It seems expensive but it is worth it. While I always hate hearing the "time on water" response, a guide will greatly reduce the amount of time needed and probably save you more money than they cost. Eggs, hooks, swivels, lead, bobbers etc add up. By the time you catch a fish you will have spent about the same as if you hit up a guide. Besides, it's all about reading the water and knowing what that spot produces on. For example, for the colors of corkies, jigs, and spinners how many do you have that are black?