I know in general, you should.

but I've also heard that an "owner" of the service doesn't necessarily expect/deserve a tip. this is not a guide who works for someone else...he works for himself.

this is a well known fly fishing Instructor.

Opinions?

I think it is normal to give them a tip, even if they are the owner. Most of the fly fishing guides I have used have been owners of the service.

I know a fly fishing guide in Arkansas - he does not really expect a tip, but is grateful for anything extra.

I worked as a rock climbing guide for over 10 years
PLEASE tip your guides, this is our living, most guides work hard to give you the best experience possible and will work even harder on your return trip
If your guide shows you a good time hook them up

for the record...

I've fished offshore a few times and have ALWAYS tipped the First Mate...quite well, in fact.

but I've not tipped the charter/owner, over and above the charter fee.

I worked 20 seasons as a whitewater guide in West Virginia. Always tip your guide for good service.

Charters are different as first mates are the ones being tipped.

Instructors who have their own company should be tipped.

As a Hunting guide I don't really expect a tip from my hunter; they've paid me once already. Occasionally a hunter will tip me, but I sure don't expect it.
On the other hand if my assistant guide is the one actually guiding the hunter out in the field I expect the hunter to tip his guide if the guide has done a good job (which my guys always do). On a 18K brown bear hunt a $1000 tip is about average. I've had some hunters tip their guide as high a $3000. So I guess that's about 5-15%.

Waggler
Do you not pay your assistant guides enough, so they need a tip.
Just curious, if I’m getting paid to do a job, then why should I expect a tip?
Not being mean, just curious..

I have always tipped. Whether it be cash or a gift. No matter the value.

no.

central PA Limestone streams.

I didn't know 25 years ago, I was too broke then anyway

I pay my guides expenses to get where we're hunting, plus $350 a day. On a 10 day hunt he makes $3500, if the hunter tags-out on the first day he still gets $3500.

that's good money waggler

I always have and believe you always should tip. My friend and I once kicked in and bought the wife of the owner a couch we heard her wanting with her owner/husband. That was the most effective tip I ever made!!

Also tip the same whether successful or not if the service is good!!

I always tip a guide. 10%+ if they've done a good job.

I wouldn't that's there job that would be equivelant to me expecting tips on concrete I pour customers . guides already make enough. Its not like a server or bartender where there making minimum wage