A few ?'s about Mates

[Tunacatcher74]

This stuff is really helpful. It gave me a few more pointers that I couldn't have thought up on my own.
It is great to be part of a comunity with so many experianced people. I know I posted something like this before, and there were some great responses, but it seems that each time I read a thread I learn at least two new things.

[SharkJP]

i have always been curious what cat does taste like. . .

seems to me like it would be a little chewy, hmmmmm

food for thought

[SeaBiscuit]

In my experience, nothing is more important for the mate than knowing what the customer is looking for and is capable of. These discussions often take place with the captain (many times long before the actual charter) and are often lost in translation to the mate.
I like a mate who is more eager to learn about their customer rather than the one who is anxious to showcase his personal abilities. As is true in all service fields, it IS all about the customer and the customer's expectations and definition of a good trip. The most effective captains and mates are predators and having a great catch will almost always overcome all obstacles. Killing fish, however, is only one aspect of what the customer may be looking for. Learning, doing myself, shooting the breeze or simply relaxing and taking in the glory of a nice day on the water is every bit as important to me.

Last, but not least, good personal hygiene is very important when spending the day in the close quarters of the pit.

SeaBiscuit

[Mako Wish]

This is great im glad i brought this up ..I hope other mates and captains gain as much info as i am.....Capt Mike

[tunatamer4]

and most important to me is don't assume I know nothing about what we are doing

Snappered,
I don't know if are involved on the team or just playing the game. Let me just say this, I am in no way trying to cause a stir or badmouth you in any way. The thing that disturbs me about this comment is that we as mates HAVE TO assume everyone getting on our boat is not experienced. A feeling out period is required at the start of the journey. Unless they are repeat customers, to me, they have never fished before. The cerimonial talk about safety, what we'll be fishing for, where we're going, how long a ride till we fish, what to expect when we get there, and how to handle the equipment.
You have no idea how many times I have heard "Yeah, I've done this before" only to get a fish on and they can't manage to get the rod out of the holder, or they "SET" the hook, drop the rod tip and cause slack or reset the planer.
If being explained these things to you by a mate makes you feel bad,I don't know what to tell ya. It's part of our job to go over things like this, and if it's done tactfully, they've done their job.
The best thing for you to do is, if you find a boat and crew you are comfortable with, stick with them. I have brought 64 people from various boats I have worked on to the one I am currently on for that reason, EVERYTHING was spelled out from the start. And until I got to actually know the folks as repeats, the same thing happened every trip.
Just my thoughts. Sorry if I offended anyone.

[sea scape]

i have always been curious what cat does taste like. . .

seems to me like it would be a little chewy, hmmmmm

food for thought

"they" say it tastes like chicken... but then again, seems like EVERYTHING tastes like chicken

Maybe it tastes like jerky chicken

[Baywolf]

Great thread. As a new mate to the game this has been very helpful and will serve as a reminder when the days get long or I am doing a 10 days stretch. I like to know right up front what the customer wants out of the trip. I've been out and the group sat in the cabin all day watched TV drank beer or slept only to come out if there was a fish on or not at all, It's their quarter. If they want to do all I will show them how I do it and let them roll. Safety Safety Safety! I think Shark covered it all pretty well.

[Dave Sikorski]

Very good things being said here.

I've been on more guided hunts than fishing trips but one thing I think they both are missing is communication.

It falls on the mate and captain or guide. Every trip should start with a talk about safety and then question and answer time. Explain how things are gonna work throughout the day and what to do in different situations.

Communication is key to a safe and enjoyable day.

-D