Mates fishing during charters. OPINION

[PAMonger]

There are certain types of fisheries where it helps if the capt/mate can get a feel for what's going on by wetting a line. For example, in fall when bottom-fishing, I've been on charters where we were using porgy rigs on a wreck and it was slow so the capt dropped a tog rig to see if perhaps we'd do better with tog on that spot.

Or with how finicky the tog bite can be from day-to-day, he can show the charter if it's the 3 taps and set bite or the wait until you get slammed bite or whatever that day.

I also believe that same theory applies for fluke fishing and striper fishing, especially when you are talking chunking for stripers, since some days they mouth it and others they inhale.

I would rather be on a charter or PB that gives maximum effort and produces less fish than a guy who doesn't care and parks over the motherlode. I just love to learn and feel like I learn something every day on the water.

[Seamus]

Ive seen it done both ways, professional and not. I think whichever way, the guys doing it know the difference. If it's unprofessional but they still managed to get most of the job done I still tip but just dont charter that boat again.

I've seen some real out of line behavior on party boats like mates fishing all day while customer are working the bait station and helping less experienced people with tangles a few rods down from them. I dont know anything about running a boat but as a business owner I would never allow a customer to have an experience like that.

[Solemate]

I think it depends on a lot of factors. First off be aware of staying away from the customers space and tending to there needs first. Your catch must be there meat and only fish if the Captain approves of it. You are not there to show off but to be a helpful part of the fishing experience. You are not being paid to fish but at times your fishing could benefit the Charter. If it is not and open charter then you should also get permission from whoever chartered the boat.

[tautog]

Only time I have ever really put a stop to it is on trips were trophy blackfish are likely. It would sorta suck if the mate got a 16lber and the paying customers all caught fish under 10lbs.

[njfisherman1975]

As long as the mate helps out when needed...I never see a problem with it. Captain and mate probably like to fish as much or more than the charter and if the deck is taken care of every time needed...I say go for it.

[zhitoman]

Here is a little story that happened on a party boat out of Sheepsheadbay, not a charter but still. We were fishing for porgies, and this young mate was fishing non stop next to us. So he decides to go take a break from fishing and starts talking to other mates while his rod in a rod holder with line still in the water. I get a nice bite and start reeling in a nice 8-10 lb fluke on my porgy rig! I start screaming for net, and the same young mate nets my fish. As he nets the fish and brings it in the boat we see that his line is tangled with my line. He unhooks the fish turns around to me and says, that is my fish, it was on my hook! I start to argue, but other mates come to his rescue and tell me to watch my attitude. Well, that's not even the end of the story. At the end of the trip the young mate wins a pool with my fluke, because he was in a pool!

[NoLimit]

There is only one circumstance where a mate should fish and that is if no one is catching. This might help the group pick up a few hints.

Otherwise, no way.

Let's face it, there are only so many fish under a boat.

[SaltLife1980]

When i am working.. i enjoy dropping in a line for a lil.. If i am just standing there chewing down smokes i dont see the harm.. If the customer needs help or hooks up i reel in and help out.. once everyone is back in the water and fishing, i drop back in..