What Makes a Great Guide?

I've always thought that the best flyfishing guides were teachers foremost, and catchers of fish second. In other words, for my money, I want someone who will make me a smarter, better angler, and not just leave me with a grip 'n grin photo. But that's just me.

What do you think?

The reason I ask is that Tim and I will be participating in The Peak Fly Shop's first-ever Guide School starting April 29 in Colorado Springs, and I'm starting to work on my "lesson plan." The school itself is a neat idea... basically for anyone who wants to become a guide, they can come and spend a few days learning the tricks of the trade, from getting first aid and CPR certification, to gear essentials, to planning a trip, to taking photos. I'll have more info on the class as it gets closer for anyone interested.

Meanwhile, you'd do me a great favor by sharing some of your favorite and not-so-favorite guide experiences. Among you guides out there, what do you consider keys to success?

Deeter