deckhand help!!

[saltlife]

Hey, Im wanting to become a deckhand on a sportfishing boat and need some tips. Ive been fishing since i could walk and was introduced to saltwater when i was 8 and fell in love. I live in bham Al. so im not that close to the ocean to salt fish every day. I do spend everyday on the computer researching about sportfishing (i no i need a life lol). Im 14 now so when i turn 18 im moving to mexico beach fl. So if any one can give me some pointers on what i need to already be learning and how old do you have to be to be a first mate it would help alot.

Thanks, Jonathan

[SharkJP]

Welcome to SFC Johnathan. It seems like you have the first part down pat...passion. You should become a sponge and soak up whatever information you can.

Coming from someone who has done some of the good things as a mate and plenty of the bad things I can tell you some of both sides.

I know some of the finer points of being a mate can seem a little daunting right now, but the fishing part is easy. You could read things for a year and still learn more in just one week of being on the water, so dont stress the little things yet.

In my opinion, the #1 skill as a mate is DEPENDABILITY. Always show up (early) and just take the initiative to do what needs to be done. You can be a poor fisherman and still prob get hired before a good one if a Capt. and owner know that you will show up every day when you are supposed to. (I learned this the hard way).


Keep doing what your doing...make yourself seen around the docks whenever you can and try to get on a boat whenever possible. You could always tell a capt that you just want to ride a long and will stay out of the way (if you show him you can clean a boat well you shouldnt have a prob getting a ride.)

I was born in montgomery so I know it can be tough to get to the beach, especially when you dont have a liscense, but you are on the right track.

[saltlife]

Welcome to SFC Johnathan. It seems like you have the first part down pat...passion. You should become a sponge and soak up whatever information you can.

Coming from someone who has done some of the good things as a mate and plenty of the bad things I can tell you some of both sides.

I know some of the finer points of being a mate can seem a little daunting right now, but the fishing part is easy. You could read things for a year and still learn more in just one week of being on the water, so dont stress the little things yet.

In my opinion, the #1 skill as a mate is DEPENDABILITY. Always show up (early) and just take the initiative to do what needs to be done. You can be a poor fisherman and still prob get hired before a good one if a Capt. and owner know that you will show up every day when you are supposed to. (I learned this the hard way).


Keep doing what your doing...make yourself seen around the docks whenever you can and try to get on a boat whenever possible. You could always tell a capt that you just want to ride a long and will stay out of the way (if you show him you can clean a boat well you shouldnt have a prob getting a ride.)

I was born in montgomery so I know it can be tough to get to the beach, especially when you dont have a liscense, but you are on the right track.

Thanks for the advice. really appreciated!

[DropinBack]

The best way to learn it is to do it. Offer to help a current GOOD MATE to help with anything and everything FOR FREE when they go fishing as a "second mate"/helper... Wash the boat for them and there is a chance to get a free ride and learn that way... You can learn more in a few days from the right person actully doing then you can for years reading forums, books, postings, etc.

As far as the dependibility factor, that is correct. There are many in the industry that can not handle it...

Another thing to remember, as a mate, you are not in the fishing industry but really in the entertainment industry and some of the worst catching days lead to the best tips because you often work harder and have more client interaction... Attitude is everything and people you make friends will not only come back, but will tip you better...

One thing to remember, there are 100 different ways to do the same thing and this is what many mates are lacking... They think their way is the only way and they will never grow their ability because of this. Learn every way and then figure out works best for you and your captain...