up 2hours before daylight. So living near your fishing area is a most. It is a most that you have a garage for your boat as you can't trailer it on every trip. Most of your trips will be on week ends and holidays so you must be in the water long before the crowd gets there. After the trip is over you must have a place to clean fish and clean your boat again away from the crowds. Think about this standing in line for a cleaning station or hose to wash your boat in heat is a game killer. Most people that hire a guide never see these problems as a good guide has these problems all worked out. I know many friends and clients that purchased a boat as they got near retirement and sold them within 2 year.

capt js and samurai, for sure, being a guide is no easy job at all!! like u say all the people see is u fishing and having fun, no clue what yall have to do before and after the trip!!!! early hours and the late hours, weather, got to go no matter what at least most of the time!!! freezing or 100 degrees dont matter every charter!!! cant cancell just because u dont feel to good, got to get up and go!! its got 2 be tuff and not always fun especially when u are dealing with people, probably a lot of complaints and problems when u dont actually catch to much sometimes, especially when they are drinking a lil too much???!!!

I want to thank all of you for all your comments.
Thanks for your help.