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If you've ever dreamed about taking that once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip, you may not have to dream any longer! Each of us, no matter how rich or poor has friends, acquaintances and business contacts. Did you know that you can get a group of these anglers together for a few days of fishing fun and you can go for free? Yes, it's true, you can go for free - if you know how!!!

Many fishing lodges in British Columbia, Alaska and other parts of the world will "comp" your trip if you arrange a trip for your friends and acquaintances. Some lodges don't need the business and won't do this, but most spend thousands of dollars in advertising and they routinely pay for travel agent commissions. With this knowledge, you can reap the rewards of a free trip by bringing together a group of 10 or 12 anglers who pay the going rate. You then, get the profit that a travel agent would have. Or if you choose, you can arrange a better rate for the entire group and pay an equal percentage of the trip. Sometimes you can arrange a better rate and get one angler's trip thrown in for free.

Businesses have been using fishing trips to lodges as incentives for years with excellent results. Vendors, sales people and others work toward goals to earn their trips. You'd be amazed at how many multi-million dollar deals have been made during group fishing trips! If you work for a business that's looking for an incentive program, being the trip coordinator might just be what your employer needs. But you don't have to be into business to take advantage of the savings. In fact, your group might be a rag-tag group of friends, family and their friends. It's not hard to find 10 or 12 anglers who want to fish in paradise for a few days.

Trip costs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Most5-day trips will average $200 to $300 per day in B.C. and $300 to $500in Alaska. Trips may or may not include everything. Always ask before booking your trip. Considering the more liberal catch & keep limits in B.C. and Alaska, it's not hard to justify spending $1,200 to $2,500 or more, for a fishing vacation to paradise - where fish are plentiful and without the dreaded "lockjaw" syndrome we've all experienced.

Lodges will require an advance payment and require the full amount paid60 to 90 days prior to trip dates. If you can, pay the lodge's entire fee well in advance. But only do this if you can negotiate an even more reduced rate. Remember, they get to use your money during this time which should get you at least a 5 to 10 percent reduction in rates. A word of caution though, only deal with lodges who have excellent reputations and have been in business for several years. Ask for references and check them out with the local Chamber of Commerce. First, second and third year operations might look and sound great, but they could fold due to lack of business, emergency fishing regulations etc. However, new operations will often give reduced rates because they are new and need the business. While this can be risky, I'd recommend anglers to pay only 10 or 20 percent to hold the date and the remainder30 to 60 days prior to the trip date. Knowing that some lodges will bargain to get groups booked in advance strengthens y our position to bargain for rates. And often times you can get better rates during "off" or "peak seasons." Considering off seasons may only apply to chinook and coho salmon, you might get prime halibut and bottom fishing dates at reduced rates.

With the International Sportsman Show coming up in February, you can shop for the right location, date and price. Ask lots of questions and ask about special rates for everything mentioned. If the lodge doesn't want to bargain don't be offended. Many lodges won't bargain and don't need to. Also ask about additional fees, licenses, tips, etc. You don't want to be surprised with added expenses.

Your best, most economical deals are found in British Columbia because they are so close to Washington and Oregon anglers. Alaska does have great opportunities, but you will have to pay for a round trip ticket to Alaska. It will be much easier to convince your group of 10 or 12anglers to make the short drive north.

"The twelfth angler goes for free when any group books 11 anglers at the going rate," said Clay Nygard, owner of Joe's Salmon Lodge in B.C. "Our prime rate dates are in July and August and reduced rates in June and September. Our early dates are awesome for halibut and our late dates can't be beat for big northern coho!"

And some lodges, like Joe's, moves from location to location to take advantage of prime times from different runs of fish. Early in the season Joe's anchors their floating lodge in the pristine waters of Laredo Sound, where no other lodges operate. Later in the season they move south to world famous Hakai Pass, on the Central coast of B.C. Note: rates at Joe's range from $1,200 U.S. to 1,500 for an all-inclusive{the only added charge is a fishing license, hard liquor and tips, even the beer is provided} 4-day trip originating from Vancouver B.C. Find 11 anglers to go with you and you can go free or divide the savings and each of 12 pay $1,100 U.S. a bargain by any measure.

Generous exchange rates also make B.C. lodges and destinations a great bargain. Some lodges advertise in U.S. dollars while others state Canadian dollars. Know the exchange rate and always try to pay with a credit card, because the credit card company will calculate the current rate, often times reaching 38 percent. If you'd like to know more about lodges in B.C. or Alaska and how to save money, e-mail me at: jbeath@gte.net