💸 Guide Trips vs. Boat Ownership: What’s the Smarter Investment for Lake Sakakawea Anglers?

matthewliebel
Jun 8
2 min read

If you love fishing but don’t spend every weekend on the water, you’ve probably asked yourself:

“Should I buy my own boat, or just book guide trips a few times a year?”

Let’s break down the real cost comparison of hiring a professional guide from Liebel’s Guide Service 3–4 times each season vs. owning and maintaining your own fishing boat—especially if you’re only hitting the water 6–10 days per year.

🚤 Option 1: Buying Your Own Boat

Let’s assume a modest setup:

Boat: Fishing Boat Package – $30,000
Annual insurance: ~$400
Registration & licensing: ~$100
Maintenance & repairs: ~$500 (on the low end)
Gas (boat + vehicle): ~$50–$100 per trip
Upgrades/gear/tackle: Easily $500–$1,000/year
Storage or trailer: Varies—assume ~$300/year

🔻 Total upfront: $30,000🔁 Annual average costs: $1,500–$2,500+📆 If you fish 10 days a summer, you’re spending $150–$250 per day, before you’ve even caught a fish.

And let’s be honest... if the wind’s blowing or the fish aren’t biting, that $250 day gets a lot less fun.

🎣 Option 2: Booking a Professional Guide Trip (3–4x/year)

Here’s what you get with Liebel’s Guide Service:

All bait, tackle, and gear provided
Top-tier electronics & boats (FFS, AquaTraction, etc.)
No maintenance, towing, or weather guesswork
Full-day experience with a local expert who puts you on fish

💵 Cost: $600/trip for 2 people(additional people $150)✅ 3 trips a year: ~$2,500 ✅ No stress, no storage, no sunk costs

And that price includes everything you actually need—except snacks and a cooler for the fish you’ll take home.

🎯 The Verdict?

If you’re not fishing 20+ times a summer, owning a boat might not make financial sense. Instead, let us handle the boat, the fuel, the gear, and the fish-finding—so you can focus on what matters:

✅ Catching fish✅ Learning new techniques✅ Making memories with friends or family✅ Enjoying the beauty of Lake Sakakawea