Customary Etiquette When Invited to Fish  on a Friend's Boat

"Definition of Etiquette" is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group.

This overview of fishing guest/skipper etiquette is a thought of combining boat-less persons with boaters where a common interest may prove beneficial to both.  This was put together in hopes that boat-less persons can get together with experienced boaters & share a common interest in fishing.   

Many times the boat-less person will be shy and not want to intrude, because he/she does not know the fisherman/boater well, or thinks that the boater already has his/her "fishing buddies".    At fishing club meetings or gatherings, not many boaters wear a sign on their backs advertising they would like to make a partnership.  Therefore if you meet someone at meetings, whom you find owns a boat and with whom you have seemingly started a friendship, mention that you don't have a boat and would appreciate an opportunity to join them, should they ever have a spot open.  Or if your boat is smaller & does not lend itself toward a open water fishing trip, this could be a opening to accompany them next time.   There is however the possibility that this person could be professional guide, in this case you might add that you intend to pay their professional guide fee if that be the case.

On the other hand, many boat owners welcome someone to go along at times & to share expenses.  It can get to be a hardship at times for one person to launch, and to recover the boat by ones-self especially from a busy launch site or on a windy day.  And launching / recovering at a busy ramp by yourself can be intimidating.  Some retired fishermen may like company.  They also may have become partially physically handicapped, (we know most fishermen are mentally handicapped) & can not perform as they once did, so they possibly could use the help.  They could also have become “gun shy” of having another possible slob aboard who thinks he is so important, brags about his feats all the time, and has his head up his lower anatomy so far that oxygen has to be piped to him to keep him alive.

With the internet now, the possibility to advertise & accept open seats on fishing boats has opened up a new expanded opportunity for may fishermen, both with boats & without.  This can be a opportunity to find fishing buddy/friends.  It also opens the door for possible incompatibility, so be aware that just because you had a good time, possibly the skipper did not share your thoughts.

The first time I offered a fishing trip over the internet, it was for a week-end & I left the boat & trailer at his girl friends folks place Sat night.  But on the water Saturday (1st day of salmon season on the coast),  we were boarded by  a WDFW officer, off a USCG Zodiac boat, with a NOAA compliance officer onboard.  I saw the Zodiac coming & my invitee said, "I left my license at home".    I had him pull his line, stow his rod & had him sit at the helm.  The officer never said a word to him, but wanted to see my & my son's license plus the fish.  I was punched out & while the officer was aboard, there was a fish hit the rod closest to me.  I grabbed it, set the hook & handed it to my son, "saying here is your rod".  The next morning when I picked up the boat at his location, he bailed with an excuse.

To Me... an open seat on a fishing boat means that someone is offering you to ride along for sharing costs (gas, meal, motel, etc).  This would be totally out of line if the recipient of the offer would think it was for free.

Guiding without a license is illegal, so when someone who is not a guide offers an open seat, he's not expecting to be paid for taking you fishing.  However if after being pushed, and he even sets a price, he can be nailed as at times the recipient may well be a undercover law enforcement plant.   Just the same, it's common for fishing buddies who fish together to share some of the expenses.  If one drives and brings the boat, his buddy brings lunches, ice, beer, and bait.  There are any number of ways to make the relationship one of mutual benefit.

Those of us who own boats know the expenses that unexpectantley pop up, like a bad tire on the boat trailer ($130), someone screwed up & did not hold the boat at the launch & the transducer got hung on a log & broke off ($120).  Or you wound up with a broken or lost rod because of the guest.

If I am going by myself, I fish MUCH better and usually catch more fish.  I usually have a better time too, as I don't have to worry about being slowed down.  I have all my gear ready & can get fishing within minutes of being at the destination.  And I am pretty careful who I want to net any fish on my boat, even if I have to net my own.  If I have to wipe somebody's nose, I want some help at least with gas.   Some people who couldn't wait to go fishing with you suddenly get alligator arms at the fuel dock...can't reach their wallets.

Among the guys I know, many seem to think the thought always counts more than the actual dollar amount.

On the other hand, this is like life in general... if you don't ask and don't receive, that may be because you didn't ask in the first place.   Not all people know what is the right thing to do around a boat, and kind of shy about jumping grabbing a bow line or wouldn't know where to find the drain plug if you did ask them to pull it.   If you don't ask for assisance, you are just as responsible to the guy who didn't give.    That's life and "respect" comes in many forms like letting someone know what you need BEFORE you complain about not getting it.  Many of us flunked mind-reading school, which can lead to misunderstandings on both sides.

Here is examples of fishing trips that can be shared with others, with smiling results

If you have had the opportunity & enjoyed fishing with boat owners, but yet you however remain boat-less for numerous years, & still let it be known that you want to be an invited guest, your name may not be high on the guest list.   Unless you provide food, your own gear & reimburse fuel expenses.  Remember, you may not be the only one who may be boat-less.   And the boat owners after a while, may like for YOU to share the same joys, responsibilities & expenses that they have of being a boat owner.

OK, there may be extenuating circumstances that make boat ownership a hardship, like living in a covenanted complex that forbids outside storage at you place of abode, or an apartment with no off-street parking & on street parking of a boat, motor & trailer in some areas is just an invitation for thieves.   But there are rental storage lots or buildings available if you are really motivated.

A fisherman/boat owner may at times find that his boat is not of a size for a particular outing.  Take for instance, a 24' ocean fishing machine is not the boat to ask to do the job of a 16' river jet sled or drift boat & the other way around.   In instances like this, it may be common for two boater/fishermen to exchange being guests with each other when the need arises.

Now if you feel that since you got an invite to go fishing, that the skipper is offering to take you out at HIS expense each time, because HE invited you, WELL READ ON.   You may not receive too many re-invites, unless you happen to be a beautiful, curvaceous, vivacious, intelligent, rich widow, excellent cook and an extremely talented boater/fisher-lady all rolled into one. 

Fishing buddy Sammy with some nice bass

Do not be misled into thinking a $5 or even $10 bill at the end of the day is sufficient (especially when the price of gasoline is high) because the skipper was going fishing by himself anyway.  It also makes a difference in the costs incurred if the trip is a river trip where the launch is usually only minutes from the actual fishing area as compared to a open ocean trip where a 20 mile trip one way is not uncommon.  It would also make a difference if you met the skipper a central location close to home & rode with him the distance to the boat launch.

With a 6-gallon can of boat gas running at least $25, vehicle gas nearly $4/gallon, driving distances frequently measured in hundreds of miles, and herring bait over $6 a pack, a solid boat invite should always be accompanied by offers to chip in on expenses.   If in doubt as to fuel usage, ask the skipper how much he burns a day on the average trip & then do some basic math.

It is not just the cost of fuel used for a days of fishing, but the oil mix for the motor if it is a 2 stroke, or oil changes & scheduled maintenance at $85 an hour if a 4 stroke, fuel for the towing vehicle also has to be added into the equation.   Of course the towing vehicle will have to be large enough & with enough power to tow said boat.  And usually unless it is a relatively small boat that means no great fuel economy for the towing rig.  Then the boat owner really needs to carry boater insurance, which is another added expense. 

Trailer maintenance is also a ongoing thing, especially if it is used in saltwater, as for tearing down & replacing wheel bearings & lights.    Even cleaning it up & repainting occasionally is needed.

This trailer was used right up to the minute it broke when the boat & trailer skidded to a stop in a farmers fence.  The tongue was only replaced 10 years before.	Obviously not much maintenance care was extended here, & this trailer was used only in upper tidewater far above salt influence.  Luckily no one was hurt & no damage to the boat or motor.

Then there is also a launch fee, & not to mention the actual cost of the boat & maintaining it.  So you can see that the boat owner may have considerable expenses.   And the thought if he is going fishing anyway, well a $10 tip is sufficient, may not get you any re-invites.   After looking at many previous trip records & doing some calculating, a reimbursement of $40 for a day of fishing is not out of line for a normal day on the water if on a average sized boat/motor.  Offer more & let the skipper select what he is comfortable with for any given trip.  Some guests offer to fill your fuel tanks on both the vehicle & boat.  At times this could get excessive, so the skipper needs to be aware & be able to negotiate if need be.  Since the advent of 10% Ethanol fuel, the skipper may also decline refueling the boat at a automotive fuel station, as modern outboards really need Ethanol free fuel OR suffer a high repair bill.

----------------------

Listed below is a excerpt from one of the popular fishing forums on offering an open seat on his boat.

"Typical open seat day in my life:

Fishing Friend calls night before the drift to say wife needs his car and he can't meet at river.
Says he'll ride with me and help with gas.  "Plus, it'll be fun and it's really not THAT far out of the way for you anyway", he says.
But will he cover the turnaround too, I ask.
"Maybe we can find someone there to haul us back", he interjects.
"Think I'd rather call Frank, it's a long drift and a even longer ride back, since you live in the other direction I normally take", I cooly remind him.
"I suppose", he drones.

Next morning at the put-in. "$35.00 for a turnaround?  That's outrageous!!!!  Hiway robbery.  Who does this guy think he is anyway?  A senator?", he loudly proclaims for all present to hear, hoping someone will come to "our" aid and offer a free ride back up.
"It was worth a try and I was just trying to save YOU a few bucks', he later explains (over and over for the next 6 hours).
Before leaving the launch though, I whisper to Frank that dude's drunk, even though he's not.  Frank smiles and nods serenely.  Things are not starting out well, but I'm comforted knowing Frank's got my back.

As we shove off, dude say, "Hope your eggs are better than mine.  Mine were so freezer burned I just tossed 'em in the trash."
While proceeding to mow through 6 of MY Blue Fox spinners, 10 jigs and assorted bobbers, dude attempts to flatter me with comments like, "your sizes, weights, and colors are soooo much better for conditions today".  Finally noticing my concern every time his meat hooks reach down into MY tackle box, he says preemptively, "Maybe we should pull some plugs?"  "Got any pre-wrapped?", he cluelessly inquires.

Later, as we are splitting MY lunch, he barks into the cooler, "is there anything else besides water in here?".  Knowingly full well my boat does not smoke or drink, he lamely adds, "I figured you'd at least have some juice, soda or something besides water, homes."

Finally at the take out, as I'm cleaning the boat AND loading the truck on my own, dude is saddling up to the in-coming guides who are also trying to take care of gear, boats, fish, customers and wives calling to find out if Daddy's going to make it home in time for Johnny's birthday party.
In an effort to win their attention and approval, he says loud enough for me to hear, "I would have done a lot better, if I'd just gone with a guide today.  So?  How'd you guys do?"

When dude finally gets around to jumping in the rig with his mud caked boots, he quickly says, "Don't mind that bit about going with a guide.  It was all BS.  I was just trying to get some good information for you.  Thought maybe it might help US out for NEXT time."
Then with smirk he adds, "Sides, who in their right mind would ever pay for a guide when you can go just as easily for free."

As I'm quietly contemplating the long ride home, dude says sheepishly, "maybe we should stop at the A'deen Jack n' the Crack on the way back. Their 2 fer .99 cents tacos aren't bad.  Plus that turnaround ate most of the $40 bucks I brought for the TA and gas.  I know it doesn't leave much for gas, but you've been so good to me today I sure don't want you to have to buy my dinner too", he says with a grin.

After filling back up with his remaining $5 bucks and my credit card, I opt instead for some decent food at my usual spot.  Dude says, as he wipes super nacho cheese from his beard, "Wow, man you really didn't have to do this.  I'd been fine with J'n'B, really."

Within minutes of getting back on the road, dude is sacked out and snoring with a vengeance.  In spite of his spasmodic anorectic breathing, his final words before going down for the count still ring in my ears;  "Now you let me know if you get tired and want Me to drive, y'hear?  I'm there for ya, man".
So, consoled by the notion that It's the thought that counts and that I would have made the trip anyway, I chalk up another O'fer and push resolutely into the night like Alex, the Ice Road Trucker, dreaming about the next trip.

Fishin' Friends, what would fishing be without 'em?"
-----------

The following suggestions are not absolute, but represent a set of fairly reasonable "guidelines" that should make you more comfortable with your first few invitational boat trips.  The boat owner also has some responsibilities as explained later.

When accepting an invitation to fish on someone's boat: 

 (1)    Be sure you have a valid fishing license & have it on your person.  Also read the regulations so you have some idea of the current laws.

 (2)    DO NOT bring your whole tackle box, but assemble a mini tackle bag if you must.  A small backpack will hold all your gear, clothes & food for a day.   Ask what type of fishing you will be doing & the gear you will need.  And do not bring an extra rod.  Most small fishing boats (under 20') DO NOT have any excess amount of storage space available.

 (3)    Do not bring enough clothes to stay a whole week.  Look at the weather forecast & plan for a day accordingly.  Do however bring warm clothes, rain-gear or a big brimmed hat and sunglasses if the weather may suggest that.

 (4)   Bring your own Personal Floatation Device, (life preserver, to you land-lubbers).   You must understand that if you don't have one, the skipper  MUST provide one or he gets the citation.   Oh yes, if the skipper is wearing a PDF, doesn't it make sense that you should wear one also.  

 (5)    If bringing a child, (approve it with the skipper beforehand) ask & make certain a child size PFD is available, if not then bring one that fits the child with you.  The law says children under 12 MUST be wearing a PFD while aboard a vessel.

If you do bring children on your trip, be aware that boat ramps are extremely dangerous places, during the day or in the wee hours.   Do not let kids walk around unattended on ramps or the docks.  If you do bring a child with you, be sure they are wearing a properly fitted PFD from the moment before they step on the dock, to the time they return to dry land. 

 (6)    Do not bring uninvited guests, which could even extended to include your dog.  Most personal fishing boats encountered will be 20' or less & fishing space can be a concern.  If the skipper had planned on only you & you drag along your brother-in-law or 12 year old son, possibly the boat could be overloaded, or not enough room even for the skipper to fish himself.   Been there, had that happen to me.

 (7)    If you bring food/coffee/snacks for yourself, consider bringing enough to offer to the others on the trip also.  If you drop part of your doughnut, pick it up, uneaten food on the deck gets squashed & kicked/washed into the bilge.   DO NOT bring peanuts or sunflower seeds in the shells, they raise havoc with bilge pumps.   Were you born in a barn? 

(8)   Ask if you need to bring your own tackle, lures, bait, etc.  Bring only what the skipper agrees to, as cluttered boats can very well lead to a safety problem.  Most fishing boats of the size we will be using here have LIMITED storage space.  Do not bring extra rods, the skipper will probably have an extra anyway.  If you do bring some of your own gear, DOWNSIZE to a very small gear bag & be minimal.   
 

Is this you ??

(9)   If bait is going to be used, offer to bring it for the whole boat, but inquire as to exactly what size & whether it should be fresh or frozen.  Ask the best place to purchase the freshest bait.

(10)    Ask before lighting up a cigarette.   Do you usually smoke while sitting on a 40 gallon gasoline tank.   Ask first -- dummy.

(11)    Be at the appointed meeting place on time, or better yet, ten to fifteen minutes early.  If you are late & get left because of you being late, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.

(12)   One gripe most skippers have is invitees who jump in the boat with dirty shoes.   If on a river boat or sled, that launches off a gravel beach, or muddy launch this doesn't mean the skipper really wants a boat full of mud, sand or both, so sitting on the gunwale before actually climbing into the boat, just do a little dip the shoes in the water or scrape, it's all it takes to clean most fresh mud off.

(13)   If the meeting place happens to be at a launch, & you approach the boat ramp in your vehicle before daylight, turn off your headlights.  Your parking lights will be more than adequate for the slower driving at the top of the ramp.  This is to prevent those at the bottom of the ramp from being blinded by your lights and letting you know through hand gestures that you're #1 with them. 

(14)  Don't show up for a days fishing, then explain how you need to be home at 2:00 PM for the "big game". 

(15)  Don't complain if the skipper decides to make a change in plans due to weather conditions, or apparent lack of fish in a particular area.  Even if the skipper calls it quits for the day a little early.  He may have knowledge that you do not & if a skipper simply puts in a day for a boat ride just to appease you with little hope of catching fish, that is not the way the game is played.  Or maybe he became fed up with your BULLSHIT.

(16)   Offer to pay for the launch or sling fee, which can run from zero for a DFW owned site, to usually $5.00 to $7.00 or $10.00 for a privately owned facility.

  At the conclusion of your trip: 

Copyright © 2004 - 2012 LeeRoy Wisner  All Rights Reserved
  Back to Ramblings