Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

Whats your opinion on mates fishing during charters? Allowed? Not allowed? Aslong as they don't slack from the job and still take 100% care of the customer when they need something.

What do you think?

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

if its a small group and he still does his job NP.
If people need him he needs to be there

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

In all honesty on a 6 pack he needs to only tend to clientele unless they are all avid fisherman and handle everything but cleaning fish and netting for themselves.

I have not tipped on charters when the mate fished. He was fishing and I needed a net for a big tog (11 lbs.) he said hold on I am getting a bite...

Well he caught his fish the Captain netted my fish and he didn't get one penny for a tip from me or anyone else for that crap.

You pay a premium for space and service...

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

Hey Jim, Happy New Year Bud! I've been on with you on three trips. You work your tail off, I have no problem with it.

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

When the fishing is slow I believe it is helpful. Sometimes they can tell the captain that there is no bite rather then the captain thinking its just not a boat full of poor anglers. I have been on some trips when mates fish and still do their job very well. Then I have been on some that mates could care less. From my times fishing the large majority of mates do an awesome job fishing or not. Also a small minority just are plain lazy.

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

I enjoy it and every trip I have ever been on where the mates / Capt fishes with us there has been no loss of service

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

It is fun to fish with the customers.. I try to wet a line if I can.. Make sure the customers and taken care of and enjoy the day with them.. If they hook up i reel in and tend to them.. No harm.. Or if i catch a fish i always try to hand the rod off so they can reel in..

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

If the mate is taking care of everyone's needs I have no problem with them wetting a line. I have been on a fair number of six pack charters where the mate fishes and it has not diminished the quality of my experience. On many boats the mate and captain become part of the social experience to the betterment of all. When they join in the ball busting the day gets better.

The mate still takes care of the nasty work: anchor, cutting bait, cleaning fish, cleaning the boat, unplugging the toilet. If he can do all of that I still catch a few fish thats great.

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

I am with you ytuna. If the jobs getting done, dont really see a problem.

Re: Mates fishing during charters. OPINION
 

Would you rather watch the mate eat food, play on his phone, and read the news paper! Or grab a rod and try to catch because he knows his capt always puts the boat over the meat and he wants at it also! I think a mate fishing shows he loves what he does therefore a good source of knowledge! I have no problem with a mate fishing. Lift em or loose em boys!!!