[Northern Lights]

I am thinking of starting a backcountry outfitting company in the state of Maine (yes I know that this is mostly about the southeast but I thought I would ask the question anyway), well my question is what price range is appealing to a average angeler. I would supply canoes, tents, sleeping bags etc. everything except the fishing gear. These trips will be 2,3 or 5 day trips.
Thanks for all your help
Northern Lights

[Jimmy Harris]

I'm sure you've already done your homework but, as I recollect, Maine has some very stringent requirements to become a licensed guide. Just make sure you've jumped through all the hoops they have before making a big investment.

[MariettaMike]

It seems the first thing you should do is try out the competition. Pay their price. While you're out there you could figure out how busy they are, how much it costs to do what they do and if you're business plan is viable.

Whenever you're ready I would consider heading up there.

I lived there for the year of 1986 at Old Orchard Beach. Wasn't into fly fishing at that time, but I remember a ton of places that looked real fishy. (In a good kinda way.)

[fishhead]

Just happened upon this thread. I would look at the many outfitters that operate in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota, very comparable to what you suggest. I have been there on 2 trips, both with XXXXXX Outfitters out of XXXXXX Lodge. You can google them, or if you google boundary waters you will see plenty of outfitter ops.
Fishhead
p.s. both trips were unguided, we just used outfitters for permits, trip planning and gear.

[troutfreak]

If you supply everything...food plus gear, between $900 to $1200, depending on how many in a trip also, would seem fair for a 3 to 4 day trip...a friend of mine tells me form that area.

[FlyDoctor]

I just got an offer from one of our sponsors (R&R) for their annual Hazel Creek trip which is a similar trip (3 days, boat shuttle, tents, cots, pads, food). They charge $600 unguided and $900 guided. One of these days I may take them up on it--Larry