f this shet. let this die right here and now. no more posts. i will never post any more "room for 1" posts. not worth the aggrevation. it's a shame. WTF. i just want to fish:wall:

Sharing the cost of fuel does not define a vessel as "for hire". As far someone getting hurt or killed the same rules apply as when your transporting any passensger in your car. The fact that they chipped in a few bucks for gas changes nothing.

I see both pints but lean towards Niko. I never have gone on a "friends" boat and not chipped in. He's not doing this as a livelyhood and isn't making a profit. If it was a daily thing that would be different. He's an a very experienced recreational fisherman that is extending a welcoming hand to other members here. I don't think he is taking money or charters away from anyone in my eyes. If I wasn't such a pu&%^#$@y on the big water :yak: I'd take him up on it. On that note if you ever want a ride on the skiff for inshore action you're more than welcome. PM sent Niko. I hope you continue to post your trip reports though. It's good reading about a local doing good things out there.

just tell em the fishing and the ride out is free.. the ride home is gunna cost you :scream:

I think everyone gets the point here..
Niko is not a charter boat.. he's looking for someone to split costs with.
legally... No, he can't make paying money a stipulation. but "legally" there's a lot worse things that go on than asking for money when fuel is 4.55 a gallon on the water.

Now where's the fishing report NIko? :huh:

I mentioned in an earlier post it should be considered like carpooling.
The main difference would be that ANY consideration of $$ changing hands (voluntarily) would be handled either before or after the trip.

This IS NOT, and SHOULD NOT be directed at NIKO. He just happened to be a generous guy wanting to share the fun of fishing, and got caught in the middle of this somewhat heated discussion.

Let's put this dog to rest, and get out and fish!

fishpooling, I'm in. pm sent

the report is pretty boring a few coolers of macks and a few small keepers. rick had a cool bass w/ a big a$$ chunk out of him. this pesky work thing will have me tied up for a bit. the freezer is now loaded to the gills and it time to start targeting some other critters. bass, fluke, sea bass, flounder,pogies be warned - i will soon be coming for you. i'm an easy guy to find if anyone wants to come out and play. i'm sure i'll post a new report soon enough - i get the shakes if i'm off the water too long. thanks to all, i've learned a few things in the process, some good-some not- that's lfe. tight lines, paul

I wasn't looking to start a war, just trying to explain how it is.
Nothing wrong with people offering to share cost,
But a tread starting out with someone ASKING for $$$ and putting it on the world wide web for the whole world to read is not a good idea and absolutely makes you a vessel for hire according to coast guard rules.
This topic has been covered MANY times on many forums, (just go on thehulltruth and do a search !)
As for the possibility of someone getting hurt, anything can and does happen out on the water (sharp hooks , knifes, weather kicks up ect.......)
You man never know it, but could get a scum bag ambulance chasing
lawyer type or even a Boston Fireman looking for another disability opportunity :hihi: