Being a good guest on someones boat

I have been fortunate enough to be a guest on many ifisher's boat over the past year and first of all I want to thank everyone of you for your graciousness and generosity. I've made it a point to be a good guest and thought that maybe some pointers on how to be a good guest might help others.
1.ALWAYS and I do mean ALWAYS offer to help pay for gas or other boat related expenses like launch fees,parking fees,bait.
2.Clean up after yourself.
3.Don't come on this or any BB and criticize or make fun of the person whose boat you were just on especially if you didn't catch any fish. You may be kidding but the boat owner may not think it's funny. Especially if they busted their butt to try to get you into fish.
4.Try to help as much as possible with things like anchoring,backing the trailer or whatever needs to be done.
5.Be on time!
There are probably more to list but that's all I can think of for now.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for having me as a guest on their boat.
Bill and Jennie
RT
The "REEL"Fishin Mission and Jan
BOE
Jerry Shipe
Kim (RW) Katsion
Jeff Wheland
******
Marty P.
Bev and Dot
Spooled (Haven't been on his boat yet but he has asked me)
Thanks to you all!
Stew

[ 09-16-2001: Message edited by: BIGSTEW ]

[Lipripper]

I used to have a few friends who thought my boat ran on thanks and not gas. Needless to say they have not fished with me in some time. When you take someone fishing you are not expecting money or any thing else. You would have spent the same money even if you had gone by yourself but that's not the point. If someone is nice enough to get up early and take you out to their favorite spot show you where and how the least you can do is offer to make their burden a little less. You don't have to give them your first born but a couple of bucks can go a long way towards another trip. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[FISHFINDER]

Good post Stew-

I think a lot of guys that don't own boats don't realize what goes into a trip as far as gas and preparation go. Maybe this will help them out. If I'm on someone else's boat I treat it as if it's my own and then some. Offer to help pay for gas and make sure you keep your area clean goes a long way on my boat and I think the same goes for others too.

I have just recently been on some trips with people that have taught me a lot about fishing different water. Yes, these people were going fishing anyway, but that invitation to have someone show me their spots and work their butts off to catch fish is worth a lot more than just a thank you at the end of the day.

Oh, one more thing, no booze or bananas. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
FF

[Phunybonz]

Well done Stew, I too have been fortunate to have been invited on trips with Ifishers. I realize the effort put out by these kind folks and try to show gratitude with financial support.
On my last trip, everyone pitched in. Problem was, we all donated at the same time. We gave our donations at the top of the ramp in front of everyone. I was told that could be misunderstood as a guide fee and jeapodize the boat owner with guiding without a license. I will be more descrete next time.

Good point 'bonz. Hopefully one of these days I will have my own boat(probably a drift boat)and be able to do a little payback.
Stew

[Floater]

Good subject. I've had both good and bad guests on my boat. I always tell them, 'this is not a guide service, I'm going fishing and if you want to go for a boat ride and put a pole in the water, it's ok with me'.
The offer of a helping hand or gas money goes a long way with me.
Rules in my boat:
1. If you smoke, cigars go overboard, cigarette butts go in your pocket (trash).
2. Pick up your trash. If you don't, it will make its way to the sump in the back of the boat and it might clog the bilge pump.
3. If you cut any fishing line, put it in your pocket (trash).
4. If I say, "before we go there, everyone has to put on their life jacket", we won't go unless they comply.
5. If I ask that something be done that might save life, limp or gear, do it.
6. I've had guys that say, 'oh come on it's not that bad, let's go out a little further'.
I know my skill level and my boats capability and I won't push either.
7. Don't TELL me where to fish. I will listen to all requests and sugestions though.

If something gets broke from wear and tear, that's ok.
If something gets broke because of their actions, I may or may not accept the offer to pay for the item. But if they don't offer, then I get ticked off.

I put a lot of time into the boat, engines, comfort items, safety equipment, etc., but some just don't seem to realize it.

[Ramstrong]

Nice post Shane however # 3.3.Don't come on this or any BB and criticize or make fun of the person whose boat you were just on
You mean not unless it's Roy [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] then feel free to make fun [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] jk I have also been very fortunate to fish in the boats of several ifishers and all experiences have been wonderful and Roy was the first ifisher nice enough to take me out, thanks Roy. Since then I've been able to fish with Dan!, Smoky, Where's my bobber, Spooled, Thumper and last but not least RT. Thanks guys I've had fun fishing with all of you.

[Vinny]

Phunybonz - I know! I reached out my hand with the cash just about the same time as you did and thought to myself, "Oops, this boat looks like a guide's boat, and this could look like a payment for services." No one said anything and it was all legit, but I understand some areas are quite restrictive on guests even chipping in for fuel.

Anyone have more info on that?

[Sliderite]

I started out steelheading with a guy at work who set the rules before we even hit the river. He said the deal was..half the gas, half the shuttle, half the bait, and be on time or else!! This is how much it will cost for the first trip but then I knew how much to give him after that. Everything was straight down the center! I figured I was getting a guided trip for less than 20 bucks...what a deal!!! I have taken others fishing on my boat now and feel that the reciprocating has gone. I will not permit someone to use the "you were going anyway..so I don't need to pay" thing to fly.
I usually end up fishing by myself since I was burned and have gotten used to it. They also Expect a fish which I cannot guarantee.
Too much hassle just to have fun. Anyone just want to go?

[bait boy]

I dont always have the funds to help out monetarily. That being said I help out in other ways. If I was on a charter boat I would be classified as a First mate. As the name implies I bait hooks, tie hooks, run gear, Hand off rods, net fish, untangle lines, pull anchor, set anchor, Keep the refreshments flowing.

As I have gotten more settled I will chip in as of late. But I think that helping out with money is not the end all be all of fishing buddiedom.

Rick

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: Drift boat rower in training]

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: bait boy ]

[Sliderite]

Bait boy..I was speaking in terms of a driftboat with one maybe two other fisherman.
In this respect there is little need for those services. I do however see the need for that with several people fishing out of a large sled! TOO COOL to have someone else bait the hook and do everything else that needs to be done. Do ya spot the fish too? just kidding
The other posts I have read say you are the best!

[Sliderite]

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: Sliderite ]

[Thumper]

I guess I feel different.......if I invite someone to go fishing with me they are my guest; no charge, just get 70% outside the boat, etc. If the guest is a regular then he is my fishing partner, and we even things out in the long run by using his boat, etc. I enjoy showing folks what little I know about the waters I fish and the techniques that I use (all learned from others over the years). However, it is cool if they are good at fileting.

[NEUTRON]

Hey Bonz, when is that new boat showing up so
I can net your first fish. You have to get some fresh blood on it. What make did you say; a henway? Never heard of them....... Debbie has the # to call........

[NEUTRON]

I just remembered a discusion my friend and I had yesterday morning. When you catch fish
as a guest, it's usually a team effort. Especially when 1 person is on the paddles most of the day. I personally wouldn't be offended if the lucky angler(s) offered to share the catch, nothing like FRESH fish. I
love the rowing part, great exercise and fun to be on the river. It's hard to cast with paddles in hand.

[finclipped]

Don't forget about cleaning the boat after a day of fishing. A couple years ago, a friend of mine knew I didn't have very much money, so he refused to take any from me. Everytime we went fishing, I cleaned his boat, help with whatever maintenance I could and acted as the preverbial "bait boy." He appreciated how I was trying to help and invited me nearly every weekend. I am a little better off financially now, so I kick in some bucks every time, but its surprising to me how many never offer to help clean the boat, or help put things away or things of this nature.

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: finclipped ]

[bait boy]

I filet with the best of them, heck I even filet other boats fish to make more room for my party. I may take up a new business.. Taking peoples boats out with them to show them how its done.

"Yeah sure I guide ya got a boat we can go in?"

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: bait boy ]

[Pitch Pocket]

I have a buddy that just doesn't get it. After being flipped a $5 bill after a drive to and from the beach and running the sled all day, I finally had to give him an economic lesson in gasoline and oil consumption of a Suburban and a 150 pump.

Once, while using my rods, my bait and my hooks and instructed by me, "we" caught a 30lb chinook on "his" rod (only fish of the day). We went back to the ramp, I helped him clean and fillet the fish, he packed it up and took it home! Didn't even offer a piece for dinner!

He keeps calling, but I've never had an open seat in my boat, ever.

[ 09-17-2001: Message edited by: SjP ]

[Thumper]

Rick --- Yahoo!!! Somebody who can filet! How about this Thursday or Friday on the NF? E-mail me by Wednesday PM as I will be out of town 'til then.

[CHUMSALMON]

this is a great thread! growing up i was basicly the bait boy to my dad's buddies that he invited. I've see both sides of the coin. Needless to say the people who pitched in were always invited to come again. but, after reading these threads one trip comes to mind. We were fishing for silvers on the lower columbia, trolling spinners near the mouth of a local river. My dad had a guest with us, he didn't have anything,so we set him up with one of our poles and even let him use our rain gear, since he didn't bring any. Well, he was a piece of work! Here is how the day went, the guy met us at the launch 30 min. late, then as we were fishing he managed to rip a huge hole in teh rain gear (we loaned him), soon after that he bent the rod (we loaned him) over too far and broke the tip off, at the end of the day, we had three silvers total. He took two of the fish (says to us we always caught fish and probably couldn't use them anyway) didn't thank us for the trip, didn't offer to help with gas, didn't offer to pay for the rain gear he destroyed, didn't offer to pay for the pole he broke, and on top of that took the two biggest silvers from us and before we even got to teh rig to back the trailer in the water, he was in his truck waving to us goodby saying he was late for something! Man what a day, my dad and i just stood there looking at each other dumb founded! we couldn't believe what had happened. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

[Phil Layer]

I suppose I've been pretty lucky with guests on my boat. Of course, nobody ever came close to kicking in half the gas money but I've learned to live with that. Any contributions are fine with me.

In their defense, non-boat owners probably don't have a clue what it costs to tow, launch, bait and troll.

What does get my goat are the guys who treat my boat like it's a garbage can and refuse to help out even when asked.

I recently was trolling Buoy 10 and asked a friend to drive the boat for a bit. He told me "No." When I asked him why, he answered, "I like it better when I sit here and fish." He was dead serious, too. And after he left, I found food wrappers tossed throughout the boat. The fact he didn't contribute financially was okay with me but his attitude that it was my job to do all the work and then clean up after him results in "Sorry, I'm busy that weekend" whenever he calls now.

Bait Boy - Your attitude works great for me. The simple fact that you try to help where you can would make a world of difference in getting invited on my boat.

On the flip side, I recently visited a bud in Alaska for a week of camping in his trailer and fishing from his boat. I made sure I paid for everything. He was blown away and really appreciated the help. For me, it was much, much cheaper than hiring guides and staying at motels. It was a win-win situation for both of us.

[hawgcatcher]

I want to thank Fishin Mission for the trips that he has taken me on. Not having a boat of my own, I am stuck on shore. He heard about it and has taken me on several trips. I have fished for years but every time he takes me out, I learn something new. He is generous to a fault with his great knowledge. Plus we seem to have good conversations while waiting for the strike.

I try to be a good passenger but I know that sometimes I forget things. My sea legs are not like they used to be since I had foot surgery. I thought I was going to knock him overboard on our last trip when a wave hit the sled while we were trying to land a fish. I did manage to net the fish without knocking him off. So once in a while, I do things right.

This is a thank you to Mark. He is a great guy and I hope that he will consider me for a passenger another time. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[hoochie]

I, too have had a $5 flipped to me and the bum just walks away after I've taken him out, found fish, loaned tackle, and hauled the boat to the ramp.

Fishing is sometimes just plain expensive and when guests forget who's making boat and truck payments as well as filling the tanks of said vehicles, they don't get a seat ever again.

I'm lucky in that I usually fish with my wife and she has the checkbook!!!

[FishinMission]

Good post Stew...

One thing I might ad...make yourself be GOOD company.

I've been fortunate to date with those I've invited along,....everyone's been great company.

One other thing...The GAS money situation...During the month of August and the first week of September, I consumed over $400.00 worth of gas. It really makes a statement if you don't offer to help with gas. Granted...some of us may, or may not accept your offer, but always remember to offer. In addition, if you lose someone else's tackle, offer to re-imburse the individual that tackle belonged to. Some lures fished from boats can run up to $10.00 each, and losing one or two of those in one outing smarts in the pocketbook!!

And finally...NEVER..NEVER "flame" anybody for not catching a fish with them. I can't think of anybody here that gets fish EVERY trip. And if anybody ever "flames" me for no fish...they're done riding in my boat. Ya hear me "Zaq"??

Hawg, Stew, ******, Fishin' Lady....they're all great company, and I've been fortunate to have them along with me. There'll be many more trips for these folks in the future!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Phish_on]

I don't expect the gas money thing, like someone said I'm going fishing and I'm going to burn up fuel regardless. Then again, I don't refuse contributions either! I prefer the guests to pack some lunch, or cover some other expenses - I usually give them the opportunity to "go pick up the bait while I get the boat ready" [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

BUT the CATCH is ALWAYS divided equally ... no question!

Also, if I ask you to drive the boat, or anything else - do it, or walk back! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] I have a pretty limited group of people that I invite, so there are no stated rules - we get along OK, everything works out in the long run.

[Dogfish]

I was really lucky this year, no slobs. Everyone helped out, everyone chipped in, and when I asked for help to clean the boat, they did.

Seven 340 mile round trips to Sekiu ( at 10 mpg, $1.50 a gallon of gas, $357 gas for truck), total boat gas was 72 gallons for all trips = $108, moorage and ramp fees = $105, camp fees = $200, gear = $100 (not including the new downrigger at $200), trailer hub and spring replacement = $255, bait = $300, food and beer = can't even add that high, helping five kids catch their first salmon = priceless. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

The costs associated with catching 280 silvers, kings and humpies, on my boat in one season = around $2,000.00. Ouch! Just think if I had to pay that all by myself? Tip your captain, and deckhand! It is usually the same guy.

Andy

[FM2]

This is a very good topic that both boaters and non-boaters can relate to.

Having owned several boats and taking many people fishing the one issue I can contribute is for the boat owner to hold a "class" before leaving a port or dock. I would do this each time out because most of the people were non-boaters and did not know what to do. I would cover basics like safety, where life jackets are, fire extinguishers, throwables and other items related to survival. I would also cover expectations and what to do when a fish is on, who does the netting and other related issues. I found once I did these mini "classes" people on the boat worked well and I had less problems.

Sharing the expenses is really important. As FM says, he has spent $100's of dollars in fuel and that does not include other expenses so please folks at least offer to share the costs, all costs.

I have really enjoyed fishing with several ifishers who have taken me out in their boats since I don't have one now. I have met very nice folks with alot of fishing knowledge to I would like to express another THANK YOU to all who have invited me.

I have a dilema I would like to bring up, I have been fishing with a guy who is not an ifisher and he says all expenses get split up with however many people are fishing....no problem there. But he also says all fish is to be divided up between every one no matter who catches them. This is what I am struggling with. I have believed if you catch and tag a fish you keep it and if you are considerate enough to share some with others that is great. But this guy says it "ALL" gets divided up !

What do others think ?

Another point comes to mind.
6.When you do get your own boat REMEMBER who showed you the ropes! Don't forget the guy who showed you his favorite spots,how to anchor and all the things involved and got you into fish! Now that you have your own boat show your appreciation to the boat owner who taught you!
Stew

[DF]

Great Post.
I would like to thank HOGTIDE for the times he has taken me out. I caught my first steelhead with him, caught alot of shad, and have learned alot of very valuble information. Plus I have had a really really good time. Thank you I owe ya. Lets go sight in that rifle of yours. I've got the truck, the spot, the gas and all.

Being considerate on a boat is a very good idea. I too have taken people out who actually argued with me on the way to do things. I am only a teenager and so were they and they may not be mature enough to realize that you dont argue with the person running the boat. But I am. I have never taken this person fishing again and I dont plan on it.
I try to do all that I can when fishing with somone else. They say jump, I ask how high.

Great topic
OH ! how could I forget. I would also like to thank jellyhead for that bass fishing experiance! THAT WAS FUN! TOPWATER YEEEE HAW [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Dustin

[Trick]

I don't understand the fish splitting thing either. I've had a two freinds that I've been real tight with since we were wee ones. We learned how to catch our first bluegill together. We are all in our 30's now and we still fish together often when our days off lineup.

We are bank maggots by nature and do 75% of our fishing from the shores. We did run my freinds boat out to buoy 10 once this year and I picked up half the gas, paid the launch fee and bought part of the snacks. I was set with gear from when me and my father used to fish the ocean and 10 a few years ago. I don't have a large craft yet for big water and I loaned all my divers out to him to use at 10.

I always make it a point to help wash the boat and trailer down after fishing. Vaccuum it out and put things away when needed. There has been times when I've met them at ramps that were between our homes. We live an hour apart. Sometimes in those situations I don't run back to Astoria to help with the wash and they understand.

We hunt together most every year over on the east side. He has the big diesal and I split fuel with him. It's always been well over $100 dollars in fuel. This year I called him right after the terrorist attack and said I wasn't going in his truck if gas was $5 a gallon. I'd rode my bicycle over first. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I'm doing much better financially now than I was in years past and there were plenty of times where I was too broke to assist much with money. I will not forget all the times I was taken out fishing and when I get my "larger" boat this spring I will repay my buddies for all the trips out.

I get a good feeling from helping out. I can run a mean wash-mitt if anyone wants to show me some springer tips next spring? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I haven't had the chance to get out with any Ifishers yet, Cap'n Dan made an offer when I picked up his old kicker from him a couple months ago, I really appreciated the offer but my schedule can be "wild" with three boys 2-8. I like to spend lots of days dunking power-bait for stockers in the local lakes with my fry during the summer.

Enuff' ramblin' for now!

DITTO Mark and Stew! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Pilar]

Share the bag? Sure if everyone agrees to beforehand. Usually I'll give fish to an unsuccessful fisher on my boat. This earns him points for his next kitchen pass. Besides if I go every weekend I'll get more fish. This might be my passengers one and only trip this year.

Over the years I have found passengers that are also boat owners to be the best company on the water. Owning and managing your own boat is an eye opening experience. Getting left at the boat ramp with a sawbuck and a wave goodbye is not fun. There is so much to do after a trip. Dumping all of that on your host makes an impression on him and may affect your chances on a return invitation.

For the most part I am satisfied if my passengers keep me company while I deal with the boat. If they offer more than a token $ or help I refuse and thank them for being thoughtful.

That's the key, respect your host and be thoughtful. It will be appreciated and remembered.

[Robert]

This is a great thread which we can all learn something from. I wish the dorks I used to give a ride home from school could read thread. Maybe then I would not aheve to bugged them for gas money. I am very cheap but come on, if someone takes you somewhere either in car or boat some money an offer or soem help with cleaning the vehicle sure would be nice.

[Capin' Dan]

Great Topic Bigstew;\
Well from a boat owners view here are my points.
I do not always want or need money, I do like the offer though. I'll usually take someone out up to three times and if no offer is made then its a full boat from now on.
Good attitude is a must.
I also look at my guest like college professors I can always learn something new (Or thier secrets) which is what I'm really after. Those hot spots or special egg cures or sausage receipts, or those elk hunting hotspots and so on!!!
I recommend to boat owners to take out fellow ifishers. I will garantee that it will be a learning experience. Ifishers have made me one of the 10% over the past two years.
I would like to say thanks to my fellow professors over the following year:

RT (The philosopher)
Pilar (The legend)
Mr. Fisherman (Just a great guy LUCKY CHARM)
Bait Boy (Name says it all, the best most knowledgable of them all, has the touch *****)
Rick T.(Duck Hunter extrodinar)
Ramstrong (Sneaky vindictive, thinks Salmon want to take over the world and he is there to stop them)
Dot and BEV (Great food and company, Knowledgable ****)
Lamisnap (lots a fun)
lipripper (Great Elk Sausage) I recommend inviting him)
Drifty (ready willing & able) great guy.
The Seattle Duo (They brought crab)
The Sturgeon master (name says it all)
and last but not least KALE my black lab he is really a treasure.
and many many others......

[img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Hey Danny, when are you gonna get over me jumping your fishless boat into Rick's buddy's boat so I could catch some fish? [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] And don't forget that it was me who corrected their radio'd lies and radio'd you the right number of pulls that was catching fish, so you started to also then. Those were my only 2 philosophies that day. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] >>>

My take is fairly simple on this good subject Stew brought up -- At least help the guy who has so many other boat expenses with the gas expenses! Unless it's a regular fishing partner that trades trips with their boat. If you mess up their boat, clean it up! Be appreciative. And be a little more punctual than I am sometimes [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] .

RT

[Bait O' Eggs]

I have taked as many ifishers in my boats as anybody. I have had some great guest.

It will surprise you how much you will learn from others. Even those that are not experienced fishers. I have become a student of peoples poles, tackle and rigging. I make it a point to watch what knots they tie, what they have in their tackle box and how they store it. Everybody has found what works for them, I have adopted several things I have observed from others.

Being on time counts for a lot with me. I have become much harder on dock time than I use to be. Now it is, if you are not there on time, you will be standing on the dock looking for me out on the water when you get there late.

Bring all the bananas you want and leave your booze at home. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Take somebody fishing and you will undoubtably learn something if you keep your eyes open and listen.

[blackdog]

I've always had my own driftboat and recently my own sled and truly enjoy taking my fishing buddies with me on my fishing trips. And these guys who have fished a lot on their own seem to get the point and always offer to help with gas money, food, bait, etc and trips in return. I have had problems with taking people who haven't fished a lot in the past, though. I really enjoy seeing someone catch his first salmon or steelhead, but if they can't bring themselves to offer to help with the cost of getting there or the cost of running an older 115 pump all day, they probably won't get invited back. And, if as recently happened to me at buoy 10, if they don't help with expenses, and even don't say thanks after not only catching their first salmon, but five or six after that, they definitely won't get invited back. These things aren't fishing knowledge, they are common sense, common courtesy issues. Some people have it (and get to go again) and some people don't ( and get to figure it out on their own).

[OR Coast Range]

Sure RT,

But as soon as you left Dan's boat, it turned on. Within an hour and a half we had limited and were headed back in. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] But you exposing their "misinformation" probably contributed to that! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Tilla]

I have been lucky. In the past, I trained my buddies to never let any boat owner get to his wallet. The day came when I got my own sled and they stayed trained. They get the bait , pay the launch fees, drive the rig down the ramp, bring me tackle (one guy gave me a Fishermans Marine $100 gift cert) smoke fish [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img], clean up etc. Sure, I still pay for quite a bit of gas but this all helps greatly.

[Phil Layer]

Tilla,

Please feel free to post the phone numbers of your fishing buddies.

Or, you may email them to me.

[img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Mr. Fisherman]

[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]