You've planned a big fishing trip with a bunch of your friends and only one question remains. Should you spend the extra money and get a big fishing charter with a local fishing expert, or should you save the cash and just grab a map and some local information on the best fishing spots in the hope of catching something?

The answer will depend on what type of fishing trip you want to experience.

If you basically want a guarantee of bringing back your legal limit of fish, then your best option would be to pay for the expertise of a fishing guide and a charter. Even though you will have to pay a little more for the trip you can bet you and your friends will catch some fish. Another benefit of hiring a charter is that all your equipment could be included in the price, so you won't have to pack and carry any fishing gear with you on the trip leaving space for a more something else, and more room for the fish on your return.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a trip with a little more adventure, you might like to take it on yourself, it can turn out more rewarding in the long run. For many fishermen it is more the thrill of the chase rather than the catch, although don't get me wrong, catching a fish is very exciting no matter how long you have been fishing. Nothing beats going out with your fishing gear, hooking that big one, and taking it back to the cabin to cook up for dinner that very same night. If this is more to your liking then you might be better to plan it all yourself, with some research of course. Even if you don't actually catch a fish there are always great stories and photos to share with everyone when you return.

It really comes down to the kind of fishing trip you want to experience. If you want a guarantee of catching some fish with as little trouble as possible, including having all your fishing gear taken care of, then of course a fishing charter complete with a fishing guide is the best option. Otherwise, if you prefer to "rough-it" by grabbing your gear, a map, and some local knowledge of where the fish a biting, then going off on your own without a fishing guide would be best. With or without a fishing guide all depends on what you want from the trip.