Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

well said!

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

That is very shabby indeed. Poorly done.

-roger

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

So how much is enough for a $300 pool?

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

20% at least

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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!

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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!

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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:

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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).

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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?

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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 .

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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...

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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 )

Re: Why do we tip the mates?
 

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.