Why do we tip the mates?

[Chico]

The way I answer that question for myself is: When I figure the cost of a fishing trip, I add up all the expenses, from the tip to the gas, rigs, sinkers, etc. I then figure out how many trips I can afford each month or season. Personally I won't cut out the tips just so I can go on an extra fishing trip. But that is just me. I am not a big tipper, but I do try to keep it at 15% of the charter/party boat fee. I go on the same boats regularly and want to keep a good relationship with the crew. If $$ is tight, I would rather skip the pool.

[fishguy]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

I guess a lot depends on your income... I make about 20 k a year and work pretty hard for it, and its a good bet some of the better mates make a lot more than that.
After spending $80 in gas just to get to the boat, and then $65-75 to fish, not to mention whatever tackle I need,there simply isn't a lot left over to tip anyone, especially if I didn't use them at all during the trip.. I could just not go and fish fresh water up her in NY state.

I wonder what the captains would say if all the "poor guys" that fish on their boats a few times a year stopped coming aboard.. On any head boat on any given day, I see a lot of folks that don't speak any english, and probably don't make much money.. Should they NOT board the boat because money is extremely tight in their lives?.. Would that really benefit anyone?.. Gerry Z seems to have the best handle on the fact that many people simply can't afford to tip much, if it at all.. Its sad but thats the way it is for a lot of guys.
Should they just stay home or fish from shore?...

Tipping is expected, just like in a restaurant. Though it is not the law it is the custom of this country we live in. If you go out to a restaurant knowing full well you only have enough money to pay for the meal and won't have enough to tip than you shouldn't go out to eat. Period. Either that or go to a more affordable restaurant. Cut and dry, Mr. Pink.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by fishguy

Tipping is expected, just like in a restaurant. Though it is not the law it is the custom of this country we live in. If you go out to a restaurant knowing full well you only have enough money to pay for the meal and won't have enough to tip than you shouldn't go out to eat. Period. Either that or go to a more affordable restaurant. Cut and dry, Mr. Pink.

Fair enough... So its your opinion then that if someone has his last $65 or maybe $70 in his pocket, and thats the boat fare, then he has no business boarding the boat? I have been there, many times, and personally, I went fishing.. I try and have more of a cushion than that these days, but again, I am a very low income guy, and some days every cent except my fare has been spent, and I get home on my credit card.
I wonder what would happen if I stared at the boat, started to board, and then turned back because I was unable to tip the mates as all I had was fare money.. When the captain asked why i wasn't staying aboard, and they DO sometimes, lets say I told him I felt embarrassed because all I had was fare money, and simply couldn't tip the mates that day, so I should leave.. Do you REALLY think the captain would rather see a paying customer leave? .. I am glad you are a generous guy that can afford the fare, and a generous tip for the mates.. It's good that some people can pay the freight and more.. However, some can't, its that simple... I really doubt the captains of the head boats would agree with your opinion.. If they did, and kept poor or close to poor fisherman off their boat because they couldn't tip the mates, their business would be cut in half.. I understand your views I really do.. However, not everyone can afford to throw a $20 to the mates... That might be all they have for the rest of the week... For some people, a trip on a party boat is a rare luxury, and even the fare is a hardship..
Again,I really respect your generosity, your kindness, and your thoughtfulness. However what you consider an appropriate tip, for some people is a half days hard work after taxes.. Just something to keep in mind.. Poor people like to fish too... bob

[njboarder]

I'm sorry, but this thread is becoming annoying.
First of all, most fishermen who are on this forum is not the problem, as stated multiple times in this thread, it is those vacationers or newbies who are not likely to read this. So, I think you are barking up the wrong tree here.

As far as possible solutions, I'm with Taxman.
If you fear losing customers due to higher fare, do what J2 does. Coupons.
Ever time I get on J2, I always bring the coupon and whatever discount I get from the coupon goes straight to the mate in addition to my 15% tip.

[fishguy]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

Fair enough... So its your opinion then that if someone has his last $65 or maybe $70 in his pocket, and thats the boat fare, then he has no business boarding the boat? I have been there, many times, and personally, I went fishing.. I try and have more of a cushion than that these days, but again, I am a very low income guy, and some days every cent except my fare has been spent, and I get home on my credit card.
I wonder what would happen if I stared at the boat, started to board, and then turned back because I was unable to tip the mates as all I had was fare money.. When the captain asked why i wasn't staying aboard, and they DO sometimes, lets say I told him I felt embarrassed because all I had was fare money, and simply couldn't tip the mates that day, so I should leave.. Do you REALLY think the captain would rather see a paying customer leave? .. I am glad you are a generous guy that can afford the fare, and a generous tip for the mates.. It's good that some people can pay the freight and more.. However, some can't, its that simple... I really doubt the captains of the head boats would agree with your opinion.. If they did, and kept poor or close to poor fisherman off their boat because they couldn't tip the mates, their business would be cut in half.. I understand your views I really do.. However, not everyone can afford to throw a $20 to the mates... That might be all they have for the rest of the week... For some people, a trip on a party boat is a rare luxury, and even the fare is a hardship..
Again,I really respect your generosity, your kindness, and your thoughtfulness. However what you consider an appropriate tip, for some people is a half days hard work after taxes.. Just something to keep in mind.. Poor people like to fish too... bob

Really? Your last dollar? C'mon, man. If it was really your "last dollar" why the hell are you spending all that money?(remember, $80 in gas just to get there, tackle ice blah blah blah) Come less often and save a few bucks up.

Your premise is ridiculous. As stated by me and multiple other people tipping is customary in the United States of America. In restaurants, bars and yes, party/charter boats. Owners/Captains don't care AS MUCH as mates do because they got your fare already but they know all about the fares that don't tip. The mates hate you. HATE you, dude. The only thing worse than someone who doesn't tip is a repeat customer who doesn't tip.

Take one less trip this year. All the dough you save by going one time less will leave plenty for the mates. After all, 20% of 65 bucks isn't even $15. You'll save over $200 by not coming one time, according to your own estimates.

[Capt Sal]

When you get older and are on a fixed income things change.Some seniors are only able to get out fishing now and then.Pay the fare and tip what you can!It is the same for a young man taking his children out for the day on a party boat.If he is paying for four fares should he be obligated to tip 20% x four?Just hop on a pb and enjoy the day,the correct tip is what you can afford!

[NoLimit]

Boy - things have changed over the years.

In the 60's when I started, I dont recall any tipping. Then in the 70's, there were actually fishermen who wanted the mate to clean their fish so thats when tipping started based on how many fish. I seem to recall it went from $1 to $2/fish by the 90's.

Now you have to tip even if no fish caught? And cough up half the pool money?

I know times are tough for the PB owners and it would be a shame if any more went under but I am not sure that passing on the costs of the mate to the customer in the form of sketchy tips is the best way to solve the problem.

[The Sinker Man]

Capt, Sal said it best..The correct tip is the one that you can afford..No one said that you Have to tip the mates, just like you don't have to tip your waiter..Mates have bills just like we all do and they work hard to get the best tip they can get..Give as much as you can..They don't make a hell of a lot of money if the boat sails with just a handfull of fares or not at all..

[Ol Pedro]

Originally Posted by NoLimit

Boy - things have changed over the years.

In the 60's when I started, I dont recall any tipping. Then in the 70's, there were actually fishermen who wanted the mate to clean their fish so thats when tipping started based on how many fish. I seem to recall it went from $1 to $2/fish by the 90's.

Now you have to tip even if no fish caught? And cough up half the pool money?

I know times are tough for the PB owners and it would be a shame if any more went under but I am not sure that passing on the costs of the mate to the customer in the form of sketchy tips is the best way to solve the problem.

No limit, you don't have to tip or give up any of the pool . Also I don't think that the PB owners pass any of their costs to the Deckhands . The pay has always been low to Ok depending on the boat . The pool is run by the deckhands and the tips all belong to the deckhands . The Captain rarely gets involved . Nobody is forcing anyone to do anything . A lot of us love to work deck and that is why we stick around . We used to charge to fillet but found that we made more from the tips for our efforts in the long run .

[fishguy]

Back in the day mates fished and sold their catch for extra money. That's pretty much over now but you know what? Times change! Back in the 60's we didn't have size limits, cars ran on leaded gasoline, people got lynched for trying to vote, nobody had kid car seats or 3 point seat belts etc etc etc. Today tipping is expected and if you know full well you don't have enough money to tip you waiter/ bartender/ mate etc than you shouldn't go out to eat/drink/fish.
Plain and simple.