Why do we tip the mates?

[RussA]

Originally Posted by AJFISH13

1/4 to 1/3 of the pool is customary but 20 is fine. Trust me when fishing is slow this business is tough.

The pool money is not owed to the mates, none of it, zip, Nada.

I worked on a boat for years and I never counted on pool money just the services I gave for my tips.

When I worked deck the pay was $50 a day and this was 15 years ago, so I will assume that the rate of pay is around $50-$80 a day depending if you are first, second or greenhorn. I am talking about party boats here, not charter.

I made 150-200 a day on average and summer weekends we would rack up we had $400 days.

Now I tip 30% ($20) and the pool I give what I feel I want to. I fish a lot so pool money gets used for me to go fishing again, and that means with that extra fare a mate can work deck some times and that boat stays in business.

You think you are entitled to anything and you will be sadly mistaken... Good Luck