Hello all, first time posting on the forum. I am set to lead my 3rd trip this May, and am just seeking some advice on how to manage group dynamics and make sure everyone has a good trip.

We'll be going out with a group of three of my close friends, two of whom are avid fishermen and experienced with paddling and camping. We’re all in our mid-twenties and did a BWCA trip last year together. Last year’s trip went great - we caught some pbs, stayed at some great campsites, and had some awesome wildlife encounters.

The group member who isn’t so experienced camping/fishing did a great job learning the ropes and acclimating to canoe country camping. I definitely noticed some of the longer paddles took him near his limit, and he wasn’t always super motivated to take day trips for fishing. We were always sure to communicate any fatigue or safety concerns, but I’d like to be more accommodating for someone who isn’t as into fishing as the rest of the group.

We are entering from Moose Lake and planning to base camp on SAK. We are planning on visiting Thunder Point, Eddie Falls, and looking into some other non-fishing activities. I’m also planning on setting my friend up with leaches on slip bobbers to hopefully make fishing more accessible and get him excited about it.

Anyone have experience catering a trip to a group with different goals for fishing?

Outliers should probably stay home or it could bring the whole group down.
Unless of course they are doing all the cooking and cleaning. lol

It sounds like you’re on the right track.

I take a group of eight every year and most of them only fish on these trips. They all love to bobber fish. (Basketball net anchor is key!!) Drifting around, casting and managing the boat can be a recipe for frustration.

Base camping with multiple boats is perfect. If people want to take a long day trip and fish/explore all day, they can. If they want to chill at camp, that works, too.

Honestly, I hardly ever fish up there and still have a wonderful time. I have led groups of new people for years and finally decided that if I take you to this beautiful place and you can't find a way to enjoy it, that's kind of...on you?

I just need a good book and a hammock for those downtimes. I also don't mind just paddling quietly along while someone else concentrates on catching fish! I wouldn't sweat it much. Just let them know that they may have some downtime, or, ask them, if they want, to come with as you're putting lines in the water. The conversation is still just as good.

Hammertime touched on it. Outside of travel days, try not to force the issue if it's not what the group or individual would prefer to do. It's everyone's trip/vacation and pushing too much may just result in that person no longer tripping with you. Have an open discussion with the person before the trip. When trip planning we all get together and look over maps, discuss mileage and what/where we want to go and see.

Depending on your group and boat mix that can help the situation. I often travel with the same group of four, two of us fish and the other two will minimally or just from shore a bit. They have no issue spending layover days in camp or nearby while the other two of us explore and fish. You could mix up the size of canoes as well if it's that much of an issue. For example, use a solo and a 3-seater, use a pack or a drop in seat in a tandem, or some other variation of seating to get out on the water with the three of you. Spacing your days is an option too, travel, layover, daytrip, layover, travel, etc.

Having taken a few student groups into the BWCA, my best advice is to plan very few "ALL" events. Allow for the flexibility of someone, or a couple of people, to choose and enjoy whatever aspect of the wilderness they want. Pushing one person too hard so they become miserable can/will take the whole group down.

Discuss this with the group before you leave - maybe decide what are the "ALL" activities/fishing trips and what are optional or that have alternatives. Communication and respect for each other goes a long way.

Kudos for you for taking someone new last year and looking out for them to make trip number two good/better.

Now that the newbie has been on one trip, what are his goals and what activities did he want to do or wants to try this time?

As someone who really isn't excited by fishing, I get it. My preference is to explore by canoe or hiking, to move sites most days to see new areas, or to hang out in camp taking photos or reading.

You sound like you are on the right track, but nowhere did I see you identify what that group member WANTS to do. Sounds like it is time to ask.