Sponsor Party Boat Captains Suggestion

[Billfish715]

I just returned from a short fishing trip/visit to the Panama City area on the Gulf of Mexico. The weather is always hot and the party boats do not allow coolers onboard. To help keep the customer’s freshly caught fish from spoiling in the heat, the boats are equipped with onboard slush tanks. When a customer catches a keeper, the mate puts it on a numbered stringer and submerges the stringer in the ice bath.

Back at the dock, the customers retrieve their stringers from the mates according to the numbers on their boarding tickets. No fuss, no mess, and the fish are in great shape. There is a fish cleaning service available at the dock for a fee of 70 cents per pound.

It’s just an idea, but, having a slush tank would definitely improve the quality of the fish that are taken home. I can see how it would help in many ways.

No one wants to hear about the no alcohol or drugs allowed onboard, but on the boats we were on, that was the way it was..........and no one complained! It was backpacks only as well. If you could fit some drinks and ice and tackle in your pack pack, you were set.

Different strokes for different folks. It’s always a good thing to see other ways to do things and hOw things are done.

Finally, there’s nothing better than a well-cared for fresh fish. Bled quickly, iced and fillets soaked in a mild kosher salt/ice bath preserves the taste and texture of any fish.

[capt74]

Try doing that with 70 people on the boat. Not happening.

[TopRod]

Yea ok….

[Billfish715]

Try doing that with 70 people on the boat. Not happening.

Is that because you don’t want to do it or you tried it and it didn’t work? Is it wrong to ban booze onboard, or drugs? Is it a bad idea to have a slush tank onboard to keep fish fresh? Is it better to put bluefish into plastic garbage bags or burlap bags on a hot summer day?

The party boat we were on in Florida had over 70 fares and everyone complied with the rules and everyone had a great time. So, again, is that something that can’t be done or is it something you don’t want to do.

[hartattack]

... a fish cleaning service available at the dock for a fee of 70 cents per pound. .....

So one 20 pound NJ Striper fileted would cost as much as 20 lbs of NJ Sea Bass? Fuggedaboudit..

[Ol Pedro]

Billfish, I fished out of Daytona Beach back in the 70's and they used the stringers. The extreme heat and limited deck space makes it a good choice for them. The boat that I fish on supplies totes and has ice available. She also has plenty of room for ice chests. On tuna trips they have slush tanks and are trying stringers for Mahi when the bite is on.
As far as drugs are concerned it's 0 tolerance. Alcohol is a different thing. Most people are responsible drinkers so why should the vast majority suffer for a few who push the envelope?
The boat owners decide the best way to operate their businesses. I would think that they would listen to suggestions and use what fits.

[AndyS]

People need to bring on large coolers for the 5 days worth of food they packed for a 3/4 day bluefish trip.

[june181901]

I was stationed in the south and I noticed that down there if someone says 'no alcohol' people shrug their shoulders and comply. Up here I doubt if that would fly and folks would find a boat that didn't object to alcohol consumption.

[Skolmann]

Just some thoughts:

-Not sure I’d like to wait around at the dock for them to clean my catch (let alone pay $0.70 per pound)

-I like the no drug policy. Last few party boats trips I was on, there were a few smoking weed (yes I know it’s legal now & I actually have nothing against people smoking it but not in a public setting)-as it was each time I was down wind of them and got somewhat of a contact high (headache, dizziness) made for a less than a 100% enjoyable time.

-I’ve been on boats where the rule was no more than a 6 pack of beer per person. No hard alcohol allowed.

-If I’m using my own rod/reel, I’d want to bring a tackle bag in addition to a soft cooler for food/drink

[Billfish715]

The 70 cents per pound was the price IF YOU WANTED the fish cleaned. With the size and bag limits in NJ, it would not be profitable for the mongers.

The idea of “No way! It can’t be done” is bogus. Was there social distancing and masks for PB fishing not long ago? If people want to fish in a drug free, alcohol free, big cooler free obnoxious fishermen free environment, they will find boats that will oblige them. If patrons don’t understand “Not Allowed”, they can always find a captain who will take their money and look the other way.

Newer backpacks will accommodate tackle (flat sided boxes) and food and drinks and personal items. Why bring a big cooler on a fluke trip? Even if you catch a limit, how much room do 12 fillets take up? A couple of big Igloos filled with ice and belonging to the boat can serve as cold storage for keeper fish. Kept on a numbered stringer assigned to a customer, the fresh fish will remain fresh until they are cleaned onboard or taken home.

All it takes is a captain who is willing to go one or two steps farther to keep their patrons happy and coming back.

[Billfish715]

Slush tank with fish on stringers.
Fish cleaning station.
Stringers on display and ready for pick up.

[Billfish715]

With fish on stringers (Put there by mates who also dehook the fish) there is almost no chance that there will be any undersized fish being kept. The fact that no large or any coolers are permitted also prevents anyone from keeping an undersized fish or fish over the limit. The mates and the captain keep things honest.

If anyone remembers the live fish scandal that happened in Cape May or the fines that were issued to fishermen onboard one of the sponsor boats a few years ago, you'll understand. If you ever watched a fisherman next to you stashing fish in his cooler, you'll also understand that not all fishermen are honest.

I think the Florida party boats are on to something.The next time the guy next to you stashes an illegal fish, think about it.

[AndyS]

It seems to be done in warmer climates where fish can spoil quickly:
Scombroid food poisoning, also known as simply scombroid, is a foodborne illness that typically results from eating spoiled fish.

[2na]

The idea makes some sense, especially on some cramped, crowded boats. The sponsor party boat I fish on has plenty of room for almost everyone to have their own cooler and that's one of the many reasons I fish with them.
I think the negative comments stem from the fact that the work ethic of today's up and coming deck hands is so poor that captains struggle to put together a large enough crew to sail much less get them to do more work. Capt74 is a VERY good deck hand trainer and I know he struggles with available trainees here lately. It's a real shame that the passion for customer service in the fishing industry isn't what it used to be. Don't get me wrong, there still are some GREAT crews and a handful of young, good kids coming up thru but when I was young, we had to compete for jobs. It just stinks...

Shorts

[Pennsy Guy]

You both have valid points, don't agree with either post 100% JUST REMEMBER, Sunday's celebration of what transpired so many years ago is the reason WE speak American English not Proper English, German, Japanese or some Mid-eastern language and are able to discuss different opinions with impunity.

[Pennsy Guy]

Unless Gerry says so!!!!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Edited the posts above to keep the political stuff off of here... If you want to discuss politics, there are plenty of other venues for that.

[Billfish715]

The idea makes some sense, especially on some cramped, crowded boats. The sponsor party boat I fish on has plenty of room for almost everyone to have their own cooler and that's one of the many reasons I fish with them.
I think the negative comments stem from the fact that the work ethic of today's up and coming deck hands is so poor that captains struggle to put together a large enough crew to sail much less get them to do more work. Capt74 is a VERY good deck hand trainer and I know he struggles with available trainees here lately. It's a real shame that the passion for customer service in the fishing industry isn't what it used to be. Don't get me wrong, there still are some GREAT crews and a handful of young, good kids coming up thru but when I was young, we had to compete for jobs. It just stinks...

Shorts
As you can tell, I was very impressed with my fishing experience in Panama City. From the easy online reservation process which allowed you to reserve your numbered spot at the rail, the pleasant greeting upon boarding, the care of your catch but especially the attention, help and manners of the mates. They answered questions politely and always responded with "Yes, sir. No, sir, Thank You ,sir". Yes, they worked hard and earned every penny of their tips. In fact, we tipped them at the start of the trip and because of their services, as we were collecting our stringers. There were six mates onboard for the 72 fares so it was a rather personal relationship. All we had to do was fish and the mates took care of the rest.

Again, maybe we can learn something from experiencing the way things are done in other places.

[reason162]

Slush tank with fish on stringers.
Fish cleaning station.
Stringers on display and ready for pick up.

There is no doubt that will improve the quality of customers' fish, and as you pointed out keep everyone honest - seems like a win/win.

[MohawkJD]

Some good ideas here. Slush tanks make a lot of sense and are also used in North Carolina and New England. Easy for party boats to use for striped bass, fluke and black fish. Rhode Island party boats have slush tanks. My cooler stays clean and doesn't get in the way on the boat. More room to sit on benches and walk around.

As for filleting at the dock, I don't believe the boats are allowed to fillet at sea down there, so that wouldn't change here.

Many boats charge to fillet or scale fish. Some get $1.00 per fish. I usually deduct the fish cleaning charge from the tip. $100 trip = $20 tip for good service. If I get 10 sea bass filleted, I still give $20. 10 for tip + 10 for cleaning.

I don't like the way they hang the fish out on display when they return to the dock.

[porgylber]

On a somewhat related note….why don’t party boats offer a Frequent Fishing Program? We all have our favorite boats. I’d venture to guess that those boats are frequented at least 80% of the time by those fishing on party boats.
Something like sail 7 times, your 8th is free. Or at least 50% off.

I realize that administration of this may be an issue. (Guys sharing cards, etc). However, it would seem to make sense. You could even have boats banding together in a common program by creating a Network. Just a thought.

[Ol Pedro]

Billfish, are three deckhands for 40 fares good? Why tip in advance? I prefer to earn my tip by doing the right thing no matter what whether I get a tip or not. I can't fault some of the deckhands for getting jaded or disheartened because they get stiffed so often after doing a good job. Why work hard if you are going to get something anyway? (Sound familiar) Tips shouldn't be expected. When I get tipped it's a blessing.
Boat owners are evolving. They didn't build their businesses by not paying attention. " remember the dinosaurs adapt or die " You put it out there so we will see if anyone will modify their operations. New Jersey is different from anywhere else. Even from inlet to inlet. When I got out here from San Diego talk about fishing culture shock. San Diego has one of the biggest party boat fleets in the world. Like Florida most of what they do won't fit here. What the owners see and what the customers see are often different. This is just my opinion. It's ok to not agree.

[june181901]

Thanks again Gerry for editing out the politics! Many other places to annoy people.

[Billfish715]

Billfish, are three deckhands for 40 fares good? Why tip in advance? I prefer to earn my tip by doing the right thing no matter what whether I get a tip or not. I can't fault some of the deckhands for getting jaded or disheartened because they get stiffed so often after doing a good job. Why work hard if you are going to get something anyway? (Sound familiar) Tips shouldn't be expected. When I get tipped it's a blessing. .
Getting the trip started on a friendly and pleasant note plays a big key in how the trip will progress. Getting to know the mate or mates is important. A tip at departure helps in many ways. Who will forget to pay attention to a guy who just tipped in advance? On crowded boats a little personal attention from the mate goes a long way. Their “ tips”, in return, may win the pool for you or at least help your catch ratio. If you were happy with their work and you feel they deserve a few more bucks, tip them at the end and be sure to let them and the captain know that you appreciate their work ethic.

[damnyankee]

New Jersey is different from anywhere else. Even from inlet to inlet. When I got out here from San Diego talk about fishing culture shock. San Diego has one of the biggest party boat fleets in the world. Like Florida most of what they do won't fit here. What the owners see and what the customers see are often different. This is just my opinion. It's ok to not agree.

Can you list some of the differences between San Diego and NJ you mentioned?

[Capt Sal]

On a somewhat related note….why don’t party boats offer a Frequent Fishing Program? We all have our favorite boats. I’d venture to guess that those boats are frequented at least 80% of the time by those fishing on party boats.
Something like sail 7 times, your 8th is free. Or at least 50% off.

I realize that administration of this may be an issue. (Guys sharing cards, etc). However, it would seem to make sense. You could even have boats banding together in a common program by creating a Network. Just a thought.

Anything else?? Free food and beer LOL

[tautog]

Guaranteed limits, foot massages, free tank of gas, etc.

[Ol Pedro]

Can you list some of the differences between San Diego and NJ you mentioned?

First off, they have live bait. Sardines, Anchovies, and live Squid during the spawn. There's a much larger variety of fish to catch and a lot of them are line shy. I had to up my line poundage when I got out here. When I told my friends in San Diego that I was catching Yellowfin on 80lb they didn't believe me. If I fished 40lb on the shorter tuna trips out of SD it was heavy. You can overhand cast in SD. On the local 1/2, 3/4 day open party freelance trips the stern of the boat is rotated by your # to keep it fair. You can catch 1/2 day, 3/4 day, twilight, full day, day 1/2, 2 day,and 5 to 24 day charters. All reservations and walkons are handled by the office or on line. Most of the boats lease slips from major landings in San Diego and Mission Bays like Fisherman's Landing in San Diego Bay and Seaforth in Mission Bay. The boat owners have contracts with the landings to handle the reservations, check ins, and other particulars at the landing office. During Yellowtail and Tuna seasons it's hard to get spots sometimes for weeks. There are so many more differences I Can go on for a couple of pages. Hope this answers your questions.

[bigfishy]

First off, they have live bait. Sardines, Anchovies, and live Squid during the spawn. There's a much larger variety of fish to catch and a lot of them are line shy. I had to up my line poundage when I got out here. When I told my friends in San Diego that I was catching Yellowfin on 80lb they didn't believe me. If I fished 40lb on the shorter tuna trips out of SD it was heavy. You can overhand cast in SD. On the local 1/2, 3/4 day open party freelance trips the stern of the boat is rotated by your # to keep it fair. You can catch 1/2 day, 3/4 day, twilight, full day, day 1/2, 2 day,and 5 to 24 day charters. All reservations and walkons are handled by the office or on line. Most of the boats lease slips from major landings in San Diego and Mission Bays like Fisherman's Landing in San Diego Bay and Seaforth in Mission Bay. The boat owners have contracts with the landings to handle the reservations, check ins, and other particulars at the landing office. During Yellowtail and Tuna seasons it's hard to get spots sometimes for weeks. There are so many more differences I Can go on for a couple of pages. Hope this answers your questions.

Pls go on and on....this is good stuff!!! Sounds like a whole diff world...would love to here more!!

[porgylber]

Anything else?? Free food and beer LOL

Lol. Sounds good…until someone gets seasick and sues the boat for food poisoning!

[Ol Pedro]

Pls go on and on....this is good stuff!!! Sounds like a whole diff world...would love to here more!!

Hope your not being sarcastic. The boats out west have a lot of deck space with no rod holders on the rail. There are notches in the rail to keep the rods from sliding. They don't have benches on the sides of the boat. There are rod racks down the sides instead. Some have rocket launchers out of the way towards the stern. When your not fishing you can sit behind the wheelhouse or in the salon or galley. A lot of boats rotate customers in the stern by number. They also do trolling rotation on Tuna trips. On the 1/2-3/4 trips they use gunnysacks with your number held on hooks in numerical order around the bait tanks. They soak the sacks throughout the day with the deckhose. On longer trips they staple numbered tags on the gillplate of the fish and either put them in the slush tank or freezer hold. I don't think I ever saw a 2 anchor setup out there. Sea lions are a pain in the fleets butt inshore. Offshore they have kelp patties and logs where we have pots and floatsom lines. I miss it but I like it here too.

[Capt Sal]

First off, they have live bait. Sardines, Anchovies, and live Squid during the spawn. There's a much larger variety of fish to catch and a lot of them are line shy. I had to up my line poundage when I got out here. When I told my friends in San Diego that I was catching Yellowfin on 80lb they didn't believe me. If I fished 40lb on the shorter tuna trips out of SD it was heavy. You can overhand cast in SD. On the local 1/2, 3/4 day open party freelance trips the stern of the boat is rotated by your # to keep it fair. You can catch 1/2 day, 3/4 day, twilight, full day, day 1/2, 2 day,and 5 to 24 day charters. All reservations and walkons are handled by the office or on line. Most of the boats lease slips from major landings in San Diego and Mission Bays like Fisherman's Landing in San Diego Bay and Seaforth in Mission Bay. The boat owners have contracts with the landings to handle the reservations, check ins, and other particulars at the landing office. During Yellowtail and Tuna seasons it's hard to get spots sometimes for weeks. There are so many more differences I Can go on for a couple of pages. Hope this answers your questions.

It is all good but compare apples to apples. You would be waiting at the dock for your fillets for hours. Same in the Florida Keys. One on the ,two on the tail etc. BS!!! It would never work in Jersey.

[Ol Pedro]

It is all good but compare apples to apples. You would be waiting at the dock for your fillets for hours. Same in the Florida Keys. One on the ,two on the tail etc. BS!!! It would never work in Jersey.

Sal, we are talking larger units. We use tail tags on Tuna here they staple gillplates. Both work well. I was asked what was the difference not what I thought would fit.

[Capt Sal]

If you are fishing for porgies or sea bass you would be spending a lot of time going back and forth to the slush tank?????

[bigfishy]

Hope your not being sarcastic. The boats out west have a lot of deck space with no rod holders on the rail. There are notches in the rail to keep the rods from sliding. They don't have benches on the sides of the boat. There are rod racks down the sides instead. Some have rocket launchers out of the way towards the stern. When your not fishing you can sit behind the wheelhouse or in the salon or galley. A lot of boats rotate customers in the stern by number. They also do trolling rotation on Tuna trips. On the 1/2-3/4 trips they use gunnysacks with your number held on hooks in numerical order around the bait tanks. They soak the sacks throughout the day with the deckhose. On longer trips they staple numbered tags on the gillplate of the fish and either put them in the slush tank or freezer hold. I don't think I ever saw a 2 anchor setup out there. Sea lions are a pain in the fleets butt inshore. Offshore they have kelp patties and logs where we have pots and floatsom lines. I miss it but I like it here too.

Ty...this is all really interesting info!!

[captainrich]

Get on a half day boat in San Diego, get there early so you can get the stern.

Sounds ok BUT a third of the way through the trip the stern passengers are moved to the bow, the bow goes to midship and midship goes to the stern. After another hour or so the same things happens again.

Try that in New Jersey!

[Billfish715]

[QUOTE=. The boat owners have contracts with the landings to handle the reservations, check ins, and other particulars at the landing office.

In some areas, the "fleet" is an exercise in corporate ownership. Perhaps s single family owns several party boats in that marina, or, as Pedro mentioned, there are boats which contract with the landing or marina to handle the bookings in a collective fashion. Reservations are handled by the marina office and can be booked and paid for online. Those reservations also include a guaranteed numbered spot at the rail. Those spots are clearly labeled on the online diagram of the boat. It's much like booking a reserved seat on a plane. When you arrive at the marina, you collect your ticket from the office, board the boat, and go to your reserved spot. Any unassigned spots can be booked upon arrival for fishermen who don't pre-register or pre-pay. Prepayment assures that your spot will be yours exclusively and not assigned to someone else.

The fare includes rod and reel, bait, Bringing your own rod and reel is fine but in most cases should be limited to two. Cabins are air conditioned and comfortable. There are galleys with a basic and limited menu which might include breakfast/lunch sandwiches and burgers along with drinks and snacks.

[Ol Pedro]

If you are fishing for porgies or sea bass you would be spending a lot of time going back and forth to the slush tank?????
The 1/2-3/4 day boats use gunnysacks hung on hooks around the bait tanks with your number on it. Ten Calico Bass, a couple of Bonito, a 10lb Yellowtail, a few Rockfish no problem.

[Billfish715]

If you are fishing for porgies or sea bass you would be spending a lot of time going back and forth to the slush tank?????

So, it can't be done or it hasn't been tried? The rewards outweigh the inconvenience. Besides, the mates take care of the stringers. There are no hidden shorts buried under the drinks and food in the coolers. Everything is in the open. The fisherman's stringer is sometimes positioned close by and when the action slows down, the mate takes the stringer to the slush tank. If the mate is worht his salt, the job gets done. Mates work for tips. I tip when I get to my spot at the rail and always have great service. On the recent Florida trip, I never had to touch a fish when I brought it in. The mate was next to me as soon as my rod bent and the fish was on a stringer and in the slush withiin moments. He then went on to the next person.

[june181901]

If the mate is worht his salt, the job gets done. Mates work for tips. I tip when I get to my spot at the rail and always have great service. On the recent Florida trip, I never had to touch a fish when I brought it in. The mate was next to me as soon as my rod bent and the fish was on a stringer and in the slush withiin moments. He then went on to the next person.

The above partial quote says everything. Money talks, BS walks! Give the mate a $20 tip for an $80 fare and watch what happens. As Hannibal Lecter said 'quid pro quo Clarice'.