Mates fishing during charters. OPINION - Page 2 - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

HDMarc · #1 01-03-2013, 06:59 PM

I've seen in some instances where the boat had 2 or more mates, one of the mates would wet a line and when he caught some fish, he gave them to the customers who were getting the skunk while the other mates were tending to the customers when needed. Seemed to be a good way to send people home with fish when they just couldn't catch em' themselves. This is of course on the bigger party boats, not a six pack charter.

SaltyAngler · #2 01-03-2013, 09:12 PM

All for it as long as the customers that aren't as fishing savvy are taken care of. I've always had a blast fishing with mates and captains.

spyro · #3 01-04-2013, 07:13 AM

why not ...

Poppa Devil · #4 01-04-2013, 03:18 PM

Went on a Strpier 6 pack years back trolling was slow day, rod goes down went to grab it mate yelled don't touch. He grabs the pole reels in half way then said you can take over. I said you hooked him you bring it in and stick it where the sun don't shine.Haven't been on a trolling charter since that time.

mimivimate · #5 01-05-2013, 08:26 AM

While every boat is different and mate. I personally fish môst of my customers I've taught to be self sufficient over the last 26 years. This has been on going controversy for years. There are many times I give people fish or let people reel in fish over the years that would not of been so without my fishing. I also believe that you have the choice to what boat you charter or go and how much you tip. There are circumstances in the summer where I can not fish but my first priority is the customer. Remember when your on a boat where the capt. And crew fish it also shows the passion they have for the sport,if a mate either was helping or just standing around waiting for the day too end it doesn't show that fishing is in his blood like
Mine. Happy fishing everyone!!

LeftyReeler · #6 01-04-2013, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ytuna

If the mate is taking care of everyone's needs I have no problem with them wetting a line. I have been on a fair number of six pack charters where the mate fishes and it has not diminished the quality of my experience. On many boats the mate and captain become part of the social experience to the betterment of all. When they join in the ball busting the day gets better.

The mate still takes care of the nasty work: anchor, cutting bait, cleaning fish, cleaning the boat, unplugging the toilet. If he can do all of that I still catch a few fish thats great.

X2... Id much rather have a mate and capt fishing with us then not.. Def makes the trip and the busting much more enjoyable

joeya78 · #7 01-07-2013, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ytuna

If the mate is taking care of everyone's needs I have no problem with them wetting a line. I have been on a fair number of six pack charters where the mate fishes and it has not diminished the quality of my experience. On many boats the mate and captain become part of the social experience to the betterment of all. When they join in the ball busting the day gets better.

The mate still takes care of the nasty work: anchor, cutting bait, cleaning fish, cleaning the boat, unplugging the toilet. If he can do all of that I still catch a few fish thats great.

Well said

Ol Pedro · #8 01-07-2013, 08:58 AM

When I'm working I generally don't fish . It's all about Service . My problem is when I'm fishing (not enough for me to work/enough room on a trip). I drop what I'm doing and jump into the pile when the bite is on instead of fishing . I have caught plenty and take Great Joy helping others catch fish .

Joey Dah Fish · #9 01-03-2013, 06:27 PM

When the fishing is slow I believe it is helpful. Sometimes they can tell the captain that there is no bite rather then the captain thinking its just not a boat full of poor anglers. I have been on some trips when mates fish and still do their job very well. Then I have been on some that mates could care less. From my times fishing the large majority of mates do an awesome job fishing or not. Also a small minority just are plain lazy.

Blind Archer · #10 01-03-2013, 07:04 PM

I second the previous plus. It helps the Capt. determine if the fishin is dead or the fisherman are. I've seen the charter get wasted or just waste their rail time and nothin is coming up even though the fish are there. Also more bait in the water can get a chew started sooner. I have seen mates abuse the charter by droppin on top of them and pullin the fish off their piece, laugh at them and move on to the next guy struggling. I go back home if they're the only boat running that day. As tough as it is to make a living at this, few Captains would tolerate anything but productive responsible mates. Their good name is important and repeat customers keep them in the water.