|
You might want to check out the RI Charterboat Assn website - they have a list with all the Cpts and their phone#'s, websites, and emails -- just start contacting people and see if anyone has an opening. You could also walk the RISAA show this winter and introduce yourself in person to any of the RI boats.
Getting a regular gig to start off might be difficult, but offer up to be a fill in - If you can fill in on a couple of different boats, I bet you would find a regular gig by the end of the season.
As for $ - tips at first, some Cpts will guarantee you a certain amount per day (guard against someone stiffing you). If your really experienced or have been with a cpt a while some boats will also pay a flat fee per trip or small % of the charter. How you do on tips can depend on the boat -- some guys are very up front about tipping the mate when people book, others just kind of leave it up in the air. We're really clear about the tipping thing when people book, that way the people don't feel surprised at all, and the mates end up doing better too.
Most important thing - show that you have a good way with people, are curteous and polite -- on some boats the mate spends more time with the customers than the capt, so many would rather teach a good guy how to fish, than have a crackerjack fisherman that shows up hung over and is rude to the customers.
Last thing -- all Captains and Mates are supposed to be enrolled in a random drug testing program. Every year someone loses one of their college kids to this -- if you can register in the program ahead of time ($75, Newport Alliance-they have a website) you will be a step up on anyone else looking.
Hope that helped. Good luck.
|