Going on a high-priced tuna trip in September. Buddy is actually paying (belated bachelor party) but I wanted to cover a tip.

How does the tip work? Never done this before. Do I tip the captain and mate, just mate, just captain? And if so, how much for each?

Thanks...just don't want to insult the capt. or mate

I was under the impression that ya tip the mate 20%. We did a 6 pack a few years ago, inshore full day, the charter was 600 and we tipped the mate 240.00 everyone gave him 40. Im sure Raider Ronnie could chime in on this one.

we always tip the mate on the charters we go on....20% sounds about right.

20% !!!
They work their butts off !

Sometimes on a charter the real fisherman on the boat is the mate. If he gets you into a sweet fish you don't have to stop there.20 is a good guide like a waitress but a good one is worth their weight in gold. More than the guy runnin the boat at times. So keep that as a thought too. I've done both and people love a amate that teaches a trick or two

When I was a mate mid 80's into the 90's if I was given the tip it was all mine but if they gave it to the captain he would split it 50/50 with me, which I thought was BS. The boat I worked was owned by a local corporation which meant more often than not the people did not tip and I got $75 for the day pay. The pay sucked but it allowed me the time and flexibility to fish the Canal when we did not have a charter (which was often), and I stayed on my folks boat in the Bourne marina which is walking distance from the Canal.

I'm all for tipping the mate, particularly when he/she works their butts off, but what if you happen to hook into a real "money" tuna?
Some charters (maybe most, maybe all-I don't know) state that the fish belongs to the boat and the angler will gets a free trip.

If you, as an angler, spend a day basically fishing for nothing, would you feel compelled to tip?
I mean, if the trip cost you $100.00, and the fish you landed "for the boat" could be worth $1,000.00's, would you feel like tipping?

Keep in mind that I do appreciate the hard work the mates do, and would want to show my appreciation, but if the captain just made a killing because of my fish, why should I have to give to the mate when the captain can? And yes, I know the captain has bills to pay, but that's what the initial charter cost is for, isn't it?

(I think this may be the reason there are more recreational tuna fishermen, since they probably didn't want to do the work with out the reward.)

I'm all for tipping the mate, particularly when he/she works their butts off, but what if you happen to hook into a real "money" tuna?
Some charters (maybe most, maybe all-I don't know) state that the fish belongs to the boat and the angler will gets a free trip.

If you, as an angler, spend a day basically fishing for nothing, would you feel compelled to tip?
I mean, if the trip cost you $100.00, and the fish you landed "for the boat" could be worth $1,000.00's, would you feel like tipping?

Keep in mind that I do appreciate the hard work the mates do, and would want to show my appreciation, but if the captain just made a killing because of my fish, why should I have to give to the mate when the captain can? And yes, I know the captain has bills to pay, but that's what the initial charter cost is for, isn't it?

(I think this may be the reason there are more recreational tuna fishermen, since they probably didn't want to do the work with out the reward.)

First of all there aren't many times when a charter will catch a saleable tuna. Secondly you should check with the boat BEFORE you book it. Many boats have a policy of whatever you catch is yours (that's also my policy) but some don't. So know before you go.

As far as tips go, minimum tip for the mate should be 20% if you don't think he performed well enough to deserve the 20% talk to the Captain, don't just stiff him. In many cases if the mate has a good sense of humor, keeps you entertained and teaches you. In short works his tail off, you should consider tipping him more than to "standard" 20%

I'm all for tipping the mate, particularly when he/she works their butts off, but what if you happen to hook into a real "money" tuna?
Some charters (maybe most, maybe all-I don't know) state that the fish belongs to the boat and the angler will gets a free trip.

If you, as an angler, spend a day basically fishing for nothing, would you feel compelled to tip?
I mean, if the trip cost you $100.00, and the fish you landed "for the boat" could be worth $1,000.00's, would you feel like tipping?

Keep in mind that I do appreciate the hard work the mates do, and would want to show my appreciation, but if the captain just made a killing because of my fish, why should I have to give to the mate when the captain can? And yes, I know the captain has bills to pay, but that's what the initial charter cost is for, isn't it?

(I think this may be the reason there are more recreational tuna fishermen, since they probably didn't want to do the work with out the reward.)



real "money" tuna?

There is no such thing as a "real money tuna" today !!! Maybe 15-20 years ago !
Most boats sell them & most boats have a policy. You should ask prior.
We give you 1/3 of the sale. But a 200 250 lb fish is not worth much !
On a great day the buyer is paying $9 - $10 per lb,, now you are lucky to get $4 or $3, do the math, then figure out the tax we pay, handling fee the buyer charges, fuel and other cost to run the trip, bait ect...

Law does not compell you to sell it..only tag it...and Tim if you went on a fishing trip and caught a saleable fish did the mate still not do his job? Didn't you charter for a tuna so you would want to catch a big one????? not a rat???? so if you fished all day and the boat made an extra grand or two didn't the mate still make your day pleasant?

as the saying goes.... Don't tempt fate, tip the mate ....

I was just curious, that's all.

Sure, we would all LOVE to get a 800-1000 lb. tuna, but they simply don't exist anymore.

As for the tipping, I ALWAYS tip the mate, because they really do work hard, particularly in making me look like I know what I'm doing!:biglaugh:

Beleive it or not there are alot of people who do not tip for crap, I notice it more with people who can afford it, compaired to people who are every day working stiffs like us. I pay our mates a set rate for the day, then split the tip unless it is less that what I pay the mate. that way he is guaranteed at least some money for his hard work. That way he is pretty much making the 20% in case people do not tip correctly.

i am a mate on a charter boat and speaking for mates out there most mates do not get paid by the capt they rely on there TIP most mates have a lot of work to do before durring and after the trip is over. usaly set up all the gear ahead time take care of there customers durring the trip baiting un hooking etc and on the way in the mate is usaly busy cleaning fish the whole ride and after the charter has left the mate is usaly there for an hour or so cleaning the boat and getting gear ready for the next trip they do work hard to make your trip the best time . and yes 20% is norm

Went out on a half day fluke party boat.The bait was rotten and scarce.Saw 3 fluke come over the rail the whole trip.I didn't tip the mates.I didn't catch a fish.I barely got any bait and wasn't impressed.Was I wrong ? Do different rules apply to party boats ?

What if you went on a trip, and the only person was the Captain who also owned the boat? Would you tip him as well? If so how much?

What if you went on a trip, and the only person was the Captain who also owned the boat? Would you tip him as well? If so how much?
Not unless I had an outstanding trip; because if they also own the boat they have set the rate they want for the time involved. I would think most captain/owners would turn it down.

IMO tipping just be judged by the time of service given to you personally multiplied by an modest hourly rate and not a percentage.
Example: if I ordered two orders of black russian caviar vs someone that orders a $20. full course meal the tipping on the expense meal makes no sense. The server has to make 4 times as many trips on the full course vs the caviar.
However I do give credit to captains and mates because the water is taxing on the body.
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Treat it like a restaurant.
20% is solid. We had a good morning today, and the guys hooked me up with 30% - I put a star in the log book next to their name, so when they book again I remember them.

When people call to book and ask about rates, we make sure upfront to tell them about tipping the mate. I think some boats "forget" to mention it, to make the rate seem cheaper. My opinion, its not fair to the customers.

"Going on a high-priced tuna trip in September"


Just wondering, what do you consider a high price tuna trip ?
Not trying to be a smart ass but rates can go from $800 - $2500
depending on the boat and location.

Treat it like a restaurant.
20% is solid. We had a good morning today, and the guys hooked me up with 30% - I put a star in the log book next to their name, so when they book again I remember them.

When people call to book and ask about rates, we make sure upfront to tell them about tipping the mate. I think some boats "forget" to mention it, to make the rate seem cheaper. My opinion, its not fair to the customers.

Hey Jay - thanks for the "tip" today, got my nephew a 23 pounder and we tossed her back.

I tell our customers "make sure you take care of John", and if they ask how much I say "just as you would do in a restaurant", then I add "20% is normal". If he filletted a $%#@load of fish, or was really good with their little kids, I point that out to.

No prob Rich - Good to see you. That's a nice fish for your nephew.

When I help out Capt Mark on a charter, it's a long day. Leave the house at 4am and back to the house at 7pm.
Helping 6 guys who never held a fishing rod in their hands and trying to teach them to jig wire in 35 ft of water. Well , let's just say it's interesting. Hard work to make it all happen for them.

How many times after asking them not to touch the rod have you turned your back only to turn around and find one of them thought maybe it should be deeper and put it in free spool only to birds nest the wire putting the rod out of action, or worse they let some line out hook bottom and loose all the wire while I'm in making their lunch:wall:

I was watching Judge Judy on TV 3 years ago, and there was a guy suing the charter "lil toot" out of point judith, because they caught an 800 pound big eye, and the boat kept it to sell, and gave the people a free trip... but the people were pissed because they didnt go fish for a "free trip"... they went fishing for fish!!! ask ahead!!!

I was watching Judge Judy on TV 3 years ago, and there was a guy suing the charter "lil toot" out of point judith, because they caught an 800 pound big eye, and the boat kept it to sell, and gave the people a free trip... but the people were pissed because they didnt go fish for a "free trip"... they went fishing for fish!!! ask ahead!!!

Couldn't have been a Big eye they don't get that big, 400lbs. maybe. must have been a Bluefin.
edit: 392lbs. all tackle world record for Big eye

maybe it was a bluefin... something big, and the guy was pissed... he didnt want to catch a free trip, he wanted to catch a tuna

"Going on a high-priced tuna trip in September"


Just wondering, what do you consider a high price tuna trip ?
Not trying to be a smart ass but rates can go from $800 - $2500
depending on the boat and location.

I believe he said it was something like $1,400. He is paying for the trip but I figured I be a nice guy and take care of the tip.

Thanks for the responses, gang. Very interesting to read and put in the back of my peabrain!