How to Choose a Fishing Lodge
By Jimmie Jack Drath
What is the best way to go about choosing a lodge that's right for you and your group?
The following tips will come in handy as you decide what you want, and what is available.
Saltwater or Freshwater Fishing
First off, you'll need to decide what kind of fishing you want to do. This will be the broadest "filter" you can apply to the types of lodges you will be considering. Do you want to cast your line for freshwater or saltwater fish? Answer this question first and you'll be on your way.
Best Fishing
Second, what is your definition of best fishing for this fishing trip? Do you want that trophy king salmon, and are you willing to put in the time on the water? Or do you want lots of action because you are bringing the kids?
Make your list
Create a list. When you come across websites of lodges that interest you, write them down. Most fishing lodges should have a website, and a good one if they are serious about their business. Give each fishing lodge on your list a rating number from 1 to 10 based on your first impression. Your rating should be based on your sense of the lodge's professionalism, accommodations as they suit your needs, type of fishing they offer and your general and overall impression of the lodge. Aim to get 5-10 lodges on your shortlist. Write down the web address of each lodge on your list for later reference.
First Contact
Alright once you've got your list of lodges nailed down, it's time to review and prune your list down. Any lodge you scored below a 5 leave for last. Anything you scored 6 or more you want to contact first. Fire off some emails or give them a call. The speed and quality of the reply will give you some indication of how seriously the operator takes your business. A quick, polite and well worded reply to your initial inquiry is an indication that they are professional and understand the meaning of customer service. In this initial inquiry, you might simply wish to introduce yourself and ask what they're availability is like for the days you are considering your stay. With this first contact, you will be able to gauge the customer service of your potential lodges.
Follow Up
Follow up by phone or email with those lodges which made a favorable impression on you. From here you can begin a dialog and ask them all the pertinent questions regarding your fishing trip at their lodge. Typical questions that will give you helpful information and a broader feeling for the people behind the business are:
- What is your availability?
- What kind of fishing can we expect?
- What will the weather be like?
- What kind of lodging can we expect?
- Does the package include meals?
- Can they describe a typical day on the water?
- What are your boats like?
- What is included in the price?
- What is not included in the price?
- How do we get to the lodge?
- What about fish processing?
- What about fishing licenses?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- How do we reserve?
Reserve Your Trip
Based on your list, preliminary email contact and subsequent phone conversations you will now have a great feel for the personality of each lodge and how friendly and professional they are about you as a guest. Now, you can reserve your trip, and look forward to your fishing vacation.
Jimmie Jack Drath
Jimmie Jack's Fishing Lodge
Kenai River, Alaska
1-866-553-4744
www.JimmieJackFishing.com
