Help & FAQ
Common questions about using Hooks.ly
What is Hooks.ly?
Hooks.ly is a super simple and effective marketplace for finding and booking fishing guides. Browse guides on an interactive map, chat with our AI concierge Barb, or set your dates and let Barb find the best guides for you.
Who is Barb?
Barb is your AI trip concierge. Tell her what kind of trip you want — species, location, dates, group size, experience level, budget — and she matches you with the right guide. Think of her as a personal booking assistant for outdoor adventures.
How do I book a trip?
Three ways: search for guides directly and book from their profile, chat with Barb to get matched, or post a trip request and receive offers from guides. All bookings are confirmed with secure payment through Stripe.
What if a guide doesn't have online booking?
Some guides on Hooks.ly haven't set up online booking yet — but you can still reach them. Send an inquiry directly from their profile and we'll connect you via email. The guide receives your trip details, dates, and contact info so they can follow up with you directly. It's a great way to discover local guides who might not have online booking yet.
Why do some international guides say 'coming soon' or only show contact info?
Hooks.ly lists fishing and hunting guides from all over the world, but the ability to book and pay online currently depends on the country the guide is based in. At launch, online booking is enabled for guides in the United States. Guides in countries we haven't launched in yet appear on Hooks.ly with their profile and contact info, but the Book button is replaced with an inquiry button or a 'coming soon' notice. Canada is next up, followed by the UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand. You can still contact these guides directly — you just can't pay them through Hooks.ly yet.
Can I book a guide based outside the US?
It depends on the country. Guides in launched countries (currently the US) have full online booking. Guides in countries on our roadmap have profiles but no booking button yet — you can inquire and they'll respond directly. Guides in countries we can't yet process payments for show contact info only. The guide profile page tells you which case applies.
What is a trip request?
Instead of searching for a guide, describe what you want — location, dates, group size, species, budget — and post it. Barb will review your request and suggest guides that match your criteria, and guides can also send you offers directly with pricing and availability. You pick the one you like best.
Can Barb help me plan my calendar?
Yes. Set your planned trip dates on your calendar and Barb will proactively find guides that match your preferences and availability. She learns what you like over time, so suggestions get better the more you use the platform.
Can I invite friends to my trip?
Yes. If you book multiple seats, you can invite others by email from your dashboard. They receive a link to view the trip details and accept. If they don't have an account yet, they can create one right from the invitation page.
Are there any fees for booking?
No. You pay exactly the price listed by the guide — no platform fees, service fees, booking fees, or surcharges are added to your total. The guide sets their price, you pay that price, and that's it.
How do payments work?
All payments are processed securely through Stripe. You pay the listed trip price at checkout — nothing more.
Can I message my guide?
Yes. A private message thread is created automatically when you book a trip. You can message your guide directly from your dashboard to coordinate details, ask questions, or share preferences. If you add your phone number to your account, you can also message your guide via SMS directly from your phone through Hooks.ly — without exposing your personal phone number to the guide.
How do I manage my bookings?
Your dashboard has an interactive calendar showing all your bookings and trip requests. Click any date to see guide suggestions, booked trip details, manage participants, or create new trip requests.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation policies are set by each guide and displayed before you book. You can cancel from your dashboard. Refund eligibility depends on the guide's cancellation policy and timing.
Is my information safe?
Yes. We use industry-standard encryption for all data. Payments go through Stripe's PCI-compliant infrastructure. We never share your personal information with third parties. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
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