Tipping a charter Captain?

[Limited-Time]

When you hire a fishing charter is it always customary to tip the Captain?? I'm referring specifically to privately owned vessel operated and maned only by the Charter Captain himself.

Mods: Not sure if this is the appropriate forum for this. If it's not please redirect it.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

I have almost always tipped the Captain, depending on the quality of service I recieved. There was one that I didn't give any tip to, not because we didn't catch fish, but because he was rude, arrogant, and made the day less than enjoyable. All others have recieved something ... from $25 - $150 depending on fish caught, fun had, service provided, number of guests, and care of all guests on boat.

One captain kept us out 2 hours longer than chartered ... at no extra cost. He recieved the pay for those hours in the form of a nice tip and several return visits.

 

[DJ]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Type of service=Tip.

I am a VERY HEAVY tipper for great service.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

In the past I always have. The question was prompted by a discussion between several of us planning a trip. I mentioned the charter cost did not include the tip. Two guys in the party stated we are already paying the Charter Captain/boat owner for his services and questioned the need for a tip. Both said a tip would be in order if additional deck hands (persons employed by the Captain) were serving the customers.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

As DJ has said already . . . it depends on the level of service. If anyone goes out of their way to add extra value to their service than of course a tip is in order no matter who is providing the service. After all, they should be trying hard to please IMO if they are looking for referrals and returns trips.

You won't insult the Captain for offering a tip, but if he went "overboard" (maybe not the best analogy here ) you would insult him for at least not offering.

Your friends sound like they have short arms

Have you noticed when they are in a restaurant the need to go to the bathroom as soon as the bill hits the table . . . hahahaha

When ever I'm out on a friends boat for the day, even though they invited me, I still offer to pay for some of the gas (95% of the time they refuse to accept it anyway). Guess it's just a factor of how I was brought up!

I would never go over someones house for dinner without bringing a bottle of wine. It really ticks me off when they put it on their rack and never offer me any . . . Go figure!

The guy who cuts my hair "owns the shop" and I still tip him out!

 

[DJ]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Tipping is a weird subject.

Some folks think that three bucks is good on a $1,000.00 bill.

I go by 20% +/- is dependant on the service.

I have been on trips, frequently, where I've had to make up tips, that were due to great service. My "associates" thought 1% was appropriate. I did not.

I've always been invited back-anytime. My asociates have not.

You get what you pay for. That's been the rule since civilized man has been in existance. Fight it-yea. You win-ONCE.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Go by the service that, that Captain is providing. He/she is wearing two hats, captain and mate, putting you on fish and filleting your catch. The main cost of that trip does not all go in the Captains pocket, there is dockage fees, fuel, insurance, bait, maintaining the fishing gear that the sports screw up and sometimes unexpected engine maintance. Its not all gravy.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

This is an interesting topic and timely as I am headed out in a couple weeks. My understanding from a friend and first mate is that the captain is paid out of the charter fee but the mate works for tips - obviously if they are the same person it changes things. That said, do you tip both the captain and the mate? Do they both get 20%?

 

[sasto]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

As a charter boat captain myself...I don't expect a tip....and if I get one... it goes to the mate.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Sorry in advance for the off topic comment to follow -

Sasto - do you do any skinny water or bay charters on the Gulf coast? In a past post I think you referred to fishing the Siesta Key area.

Again, sorry everyone.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

If we buy a trip then we tip the both deckhand and Captain.

If we go out with our friend who owns the yacht then we tip the deckhand $150-$300.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

To me its all fishing. He is fishing to make money and I am fishing for fish. If he puts me on the fish he gets a tip. If he doesnt he is like me "EMPTY HANDED"

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Depends if i hit a or have a bonanza day...well it could happen. I have had more than a few try to get get some of the fish... Not nice very impolite

 

[sasto]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Sorry in advance for the off topic comment to follow -

Sasto - do you do any skinny water or bay charters on the Gulf coast? In a past post I think you referred to fishing the Siesta Key area.

Again, sorry everyone.

Hi dsiekman..I fished Seista Key years ago. Now on the Atlantic. Look me up if ever here in Jensen Beach....Capt Mike

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

Thanks Capt. Mike. We go to Siesta Key every winter to visit the in-laws, but I will be sure to look you up if we ever make it to the other coast.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Tipping a charter Captain?

To me its all fishing. He is fishing to make money and I am fishing for fish. If he puts me on the fish he gets a tip. If he doesnt he is like me "EMPTY HANDED"

That is the way it should be.