About The Maine Professional Guides Association

Established in 1978, the Maine Professional Guides Association is proud to be the largest, oldest organization of Maine guides, with over 1200 members and a 35-year history. Our members provide great recreational opportunities statewide, from the remotest parts to the most populated. From sea kayaking to fly fishing or bear hunting, we have something for everyone.

Photo Credit: Eric Kallen

Being a part of the Maine Professional Guides Association supports Maine’s guiding heritage and is a good way to show your commitment to guides and the guiding industry!

We hold our members to high standards to ensure the best experience for clients. Each of our members is required to sign a code of ethics, pledging to provide quality service, promote safety, obey all laws, cooperate with wildlife officials and landowners, and support conservation and outdoor education. Our guides are certified by the state in one or more of the following fields: hunting, fishing, recreation, sea kayaking, or whitewater rafting. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid so that they are prepared to handle any problems that might arise and keep their clients safe in the woods and waters.

MPGA membership offers serious benefits to its guides. Our Executive Director James Cote represents guides on important issues in the statehouse. Our Deputy Director Michael Tuminaro promotes our members and their businesses on our far-reaching website and social media pages and works to develop the Pro-Plan. Through partnerships with many outdoor brands, we’ve put together a program that provides our members with discounts on outdoor gear, insurance, and more. Our Board of Directors is always there working to support members through committee involvement, representation at public events and is there to any questions members may have.