Why do we tip the mates?

[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.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by lunkertaker

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.

20% is a minimum on the fare, and pools...pools can be funny. I've nearly always split pools with mates, and most of my pools are under 100. I would say me personally, 1/3 of the pool at a minimum, usually half, at least on my regular boat.

The tip system is a strange one. On the one hand it supposedly encourages good service, but on the other hand you know that it's basically their wage.