RE: flyin' silvers
I wouldn't say that it's a waste of money to hire a guide. If you do they can get you on fish quickly and you can learn their tactics and improve your own fishing. Are they worth the cost? Well that depends on each individual.
That being said, you can learn to do it by yourself simply by reading as much as you can, talking with folks with experience and of course going out and trying it as often as possible until you find tactics that work best for you.
Good Luck to all who go after 'em. Be safe.