Why do we tip the mates?

[Flukenstein]

First let me say that I am not a mate, have never been a mate, and have no personal friends or relatives who are or ever have been mates. I am a regular customer on a party boat in AH who also sometimes fishes on other boats from other ports, both party and charter. I can't help but be bothered by people who don't tip or under tip the mates. We all know these guys because they net our fish, (and usually measure the ones that easily short just so we don't have to wonder), untangle our messes that our often our own fault, and filet our keepers when we have some. But let's note some other things that may be not as obvious, especially if you are an occasional fisherman or part of a group or family outing. Helping you carry your coolers and tackle on to the deck and off after the trip is one that shouldn't missed. But have you ever thought about how much work is done before you even get to the boat? Rental rods and reels are prepared and repaired by the mates, not by elves in the middle of the night. The rigs on these are often hand tied by the crew. Want a cold beverage or a snack? It's the mates who lug the ice, drinks, and snacks to the boat and keep them cold for your pleasure. The next time you board a party boat take note of how clean it is and remember the filthy mess that was probably there after the previous trip. It's clean when you got there because somebody busted their ass cleaning it. Every day. Are you tripping over ropes, nets, anchors etc? No your not because the mates are making sure the deck stays organized. These boats are loaded with safety features such as life vests, life rings, and life boats. Would you know what to do in an emergency? The mates are there for you. And don't forget the small talk, fishing tips, and the help given to rookies of all ages. They work in blazing heat, freezing cold and all kinds of foul weather. Most of these guys are employed full time and are true pros, not part timers just there for the summer. (Of course there is some summer help but that doesn't make the job easy for them either.) So listen, when you go to a restaurant would you leave a 3$ tip on a 42$ tab? Or a 5$ tip on a 65$ dollar tab? I hope not. And if you are lucky enough to win a pool remember that you might have missed that fish if these guys missed the details. It's just my opinion but a $20 tip on a $300 pool is not good enough. After all it's found money while having a good time. We are all working for a living and want to be paid what we're worth. So keep in mind what went in to your good time and leave a reasonable tip.

[tautog]

Glad to see that your post did not fully match the title. I was ready to throwdown.:D As for tipping, I would much rather have a higher all inclusive fare with no tipping because the mates are being paid a good daily wage, but the majority have decided that the current system of lower wages plus tips is preferable.

[Bass_Appeal]

well said!

[reason162]

...a $20 tip on a $300 pool is not good enough.

That is very shabby indeed. Poorly done.

-roger

[NoLimit]

So how much is enough for a $300 pool?

[tautog]

Pool that size, I usually give a third. Most of my pools tend to be less than $100, so I usually just take back some gas money. I would think 20%-25% is acceptable for a good sized pool.

[Kenny O]

20% at least

[fishguy]

F*****g A Right. Unfortunately the only people who will read this thread are fishermen, not the typical skinflint summer mo-mo most responsible for walking off the boat after the mate busts his ass untangling his families mess all day long and making sure his kids have fun and stay safe.

As for the fishermen who WILL read this post, and I use the term fishermen very, very loosely, and still stiff the mate or tip a paltry sum for an honest days work I say this: you are cheap scum. That work ain't easy and you will never send a kid to college on a mates pay or get health insurance either. Pony up you cheap bastards, even if you don't catch a keeper. It's called fishing for a reason.

15-20% is standard when you go out to eat and you are only there for an hour or so having plates and drinks brought to you. Even just a half day trip is over 4 hours and working deck is a hell of a lot harder than carrying plates and placing orders. (I'm not taking anything away from waiters/waitresses/bartenders. They have their own special hell to deal with too) Don't you think mates deserve the same consideration? I sure as hell do and tip accordingly and so should everyone. Don't like the service? Don't go back and find another boat. Plain and simple. No excuses cheapskates!

[PaBeerGuy]

I think the tip should be based on the fare, not the pool. 20% minimum. And if you happen to win the pool? go an extra $20.

[reason162]

Pool that size, I usually give a third. Most of my pools tend to be less than $100, so I usually just take back some gas money. I would think 20%-25% is acceptable for a good sized pool.

We're almost exactly on the same page. I think 20% on the fare is pretty standard, let alone the pool. Certainly is expected in a restaurant and mates work harder and longer than waiters.

[njfisherman1975]

Mates...whether on a party boat or charter boat are sometimes the main reason you keep going back to the same boat. You end up seeing and talking to them more than most captains on a party boat too. They bust their ass all day in all kinds of weather and have to deal with the weekend warriors all summer. Tough tough job!

[lunkertaker]

We're almost exactly on the same page. I think 20% on the fare is pretty standard

Agreed. But I tend to lean on the higher side if I receive exceptional service. I once won a pool @ $275 on a bluefish trip out of belmar and gave 1/2 to the mate due to this. Depending on the size of the pool, I have given it all to them. Service...Service...Service.!:cool: I tend to tip well when warranted and sub-par if not which is usually the outlier and not the norm on the boats I usually fish on.

[GDubya07]

This is a tuff and ugly subject but here is my 2 cents and I am not a fisherman - strictly googan

Everyone tips differently and have there own views of services rendered.

Personally on a party boat with the daily pool I generally give 20%-50% - really not a problem with me since I dont win them often

The other day I was on a half day boat and won the pool - it was really , really hot and fishing was real slow - I didnt think the mates were going to get tipped well so I gave them 60%. That is just me. (They worked there azzez off BTW for everyone)

These guys work hard and I feel they deserve it . Some dont

Standard is 18%-30% like any other service you receive - the better the service the bigger the tip.

Some people dont believe in tipping some do - is what it is - right , wrong or in-different - too each his own and I can only worry about what I do and how I treat other people - IMHO

Gdubs- :cool:

[reason162]

Agreed. But I tend to lean on the higher side if I receive exceptional service. I once won a pool @ $275 on a bluefish trip out of belmar and gave 1/2 to the mate due to this. Depending on the size of the pool, I have given it all to them. Service...Service...Service.!:cool: I tend to tip well when warranted and sub-par if not which is usually the outlier and not the norm on the boats I usually fish on.

20% is a minimum on the fare, and pools...pools can be funny. I've nearly always split pools with mates, and most of my pools are under 100. I would say me personally, 1/3 of the pool at a minimum, usually half, at least on my regular boat.

The tip system is a strange one. On the one hand it supposedly encourages good service, but on the other hand you know that it's basically their wage.

[SaltyAngler]

I remember this guy on paramount...won the pool (think it was around 140 or 150) and tipped $14. He looked like a cheap prick to be honest.

$14.

[Joey Dah Fish]

Here is my 5 cents :) always tip your mates a minimum 20% of fare and 30 % of the fare. I hardly ever fish a charter or a party boat, but when I do I love the fact that I don't have to set up the stuff. Clean the boat, stop for bait etc etc the list of what they do is endless. All of you that own a boat and take people out fishing with you understand this all to well. I'm not sure that measuring one mate to another on any given day is a fair way to tip. I have some bad days that I don't feel well and still go to work not producing what I would like to. But to show up and not leave the capt and fisherman short handed is indeed worthy is a good tip. So please don't judge based on a single trip. These guys are hard WORKING people that put up with a lot of *******s sometimes twice a day. They are struggling to make a living instead of staying at home on government benefits. They do it for the love of it. They are entitled to a bad day here or there. My hat is off to you guys and thanks for all you do.

[joerosa1]

The amount of the tip is based on the quality of the service rendered. The boats I frequent I go to because they are quality operation with stellar mates and deserve a standard 15% to 20% tips regardless if I caught fish or not. Very few incidences I walk off the boat w/o giving a tip because of the poor unprofessional or inexcusable service (very rare).

[Wien21]

2 pages of big B/S......hate to say

[dakota560]

There's been many posts written about this and there's no single answer. Here's my perspective. Mates work hard to make our trips more productive and enjoyable. At least most do, an I'll get to that shortly. Remember these guys are working for a living and as someone pointed out I believe their hourly wage is low and a significant portion of their income is dependant on tips. That being said you should take care of them as best you can. Chances are unfortunately that the same people who leave a $5 tip on a $100 tab at a restaraunt are the same people who will walk of a boat without leaving the mate a thing. It's just the way some people unfortunately are. I always give as much as I can and if I hit the pool I'll give at least 20% depending on two things, the size of the pool and how good the mates are. At times I've given 50% or more of the pool to the mates because they deserved it. This however gets back to my earlier comment, almost all mates work their asses off and should be well taken care off. I have, which I would assume all of us have, experienced mates who think a tip is an entitlement and after doing absolutely nothing to deserve it throughout the trip had their hands out at the end. In those cases I've still given them something but truthfully I should have stiffed them. Again this is only in cases where clearly they didn't do anything to deserve a tip and truthfully the boat would have been better off without their presence. This is obviously a minority of cases but it does happen. My point is acknowledge these guys or gals are there to make a living and make your trip a pleasant experience so compensate them accordingly. Not everyone has the same means so there is no set answer but in general do the best you can and if your lucky enough to win the pool do something even better. If you frequent the same boat believe me they will not forget your generosity and it will be repaid many times over.

Truth be told, it seems like mating is an easy out in the sun job but let me tell you, and I have never mated, these folks work their asses off and their service deserves to be acknowledged by more than just a hand shake.

Dakota

[bulletbob]

I am of two different minds on this.. First off, I never allow the mates to clean fish.. I just prefer the way I do it.. The mates leave a lot of bones, only because they have to work REAL fast.. Second, I am adept at untangling lines, like any good fisherman, and its usually done before the mate is even close by..

If i snag, i can free it myself most of the time, if not its usually broken off before the mate gets there.

I suppose my feeling is this.. If I use the services of the mates, they should be tipped.. In other words, blues, fluke, stripers, weaks etc where they have to net or gaff fish, or really help out, sure they deserve some consideration.. however what about a ling or sea bass trip where you have no contact with any mate the entire day, other than giving them the fare, or when they put the first cup of clam snot near your rod?... Last 4 trips on head boats were all bottom trips, and to be honest, I personally didn't see much of the mates. I hate to say it, they were fishing most of time... I know they would have been there if I called, no question, but many head boat patrons are very self sufficient.. If they have NO contact with a mate on any given day, are they obligated to tip anyway? I know the mates cut the bait on the way out, and put it into containers, but is that really worth 20% of a $70 fare?? Just playing devils advocate here..
If I win a pool, I give a decent tip, and if I used their services I would as well, however, many times, I just don't see them around me on any given trip, and thats the truth..Last trip out, I had to shuck and cut my own clams up out of the bag, as did many of the other fares if they wanted fresh bait.. Sorry, I just don't always feel the need to tip, as the service doesn't always warrant it... Honestly what is it worth if the only contact you have with a mate during an entire day, is when he bends over near your rig, and places a container of clam snot on the deck???.. Is that really worth a 20 dollar bill?.. To me, it would be if the guy gaffed a dozen fish, untangled me a few times, tied a rig up for me, cleaned my fish etc, but I have only rarely gotten that level of service -and thats going back 40 years,, Truth be told, a lot of the mates[NOT all] seem much more interested in fishing alongside the fares than in providing memorable service to the fares.... bob

[Joey Dah Fish]

Bullet well said. One counter point though. Do you think the boat would have sailed at all to take you fishing with out the mates. Is it the mates fault that the captains decide to determine his or her salary by under paying and making them dependent on tips. Is it the mates fault if the captain doesn't find fish?

[bulletbob]

Bullet well said. One counter point though. Do you think the boat would have sailed at all to take you fishing with out the mates. Is it the mates fault that the captains decide to determine his or her salary by under paying and making them dependent on tips. Is it the mates fault if the captain doesn't find fish?
No, if the boat doesn't catch fish, they simply aren't biting.. The captains know where the fish are.. The only excepe\tion is when they simply aren't where they normally should be, such as bluefish this year.. Its the fault of the conditions that particular day, if the fishing is bad.

I can't say why a mates salaries are low.. However, I can remember years ago, some mates stayed with certain captains for YEARS, had homes and families etc.. They probably did ok, otherwise why stay in the business?
As far as sailing without the mates, of course, the captain needs them to sail.. However, my question remains.. Do I tip the mate just for showing up for his job??.. Even if he never comes in contact with me at all on any given day?... That happens a lot. Thats my point.. I am not sure I am obligated to tip... Lets put it this way.. If you went for pizza, but brought it out to the car yourself , should you tip the waitress thats serving others at tables??.. Yes they work there, they work for tips, and should be tipped for good service,, However you did NOT utilize her service that day.. Next time you might if you sit down to eat... Thats my take on it.. Tips should be a reward for services rendered.. If no services are forthcoming however, am I still obligated???. bob

[reason162]

Just playing devils advocate here..

So you clean your own fish and untangle your own lines, that's great. They will happily do it for you, but it's a free country. Do you prep the boat to sail in the morning? Do you clean the boat after you're done fishing? Do you help with anchoring and docking?

And I'm just curious: when you go bottom fishing, on those trips where you purportedly have zero contact with the mates...do you tip nothing as you step off the boat?

The problem is you think any amount of tip is solely for "good service." That might be true beyond the 20%, but that 20% ought be thought of as part of their wage, not a "bonus" for exceptional service. That's the reality of the system, same is true in the food biz. Minimum wage does not apply to servers/waiters, and I suspect not to mates on a party boat either. The correct way to frame this in your mind is thus: tack on the 20% to your fare, and just pretend it's part of the fare. Unless something egregious happens on the water, you are responsible for your portion of their wages.

[flyersnfluke]

I (and the guys I go with) generally tip 20% of the fare, if for some reason we are needier than usual than we give more, but we're pretty self sufficient and think the mates should concentrate on those who need help more than us (getting tangles out/fish off hooks etc...). I've never won a really big pool..but the last one I did I wound up splitting with the mates, just kept enough so that my day of fishing was free.

One issue I always had is WHO to tip. It's often my experience that one guy is working the deck where I'm fishing and another guy the other part of the boat (I usually get there early enough for a stern spot), but when it comes to cleaning the fish they are splitting the work, or the other guy does most of the cleaning.....If the mates pool tips at the end no problem, but I sometimes I feel that one guy of the two may be getting stiffed.

[Cuz]

I try to make the mates day easier by handling my own fish and tangles. I tell them to cater to the greenhorns where they are needed.
Last week I saw a pool winner of $45.00 give the mate $3.00. I had to bite my lip really hard. But I could tell he wasn't a fisherman. How do you get through to someone who doesn't understand the business. He was out with a friend for a fun day. He'll probably won't be back very soon.
Some boats post a 20% tip is fair. They should all do that.
When I mated on Captain Joe Vasallo's boat, Captain Joe, out of Belmar many moons ago, I use to bring a big straw hat and walk it around at the end of the trip. This way I reminded people they forgot to tip the mate. Even the cheap skates were shamed into giving me a couple of dollars. Maybe passing the hat around could solve, if not help, the tip issues. Sounds like a winner to me. Can't count on peoples memory to tip.

[bulletbob]

So if a boat has 50 people on board, and the fare is $75 and everyone tips 20%, 2 mates get to split $900 for the day???.. Lots of bread there... I have to work 3 weeks to bring that much money home...
Ridiculous scenario I know....

I am glad there are so many guys that can afford to pay $65 and up for a boat fare, plus a $15 and up tip for a mate that fishes the entire trip[again, not all, but still a lot of them], not to mention tackle, gas, to and from, tolls, etc.. I personally am not in that position.. Should I NOT go on a head boat, because I don't feel I need to tip the mate simply because he's there?. I have in the past and will in the future tip the mates, and have and will share pools with them if I ever win another. However, I feel no obligation to do so.. If they have no contact with me, never say a word other than "hey guys" as we walk aboard, and they fish most of the day leaving customers to cut their own bait, I will probably not tip.. If they provide reasonable service, sure, why not?
I can't recall the last time I saw a mate help a struggling newbie on a boat catch a few fish... I have seen it in the past, yes, but its more and more rare today.
For some reason,most of the mates I see these days are very young as well. I just don't see the seasoned vets like I did years back.

On one trip the kid was telling the customers that the previous day's stinkin' rotten bleached out white clam snot he was passing out was every bit as good as fresh shucked clams.. NO difference at all!.. Everyone knew better, and went and got their own clams and shucked and cut them themselves, me included.. Maybe he was under captains orders to use the rotten shit up first, but the paying customers didn't like it, and let him know.. Good tips should follow good service, thats all i am saying.. It would be great if everyone got top pay for substandard or lackluster work performance, but thats simply not the real world.. I have to have a good attitude, and provide my best effort every day at work to earn my meager salary, and go the extra mile daily to gain the respect of those I serve as well as those that employ me.. Sorry guys, but I don't see it on all the head boats.
Might be just me, but it seems a few of the captains care more about cheap help as opposed to seriously good help.. Just my take on it, flame away if you'd like.. Good tips for good service is what the mates should be thinking, Not expecting good tips simply because they work on a head boat.

Put down the rod, and ask the guys if they want some fresh bait, and keep an eye on the obvious beginners, and show them the ropes. A smile and some real, honest friendliness goes a long way toward winning customers hearts and minds as well. Thats what gets the borderline cheapskates to open their wallets.
Not fishing much of the trip, and only working when the boat is underway, or anchoring. bob

[fishguy]

That's a long and thought out reply, bullet. You are cheap. Only someone trying to assuage his own guilt about being cheap would put all that effort into a reply such as yours. It sounds like the mates on the party boats you frequent are EXACTLY the kind of mates you like. They don't need to take care of you as you are self-sufficient so you can justify being a lousy tipper.

[tombanjo]

That's a long and thought out reply, bullet. You are cheap. Only someone trying to assuage his own guilt about being cheap would put all that effort into a reply such as yours. It sounds like the mates on the party boats you frequent are EXACTLY the kind of mates you like. They don't need to take care of you as you are self-sufficient so you can justify being a lousy tipper.

Thought Bob's reply was well thought out and covered the bases vis a vis good and bad mating. Don't know how you consider it being cheap. I'll use the restaurant analogy so many others here have used Fishguy. If you can't find your server for long periods of time, like when you want to return a dish or need to order more and their service ends up giving your meal a bad taste, do you still automatically tip them 20% or more? I don't think so.

Somebody brought up a scenario where a big crowd might end up giving a large amount in tips at the end of the day. Some restuarants have been known to take a cut of that, do salaried captains do the same? I've heard complaints about a % of fish money having to be kicked upstairs.

[fishguy]

Thought Bob's reply was well thought out and covered the bases vis a vis good and bad mating. Don't know how you consider it being cheap. I'll use the restaurant analogy so many others here have used Fishguy. If you can't find your server for long periods of time, like when you want to return a dish or need to order more and their service ends up giving your meal a bad taste, do you still automatically tip them 20% or more? I don't think so.

Somebody brought up a scenario where a big crowd might end up giving a large amount in tips at the end of the day. Some restuarants have been known to take a cut of that, do salaried captains do the same? I've heard complaints about a % of fish money having to be kicked upstairs.

I'll throw the restaurant analogy right back at you. You go to a restaurant and the food is good but the service is terrible. (good fishing, bad mate) Then I tip less. Conversely, if the food is terrible and the service is good (bad fishing, good mate) I will tip well, like always. If the food and service are bad then I don't go back to that restaurant. (This is where the analogy gets dicey because comparing bad food to bad fishing doesn't really add up. There are so may reasons out of a Captains control that could make fishing poor)

I'm saying it sounds like bullet keeps going back to a restaurant with good food and bad service so he can justify not tipping.

As for a Captain dipping into the mates tips, that is simply outrageous.

[Flukenstein]

The restaurant analogy is only good up to a point. The waiters don't put in hours of prep time before you arrive and clean up time after you leave. They don't wash the dishes and silver ware. They don't set the table. If you sit in a diner for breakfast how much extra attention do you need from from a waitress? We are all "self sufficient " eaters. I guess Bob doesn't tip in that case because the only service he got was when the server delivered the food. Bob, it sounds like you are fishing on a boat (or boats) with crappy mates who don't do much of anything. Try fishing with some polished professionals and you'll see a big difference. I would not be a regular where the service is as bad as you get. Also, you might notice better service if you were a better tipper. Why would a mate give you a lot of attention when he knows he'll be getting a paltry tip if any at all. There are other fishermen who are self sufficient AND good tippers.

[bulletbob]

That's a long and thought out reply, bullet. You are cheap. Only someone trying to assuage his own guilt about being cheap would put all that effort into a reply such as yours. It sounds like the mates on the party boats you frequent are EXACTLY the kind of mates you like. They don't need to take care of you as you are self-sufficient so you can justify being a lousy tipper.

You can think I'm cheap, thats fine, and I really have no guilt feelings to justify.
I like to explain myself as best I am able, and am not a guy that provides one line answers to complex issues.. At my age, I have plenty of time on my hands.

The fact remains. If you wish to be well rewarded, take the level of effort up a notch or three. That goes for any endeavor in this life , from brain surgery to shining shoes.

Maybe I am "out of the loop" and times have changed.. Perhaps it is proper etiquette in the modern age to tip well in any "tips accepted " , venue, even if you have received no service at all.

That simply goes against my nature..

I simply feel one needs to put forth ones best effort always if expecting a customer to generously grease the palm at days end.
Lackluster effort?? Its the customers call .
Again, perhaps its a trend, but I see mostly young kids working the boats these days. I see a pretty poor work ethic compared to years ago.
I don't go 2-3-4 times a week like some regulars here, so of course I don't get to see every mate on every boat.. If I get on a head boat 3-4 times a year these days I am lucky, so I readily admit, there is an awful lot I DON'T see.

Another thing I have considered is this.. I am always an outsider. I don't know the mates, and they don't know me.
These kids might be a lot more forthcoming to regulars they see often and know they can expect a good tip for good service. Perfectly understandable.. In any case, think of me as a cheapskate if you'd like, thats fine, regardless, I have enjoyed the debate... bob

[Ol Pedro]

It's all about service . When a crew always tries to do the right thing regardless of if they get a tip or not in the end it always works out. If I didn't do a good job please tell me . If I didn't earn it then don't give it to me . I pray that I never get jaded and come to expect a tip . I have never stiffed a crew in my life but when they didn't do their jobs I let them know about it and stopped fishing on their boats . When you have to make most of your money in 4 to 6 months every penny counts . Don't forget that if the Boat doesn't sail the Mates don't get paid . If there only enough for one or two Mates the rest go home or fish .

[DonJose]

I tip the same way I do at a restaurant or anywhere - great service = great tip. Lousy service = lousy tip. However I always DO tip. If you get $5 or $10 from me, ask yourself why. If you get $20 or 15% o 20% (which is higher based on fare) keep doing what you're doing.

If I don't use you much, but you're smiling, say hello, ask me if there's anything I need, etc. then you did what you could to earn it. You'll get a good tip.

Everyone is entitled to a bad day. But just because you show up, don't expect 20%. Earn it & you won't feel bad about reminding people that you work for tips. Sometimes people do forget. Show people you care about them & you'll get tips.

Captains - remind everyone that the guys work for tips. No shame in that ESPECIALLY when they're giving great service.

Remember - good service & customers will recommend you. Bad service & customers will tell everyone to avoid you.

[DonJose]

I tip the same way I do at a restaurant or anywhere - great service = great tip. Lousy service = lousy tip. However I always DO tip. If you get $5 or $10 from me, ask yourself why. If you get $20 or 15% o 20% (which is higher based on fare) keep doing what you're doing.

If I don't use you much, but you're smiling, say hello, ask me if there's anything I need, etc. then you did what you could to earn it. You'll get a good tip.

Everyone is entitled to a bad day. But just because you show up, don't expect 20%. Earn it & you won't feel bad about reminding people that you work for tips. Sometimes people do forget. Show people you care about them & you'll get tips.

Captains - remind everyone that the guys work for tips. No shame in that ESPECIALLY when they're giving great service.

Remember - good service & customers will recommend you. Bad service & customers will tell everyone to avoid you.

[BlueDog]

Question: if I fish on a ling trip and catch 30 ling and have them filleted by the mates and give them 20$, is that good enough or should I give them more as I step off the boat? My tip usually depends on how many fish I (we) catch , if we have say 50 Seabass to fillet , it's usually 50-60 bucks. But it's always a minimum of 20$ even if there's no fish to fillet.
Art

[jswany04]

When on a boat that has 4 mates how does one go about tipping each one? At 20% of the fare for each one is expensive.

[Skolmann]

When on a boat that has 4 mates how does one go about tipping each one? At 20% of the fare for each one is expensive.

My son just started mating oi a boat out of Belmar this summer. According to him they divide the tips evenly; if there are 3 mates working that day and the tips add up $300, they each get $100.

[fishguy]

I think tips are divided evenly with the crew.
That 20% is the starting point for your fare and the fish cleaning and quality of service is where the adding or subtracting comes in. If the mate is a jerk, not helpful or absent all day than tip less. If he does a great job and is helpful than add some more to the tip. If you don't catch any keepers that is not the mates fault so don't stiff him.
If you come with a group, like the wife and kids tag along one day or something, the tip should still be based on the fare total for everyone. So many times I've seen a guy with a family and the mate takes care of him all day, untangling backlashes on their rental rods, helping his kids all day, being nice to them etc etc only to get 5 bucks (or less) in the end. The fare total for the group is like $150 or something and they tip 5 stinkin bucks? It should be more like $30.

I know that good tippers get remembered well by the mates as do the bad ones. It's very simple. You get what you pay for.

Don't be Mr. Pink...

[Ol Pedro]

Question: if I fish on a ling trip and catch 30 ling and have them filleted by the mates and give them 20$, is that good enough or should I give them more as I step off the boat? My tip usually depends on how many fish I (we) catch , if we have say 50 Seabass to fillet , it's usually 50-60 bucks. But it's always a minimum of 20$ even if there's no fish to fillet.
Art
Once is fine but It's up to you , I have no problem taking tips as I'm cutting . You should give how you feel . You can also tell who ever is handling your fish that you will catch him when you are getting off the boat . Sometimes waiting till you get off the boat helps get the tips flowing . Also our hands are clean and we don't get blood all over the money (more than once I have had to explain that it was fish blood on the money at the register )

[PCO]

It seems like a lot of mates would rather hang with the regulars then help the new guy! Once I took my brother on the Prowler for his B-day and gave the mate a tip of $20 as we bordered and never saw him again as he decided to hang with his buddies on the bow! You would think the new customers should get equal or more help! There are some very good mates and boats at the Highlands! The answer is 20% to a "good" mate is right on at the end of the day.

[Flukenstein]

50 people at $75 each = $3750 20% of $3750 is $750--not $900. So each mate would make $375 in dollars in tips. A good days pay indeed. But you continue to miss the point of the original post which is all the work done by the mates besides the actual fishing time. Furthermore, if you think mates are $375 a day very often you ARE out of the loop. There are many days when boats sail with 10-12 people and the mates are hoping to make $50 to split.

[sportfishingusa]

I would prefer to have a guy tip me 40 bucks on a 500 dollar pool than a 20 tip from a family of 5 or 6..

[jmurr711]

I would prefer to have a guy tip me 40 bucks on a 500 dollar pool than a 20 tip from a family of 5 or 6..
i heard yo like to tip while filleting.....

[sportfishingusa]

i heard yo like to tip while filleting.....



only way to do it son!!!! you know dat dere boy has a sign on his back to break his balls. hahaha that and if i waited around for fish i would be there another hour with all dem dere fish we catch.

[Pennsy Guy]

So how much is enough for a $300 pool?
Split it 50/50....on much smaller pools, I'll take my contribution and the mates get the rest, but that's just me.....

[tautog]

If the mate is busy filleting just shove your tip right in his front pants pocket. Some guys won't even mind that you only gave them a buck and others will want you to push it in deeper.:eek:

[dfish28]

Can we change the thread start post?? It would bring a lot less anger in from the get go if it read "why we Do!! tip mates" if the average angler got one, more power to em, but there is that unknown respect , percentage is up to them, if its the pool ,... One third at least , depending on pool, boat full of newbies, questionable...good day,, good tip!!!!!

[AJFISH13]

We split tips and 15-20% is customary. Just because fishing is tough and you dont catch doesnt mean you should tip less as long as the mate was helpful and did his job. If not then yes full power to tip less but base it on service not fish caught. We work hard fish or no fish and trust me we want to catch em just as bad if not worse then the customers I like full coolers and bloody decks it gets the blood flowing:cool: . And if you have a problem with one of the mates take it up with the captain. And 20 bucks out of the pool is fine but when I net or gaff the pool winner for someone that I may have also rigged up and instructed and they dont give us a dime it hurts more then my wallet its happened more then once and it really does hurt. 1/4 to 1/3 of the pool is customary but 20 is fine. Trust me when fishing is slow this business is tough.

[Honger]

just curious how much the mates get from the boat? $40? $50? or does it depend on the number of fares.

[Ol Pedro]

just curious how much the mates get from the boat? $40? $50? or does it depend on the number of fares.
On our boat the number of fares determines the number of Mates . Each boat is different . We sailed with 12 Saturday night which is only enough for one Mate so two of us shared everything .

[Honger]

I get that part, but i was wondering if the mates get any standard pay from the boat at all. Like $50 a day or something like that.

[sportfishingusa]

I get that part, but i was wondering if the mates get any standard pay from the boat at all. Like $50 a day or something like that.


They all get standard fee structures per day, say around 75 or so per trip, then they deduct taxes, there is not much money in their regular pay

[bunker dunker]

Is The Fishing That Bad!!!lab Is Looking Down Just Shaking His Head.

[Capt. Debbie]

And I'm sure there are people on this Board that say even a lazy mate should be tipped too.

I've towed guys for hours, docked them perfectly. SInce they are memebrs they dont pay a nickle on what would have been a $1500 job. Most do not give you a cent.

The guys in the ragged a*sed POS boats are the ones who usually tip after spending 3-5 hours with them.

[jmurr711]

Is The Fishing That Bad!!!lab Is Looking Down Just Shaking His Head.
hahahaahhahahha

[Capt. Debbie]

Seems to be an unwritten law that boat owners are not allowed to pay mates anything but the absolute min wage that will keep the owner legal. Strange.. since the mates are the ones that keep customers coming back.

Hey go figure! This Thread started last August- it's almost its birthday. LOL



I get that part, but i was wondering if the mates get any standard pay from the boat at all. Like $50 a day or something like that.

[Kenny V]

Tip the mates because its the proper thing to do...

I dont get why some folks dont get it!! A waitress takes yur order , brings you food . Maybe checks on you once. Maybe a lousy service or food but still gets a min tip. A mate good or bad fishing serves you all day, does whatever he can . Gets you out of some sticky messes and back in the water ASAP and sometimes don't get a tip...

read a few posts in this threads , dont want to get into the sticky- ness but want to add my 2 cents.
Well said Aj n Ol Pedro ( good points from other folks too ) . Im not a mate on any head boats but always did , always will on any private boat I been on.. One primary thing I like to do is see folks catch fish , always help them rig up and teach technique.... love to see them take home a bag of fillets of fresh fish too .. I also agree guys who dont sail on head boats , never gona get it nor read this type of forum . So they have a bad trip and take it out on the mates and is their own foolishness. I have to confess I was cheap and didn't get it either .. One reason,bc I always fished caught / cleaned my own fish for over 20 years having my own boat . Never understood being served . I guess Besides ignorance it was mostly , pride than I finally opened my eyes when I realized these guys want to help and are doing it for a living.

However some folks , even novices will realize Gratatuity is gratitude period !!! so they tip something . Bottom line is some folks dont get it and never will . The mates work on tips want to catch fish and want to serve you. They love what they do and love to see fish being caught. Than you have the regulars who have been around no matter what they understand and tip appropriately . Ill say one thing I am not well off ,could just about afford a trip . But I still tip what I can ...they understand and appreciate whatever is offered and help you out no matter what . However when I win a pool I'll give min 30-40% . Hec I have even given it all on days that its a small pool . One thing ill say its sad when someone wins a healthy pool $200-300 -$400. Perhaps 4 mates on the boat and they may give $ 30-40 bucks total now thats cheap!!!


.. I will say depending on the boat you go on and the day you have may make or break your experience . If ya only went once and had a bad day well that may be first impression. Our mates understand and put up with this stuff all the time... Good ones are seasoned work hard ., show up at the boat 5-5:30am everyday. Rain, sun , wind, snow.... weather they sail or not. Always helping customers aboard with gear,... cut bait and what have ya... some may work two looooong trips all day baking in the hot sun... , dont finish up cleaning the boat till 8-9 pm. Go Home , sleep only to do it all over again a few hours later.

Lastly must say all my years on head boats maybe I met but one or two bad apple mates from over 10-15 / boats in 1000 trips. Maybe One or two young, lazy ones but they learn real quick or dont last long. Of course the boats I have always sailed on have the best mates tho … guess thats why I sail on them... .;)

my 2 cents. So Tip your mates what ya can and don't be cheap

[teddysclaw]

I always make sure to tip the mates well, but to be honest it's the mates and captains who are screwing themselves. You want the better money, then make the tip inclusive into the fare so that everyone is compensated fairly.

You guys are leaving it up to chance, that the customer will tip you, then when they don't, there's a lot of complaints. So.....seems to me the solution is to just include it into the fare.


The mates and captains chose this arrangement of payment....so don't really understand where the complaints are coming from. Nurses and doctors at the hospital are saving lives, and they don't get tipped. Doctors make a lot of money, but they also go through 12 years of education (8yrs school + 4 yrs residency). Nurse assistants make squat, but they don't get tipped. Life is hard, and whining about tipping in a payment scheme that you constructed seems kinda dumb.

Not saying mates don't deserve tips...just that the complaining about the situation is dumb.

[jmurr711]

I normally tell the mates to lose weight or try a new hairstyle thats my tip

[bunker dunker]

HEY JOE IS THAT A FAT JOKE!!!!{LOL} this is nuts:rolleyes:

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not sure what it is for mates and if it even applies to them, but the minimum wage in NJ for service industry employees in the restaurant business like waiters and bar tenders is $2.13. Not a heck of a lot of money and these people rely on tips to make up the difference.

In my mind there are a few sensible rules when it comes to tipping mates.
- If you catch fish or not the mates deserve a tip
- As a general rule it should be between 18 to 20% of the fare.
- If you get exceptional service and you can afford it than more
- If you are smart and require a lot of maintenance like me or you are fishing with a kid who will need a lot of assistance you might tip in advance to insure good service.
- If the mate has to clean a lot of my fish (usually not the case with me) I will tip them a buck or so a fish in addition to the tip.

If you can't afford to tip properly that's one thing, but being cheap is another. Tip with your conscious knowing what you can afford and the level of service you get. Most mates deserve it, if they don't they shouldn't be a mate and won't be around very long.

[codkiller731]

Thanks very much for bringing up this topic. As a deckhand on a boat in AH, good tips are always highly appreciated. We work for tips. That's what our income is based on. As a deckhand, we do as much as we can to assure that we receive a good tip. Thanks very much for recognizing how important the deckhands are to the operation of the party boats.

[Flukenstein]

One more reminder to not forget all the work that gets done before and after the actual fishing. It makes a big difference.

[chef bet]

My son won the pool a few weeks back at $200. There were 3 mates that did a fine job all day long, besides taking a liking to my 10 year old. We or should I say I tipped the mates $25. each for a fine day of fishing & making us laugh a little. My son still went home with a nice little extra money & had a blast . A win win for all.

[june181901]

Capt Frank.
Are you being serious when you state that you expect a tip when you tow someone in who is a paying member of your employer's organization?
If yes would you give a reason?

Confused.

[Flukenstein]

Just got home from my favorite 1/2 day pb. The $140 dollar pool was taken by a guy fishing with his 10 yr old daughter. A nice 5 1/2 lb. fish. The dad takes the bag of fillets and gives the kid $2 to tip the mates with. Just to be clear, that's $2, two dollars, a pair of ones, two 1$ bills. Now the mates an go buy the pencils they've been wanting.

[GDubya07]

Thanks very much for bringing up this topic. As a deckhand on a boat in AH, good tips are always highly appreciated. We work for tips. That's what our income is based on. As a deckhand, we do as much as we can to assure that we receive a good tip. Thanks very much for recognizing how important the deckhands are to the operation of the party boats.


I know who this is and this is your googan who you have been teaching how to bucktail on a spinner rod - my new penn battle??? - you are worth every penny Kiddo and I just love fishing with you and on the boat . You work hard and deserve it . Now the other one - well thats a whole different story - must feed the tapeworm and bring you guys some big-stosh's. You guys on this boat I frequent are worth every penny - all 3 of you - even Mr. Rock-n-Roll- now you need to teach me how to fillet next .

Thanks to all the hard working mates out there especially this one and my favorite 3/4 day boat

GDubs-:cool:

[AVA67]

This thread reminds me of all the reason's I am no longer a full time mate. :) I worked part time (3 days a week for my last 2 years of college) and then full time for about 4 years out of the Atlantic Highlands fleet. Happily I (for the past few years) now have another full time job, that although doesn't really pay as well as my best year on the boat, it has turned me back into the civil minded person I was before I started working deck. I still fill in a trip now and then just for a little extra cash or to help out a captain or mate that needs a hand for the day. Here are just a few random thoughts, points, and counter points to what I have read so far in this thread.

Over the course my best season Early April until Late December I made $9,800 from the captain. That was with me leaving my house at 5:00 am and getting home at 8:45 pm on a good night during half day sailings (april-mid October) late fall was better 4:45 am to about 5:00 pm. Days I didn't sail I still spent about $14 dollars in gas to and from the boat as well as $2 in tolls. If I didn't get out on the morning trip (During which I spent 6:00 am to 8:00 am on the dock without getting paid, I then had to wait around for the afternoon trip to see if I would get out then, another 1 1/2 unpaid hours at the dock.

Trip where we did sail, but with only for enough fares for one mate it depended on whether or not it was your day to know if you or the other mate was being sent home, or you could split your already low pay with the other mate and both work.

Anyone that thinks that the mates are splitting 15-20% of the fare money on a relatively crowded boat is out of there mind. Honestly I would always do best with about 15-18 guys if I was working by myself or about 30 guys if two mates were splitting the trip. It allowed us to give better service to all aboard.

95-98% of the best tippers out there require VERY LITTLE in the way of help from the mate over the course of a trip. Yes, they do get the best of the bait, and I would respond to their call for a net or gaff before someone that I didn't know, but that is about it. These men and women know how to tie their own rigs, bait their own hooks, stay out of tangles before they begin, cast their own lines, and swing shorts and marginal keepers without any help from me. Of course help was always offered, but normally I was told to go help someone else, or simply they got it.

Some people say tips stands for To Insure Prompt Service. The problem with that is you know some of your regular customers that will give you very little to nothing in the way of tips. In this day and age with fewer people coming to the harbor a mate cannot afford to give them any less in the way of service, otherwise the captain and crew might lose them to another boat. I worked a trip earlier this week where I was the only mate. I went out with somewhere between 12-15 fares. I knew 10 of the fares (that I can remember) from my past working in the harbor. I can honestly say that of the 10 I knew, I removed every single short and sea robin from every hook, netted every "close" fish that was asked to be netted, measured every fish that needed it, untangled every tangle in the group, and filleted every keeper that the 10 caught. I did this even knowing what i had coming. The group of 5 gave me $10, the two groups of 2 gave me $5 each, and the 1 guy gave me $10. I could have told you that that is what I was going to make from each of them before the boat left the dock, but I still gave the best service I was able. Assuming a $60 fare if 10 were all seniors (which most of them were not) that would mean for the 10 I knew I made $30 out of $600 (in fares) or exactly %5.

The sad reality of being a mate at this time is that most of your money will come from a select group of people you already know. Most new fares will tip well below 20% Fares are now expecting more and more from mates and are not willing to tip accordingly. If a mate wants to keep the boat in business and his job he better be able to take all the S#%T every day with a smile.

All that being said, I do fish whenever time allows on party boats that I both know and are new to me. I have met many great mates and I have met some not so great mates. I can honestly say I have never walked off a boat without tipping at least 20% OR letting the captain and mate know exactly why I didn't tip at all or up to my normal standards so that the everyone knew what I perceived as wrong or not up to snuff.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Great post AVA ^^^^^^

Good to know the reality of things first hand from a mate. Hoping this will make some people see the light.

As I said above, if you get good service not being able to afford to tip properly is one thing, but being cheap is a choice. It's just another way for selfish people to get over. They name streets after people like these ... "One Way".

I used to just let it go and tollerate these sorts.... Now I bring it to their attention.. For me, it's not a matter of the money, it's the principle of it and I just want to let them know that I know exactly what they are up to and they are just retry to get over.

Nothing worse than a Cheapskate in my book.

[hartattack]

Thank you AVA67 (Braden) for your detailed, personal post - it certainly opened my eyes !! I miss seeing you at the Harbor & was hopeful that you landed a full-time teaching gig. Keep on pluggin' . . . good things happen to good peeps and you're better than good :) . . . Best always, Larry

[Michael82929]

Great post... the only thing I want to add that I know for sure...

The Blue Heron out of Jupiter Fl, you get in the pool, you spilt 50% of the pool with the mates..

[Gerry Zagorski]

I'm all for tipping but not sure I like the manditory/entitlement 50% tip if you win the pool. After all, tipping in my mind is based on the level of service you get and that's the way it should be. It gives service people motivation to do their best.

[Madfisherman]

I have fished on party boats for about 20yrs now. I have also worked on one of my favorite boats out of Point. When I get lucky enough to win the pool I usually give it all to the mates, not because I think its right or mandatory just after working the boat myself I know how tough a job it can be. I once was handed 2 dollars after a night of bluefishing tangled lines gaffing fish cleaning the boat I handed the 2 dollars back to the guy and told he must need it more than me. Not to sound like a jerk but after helping this guy all night I felt a little pissed. Anyway just like everyone says the tip should match the level of comfort, help, and everything else the mates try to do for you while your out there.

[TDaly25]

I consider myself to be as self-sufficient a fare as they come. I tie my own rigs, untie my own tangles, unhook my own fish and fillet all my own fish. On my regular charters on which I know the crew and most fares, I generally fillet all the fish for the boat.

On head boats I always tip a minimum of $25. On Charters it ranges from $25 to $50, depending on the number of additional passengers. Any pool won (most recent was earlier this week) usually goes directly to the mate(s). If its an u usually large pool, I'll sometimes reimburse myself the cost of charter, but only seldom. I do my fishing for the fun of it, not to make money.

[Flukenstein]

There's been a lot of agreement on giving a reasonable tip to the mates. Several mates have expressed what it's like working on a party boat and have made good points regarding the actual fishing trip and all the prep and clean up work involved. Is there anybody who would like to make a case or offer an explanation as to why they believe otherwise? We'd love to hear from you.

[RnK]

I went thru 4 pages of the 8 of this thread, so maybe what I'm going to say has been covered, but I chime in to give perspective on something that has always struck me and have never read on one of these threads.

I give minimum 20% all the time (and I only fish boats where service is good.) Here is what strikes me - sooo many times when I give the tip to the mate and he sees how much it is, I get a very profound thank you, as if it was a lot, i.e. people don't routinely tip that much. Perhaps I'm reading it wrong, and I hope I am, but I doubt it. It's sad, as no one in the service industry works as hard as mates.

[kenny2002]

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have had a much better fishing day after getting advise from the mate. I think that $20.00 is the minimum that anyone should tip. I have won the pool a few times and I always leave the whole thing to them. They deserve every penny they get. I know for a fact that a lot of people don't tip at all or only leave a few dollars and that's wrong. Please tip the mates they deserve every penny and they treat everyone great.

[tombanjo]

I can't begin to tell you how many times I have had a much better fishing day after getting advise from the mate. I think that $20.00 is the minimum that anyone should tip. I have won the pool a few times and I always leave the whole thing to them. They deserve every penny they get. I know for a fact that a lot of people don't tip at all or only leave a few dollars and that's wrong. Please tip the mates they deserve every penny and they treat everyone great.
35%? What if you go two or three times a week, do you still do that?

[Uncle Nicky]

Everybody deserves to earn a living, this includes the mates.

I look at it as the same as going to a restaurant, if you can't or don't want to pay for the meal & a tip, stay the hell home & eat a box of mac & cheese. Or fish in the local creek, that doesn't cost very much.:rolleyes:

I can't tell you how many charters I set up in the past, only to have my "buddies" argue & try to lowball the mate with a tip, I wound up digging into my own pocket to make up the difference. Same guys who drive a $40k pickup truck & spend $100/week on smokes & beer.

[sportfishingusa]

People are really missing some of the key points here.. Single passengers is not the real problem now a days and especially in the summer..

I worked deck in barnegat light, railed from front the back bluefishing in 100 degree heat with 90 people on the boat, 4 mates, and have walked off with 100 bucks.. that is 400 dollars between 90 people. thats is an average of 4.44 per person.. The singles are not the ISSUE, i will repeat it over and over again, IT IS THE GROUPS!!

I have waited hand and foot on a family of 6, and they give you 20 bucks, that is the real problem. if you have 40 people on a party boat, 15 singles and 25 are all groups of 5, you are looking to have a crappy day, it is just the way it is.

Vacationing families, and groupsof people today need to realize that each person is handled as an individual and not as a group, and if you have a party of 5 sitting there fishing, you are fishing with 5 separate fares, even though one dad might be paying, still need to throw these guys a 100 bucks atleast for that..

[RussA]

1/4 to 1/3 of the pool is customary but 20 is fine. Trust me when fishing is slow this business is tough.

The pool money is not owed to the mates, none of it, zip, Nada.

I worked on a boat for years and I never counted on pool money just the services I gave for my tips.

When I worked deck the pay was $50 a day and this was 15 years ago, so I will assume that the rate of pay is around $50-$80 a day depending if you are first, second or greenhorn. I am talking about party boats here, not charter.

I made 150-200 a day on average and summer weekends we would rack up we had $400 days.

Now I tip 30% ($20) and the pool I give what I feel I want to. I fish a lot so pool money gets used for me to go fishing again, and that means with that extra fare a mate can work deck some times and that boat stays in business.

You think you are entitled to anything and you will be sadly mistaken... Good Luck :)

[AJFISH13]

All true but do you really need that 300 dollars??? What about the tourist who wins the pool and tips nada do you really need all that money??? 20 is perfectly fine but a decent amount after helping them out all day is greatly appreciated. No its not entitled to us neither is a 15-20 percent tip its just appreciated. Thats all and if you use that pool money to fish on that boat again more power to ya but we always appreciate getting something out of it.

[Ol Pedro]

I don't depend on the pool as a big source of my income either . I would rather it be a pleasant surprise than expect a red cent from it . Some customers get a little funny when money's involved . Sometimes the hassles are not worth the trouble we go through . I would rather be cutting Bluefish/scrubbing down than sorting through every tote to find a winner . When I get to fish I don't get in the pool very often . When I do and I win the crew gets it all .

[Honger]

caught a big fish once and was probably leading the pool. One of the mate kept asking me "have you ever won pool before?" more than once during the rest of the trip. I guess i looked like a newb since I didnt have a bib on a winter trip and he wanted to make sure he got good chunk of the pool.

Pool ended up being $300, there were 2 mates so I gave one $80, and the other $80 in plain sight of both of them. The dude that kept asking me the question seemed pissed and actually told me he needs more. I was like WTF, threw him $20 more and never went back to that sponsor boat.

He was probably one in a few but there are times when some of them push the envelope. Ive also seen a mate go around with a jar at end of trips collecting tips. That made me not go on that boat again too.

[PocketFisherman]

If mates are only being paid 50 - 80 dollars for 12 hour days then the owners of these boat (collectively and through culture) have made the patron a scapegoat for not paying their employees a wage consistent with the work performed.

Doesn't NJ have a minimum wage? How do boats work around the fair labor and standards act? Overtime and the such?


That said - don't be cheap, good mates work hard and can make or break how enjoyable your trip is.

[Taxman]

Change the structure, raise the fare to cover the mates.

This will not happen because there will always be that one captain that will tell his mates that they will keep the lower price and make it up on volume

Mandatory tipping???? Really? Tips should be for good service, not just showing up

It is a pool, not a 50/50. If you want the mates to get half, make it a 50/50. How many people have complained that they thought the boat was skimming pool money from the top of the pool?

I tip well when treated well. I have tipped up front to have and have the mate disappear instead of helping with my daughter like I told him I was tipping him for.

You get what to pay for, you should not be obligated to pay for what you dont

[RussA]

All true but do you really need that 300 dollars??? What about the tourist who wins the pool and tips nada do you really need all that money??? 20 is perfectly fine but a decent amount after helping them out all day is greatly appreciated. No its not entitled to us neither is a 15-20 percent tip its just appreciated. Thats all and if you use that pool money to fish on that boat again more power to ya but we always appreciate getting something out of it.

Yes I really do need the $300. I made a calculated gamble and won, so yes i want the money.

Let's say you go to AC and win when playing black jack, and you win $500, are you going to give the dealer 30%-50% of your winnings for dealing your cards so they can then split it with the waitress who brought you drinks all night?

Yeah I think not... It's the same thing. Both of them are working their asses off too. ;)

[Flukenstein]

"Change the structure. Raise the rates." Why am I not surprised that this is proposed by "Taxman"? If a captain raises the rate 15 - 20% this will likely reduce the number of fares who show up at all. Who does this benefit?

[Flukenstein]

"Change the structure. Raise the rates." Why am I not surprised that this is proposed by "Taxman"? If a captain raises the rate 15 - 20% this will likely reduce the number of fares who show up at all. Who does this benefit?


Nobody has proposed "mandatory tipping". Just asking people to remember all the work that is done before and after the actual fishing. The cleaning of the boat, the maintenance of the rods and reels, the tying of the rigs, the stocking of the galley, the help in loading and unloading coolers and bags and much more. I think this should be considered when deciding on a reasonable tip.

[Taxman]

"Change the structure. Raise the rates." Why am I not surprised that this is proposed by "Taxman"? If a captain raises the rate 15 - 20% this will likely reduce the number of fares who show up at all. Who does this benefit?


I make my living helping people keep their money instead of paying taxes. I firmly believe if you work hard, you should keep your money to do what you want, not give it away for others to spend

You have pages of posts saying how everybody should tip no matter what because the mates need to make a living, all I am saying is pay them from the fare so they dont have to depend on the customer to pay them

[GDubya07]

When it comes to money it always gets ugly - pools - tournements anything involving - coin

To each his own - there is no right or wrong answer and comes down to personal choice - I choose to do one thing others choose differently - AVA and everyone else thank you all for your views and this discussion

Good luck

GDubs-:cool:

[Flukenstein]

I make my living helping people keep their money instead of paying taxes. I firmly believe if you work hard, you should keep your money to do what you want, not give it away for others to spend

You have pages of posts saying how everybody should tip no matter what because the mates need to make a living, all I am saying is pay them from the fare so they dont have to depend on the customer to pay them


T-Man, Your point is perfectly valid and I apologize if my response seemed to be a personal shot at you. It wasn't my intention, but it did seem to have a sarcastic tone. Sorry pal. Also, I stand in agreement with you on being unhappy with a mate who took a $20 tip in advance and then ignored you and your daughter. This is a perfect example of exactly what should not be done. The mate either did understand the reason for the early tip or chose to take the money and run. Neither is acceptable and this guy needs to be straightened out on what good service means. Hope your future trips are better. Tight lines.

[vinntastic]

Well the mates been eating good;) I usually go like 60/40 depending but I never give a 20 on a pool, I try to look at it like a free day of fishing,and try to get back what i spent, depends times I would split in half,if pool was small sometimes I give more to them then myself, for instance I won a 145 pool yesterday and gave the mates 70 bucks and I usually offer them water, food, Gatorade,whatever I have that I don't think I'm gonna use I offer,I won pools like 1200 and gave mates like a 400, yeah people get funny when it comes down to the mean green, but I am a giving person and it feels good to no I made someone's day... KARMA;)

[Chico]

Can't see how someone would have a problem tipping properly on a $65. fare?? I see more problems on the multi day trips where the fare is $450. to $575. I saw guys tipping $30. after the mates have spent two full days prepping the bait, boat, etc. and then cleaning a cooler full of fish! Last year I actually saw a guy tip $5. on such a trip!! After a minute or so, the mate approached this guy and asked if his was unhappy with his service. After a short discussion, the guy opened his wallet. I do beleive that some might not know, others are just plain CHEAP!! The mate's tip is just part of the cost of the fishing trip, just like gas to get there, rigs, sinkers, food, etc.

[Bobby Kojak]

I have to agree with the previous posts. Mates are definitely under appreciated and tipped. I only fish on party boats and once in a while charters. I generally tip the mates $ 20.00. But I do tip more if they have a lot of my fish to fillet. As far as the pools go, if I happen to win one, I tip a minimum of 35 %. I will give the mates all of it, if under a $100.00 and 50 % up to $ 200.00. Over that 35 %. I wish everyone would use my guidelines. The mates have taught me more about ocean fishing than I can describe here and they really deserve more than they get.............

[BCinerie]

Just my 2 cents, tip what you think if fair! 2 day trips are tough! The last 2,2day trips I dropped 150. On the first because guys worked there asses off! And second one dropped 100. They did a good job! So I tipped what thought was fair. Someone on that trip asked me what I tipped I told him and he did the same !

Bc

[Tpkc2]

Ok, here's my 2 cents! I frequent many party boats and charter boats every year! Once upon a time I had my own boat! I treat the mates and captain and fellow passengers with upmost respect! And I tip well, especially for a low maintenance passenger! And I realize that mates are in the service business and should be taking care of by the customers! My problem with this tread is with the POOL! I'm almost dumb founded at some of the comments! When did the pool become all about the mates???? I thought the pool, which is a choice by those on the boat, was about bragging rights, competitiveness and ball breakinng and yes financial gains! When did it become about the mates???? I had no clue! I have won my share of pools(lucky) and I personally kick up more than I should, because I want too! A young girls give 2 dollars and that's a problem! The pool should be about the customer!! The customers put in 100%! Tip your mates!

[snapperbluefish101]

Do the mates ever take too much money out of the pool winnings when they shouldn't? What is the percentage of the pool that goes to the boat again?

SNAPPERHEAD

[AJFISH13]

Do the mates ever take too much money out of the pool winnings when they shouldn't? What is the percentage of the pool that goes to the boat again?

SNAPPERHEAD

None if the customer chooses so. Just saying that blackjack dealer or the waitress serving you drinks didnt help you win the money did they? They didnt offer tips and advice at all. Its different in this scenario we just APPRECIATE something out of it. Just 20 bux would be nice out of it.

[bulletbob]

I guess a lot depends on your income... I make about 20 k a year and work pretty hard for it, and its a good bet some of the better mates make a lot more than that.
After spending $80 in gas just to get to the boat, and then $65-75 to fish, not to mention whatever tackle I need,there simply isn't a lot left over to tip anyone, especially if I didn't use them at all during the trip.. I could just not go and fish fresh water up her in NY state.

I wonder what the captains would say if all the "poor guys" that fish on their boats a few times a year stopped coming aboard.. On any head boat on any given day, I see a lot of folks that don't speak any english, and probably don't make much money.. Should they NOT board the boat because money is extremely tight in their lives?.. Would that really benefit anyone?.. Gerry Z seems to have the best handle on the fact that many people simply can't afford to tip much, if it at all.. Its sad but thats the way it is for a lot of guys.
Should they just stay home or fish from shore?...

[Chico]

The way I answer that question for myself is: When I figure the cost of a fishing trip, I add up all the expenses, from the tip to the gas, rigs, sinkers, etc. I then figure out how many trips I can afford each month or season. Personally I won't cut out the tips just so I can go on an extra fishing trip. But that is just me. I am not a big tipper, but I do try to keep it at 15% of the charter/party boat fee. I go on the same boats regularly and want to keep a good relationship with the crew. If $$ is tight, I would rather skip the pool.

[fishguy]

I guess a lot depends on your income... I make about 20 k a year and work pretty hard for it, and its a good bet some of the better mates make a lot more than that.
After spending $80 in gas just to get to the boat, and then $65-75 to fish, not to mention whatever tackle I need,there simply isn't a lot left over to tip anyone, especially if I didn't use them at all during the trip.. I could just not go and fish fresh water up her in NY state.

I wonder what the captains would say if all the "poor guys" that fish on their boats a few times a year stopped coming aboard.. On any head boat on any given day, I see a lot of folks that don't speak any english, and probably don't make much money.. Should they NOT board the boat because money is extremely tight in their lives?.. Would that really benefit anyone?.. Gerry Z seems to have the best handle on the fact that many people simply can't afford to tip much, if it at all.. Its sad but thats the way it is for a lot of guys.
Should they just stay home or fish from shore?...

Tipping is expected, just like in a restaurant. Though it is not the law it is the custom of this country we live in. If you go out to a restaurant knowing full well you only have enough money to pay for the meal and won't have enough to tip than you shouldn't go out to eat. Period. Either that or go to a more affordable restaurant. Cut and dry, Mr. Pink.

[bulletbob]

Tipping is expected, just like in a restaurant. Though it is not the law it is the custom of this country we live in. If you go out to a restaurant knowing full well you only have enough money to pay for the meal and won't have enough to tip than you shouldn't go out to eat. Period. Either that or go to a more affordable restaurant. Cut and dry, Mr. Pink.


Fair enough... So its your opinion then that if someone has his last $65 or maybe $70 in his pocket, and thats the boat fare, then he has no business boarding the boat? I have been there, many times, and personally, I went fishing.. I try and have more of a cushion than that these days, but again, I am a very low income guy, and some days every cent except my fare has been spent, and I get home on my credit card.
I wonder what would happen if I stared at the boat, started to board, and then turned back because I was unable to tip the mates as all I had was fare money.. When the captain asked why i wasn't staying aboard, and they DO sometimes, lets say I told him I felt embarrassed because all I had was fare money, and simply couldn't tip the mates that day, so I should leave.. Do you REALLY think the captain would rather see a paying customer leave? .. I am glad you are a generous guy that can afford the fare, and a generous tip for the mates.. It's good that some people can pay the freight and more.. However, some can't, its that simple... I really doubt the captains of the head boats would agree with your opinion.. If they did, and kept poor or close to poor fisherman off their boat because they couldn't tip the mates, their business would be cut in half.. I understand your views I really do.. However, not everyone can afford to throw a $20 to the mates... That might be all they have for the rest of the week... For some people, a trip on a party boat is a rare luxury, and even the fare is a hardship..
Again,I really respect your generosity, your kindness, and your thoughtfulness. However what you consider an appropriate tip, for some people is a half days hard work after taxes.. Just something to keep in mind.. Poor people like to fish too... bob

[njboarder]

I'm sorry, but this thread is becoming annoying.
First of all, most fishermen who are on this forum is not the problem, as stated multiple times in this thread, it is those vacationers or newbies who are not likely to read this. So, I think you are barking up the wrong tree here.

As far as possible solutions, I'm with Taxman.
If you fear losing customers due to higher fare, do what J2 does. Coupons.
Ever time I get on J2, I always bring the coupon and whatever discount I get from the coupon goes straight to the mate in addition to my 15% tip.

[fishguy]

Fair enough... So its your opinion then that if someone has his last $65 or maybe $70 in his pocket, and thats the boat fare, then he has no business boarding the boat? I have been there, many times, and personally, I went fishing.. I try and have more of a cushion than that these days, but again, I am a very low income guy, and some days every cent except my fare has been spent, and I get home on my credit card.
I wonder what would happen if I stared at the boat, started to board, and then turned back because I was unable to tip the mates as all I had was fare money.. When the captain asked why i wasn't staying aboard, and they DO sometimes, lets say I told him I felt embarrassed because all I had was fare money, and simply couldn't tip the mates that day, so I should leave.. Do you REALLY think the captain would rather see a paying customer leave? .. I am glad you are a generous guy that can afford the fare, and a generous tip for the mates.. It's good that some people can pay the freight and more.. However, some can't, its that simple... I really doubt the captains of the head boats would agree with your opinion.. If they did, and kept poor or close to poor fisherman off their boat because they couldn't tip the mates, their business would be cut in half.. I understand your views I really do.. However, not everyone can afford to throw a $20 to the mates... That might be all they have for the rest of the week... For some people, a trip on a party boat is a rare luxury, and even the fare is a hardship..
Again,I really respect your generosity, your kindness, and your thoughtfulness. However what you consider an appropriate tip, for some people is a half days hard work after taxes.. Just something to keep in mind.. Poor people like to fish too... bob

Really? Your last dollar? C'mon, man. If it was really your "last dollar" why the hell are you spending all that money?(remember, $80 in gas just to get there, tackle ice blah blah blah) Come less often and save a few bucks up.

Your premise is ridiculous. As stated by me and multiple other people tipping is customary in the United States of America. In restaurants, bars and yes, party/charter boats. Owners/Captains don't care AS MUCH as mates do because they got your fare already but they know all about the fares that don't tip. The mates hate you. HATE you, dude. The only thing worse than someone who doesn't tip is a repeat customer who doesn't tip.

Take one less trip this year. All the dough you save by going one time less will leave plenty for the mates. After all, 20% of 65 bucks isn't even $15. You'll save over $200 by not coming one time, according to your own estimates.

[Capt Sal]

When you get older and are on a fixed income things change.Some seniors are only able to get out fishing now and then.Pay the fare and tip what you can!It is the same for a young man taking his children out for the day on a party boat.If he is paying for four fares should he be obligated to tip 20% x four?Just hop on a pb and enjoy the day,the correct tip is what you can afford!

[NoLimit]

Boy - things have changed over the years.

In the 60's when I started, I dont recall any tipping. Then in the 70's, there were actually fishermen who wanted the mate to clean their fish so thats when tipping started based on how many fish. I seem to recall it went from $1 to $2/fish by the 90's.

Now you have to tip even if no fish caught? And cough up half the pool money?

I know times are tough for the PB owners and it would be a shame if any more went under but I am not sure that passing on the costs of the mate to the customer in the form of sketchy tips is the best way to solve the problem.

[The Sinker Man]

Capt, Sal said it best..The correct tip is the one that you can afford..No one said that you Have to tip the mates, just like you don't have to tip your waiter..Mates have bills just like we all do and they work hard to get the best tip they can get..Give as much as you can..They don't make a hell of a lot of money if the boat sails with just a handfull of fares or not at all..

[Ol Pedro]

Boy - things have changed over the years.

In the 60's when I started, I dont recall any tipping. Then in the 70's, there were actually fishermen who wanted the mate to clean their fish so thats when tipping started based on how many fish. I seem to recall it went from $1 to $2/fish by the 90's.

Now you have to tip even if no fish caught? And cough up half the pool money?

I know times are tough for the PB owners and it would be a shame if any more went under but I am not sure that passing on the costs of the mate to the customer in the form of sketchy tips is the best way to solve the problem.
No limit, you don't have to tip or give up any of the pool . Also I don't think that the PB owners pass any of their costs to the Deckhands . The pay has always been low to Ok depending on the boat . The pool is run by the deckhands and the tips all belong to the deckhands . The Captain rarely gets involved . Nobody is forcing anyone to do anything . A lot of us love to work deck and that is why we stick around . We used to charge to fillet but found that we made more from the tips for our efforts in the long run .

[fishguy]

Back in the day mates fished and sold their catch for extra money. That's pretty much over now but you know what? Times change! Back in the 60's we didn't have size limits, cars ran on leaded gasoline, people got lynched for trying to vote, nobody had kid car seats or 3 point seat belts etc etc etc. Today tipping is expected and if you know full well you don't have enough money to tip you waiter/ bartender/ mate etc than you shouldn't go out to eat/drink/fish.
Plain and simple.

[AJFISH13]

Def a passion considering that sometimes it can be more like charity work than actually making money:eek: . But for those of us who love it we stay but we do appreciate the customers taking care of us after we take care of them thats all.

[Flukenstein]

"
Now you have to tip even if no fish caught? And cough up half the pool money?

[Flukenstein]

No Limit, The original post on this thread pointed out some of the many things mates do when there is no actual fishing going on. Before and after the trip, during the trip, and even during the off season a lot of work gets done so that we all get the most out of a day on the water. You don't have to tip when you don't catch, but you should, considering all of the other factors.

[fishguy]

"
Now you have to tip even if no fish caught? And cough up half the pool money?

The pool thing is totally optional but I've seen people tip zero even after they won the pool. If I win the pool the mate gets a chunk if not all of it but that's just me. I tip no matter what. If you don't get a keeper it's not the mates fault. "That's why they call it fishing!" Just because you didn't have a fish to clean doesn't mean you got bad service. If you ate out and the food stunk it's not your servers fault. Maybe don't eat there anymore but tip, for Christ's sake.
If the mate sucks than by all means feel free to stiff 'em. Otherwise, pony up Cheapskate!

[Bluefish]

Im reading this tipping thread in amazement. I started working a deck back in 1955, it was a family business and I was slave labor even at 7 yrs old. We sold beer and soda and hotdogs and burgers hooks and sinkers , some guys would say keep the change for bringing them what they wanted as opposed to them walking to the box to get it, we cleaned fish, no set fee, when asked our answer was ‘whatever you can spare, we appreciate it, never thought about charging by the fish, and yes there were some freebies too if we knew someone was up against it, when we could fish we did sell the fish we caught and if someone left their fish for the boat but we also made sure that anyone who wanted to go home with fish for the table did, not for a fee but to get him hooked as a customer. Did we get some gratuity for it? sometimes yes. , we did get tips from the pool, we did get tips from some customers, usually regulars who wanted the “freshest” clams or the biggest worms , or butterfish instead of bunker, when using greencrabs guys would tip u to cut the legs and in general some guys would tip because they wanted you to net or gaff them first or make sure they were rerigged or untangled first, or because they had a newbie with them and didn’t want to be bothered so they paid you for it, and yes some guys just tipped you for being there, it sure had nothing to do with entitlement or 15% or too little pay from the captain. It was easier back then, no catch or size limits, if I wanted more money it was actually pretty easy, fish harder and longer. Today Im a customer I have my own rules for tipping and doing what I think is fair for the mates and I can tell you that last thing it has to do with is a % of any number. And I am a low maintenance customer when I fish; rig myself, unhook my own fish untangle myself, There have been days I have left over $500 on the deck and days where its been $0. Each day is different. Being on the deck is a tough physical grind , always was and always will be. But there is no entitlement just because a customer is on the boat.

[Flukenstein]

The pool thing is totally optional but I've seen people tip zero even after they won the pool. If I win the pool the mate gets a chunk if not all of it but that's just me. I tip no matter what. If you don't get a keeper it's not the mates fault. "That's why they call it fishing!" Just because you didn't have a fish to clean doesn't mean you got bad service. If you ate out and the food stunk it's not your servers fault. Maybe don't eat there anymore but tip, for Christ's sake.
If the mate sucks than by all means feel free to stiff 'em. Otherwise, pony up Cheapskate!


Fishguy, I agree 100%. I was trying to quote a previous post and screwed up. I always tip and leave 1/2 the pool on my lucky days.

[reason162]

So its your opinion then that if someone has his last $65 or maybe $70 in his pocket, and thats the boat fare, then he has no business boarding the boat?

You took quite a turn there bob. First it's how you're the most low-maintenance fisherman on board, you cut your own bait/fillet your own fish yada yada (and yes, you should still tip because you insist on doing these things yourself, no one stiffed you on service). Now you're claiming abject poverty, you're literally crossing 300 miles of interstate to fish on your last dime. Talk about playing the world's smallest violin ffs!

I'll answer your question bob: if you ONLY have the fare covered, don't go. As others have pointed out, you don't go out to eat if you only have the tab covered and nothing left over for tip, or do you??? What a nightmare customer you are.

And for the rest of the incredulous posters: yes, times have changed. Service wages are well below minimum wage, and mates/waiters/servers rely on gratuities for the majority of their income. Sure, you're free to not tip your mates, but we're free to point out what incredible cheapskating behavior that is on an internet fishing board.

[reason162]

When you get older and are on a fixed income things change.Some seniors are only able to get out fishing now and then.Pay the fare and tip what you can!It is the same for a young man taking his children out for the day on a party boat.If he is paying for four fares should he be obligated to tip 20% x four?Just hop on a pb and enjoy the day,the correct tip is what you can afford!

So what you're saying is, mates will have to count on the rest of us who tip appropriately to make a living wage. What a terrible line from a captain. I budget and make sacrifices to fish as much as I can (like many people do), I've never even considered skipping the tip to squeeze in a couple more trips per year.

We're not even talking about what % to tip; people are now trying to justify stiffing the mates entirely, giving ZERO as they step off the boat, for shame.

[tombanjo]

So what you're saying is, mates will have to count on the rest of us who tip appropriately to make a living wage. What a terrible line from a captain. I budget and make sacrifices to fish as much as I can (like many people do), I've never even considered skipping the tip to squeeze in a couple more trips per year.

We're not even talking about what % to tip; people are now trying to justify stiffing the mates entirely, giving ZERO as they step off the boat, for shame.
That's what you got from reading Sal's post?? LOL, you might consider a handle other then "reason."

I thought Bluefish's thoughts were right on point.

[reason162]

That's what you got from reading Sal's post?? LOL, you might consider a handle other then "reason."

I thought Bluefish's thoughts were right on point.

Read in context as a response to bob's ridiculous question, posed to captains (owners) if customers ought to skip a trip rather than stiff a mate, and Sal's response was basically, No no, just give what you can (however that's defined, whatever that means) and enjoy the day.

How did you read it?

[The Sinker Man]

It only goes to show you that some people on this site can't read or think.

[Flukenstein]

Fair enough... So its your opinion then that if someone has his last $65 or maybe $70 in his pocket, and thats the boat fare, then he has no business boarding the boat? I have been there, many times, and personally, I went fishing.. I try and have more of a cushion than that these days, but again, I am a very low income guy, and some days every cent except my fare has been spent, and I get home on my credit card.
I wonder what would happen if I stared at the boat, started to board, and then turned back because I was unable to tip the mates as all I had was fare money.. When the captain asked why i wasn't staying aboard, and they DO sometimes, lets say I told him I felt embarrassed because all I had was fare money, and simply couldn't tip the mates that day, so I should leave.. Do you REALLY think the captain would rather see a paying customer leave? .. I am glad you are a generous guy that can afford the fare, and a generous tip for the mates.. It's good that some people can pay the freight and more.. However, some can't, its that simple... I really doubt the captains of the head boats would agree with your opinion.. If they did, and kept poor or close to poor fisherman off their boat because they couldn't tip the mates, their business would be cut in half.. I understand your views I really do.. However, not everyone can afford to throw a $20 to the mates... That might be all they have for the rest of the week... For some people, a trip on a party boat is a rare luxury, and even the fare is a hardship..
Again,I really respect your generosity, your kindness, and your thoughtfulness. However what you consider an appropriate tip, for some people is a half days hard work after taxes.. Just something to keep in mind.. Poor people like to fish too... bob

Stare at the boat? Started to board? Then turned back? Really??? Is this a "B" movie or a fishing trip? If you held out a tin cup maybe you'd collect enough money to pay for the trip and give a few bucks to the orphanage. Of course the Capt. wants you to stay----he gets paid. This is about tipping the mates----they wouldn't mind if you left.

[bulletbob]

You took quite a turn there bob. First it's how you're the most low-maintenance fisherman on board, you cut your own bait/fillet your own fish yada yada (and yes, you should still tip because you insist on doing these things yourself, no one stiffed you on service). Now you're claiming abject poverty, you're literally crossing 300 miles of interstate to fish on your last dime. Talk about playing the world's smallest violin ffs!

I'll answer your question bob: if you ONLY have the fare covered, don't go. As others have pointed out, you don't go out to eat if you only have the tab covered and nothing left over for tip, or do you??? What a nightmare customer you are.

And for the rest of the incredulous posters: yes, times have changed. Service wages are well below minimum wage, and mates/waiters/servers rely on gratuities for the majority of their income. Sure, you're free to not tip your mates, but we're free to point out what incredible cheapskating behavior that is on an internet fishing board.


Please look up the word *Hypothetical*..

I was not talking about anything I personally had ever done or intend to do.. Merely making a point... However when if and when it comes down to it, I now understand that many other anglers, including many from this forum do not want to fish around another fisherman that can only cover his fare.. This may include seniors, those on disability etc.. Let your favorite boat captains know your feelings on the subject, see what THEY think... There area MANY people that live on a shoestring, and the boat fare itself is a hardship... I am sure the captains would love to hear from their regulars that such despicable individuals are persona non grata..

Do you tip at Mcdonalds?? LOW pay, and those people work thier asses off, long before and long after you have had your meal.. If not, why not?.. They are low wage service workers after all.
Thats what i am too, a low wage service worker... The woods are full of them... Glad I understand now... Fisherman that are really pinched financially and can barely swing the fare on occasion are NOT welcome aboard head boats.. Thanks for clearing that up for me...bob

[Flukenstein]

Please look up the word *Hypothetical*..

I was not talking about anything I personally had ever done or intend to do.. Merely making a point... However when if and when it comes down to it, I now understand that many other anglers, including many from this forum do not want to fish around another fisherman that can only cover his fare.. This may include seniors, those on disability etc.. Let your favorite boat captains know your feelings on the subject, see what THEY think... There area MANY people that live on a shoestring, and the boat fare itself is a hardship... I am sure the captains would love to hear from their regulars that such despicable individuals are persona non grata..

Do you tip at Mcdonalds?? LOW pay, and those people work thier asses off, long before and long after you have had your meal.. If not, why not?.. They are low wage service workers after all.
Thats what i am too, a low wage service worker... The woods are full of them... Glad I understand now... Fisherman that are really pinched financially and can barely swing the fare on occasion are NOT welcome aboard head boats.. Thanks for clearing that up for me...bob



If you are a low wage service worker you should be the first one to understand why a reasonable tip is expected, earned, and important. Please stop worrying what the Capt. might think, at least on this thread. This is about tipping the mates.

[fishguy]

Bullet is Mr. Pink.

[reason162]

Do you tip at Mcdonalds?? LOW pay, and those people work thier asses off, long before and long after you have had your meal.. If not, why not?.. They are low wage service workers after all.
Thats what i am too, a low wage service worker... The woods are full of them... Glad I understand now... Fisherman that are really pinched financially and can barely swing the fare on occasion are NOT welcome aboard head boats.. Thanks for clearing that up for me...bob

Bad analogy upon bad analogy. You don't tip at McD, therefore McD is required to pay minimum wage. They're not considered "tipped employees." http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm#foot1

In NJ/NY, employers are only responsible for $2.15/hr for tipped employees, which most definitely include mates on a party boat.

So by all means Bob, keep stiffing the mates, rationalize/justify your cheapskating behavior, tell yourself that the captain welcomes you aboard and that everything is a-okay. And as another poster pointed out, the mates will hate you, but that's okay too: 99% of them are professional enough to never show it. So keep living in your bubble and thinking that it's okay to stiff them.

[reason162]

If you are a low wage service worker you should be the first one to understand why a reasonable tip is expected, earned, and important. Please stop worrying what the Capt. might think, at least on this thread. This is about tipping the mates.

When I bar-tended for a brief period I could always count on the truckers/plumbers to tip me fairly, and other bartenders/waiters/chefs to tip handsomely. The very few clueless tippers were the guys who never worked at a retail/service level in their life.

[Ol Pedro]

With one fare making the difference between me working or not or the boat getting out at all then every fare counts . Tip or no tip that one guy that doesn't have enough to tip does make a difference .

[bulletbob]

Bad analogy upon bad analogy. You don't tip at McD, therefore McD is required to pay minimum wage. They're not considered "tipped employees." http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm#foot1

In NJ/NY, employers are only responsible for $2.15/hr for tipped employees, which most definitely include mates on a party boat.

So by all means Bob, keep stiffing the mates, rationalize/justify your cheapskating behavior, tell yourself that the captain welcomes you aboard and that everything is a-okay. And as another poster pointed out, the mates will hate you, but that's okay too: 99% of them are professional enough to never show it. So keep living in your bubble and thinking that it's okay to stiff them.

Soooo,, you're saying an experienced mate on a good head boat makes $2.15 an hour, and on a slow day is going to bring home $30 or so if there are no tips forthcoming???.. Why do I find that a highly questionable scenario?.. I tip the mates when I feel its appropriate... I do NOT feel a need to tip because the guy iced the boat before I got there, or hosed the deck when I got off... If I get some decent individual attention for whatever reason, or win a pool , the mate gets tipped.. If I have no contact with the mate at all on any given trip, and only see him him when he puts a pint of cut clams between my rod and the rod of the guy next to me,I don't feel I am obligated to hand him a $20 bill.
I can assure you the mates on some of those boats make more money than some of the customers do.

[fishguy]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V4sbYy0WdGQ

Watch and learn bullet, I mean, Mr.Pink.

***WARNING*** explicit language. You know, like mates talk.

[waynedane]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V4sbYy0WdGQ

Watch and learn bullet, I mean, Mr.Pink.
Now that's funny...

[RussA]

Would the mates in this thread share what their rate of pay is for a days work without tips?

Thanks! :)

I asked so that everyone knows where you are coming from when you think you are entitled to a tip or pool money. ;)

[Ol Pedro]

Would the mates in this thread share what their rate of pay is for a days work without tips?

Thanks! :)

I asked so that everyone knows where you are coming from when you think you are entitled to a tip or pool money. ;)
PM sent

[italianfisherman]

i worked the deck & was in family own charter/party boat industry for some time.. #1 mates ARE Not in tile to the pool money or a % of it. its up to the customer if he /she wants to give something to the mates from the pool. # 2 20% tip of the fare is good on any day/nite trip that isnt a long range trip.. the mates in ny depending on the boat make $85.00-125.00 a day CLEAR wages.they make more than a waiter does,busboy ete. just letting you know what a # of boats pay there crews, i dont no what nj pays, but reading the posts doesnt sound alot.

[NoLimit]

"In NJ/NY, employers are only responsible for $2.15/hr for tipped employees, which most definitely include mates on a party boat. "

Wow - if I'm a captain and have all that money tied up in a boat, and then have to pay for fuel, bait, rental rods - I sure as hell will not depend on a $2.15/hr guy to show up and work reliably.

I still say raise the fare and let cappy take care of the mate.
It probably comes out to less that 20% and everyone is happy.

[msgold]

I tip the mates well because the party boats I fish on spoil me. Help me back and forth with all my shit from my car to the boat. If I fish on a boat and do not get just a tiny bit of service I do not feel the mates should get a tip. I am the same in a restaurant. Service is a very important factor when picking a boat to fish on. Bob, would you believe what you started here?

[1captainron]

Name "ONE" Deckhand on the entire coast that makes $2.15 an hour pay!!!

This post has gotten to be BS. It's the same crap every year, why can't Gerry just add it to the archives so when the question comes up next year, we can say, it's already been entertained?
Tip, don't tip, who gives a shit. Take care of those that take care of you, that's how I was brought up, if you don't , just go on a websight and see how many opinions (like *******s) you can get about it.

Christ, I wish you guys would get back to what this sight is about.....Fishing reports!!
Not, who is making what or how much is appropriate. Do what you think is right, if you can't afford a tip, your fare to the boat is what keeps us all in business. No need to be ashamed, if you can't afford a tip, be a man and tell the crew member, sorry, but I just had enough to make today's trip.....chances are, the guys on MY BOAT would make sure you got something to go home with for dinner. THAT MY FRIENDS IS WHAT GOOD BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT. Karma comes back one way or another.:)

[Taxman]

Name "ONE" Deckhand on the entire coast that makes $2.15 an hour pay!!!

This post has gotten to be BS. It's the same crap every year, why can't Gerry just add it to the archives so when the question comes up next year, we can say, it's already been entertained?
Tip, don't tip, who gives a shit. Take care of those that take care of you, that's how I was brought up, if you don't , just go on a websight and see how many opinions (like *******s) you can get about it.

Christ, I wish you guys would get back to what this sight is about.....Fishing reports!!
Not, who is making what or how much is appropriate. Do what you think is right, if you can't afford a tip, your fare to the boat is what keeps us all in business. No need to be ashamed, if you can't afford a tip, be a man and tell the crew member, sorry, but I just had enough to make today's trip.....chances are, the guys on MY BOAT would make sure you got something to go home with for dinner. THAT MY FRIENDS IS WHAT GOOD BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT. Karma comes back one way or another.:)
Nominated for post of the year

[fishguy]

"Tip, don't tip, who gives a s**t?"

You know who gives a s**t? The people who work for tips, Capt. Pink! That's who! Next time you go out to dinner at a restaurant for the first time and tell the waiter up front, because you're gonna "be a man", that you can't cover the tip on your prime rib dinner see how good the service is. Don't come to my place with that BS...

[Tpkc2]

Tip your Mates! If you go on a boat other than your own! There's a ton of work done, before and after! Party or charter! Tip your mates!

[GDubya07]

"Do what you think is right, if you can't afford a tip, your fare to the boat is what keeps us all in business. No need to be ashamed, if you can't afford a tip, be a man and tell the crew member, sorry, but I just had enough to make today's trip.....chances are, the guys on MY BOAT would make sure you got something to go home with for dinner. THAT MY FRIENDS IS WHAT GOOD BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT. Karma comes back one way or another.:)[/QUOTE]

x2 - Believe it or not - I have done that when I was out of work and fell on hard times and just wanted to fish . I told the mates that I lost my job and cant give what I usually give and they said no problem - just come out and fish and enjoy your day . That is why I am loyal to my 3/4 boat from then on - the guys/mates always take care of me - they are people for the most part - like you and me and have good days and bad days . The problem in this world - people dont talk. If we communicated better as a species we would be more evolved at this point in time and space . There is my dirt hippie rant of the week .

Also x 2 for post of the year

x 2 - archive and lock it up - just going to get uglier as it gets hotter

Make sure to stay hydrated in this heat - peeps -

GDubs-:cool: