Balon's
Pro Guide Service
2008 Guide Rates
U.S.C.G. Licensed
and Insured
Thank You for choosing my guide
service. I will do my very best to assure you of a quality, fun and
relaxing day. Your business and repeat business and good word are what makes
this possible for me to make a dream into a living for the
last 17 years.
Below you will find the Rates for a day of fishing and what is included. I have
also answered some frequently asked questions. This should make planning your trip
a worry free and memorable experience. I look forward to seeing you.
Capt.
Mike Balon
Reservations: You
can book your trip by calling me directly at
Cell 561-308-2083 or by Email
capt.mikebalon@yahoo.com You can also call Roland
Martins Marina at 1-800-473-6766 Please be sure to request...." Mike Balon" when speaking
to reservations. If you are booking more than one guide for your trip and would
like me to arrange the other guides. Please let the marina know you would like
me to choose the other guides
Deposits: A
$100.00 deposit is required to reserve a date. Your deposit is non-refundable
unless you give myself or the marina a 7 day cancellation notice. Deposits are accepted by Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, Money Order, or by a Personal Check.
Notice: If foul weather
prohibits us from going on the day of your trip. Your deposit will be
refunded.
Yearly Guide Fees for up to 2
people. A third person can go for an extra $50.00
1/2 day $250.00> Hours: 1/2 Day= 4 hours
Super 1/2 day $300.00> Hours: Super 1/2 Day= 6 hours
Full day
$350.00> Hours: Full Day= 8 hours
Split day $400.00>
Hours: Split Day = 4hours A.M. & 4hours
P.M.
Everglades $400.00
Trail Boat $100.00
Included at NO Additional
Cost : All tackle is provided
rods, reels, lures, shiner floats, hooks.
I have both left hand and right hand bait casters for you to use. If you
prefer spinning rods I have those for you. If you plan to artificial fish I
always recommend you bring your own rod & reels for comfort. I also have
customers that only bring their favorite reels, I will provide the rods. This
makes flying easier, no rods to be broken.
Also Included at NO
Additional Cost :
Transportation to and from the lake!
Boat Gas!
Cooler, ice, water!
Sunscreen!
XL Rain Gear for up to Three people!
Digital photo of your catch you can download!
A Good laugh at stories of my trips over the last 17 years.
What is NOT Included:
Live Bait: Wild shiners
run $16-$20 a dozen. On an average full day with 2 people we will use 4-6 dozen.
Fishing License: Non-Resident - 3 Day 17.00
7day $30.00
1 year $47.00
Resident - 1year $17.00
Food: Sandwiches, snacks, sodas of your choice, beer (which is allowed). The
galley at the marina can make to go lunches for you. Also, if we are anywhere
near a store on the water I will be happy to take you there for lunch.
Items you will want to Bring:
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen, if you have special skin conditions.
Jacket, for the morning boat ride. In the winter it can turn cool out on the
lake.
Will you be fishing with
Capt. Mike Balon
or another guide:
Yes, you will be fishing with me and that is
my first priority. If I am already booked I will inform when you
call to make your reservation. If I am booked on the days you want, I would be
happy to set you up with one of the guides that I work with at Roland
Martin's. You have my personal guarantee that I will not book you with someone
who lives 1-2 hours away or someone I would not fish with myself. I would
rather tell you I can not book your trip at that time.
Did Roland Martin's Marina buy Anglers Marina:
Yes, Roland Martin's Marina did buy Angler's Marina and it is now
called Roland Martin's marine center. The two marina's are now owned by Marry
Ann Martin.
All guide parties will be run through Roland Martin's Marina
Can you keep bass to eat?
Sorry, Roland Martin's Marina is a
Catch and Release Marina. Roland's does not allow any of its guides to clean
Bass. You can keep Bream (bluegill) and Specks (crappie) to eat. Fish
cleaning is your responsibility. At times there are people at the marina who
clean fish for 25 cents a piece.
Does the guide fish?
Yes & No, While you
are shiner fishing your guide will not fish. If artificial fishing your guide
will fish with you. This mainly is to establish the pattern for that day or to
boost your confidence that fish are in the area. I do assure you though that
your guide will not front end you or catch all the fish once patterned. This is
your fishing trip!
What Size & style
of boat do I run?
I run a comfortable and clean 2003 Stratos 21ft 201 Pro XL Bass Boat. with
a 225 Yamaha loaded with everything. No uncomfortable
Flats boat for my guide service!
Why are some guides
cheaper?
Some services say they include everything.
Like shiners and a room for a cheap price. Then you find out its a dump and
there is a minimum tip required. Which, your actual guide does not
receive and you even have to rent the rods! Then there are the ones that have
another job and decide they will under cut the guys who actually make this
their living. Over the last 17 years I have seen many of these come and go.
Finding a quality place and service to spend your hard earned money is like
anything else. Read the fine print. I believe reputation and quality do count.
That is why I am based at Roland Martin's Marina.