From Guiding for the Future is expanding! Keep Fish Wet, Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, and the Maine Department of Marine Resources have partnered to bring the Guiding for the Future (G4F) program to Maine with a focus on striped bass. G4F is an innovative program designed by experienced guides and outdoor professionals. By strengthening the knowledge, professionalism, and ethics of fishing guides, the goal of G4F is to raise the standards, conduct, and conservation practices of the entire industry to help protect our waters for years to come. The combination of an online and in-person curriculum rich in science, management, and stewardship is designed to strengthen fishing guides’ knowledge, professionalism, and ethics.
“We are delighted to be working with Keep Fish Wet and the Maine Department of Marine Resources to expand G4F beyond our waters in Montana,” Says Sean Blaine, co-founder of G4F, “from the beginning we always envisioned G4F as a mechanism to raise the standards of guiding and conservation across all water, whether you guide for trout, stripers, or bonefish.”
“I am very pleased to be partnering with G4F and Keep Fish Wet to help advance their work by developing a program specifically for Maine guides” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “The course they have developed offers insight into the science and management of striped bass, and offers tremendous value to those who wish to expand their knowledge of how to best steward and advocate for this important fishery.”
The inaugural G4F Maine, including participation for the course and room and board for the in-person practicum, is fully funded by the Maine Department of Marine Resources using funding made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Any Maine tidewater guide is eligible to apply for this free program and must be able to complete the online component of the program as well as attend the practicum in Wells, ME from May 23-25.
To apply, visit guidingforthefuture.org/apply-maine/
Guiding for the Future (G4F), borne from the challenges of outfitting during the 2016 closure of 183 miles of the Yellowstone River, is a program that provides advanced levels of knowledge and skill development for professional fishing guides and outfitters across Montana. The program’s goal is to enhance the dedicated stewardship of aquatic ecosystems while increasing knowledge, professionalism, and ethics of fishing guides, outfitters, and the fly-fishing industry.
Led by the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM) and guided by a volunteer steering committee of industry professionals, G4F is a new continuing education program for fishing guides and outfitters in the state of Montana and beyond. G4F is a voluntary course of study, evaluation, and certification. Participating outfitters and guides undergo a curriculum that strengthens competence, increases knowledge and skills, and establishes their commitment to help steward the rivers on which their livelihoods depend. To graduate, participants must complete a rigorous online curriculum hosted by Montana State University, attend a three-day classroom and field practicum, and pass a final exam. Successful completion of this course provides participating guides, outfitters, and fly shop staff with a set of credentials that distinguish them to outfitters, clients, other river users, and agencies. https://guidingforthefuture.org
Keep Fish Wet is a nonprofit dedicated to helping anglers improve the outcomes for each fish they release. They are committed to providing science-based best practices for catch-and-release fishing. For more information visit keepfishwet.org
Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana represents nearly 1,100 of Montana’s professional-licensed guides and outfitters. Since 1978 FOAM’s mission has been to protect and conserve Montana’s fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources; to promote and maintain Montana’s fishing outfitting industry; and to work with individuals, groups, and agencies in all matters of administration and regulation affecting fisheries and our fishing industry. https://foam-mt.org
Maine Department of Marine Resources manages commercial and recreational fisheries in Maine’s coastal waters, and works to conserve Maine’s marine and estuarine resources. In addition, DMR conducts and sponsors scientific research, and promotes and develops Maine’s coastal fishing industries. https://www.maine.gov/dmr/home
