This Doesn't "Just" Happen,

[seapower]

Alot of us can't afford our own boat's to get out and fish like we would like. I am fortunte to be able to and am thankful for it. One thing that really makes it a pleasurable endever, is that I have a bunch of guy's (and girl's) that are appreciative of the opportunity to fish. It is hardly ever hard for me to get a "full boat", to head out and fish. I try hard to keep my boat, gear, etc..... in 100% good shape (like most do). Unless you actually own a boat and said gear, it's hard to really understand what it takes to make and keep it that way. It's takes alot of time, effort and money.
Make sure when you're fishing someone else's boat, to convey that you appreciate the chance to get out there and fish. It doesn't matter if it's a paid charter or if you're out splitting "expense's". In both cases there is alot that goes on that you can't come close to covering. Everyone that fishes with me enjoy's the effort of fishing and what it takes to get there and back. That's what keep's me personally asking them to come back. Frank

[offshore]

Amen to that!!

[bigfishhooker]

Speak it bro!!!

Of the folks that fish with me, there are only 1 or 2 that seem to appreciate the time and expense of keeping an offshore boat and gear in good running order. I only ask that my crew help split fuel and bring your own food/drink. There have been a few invited that are not coming back either because they "forgot" their portion of the bill or because they showed absolutely no respect for gear or boat. I absolutely adore the folks that are appreciative though...it reminds me of how hard I used to scrub on other people's boats in order to earn my keep.

[gottaflylee]

Very well said Frank.
It amazes me what some people think and will get on the boat and treat it like a trash can, throwing all sorts of stuff on the floor or dripping sunscreen over the boat, spray sunscreen is the worst. Another one that gets me is eating on the boat and will throw their chicken bones and potato chips on the floor. None of them understand that I have to clean up their mess. Then you have the ones that book a trip and don't show up in the morning, they must think that I do this for kicks and giggles and it is not a job.

Others will grab a brush and help clean up the mess after catching bait and help to move things out of the way and get the boat ready to fish, they are the one that will get an extra hour if the fishing is tough...

[CaptGorges]

I will third that. People I know who ***** to me about asking for $50-100 to go to the stream don't get invited back. People don't understand the costs of fishing until they do it. Or people who say "well my skiff doesn't burn $100 of gas all summer!". Your skiff doesn't have a 10' beam, weigh 11,000lbs, and have 550hp hanging off the stern...

Let alone the "little" costs that add up - even lures! A damn clarkspoon is like $5 now.

[Avenger]

Okay Frank, spill. What happened to pi$$ you off and prompt you to write this?

These are the facts of human nature. Some get it and some don't get invited back. People are always gung-ho on everything until it's time to put up time or money. So other than appreciation of that fact, did something happen to make you bring this up?

[clt_capt]

Well said Frank. I am extremely lucky that my "regulars" often go above and beyond - even to the point of assisting with bottom painting, regular maintenance chores.

For the less regular folks, I will admit that I'm picky up front, and have been well rewarded over the years - with them helping to keep the boat clean, chipping in on expenses, etc.

Occasionally someone will be less inclined to participate - they don't often get asked back...

[netman9]

Well Said...

Just spent a week fishing with a friend that helped me get into saltwater fishing and boating. Unfortunately he had a motor blow on his boat and is looking at $$,$$$ to get going again. Was a pleasure to have him on board for the week to help ease the pain.

[seapower]

Nothing wrong here, didn't mean it that way. Matter of fact we fished yesterday, ended up being less than stellar as far as the catching goes. We caught bottom fish, but the troll bite was really slow for us and the fleet as a whole. I had a couple of guy's on the boat that fish because they enjoy to fish. With them it's not alway's about the pound's, although I alway's want more. Take them for example, they pay their way, bring chow and goodie's, a few rod's, smiling face's, no complaint's and help clean up when it's over. Guess maybe I was using them as an example. When I'm around the dock's I can't help but see the other kind. Just thought I'd throw it out there. Frank

[Avenger]

Gotcha. I just find that things like this get posted when someone gets cranked up after dealing with one of the takers.

The guy I usually fish with doesn't break my chops about gas money, but I usually bring beverages or bait. But guess who's there with the chain hoist when he has to take an entire engine apart to replace the tiller tube. F_ing Mercs and the the Yamaha knockoffs of.

Then again, maybe the fact that he runs his own boat is why we understand each other. I did some work on a 42 Bertram for a guy, and while we're out on a sea-trial/joyride he commented about how he'd take people out for a day of fishing, then pull up to the fuel dock on they way back and the guest would break out his wallet and say "let me buy the gas".... by the time the pump hit the $800.00 mark the wallet was nowhere to be found