[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?...