Customary Gratuity?

[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.

[Capt. Debbie]

This stuff has been on this site for years of controversy.

Many say the mate should get 20% no matter what. If he filets fish. If you dont catch a single fish too. Some are lazy. Some break their a*s.

Usually small charter boats its more personal. While I've been on party boats and the guy was useless. Walked around BS'ing with his "regulars" while everyone was getting their own bait.

20% is a ball park tip with a lots of wiggle room from 0% to over 20%.

Originally Posted by 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

[BCinerie]

Tip good for good service. Tip bad for bad service so they know you just did not forget or are a shmuck! Always tell captain about both in private if possible. Money talks bullshit walks. Fish cleaning , great service no service, equipment clean, crappy, carry stuff on off boat ? All figure into tip Capt. Effort also. If the Capt don't care hard to tip even if mate is great! $ 600 charter ok tip 100 great tip 200 piss poor tip 50 bucks! Example went on a 50 hr tuna open boat trip, First year mate or mates got 100 bucks second year same trip 240 tip. They had great service second year , just missed it 1st year. FYI. Caught 20 tuna sword and tilefish year 1 caught only 6 tuna year 2!

[shrimpman steve]

The fishing itself should not factor in. Should not take it out on the mate if the fish have lockjaw.

[DEEP POCKETS]

I always tip 20% or less if not deserved. A good mate will make the trip for you!!!