Don't get me wrong, Nimrod, as I know nothing about guiding...But here are some of my thoughts...

Tag-along vs complete service: I guess it really depends on the potential clients you will have. Will you have more locals or people from out-of-town? People in from out of town may want the whole package, whereas locals may want the tag-along service. Comparing these two services also makes me think about cost. I'm guessing the tag-along service would be much more cost efficient (as you are really just getting paid for labor). The full service guide would have much more inborn expenses (replacing tackle and broken rods, fuel, oil, etc).

If you are taking a bunch of locals out, you better beware that these folks are primarily paying you to "show" them the lake and how to fish it. Don't be surprised when your tops start filling up with people (throwing anchors in your tops, and otherwise generally disturbing them).

I know that you consistently catch nice crappie, Nimrod. But it's like you say, any flood control lake can be difficult to predict. As I've talked to Jerry and Darryl, they say that the majority of folks aren't looking to go out and catch a limit on every occasion. I do think that you know Nimrod well enough to stay with the fish and prosper as a guide.

I may be way off on these thoughts. If so, don't hold it against me...:D