FAQs
I have tried to answer as many of the common questions/queries I receive as possible below. However, if there is something that I haven’t covered, or if you have an entirely different question to ask, then please do not hesitate to contact me here
1. What is the booking process?
I am more than happy to receive enquiries via email, text or phone call and will get back to you as soon as possible if you leave your name and contact number.
From that initial contact, we can agree a date (or period when you’d like the session to take place). Following this, I will send you an email containing details of where to send the deposit (required in order to secure you’re booking) in addition to my Client Booking Form, Health and Safety Brief, Photo Consent, and my Insurance Disclaimer.
2. What forms do I need to complete?
All clients are required to complete a Client Booking Form so that I can ascertain your levels of experience, the equipment you require and importantly – what specifically you would like to learn.
The Health & Safety brief needs to be read and understood in advance of the session as you’ll also be asked to sign a Liability Disclaimer (stipulated by my insurers to validate my insurance) declaring any medical conditions or injuries that may increase the likelihood of an accident/incident.
*** The Insurance Disclaimer needs to sent, via email (a scan or photo is acceptable) prior to the session(s) taking place as it assists with my planning for the sessions. Additionally, in signing this form you are accepting the risks involved with participating in activities within a potentially dangerous environment ***
3. How much deposit do I need to pay?
A £50 deposit (per person) is required for each session/day you book with me. For example: if you and one other angler were to book me for an 8 hour session, then a £100 deposit (2x £50) would be required. For my popular 3 Day Packages, the deposit is £200 per position/place.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE* as these days/nights will be kept free and exclusively for you once you’ve booked and have received confirmation from me that I have received your deposit.
4. Do I need to bring any of my own equipment?
Please bring your favoured set up (rod, reel, lures etc.) but you’re more than welcome to turn up with no actual fishing equipment as I have the latest modern rods, reels and lures available – there is no additional charge for this. However, any loses or damage will be charged at cost. If you would like a list of lures to bring with you, then please do not hesitate to ask once a booking has been confirmed.
*** You will need to bring your own waders, water-proof jacket, a hat suitable for the conditions, sun-cream, food, and water (fluids), head torch, and Polaroid sunglasses ***
5. How and when do I pay the remaining balance?
Any remaining balance(s) or outstanding balance(s) can be transferred to my account (via Bank Transfer only) at any time prior to, or at the latest, within 14 days prior to the session(s). I do not accept cash or credit card.
6. What happens if the weather or conditions are not suitable on the day/night?
The safety of my clients is paramount. Therefore, if I consider the forecast weather or sea conditions to be unsuitable or dangerous, then a call will be made at the earliest possible opportunity. Following this, an alternative session will be arranged with you, or a full refund of the deposit/money already paid can be administered.
7. Is there accommodation nearby that you’d recommend?
Yes. I would highly recommend the Chillington House B&B Hotel.
“From the very start, Marc was on it with helping me with my casting, working the lure (I’m a bit of a novice) and all done in a great way that made you feel at ease and positive that you are going to catch that fish on the next cast!”
T Ewin
8. Where do we meet and at what time?
The most important factors when planning a guided/tutoring session are the tides, weather, wind direction and strength, in addition to the associated sea conditions. Therefore, I will contact the client(s) 3-5 days before our session to make an initial ‘weather call’ based on the forecast conditions. Following this, I will contact the client(s) again 24-48 hours prior to confirm the specific meeting point and time.
Please do let me know if there is particular time of day that is convenient for you, however, by allowing me to choose the most opportune time of day/state of tide will increase your chances of success.
9. Where do you guide your clients?
All guided sessions will be conducted from areas ( and often exceptionally specific locations) where my previous clients and I have caught and released bass. I now have 400+ ‘marks’ situated over 130 miles of stunning coastline and tidal inlets, situated between the cities of Plymouth and Exeter, comprising the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
10. When does the clock ‘start’ and ‘finish’ on a session?
The clock starts as it were when we commence the walk to the first mark from the car. It will end/finish once we return to our respective vehicles to remove our waders etc.
11. I’m not as fit as I used to be! Can I still book you for a guided session?
Yes, of course! I have marks that are what I would determine as ‘easier access’. However, there will always be some walking involved.
*** Sessions in darkness are NEVER conducted from rocks for safety reasons ***
12. Can I keep/retain a bass that I have caught?
No. My ‘Terms and Conditions’ stipulate 100% ‘Catch and Release‘ regardless of what The Law states as a daily catch quota for recreational anglers.
13. Why don’t you fish when you’re guiding me?
For these reasons:
- You are in my care, and as such I need to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
- If I place someone on a mark, give them instructions and then disappear off to conduct my own fishing then I am simply not guiding/tutoring you – you are paying me for a service and I take that very seriously indeed.
- Imagine if after 7-8 hours of fishing I have caught one or more bass, and you haven’t caught anything. Again, this isn’t what you’re paying me for as my sessions are about fast-tracking your levels of expertise, your learning, and your over all enjoyment.
South Devon Bass Guide Ltd 