Tipping on the High Seas

[Mike Wallace]

Question for those that have chartered in the Bahamas:

I'm chartering a half-day trip this March in the Caribbean. Part of planning for the trip and cost is the gratuity. Since there is no catch and release, the catch is usually given to the boat. Is this considered part of the tip, or is the 10%-15% on to of that?

Thanks for your advice!

Mike

[SM1]

At the end of the day the crew will be more interested in the $$. Id say 10-15% would be on the low end, but everyone is different. Depends on how the trip goes too. Been on boats where the 1st mate and other deckman's only pay is tips from the days anglers. (Whether thats actually true or not I dont know)

If you would ever plan to do repeat business with this boat...they always remember good tippers, and might do more for you next time.

[traveler]

Ditto....fish doesn't count as a tip. Some places the fish is considered as belonging to the boat (never did get this!) most places it's yours to do with as you wish.

I haven't fished the Bahamas, but it sounds like you know whats expected as to who gets the fish, so as far as a tip goes...10-15-20 % depending on who you ask. I fish in Cabo 1-2 times a year and try to use the same boats, so I tend to tip closer to 20%...not cheap, but ya gotta pay to play:)

[wahoo]

Traveler is correct. Of course, consider the service. Often you can negotiate for part of your catch if there is a restaurant locally that will cook the fish. Do not, however, try to get a large yellowfin tuna (Ahi) if ever in Hawaii!

[Mike Wallace]

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate the advice.

[dobiel]

I almost purely base my tips on how hard the captain and mate work to put me on fish. Some of my best tips were on days where we didn't do that great but the crew worked their butt off. At the end of the day it's still fishing, and nothing is guaranteed nor can the captain control all of the variables involved. What they can control is how hard they work for you.