Find a guide by texting Barb

Tap Message to start on any page of barboutdoors.com. On a phone, your first message is already written: tap Open Messages and send it. On a computer, scan the code with your phone's camera. Texting Barb works from US and Canadian numbers.

Barb asks only what it still needs, one short question at a time: the activity, where, when, how many people (and kids' ages), your experience, your budget, and anything you must have. If you already know which guide you want, say so and Barb skips the questions.

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Barb ›

Client: Hi Barb, I'm looking for a fishing guide.

Barb: Hi, I'm Barb, Barb Outdoors' automated assistant (reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help; terms and privacy: barboutdoors.com/legal). Where would you like to fish, and when?

Client: The Madison River, June 14. Two of us, and we're pretty new to fly fishing.

Barb: Two that fit: Madison Drift books by text with Barb and runs beginner-friendly float trips from Ennis. Bridger Outfitters isn't on Barb yet and guides the upper river. Want to hear more about either?

Barb then suggests two or three guides who fit, guides on Barb first, each with a line on why. Everything Barb says about a guide comes from their listing, with a link to their page.

Rather look yourself? Search a town, river, lake, or state from the home page, or browse guides by activity. See Find a guide on the site.

When you want to book, Barb asks you in fixed words before it sends anything, naming the guides and exactly what each will get. For example:

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Barb ›

Barb: Want me to send your request to Madison Drift? They'll get your name, how to reach you, and this: Sam R., 2 people, Jun 14 to Jun 15. They (or Barb for them) may text or email you about this trip, from their own number. I'll tell you here how it goes. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply SEND to send it.

Client: SEND

Reply SEND (or yes) to send it, or the numbers of the guides you want when there are several. A no, or no reply, sends nothing. What happens next depends on the guide: see What happens after you send a request.