tipping a charter

[Markl]

I'd like to hear some opinions on the topic of tipping a charter. My partner feels it's not necessary if there are no mates and the captain runs the show by himself. He reasons that since the Capt. doesn't have to pay any wages, tipping him is no different than charging a higher fee for the charter. I can see his point but still feel a tip is appropriate but should be earned and not expected. Anyone have any thoughts?

[albacore00]

in response to tipping a charter. I happen to be a charter captain in the northeast and always enjoy receiving a tip from a customer, especially on a really great day on the water with many fish caught or a particularly nice fish caught. What I will say is this: people equate fishing with fun and rightfully so.
Being a charter captain is very hard work, i love my job. Most times if I get a tip it usually covers the fuel cost for the trip.
Take away from the captain's fee fuel, food and drink if necessary, dock fees,insurance and the profit gets wittled away. Your friend might want to think about all these factors and how much the guide worked to put you into fish when he questions tipping the captain. P.S.: it's no mistake when a good captain puts you into fish even on a tough day.

[CO FLy]

If you feel he/she deserves it tip them. I once tipped a guy and I only caught one fish. It was a bad day for fishing, but he kept trying to get me into the fish. And I have not tipped, because the guide I was with was busier on the phone with prospective customers than my getting into fish. Do what you feel is right, you can't go wrong.

BTW, the guide that didn't get me into any fish hooked me up two days later, and it was a great day.
:D

[Conveyor Man]

I am pretty oblivious about tipping. When I travel and I tip I either get a scowl or I get my hand kissed. What kind of percentage should we be looking at to show appreciation for a good trip.

[AlderBrookFarm]

The offshore charter we used in Key West had a sign stating that the mate's primary source of income is his tip and 15% was the number mentioned. Fortunately, the mate on that boat was worth every penny of it as he hustled his butt to enable us to catch & release 7 sailfish in one day.

[Quicksilver]

Usually the guide or lodge will give you a heads up before you book as to whether a tip is expected.

[widdoes]

If it's a single guide/owner, consider other means of tipping. Obviously money talks, but, if you are fishing out of the states, or even whithin, you may want to contact your guide to see if there is any equipment he has a hard time getting. On my last 2 trips (both outside the US) I have brought hooks, swivels, leader, lures, flies (good for Mexico/Belize because they turn around and sell them) etc. for the captain (even with a mate). You get a pretty good reaction from the skipper, because you get to give it to him up front, and you get the bonus of paying a fraction of what it would have cost him.
This doesn't work too well if your charter runs out of Miami- then go with 15% unless he's a jerk. :D
-widdoes