Customary Gratuity?

[shizzoizzo7]

Hi, I have my first Charter booked for this weekend and am not sure on the tipping. I am seeing 18-20% if they are good but is that 18-20% to the mate? to the captain? both?

Any advice is appreciated!
Thank you

[Bucktailboys.com]

Usually give 20% to the mate. I don"t tip the captain. If the mate is attentive and helpful I will give more than 20%. With that said I have had mates that were terrible and gave less than 20%.

[shrimpman steve]

Ditto

[NJ Dave]

Think about this. You give a waitress 20% for getting you a drink and bringing out your food. She asked if the food is ok line she really gives a crap.
Your mate readys the boat prior to your arrrival, works ALL day catering to your needs tieing rigs, undoing snags and tangles, baits your hook, ect.
He deserves every bit of 20% +

Tips go to the mate, the fare goes to the captain

Have a great trip.

[Down Deep Sportfishing]

Nothing is customary unless it is earned. If you ever receive less than excellent service, speak to the Captain or owner. WE WANT TO KNOW ! Like Bucktalboys and Steve say +/- 20% is a great guideline, good luck on your charter.

[shizzoizzo7]

Got it

so It is a half day 5hr $500 Charter, 5 people, $100 head = $20 tip each/$100 total. With additional if great service.

Thank you!

[Bigadam119]

The total top of all of the guys on the boat should be 20% of the charter. So $100 total. If the service is exceptional the tip should be more. They have a short season and work could use a little extra for a job well done.

[LotsobitesBB]

I have a hard time only giving 20%. These guys bust their butts before you get there, while you are there and after you leave. They don't get paid when your trip is weathered out.

How many times bucktailing do they get you out of the sticky stuff. What is the cost of a bucktailing and two gulps? (I keep track of their saves and give them a hard time if under performing all trip).

If you bring kids their help allows you to fish more yourself.
Last summer I won both pools on a fluke trip with my kids. Gave over half the money to my 11 year old to give to the mate. Took the regular tip from the rest and gave to my 8 year old to give to the mate. They asked why I was giving them so much money. I said did they untangle your lines 10 times each, clear your line when you somehow got it wrapped under the spool, cut your bait, clean our fish, was the boat clean etc. Then they understood.

Just my thoughts. Is an extra 10% going to break the bank for me? These guys remember next time you are out with them.

[Harpoon]

y'all are missing 1 important thing besides the $. Mates deserve a beer after cutting the fish! Save 1 or 2 for him for after the trip.

[Fin Taz Tic Sportfishing]

The mate is the guy that can make or break your trip . If he works hard for you and makes you happys, keeps the boat clean and fishable,does a good job iceing and fileting your fish you should tip him acordingly. But if he does not take care of you, does not keep the bait fresh ,does not help you when you need help again you tip him acordingly. But if you are not happy make sure you tell the Capt. so he can make corections quickly