I've wanted to take a guide as well and would also prefer to not spider rig. My reasoning is that I want to learn to crappie fish but do not have the gear and prefer to not have to buy/install the equipment on my boat to spider rig. I hired a guide once on KY lake and he was a disaster. That was before I found this site. If you use one of the guys recommended here then I think you will be fine. This site has been a great resource and the information is top notch! I'm saving up to get Whiskers to show me the ropes.