Hello Guillaume, could you first introduce yourself to Fishing.news readers?
Guillaume Berche -My name is Guillaume Berche and I'm a 45-year-old fishing guide and former PE teacher (I taught for almost 20 years). I created the CANALO company.
Why did you become a fishing guide?
Guillaume Berche -Simply to be able to combine my job as a teacher with my passion for fishing.
What kind of guidance products do you offer?
Guillaume Berche -My products are varied. I offer day trips as well as stays, both on the sea and in freshwater. During the high season, I work mainly at sea in Charente-Maritime, in an area stretching from Royan to La Rochelle, via the Ile d'Oléron and the Ile de Ré. I like to offer fishing discovery packages for families.
Outside the summer season, I refocus on freshwater: the lakes located 2 hours from Saintes, but also the Netherlands, a Mecca for predator fishing. Trophy fish are common there. But I can also organize mini-stays in Burgundy or Brittany, in response to very specific customer requests.
I have a RIB for the sea, a 4.50m aluminum boat for freshwater, and my specialty is offering services in Hobie pedal kayaks. I really like this type of craft, for the closeness to nature, the silence of movement and therefore the discretion of the approach.
What does being a fishing guide mean to you?
Guillaume Berche -For me, a fishing guide's first priority is to pass on his passion to his customers. He must identify their needs and adapt to them. He must help them to practice in the best possible conditions, while always making their safety a priority.
Do you fish or not when you're guiding?
Guillaume Berche -A guide's main job is to look after his trainees. When the trainees are autonomous and few in number, I sometimes fish a little, especially in kayaks.
What do you do when you're not guiding?
Guillaume Berche -I like wide open spaces and peace and quiet, so I go mountain biking and hiking. I also swim a bit.
How do you see guiding in France?
Guillaume Berche -It's a highly supervised activity, and that's good. But many people are still reluctant to hire a guide because of the cost. And yet, compared to a garage mechanic who works for ?60 an hour, we're not that expensive. What's more, taking on a guide allows you to practice in safety and acquire a good foundation for rapid improvement.
What advice would you give to people wishing to embark on this adventure?
Guillaume Berche -Be patient, both with the trainees and with all the ancillary tasks, such as administrative formalities!
What is your dream as a fisherman?
Guillaume Berche -I'm not interested in exotic fishing. My only dream is to be able to practice this activity for a long time to come and share the pleasure of being on the water with my trainees.
