I'm looking for a fishing guide to take me and my 9 & 7 yr old sons (and maybe wife and 4 yr old) bay fishing next week. Any recommendations?

http://www.whiteanklecharters.com/

You also might go to 2coolfishing.com and ask there, LOTS of fisher folk there.

Sammy Mock is who I use. He is great.

Ernest Cisneros
956 266-
6454

Used him a few years ago with my son. I would use him again when we get back down there.

http://austinfishingsouthpadre.com/

Your best bet is to call Parrot Eyes. They have lots of good fishing guides there. You can't go wrong with any of the following (I have been with these guys): Mark Guillot, Hector Torres, Jimmy Galloway, Eddie Curry, Craig Woolly, Rudy Garza and Sammy Mock. They all have their own style and way of doing things. Since you have kids, I would try to go with Craig since he usually has croaker on board and it might make it easier and more fun for the kids.

If Ernest Cisneros is available I would book him in a heartbeat

Thanks for the recommendations. I've booked with Sammy Mock who seems excited about having the kids along.

What is standard protocol for tipping? How much?

My tip size depends on how hard they work to put us on fish [notice, I did not say "it depends on how many fish we catch"]. I've tipped as much as 25% for a hard working guide.

Depends on the trip length, boat side manners, cleaning of fish, etc. (Not as worried about the number of fish, but always a positive if my kids have more fun). Normally 20% to 25%+ for a decent to great outing and will drop from there. My thought is a guide/tip is cheaper than a boat.

If in another country, try to do about the same since normally they will extend the trip with a simple request.