Party Boat pool "irregularity"?

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by tombanjo

Someone said I was a bit harsh. People who pull this shit get me pissed off so it wasn't really directed at you. The pool is gambling. They used to shoot people for cheating. Things may have calmed down a bit since then but the cheaters count on the inherent intimidation those in charge have built in plus the challenge of bringing the confrontation of the accusation. Ever been faced with someone coming back at you aggressively shouting, "You calling me a liar?!!" Most back of searching for a more diplomatic solution at that point rather than saying yes, I am. Balance scales are easy to check. Make sure each arm is exactly equidistant to the center. It's an old trick easily thwarted by insisting on switching sides.

For my part there was no offense taken..your replies are typically always well thought out. As stated, I have learned quite a bit on this thread from the enlightened insight of other NJF members..
Next time out [in 4 or 5 months], I plan on asking the captain about repositioning both pool contending fish and centering the scale with both fish, and if it would be a problem with him on his boat.. That will be done in the morning as part of my early morning conversations with the captain, as I am usually one of the first on the boat..
I am not one for angry confrontation with strangers, especially those younger, faster, stronger, and more full of piss and vinegar than myself.

In a younger day I was much different, but have become much more docile than when I had access to raging torrents of testosterone.

I recall way back when as a younger fisherman, some captains would announce the dollar figure of the pool, and I think it should still be done today.. I also can recall the days when the mate walked the deck calling for pool fish, would hang any fish you handed him, and always center the scale, and it ALWAYS moved one way or the other.. this was not done that way at all, . In retrospect the fault was 100% mine, I should have said something right then and there, accusatory or not.
Its no big deal really, just something I wanted to discuss and get some opinions from others on a good fishing forum in the throes of mid winter doldrums... Your opinions are valid as always, and certainly well appreciated... bob

[Rocky]

Who is in charge of certifying these home made scales anyway?

[Down Deep Sportfishing]

Originally Posted by Rocky

Who is in charge of certifying these home made scales anyway?

El Chapo

[bulletbob]

A few years ago, I was on a NJ charter boat, that runs open very often.. actually more open boat dates than charter... Boat can handle maybe 12-14 people fishing at max.. anyway, as we left the dock the captain pretty much disavowed any pool arrangement, saying in effect, "if you guys want a pool, fine, you're on your own, set it up among yourselves- I want no part of it" -
thats a paraphrase of course, but that was the message he gave us, his customers on that particular day in May about 4 years ago .. Being mostly a larger head boat patron, not so much smaller 6 pack charter type boats i was somewhat surprised.. however i can understand where he was coming from... bob

[Duffman]

Bullet......nice thread and covo startrer........ya right man.......jan/feb what else to debate???

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Krablips

Stop bashing the NJ Party boat industry on your multiple assumptions. Support your right to fish and especially those folks who service us fishermen. Where would NJ fishermen be without the party boat?

Lol what?

[reason162]

We've all heard these stories, I have zero doubt it happens...a friend of mine was stiffed on a seasonal pool, on a boat he goes on but twice a year. If you don't think there are mates who want to "keep it in the family" you're out of your mind.

Pools can keep things interesting, but it can get out of hand. I've been on boats that have a 1st fish pool, main pool, monthly/seasonal, 3 different side pools. Before you know it you're stepping off the boat into gambler's anonymous!

[Reel Class]

You definitely should've brought it to the captains attention.

[Togfather2530]

I’ve never entered a pool nor do I have the desire. I am certain many of mates line their pockets with some money from these pools. Not all but some. I’m just there to enjoy fishing. That being said I’ve never bought a scratch off or a lottery ticket either. As far as the tipping subject I feel that tipping is way out of hand in this country and nowadays people expect to be tipped well without good service. That being said I generally always tip well but I feel it is a racket and the businesses should pay their own help like I do in my business. That’s what makes the world go around, everyone can have their own opinions.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Reel Class

You definitely should've brought it to the captains attention.

Understood, and thanks for responding captain..
One reason I did not I guess is that while this went on the capt was in the wheelhouse piloting the vessel . I suppose I could have said something at the dock, but did not.


I hope you can give us another reply that would really interest many of us on this thread considering your position.

You have mates that you employ on your boat, and of course you trust they will do the right thing by you, your business ,and your customers, both regulars and first timers.
You know your guys well i am certain.. If someone makes an accusation against a mate you know well and trust, I would imagine your first inclination would be to assess the situation, but at some point you would have to come to their defense if things got heated.. I imagine it would not be a pleasant situation having to settle an argument between a trusted employee and a good customer.. your input as a charter captain would be a great addition to this topic... bob