Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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 :)

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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 .

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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. ;)

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

"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?

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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:

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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;)

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.............

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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!

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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?...

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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!

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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..

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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 .

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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!

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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?