How to become a boatmate?

[cndavis80]

Hi. My name is Chad Davis, and I'm a new member to the Sport Fishing Forum.

Can anyone provide tips/guidance on how to land a good boatmate job?

I'm looking for work in the Lewes, DE to Ocean City, MD area.

I don't have any experience. However, I have always had a love for the ocean and want to learn all there is know about deep sea fishing and navigating the seas. I am a firm believer in working your way up-the-ladder if you really want to understand and be great at what you do.

That said, I am 32 years young, a miltiary veteran, physically fit, and not afraid of hard work.

Any responses are greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Chad

[OUTCAST1]

Chad, most mates get started at around half your age (about 16?) It's a tough game. Opportunites are very limited-usually need a personal "in."

Many come from fishing families, a few have been fortunate enough to have had access to blue water fishing.

Usually they've been fishing saltwater in smaller private boats for a number of years-know something about the tides, gear, bait, knots, and fishing.

They show up at the docks and offer to help the regular mates do go-fer work and scrub boats--with no pay.

After ingratiating themselves with work, next thing is to find a captain and mate willing to have someone on board as a "trainee." Most initial "trainee" work is before and after the charter-while under way, stay on flybridge, listen to Capt., watch mate, don't get in the way. (Charter groups aren't typically very receptive to "trainees"--they lose enough fish because of their own inexperience-they want the mate to know what he's doing-not just learning.) Again, little or no pay.

Eventually, you get your chance. A captain will have a mate out sick, drunk, or locked up-and you're the best he can do on short notice.

At your age, I'd say get a land job that will provide you some time and cash to put in on some private trips offshore. There are opportunites for "shared expense" private trips, and you can learn a lot on these.

Good luck,

[cndavis80]

OUTCAST1,

I appreciate the advice. Who knew switching to a career in fishing could be so difficult. As with anything, put forth the consistent effort and in time you'll reap the rewards.

btw - i'm beginning to see as with any business, it's all about $$$ at the end of the day

Cheers!

[CalabashFishman]

Hey Davis. I was lucky enough that my dad asked his boss which owns a fishing fleet. I work on a head boat. But, about 3/4 through the season, i became first mate. Every capt is different. Some are complete aholes and some will teach you. I worked with 2 other mates this year, then 1 by myself. I was working with 45 ppl by myself at one point! There is this one older mate who has worked on a boats since he was 13. Hes now like 52. He used to work on the Andrea Gale too. (before it sank haha). I love learning and listening to his stories.

I never minded the ocean. Now that I work on it daily. I just love it so much. IF there was a way to make a living in commercial fishing, I would never think about another job again. I just love the ocean. But, a lot of commercial fishermen live by paycheck by paycheck. Thats what holding me back.

As a mate, I get paid what one person pays to go fishing. A half day trip, we charge 40 a head, so I would be paid 40 dollars that trip. Plus tips of course

Dont work too hard trying to find a mate job. You might get hooked like I did, and cant leave the ocean.

[Deep C]

Agreed that most start very young... If you want it, understand that you will never get wealthy in this game. Rise to the top and its still day to day wondering whenit's all gonna fall apart. If you can get past that and still have 110% conviction that this is what you want to do, then my suggestion is that you start in a party/ head boat. This will bring you up to the speed necessary to make things instinctive instead of each chore having to be "work". The party head boat in three months will teach you more about knot tying, tangle clearing, on the run tackle repair and people skills than ten years on a charter boat. From the party boat move to a charter boat that sails a lot. Bread and butter fishing for flounder, rock, bluefish or other common critters. Work hard and get noticed. Graduate slowly to the billfish and tuna stuff...

[Wound Up James]

weather you have a job or not, if you can, ride along for free with the best fishermen in your area and help out as much as you can.. be on the dock every morning,.. weather you are fishing or not. take time before fishing (or going back home) to make sure all the captains see you . if they know you're keen and know they can rely on you to be there in the morning, most captains worth working for will be willing to teach you the rest.......fish all day w/ your shirt off if you choose, but put it on and tuck it in before leaving the dock... and put it on and tuck it in before returning...your military background will serve you well...so will a great personality, 'cause it's not all about the fishing...we're in the service industry...

many great captains take honest, reliable, friendly greenhorn mates and make great fishermen out of them.

and many great fishermen make awful mates because of their personality, unreliabilty and/or work ethic.

best of luck . james.

[Five4Fighting]

Agreed that most start very young... If you want it, understand that you will never get wealthy in this game. Rise to the top and its still day to day wondering whenit's all gonna fall apart. If you can get past that and still have 110% conviction that this is what you want to do, then my suggestion is that you start in a party/ head boat. This will bring you up to the speed necessary to make things instinctive instead of each chore having to be "work". The party head boat in three months will teach you more about knot tying, tangle clearing, on the run tackle repair and people skills than ten years on a charter boat. From the party boat move to a charter boat that sails a lot. Bread and butter fishing for flounder, rock, bluefish or other common critters. Work hard and get noticed. Graduate slowly to the billfish and tuna stuff...

Agree with Deep here... My brother is a mate in Lewes, De. He started out on a head boat when he was in college. Now he works on a charter boat inshore bottom fishing and stuff. occassionally gets to go offshore on another baot. He also went and got his captain's license as well.

[sportfishingusa]

Agree with Deep here... My brother is a mate in Lewes, De. He started out on a head boat when he was in college. Now he works on a charter boat inshore bottom fishing and stuff. occassionally gets to go offshore on another baot. He also went and got his captain's license as well.

that is the best and one of the only ways to get your career started!!!

deep hit the nail on the head!!

[cndavis80]

Deep,

Your advice is greatly appreciated. On every interview I've been on, I always list my people skills as my greatest asset. I'm a firm believer the key to success in any business is a cohesive environment, understanding the clients needs and meeting/exceeding their needs!

Cheers,
Chad

Agreed that most start very young... If you want it, understand that you will never get wealthy in this game. Rise to the top and its still day to day wondering whenit's all gonna fall apart. If you can get past that and still have 110% conviction that this is what you want to do, then my suggestion is that you start in a party/ head boat. This will bring you up to the speed necessary to make things instinctive instead of each chore having to be "work". The party head boat in three months will teach you more about knot tying, tangle clearing, on the run tackle repair and people skills than ten years on a charter boat. From the party boat move to a charter boat that sails a lot. Bread and butter fishing for flounder, rock, bluefish or other common critters. Work hard and get noticed. Graduate slowly to the billfish and tuna stuff...

[Banshee]

MEATBALL this question is for you!!!! Tell him !!!!
JW