and were asking me how important the experience is compared to catch rates, size of fish and numbers of fish.
That is a question I have a feel for. Like some other have said, if the fishing is good, a clean trailer with a single bed is fine. If the fishing is bad, that same trailer is now a dump with crickets in the corner and dirty silverware in the drawer.
I think it depends on the type of client. Most experts will tell you it is all about the experience. And for the most part I agree. However, if the fishing is great, than you can have sub par everything else. If the fishing stinks, then you open yourself up to the world of nothing is right.
My assumption is that people paying Richmond Mill pricing are very concerned about the experience as $600 per person for an 8 hour day of fishing as at the high end of the market; and I would make sure the food, boats, lodging is top notch in case the fishing is poor.
