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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