Tipping Captain and/or mate?

[Rob Rockcrawler]

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.

[cableguy]

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

[Raider Ronnie]

20% !!!
They work their butts off !

[ecduzitgood]

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.

[FishermanTim]

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.)

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by FishermanTim

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%

[Raider Ronnie]

Originally Posted by FishermanTim

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...