Mates fishing during charters. OPINION

[LeftyReeler]

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

[spyro]

why not ...

[ChaosStarter]

I've learned a lot by watching some mates fish which I then used to get into fish. I really don't mind it over all. Maybe they know a technique that you haven't seen before, who knows...

However, I don't like AustinS's mugging story or if they're not helping people that paid for the boat.

[beachwhistle]

I've left six pack charters with fish sometimes mainly because the mates or captain dropped in a line. No problem.

Been out tuna fishing on party boats (once a charter) though where the mates are hooked up with fish and I can't drop in a line so I don't mess up their chance to pull in the fish. WTF! I'm paying to be out there.

[stanleybadcat]

One time Dick Dowowicz was on a charter. Trolling bass at the Rocks. Rod goes off and mate starts to reel in the fish. Old D got so pissed he cut the line before the kid could get er in. Screaming and hollering everything in the book. The dope was taking its toll on him back then. Shame.

[encavale]

That must have been back in the 80s when he was running his own boat. My dad fished DD's boat. Caught fish but heard he used a lot of unsound methods.

[chasin'tail]

Like others said.. as long as it is not a problem with the charter, everything is taking care of with the charter. There is no problem with my mate or myself wetting a line on our vessel. We work as a team if hes fishing im cutting the bait, rigging, an whatever else and the other way around.. If fishing is slow an the charter is eating or hanging out i always like to still have some lines in the water.. the other plus is it adds meat to the box an get the opportunity to learn something new..

[italianfisherman]

Originally Posted by pcrawf

No problem with mates fishing as long as they dont forget about the client and are willing to put the rod down to net a fish. NOBODY wants to hear "wait a second, I have a fish on" when they have one at the surface trying to get off the hook.

I AGREE, ALSO IT GIVES THE CHARTER(6 PACK) MORE FISH TO GO HOME WITH..WIN/WIN...

[Gerry Zagorski]

I think it's good when Captains and mates fish.. As mentioned above it adds to the experience and you can usually pick up some extra fish and some tips. But like others said, it should not be at the expense of the customers needs being left unattended.

IMO meeting, fishing and mixing it up with the Captain and mates and getting to know them better is all part of the charter and party boat experience.

[SaltyAngler]

Forgot to mention: that's why I love fishing this time of year, as you can be sure it's usually the saltier guys and gals that are out there that can hold there own and only need a hand when they (ugh) hook up with a dog or 5.

One of the reasons why I totally dig fishing with Ray and Billy (Mad Gaffer) especially when Cap'n heads out the wheelhouse with a Penn broomstick and picks up the biggest fish of the day while everyone else struggles with their custom Honey's and Avets...lol.