Why do we tip the mates?

[Flukenstein]

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.

[tautog]

Glad to see that your post did not fully match the title. I was ready to throwdown. 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.

[Bass_Appeal]

well said!

[NoLimit]

So how much is enough for a $300 pool?

[tautog]

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.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by tautog

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.

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.

[njfisherman1975]

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!

[lunkertaker]

Originally Posted by reason162

We're almost exactly on the same page. I think 20% on the fare is pretty standard

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.! 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.

[GDubya07]

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-

[SaltyAngler]

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.