Skippers, how do you divide the catch of the day?

[The Lucky Duck]

Just curious about the distribution of fish/crab at the end of the day/weekend.
On my boat we start with the idea of an equal split. If we have 4 fisherman and catch 2 salmon, each person gets 1 fillet, reguardless of who catches and tags the fish. We usually set out the pots and get some bonus crab. We then can, depending on the situation, trade or concede our fish. We usually do this on the basis of need or enthusiasm for the meal.
Does $ influence the decision?
Is it important to reward the angler with the biggest or most fish?

IMO no to both, it can get in the way of a fun trip for all.

I like to treat each trip as a team effort.

Scott

[fish_on]

On fish with a catch limit, if we limit everyone takes their fish or the catch is equally split. With TUNA! the catch is split equally. Toward the end of the season I keep less and less fish, I always like to make sure someone who can't get out much goes home with plenty.

[Puffin]

Always an equal split as all were equally participating. Its not the skippers fault if most fish like the taste of his offering. Who gets bit means nothing if the net or gaff man misses the mark. Team effort equal split of fillets Who caught what is just 4 braggin rights on my boat.

[Something Good]

We decide how much tuna each of us want before the trip and try to catch that number of fish. Salmon get split equally as possible. If someone catches an extra nice fish they take it home. Halibut can get split equally or each can keep what they catch. We decide before the trip starts. Crab and bottom fish are an even split with any prize fish like a nice ling going to the person that caught it. Most importantly it's my boat and all decisions may or may not be final at the discression of the boat owner.

[iwanttofish]

Team effort team split.

I have taken plenty of people out and everything is mine from the pole to the bait, truck to the boat. If everyone splits everything then it is all fair. I give a lot of my fish, crab, clams to family and neighbors.

I always try to pay more than my share if it is someone else's boat and truck.

[Coho Cowboy]

Originally Posted by The Lucky Duck

Just curious about the distribution of fish/crab at the end of the day/weekend.
On my boat we start with the idea of an equal split. If we have 4 fisherman and catch 2 salmon, each person gets 1 fillet, reguardless of who catches and tags the fish. We usually set out the pots and get some bonus crab. We then can, depending on the situation, trade or concede our fish. We usually do this on the basis of need or enthusiasm for the meal.
Does $ influence the decision?
Is it important to reward the angler with the biggest or most fish?

IMO no to both, it can get in the way of a fun trip for all.

I like to treat each trip as a team effort.

Scott

[retaliate]

Equal split to start the season, by late season those that already have plenty in their Pantry, & Freezer often give some of their share away to others less fortunate.

[Sea Jypzee]

Varies by the trip. I frequently am able to make solo trips, or duo trips for Tuna if needed, so my groceries are going to get taken care of anyway.

When I am taking a crew out, it is usually an equal split, or as many as people want (TUNA) until the boat is full. Most of the time, I take only 1 or 2 TUNA home once I have my groceries done, just for some fresh loins, or to give to neighbors/family.

For Salmon and Halibut, if we limit the boat, we usually let people take what they catch/tag. If less than a limit, I prefer to allow for an equal split.

[Twitchs_Tackle]

A lot depends on who is fishing with me. If its someone who has traveled a ways, or doesn't get out much, they get a greater share. I'm not a big fan of eating salmon, so I have no problem giving my catch away to other who are more fond of it... Crabs, I only need a couple as I live 45 min. from Waldport, so if we get a bunch, they go home with whoever went out with me.

[Smoked Salmon]

Equal split is assumed unless otherwise noted. Like others have said, those of us who make frequent trips for TUNA!!!!! will end up not wanting any by seasons end, and we give it up to the guests. We did back to back trips last August, and the first trip saw half the anglers keeping 90% of the catch (Bob kept 1) and the next day the guests took home 12 of the 14 fish, with me keeping my final 2.
Next season looks to be about the same, with a mad dash to grab canner fish, followed by leisurely guest trips to keep us in fresh loins while other folks fill up their pantries.
-Bill

[KeyWest]

Equally

[Big Billy]

Originally Posted by Puffin

Always an equal split as all were equally participating. Its not the skippers fault if most fish like the taste of his offering. Who gets bit means nothing if the net or gaff man misses the mark. Team effort equal split of fillets Who caught what is just 4 braggin rights on my boat.

I agree it is a team effort and should be split equally!

[Lepper]

Equal split with the odd fish going back to the boat.

[Jedcraft]

Whatever the split is - it should be agreed upon or understood by all on board. Best way to avoid hurt feelings if your not familiar with your guests is to make it clear before you leave the dock.

[Onokai]

Originally Posted by Lepper

Equal split with the odd fish going back to the boat.

[fyshndad]

My guests are given a choice prior to leaving the dock
For samon most want to keep the ones they catch
same for butts
bottomfishing is divided equal no matter what
except ling cod (most guests want what they catch)

Crab is divided equally

And TUNA is divided equal until my pantry & freezer are full then I only keep one or 2 for fresh eating and the crew gets to split the rest

[hot wire]

Originally Posted by fyshndad

My guests are given a choice prior to leaving the dock
For samon most want to keep the ones they catch
same for butts
bottomfishing is divided equal no matter what
Crab is divided equally
And TUNA is divided equal until my pantry & freezer are full then I only keep one or 2 for fresh eating and the crew gets to split the rest

The idea is to definetly let the crew know BEFORE you leave the dock!

[roadsend]

Even split for all aboard unless special circumstances exist which are discussed and agreed on beforehand, e.g. fish or crab for the old folks at church or for a special event. I gratefully accept all voluntary offerings for fuel, bait etc., but I do not ask for $.

[Salty Walty]

On my boat they keep what they catch. If they don't catch anything and I do they get at least half. If they do catch something and I don't they are welcome to take it all. I do not take for granted my place of residence and ability to get out often. If a friend comes over from the valley to fish once or twice a year. I feel it would not be right for me to take part of their catch since I will more than likely get out again.

[Slobes]

Usually we do it based on how much of the gas bill is footed by who. At least for halibut and TUNA.

[tunarookie]

equally, fuel and bait, i provide truck boat tackle and everthing needed for a days fishing, hopefully a good time spent on the pond is had by all

[Killertraylor]

On my boat, the captain keeps all the fish, all the time. I haven't fished with the same person twice, but it's really worked out great for me.

For those of you who are tempted to try it, here's a tip: I've discovered my rule works best if its announced at the end of the trip when you are putting the boat back on the trailer.

[HiTekRdNek]

We always take and split eveything even unless someone opts to take less. We also will let a guest have a larger share if it might be the only chance they get to go out.

[fish_on]

Originally Posted by Killertraylor

On my boat, the captain keeps all the fish, all the time. I haven't fished with the same person twice, but it's really worked out great for me.

For those of you who are tempted to try it, here's a tip: I've discovered my rule works best if its announced at the end of the trip when you are putting the boat back on the trailer.

Ya that really sucked!! AND you still expected us to give you gas money and clean the boat.

[SRV240]

we split everything unless were diving.when diving you only take home what you spear or what you pry off a rock or dig out of the sand

[Chromaflage]

Personally, I'd wait until the fish are carked, the boat is clean and fuel money is collected - then drop da bomb!

Originally Posted by Killertraylor

On my boat, the captain keeps all the fish, all the time. I haven't fished with the same person twice, but it's really worked out great for me.

For those of you who are tempted to try it, here's a tip: I've discovered my rule works best if its announced at the end of the trip when you are putting the boat back on the trailer.

[Smoked Salmon]

Yeah, just ask the crew (all of them) to run into the store to pick up some snacks for the trip home.

I'm sure they'll catch a ride from someone.

[5-Cents]

Yeah - that!

Originally Posted by fyshndad

My guests are given a choice prior to leaving the dock
For samon most want to keep the ones they catch
same for butts
bottomfishing is divided equal no matter what
except ling cod (most guests want what they catch)

Crab is divided equally

And TUNA is divided equal until my pantry & freezer are full then I only keep one or 2 for fresh eating and the crew gets to split the rest

[RODACTION]

Originally Posted by Chromaflage

Personally, I'd wait until the fish are carked, the boat is clean and fuel money is collected - then drop da bomb!

I think thats like my story....my boat...my fish ? Dang I wish I had a video camera.....on that one.
(opps. but it twas knot TUNA!)

[Mypursuit]

Equal split, altho I often opt out since I fish enough by myself to keep my freezer full.

[Irish Pennant]

Tuna - Split
Crab - Split
Halibut - It's yours if you catch it, tag it and clean it. The choice to split is yours.
Lings - Same as halibut and sometimes it's the same as bottom fish.
Bottom fish - Split
Personal trophy fish - it's yours
Salmon - same as halibut

Tuna is a total team effort. As a skipper I don't get to fight a fish but no fish will be caught with out me. When working the deck I spend most the time spiking, bleeding, gutting, packing, cleaning the mess and keeping the rookies fishing. Every now and then I get to fight one.

[Chesapeake]

Originally Posted by Irish Pennant

Tuna - Split
Crab - Split
Halibut - It's yours if you catch it, tag it and clean it. The choice to split is yours.
Lings - Same as halibut and sometimes it's the same as bottom fish.
Bottom fish - Split
Personal trophy fish - it's yours
Salmon - same as halibut

Tuna is a total team effort. As a skipper I don't get to fight a fish but no fish will be caught with out me. When working the deck I spend most the time spiking, bleeding, gutting, packing, cleaning the mess and keeping the rookies fishing. Every now and then I get to fight one.

But with the addition of, If a person dont catch something, like a halibut everybody who did will chip in a little so everyone goes home with fish.

[reelselfish]

I let folks know when they accept the ride that all is equal from gas,and bait to how we divide the fish however i will not ask for the money at the end of the trip if you don't pony up you don't go again.. I only have one perm deck hand other than that I get a lot of fishers that lack salt time... so I will usually take the smaller share as does he. that way others get enough table fair.. I try to make sure all get a pic with there catch big or small, rocks or kelp while at sea, and on the dock . as for our trophy's they all look the same in the ziploc bags(hence the pics) of course thing can change if depending on the crew but usually don't.. just my
Jason

[OutTrolling (ot)]

[quote=iwanttofish;1921279]Team effort team split.

I have taken plenty of people out and everything is mine from the pole to the bait, truck to the boat.

I'm assuming that all the equipment belongs to you. What if a person doesn't have a boat and is looking to hire you to take him out where the fish are? Even though there may be other anglers in the boat, he has his own specific gear that he prefers to use, his own special recipe with bait and rigging set up. He's just buying the transportation. What then? Especially if he is the one who catches mucho fish.

[fyshndad]

[quote=OutTrolling (ot);1923930]

Originally Posted by iwanttofish

Team effort team split.

What if a person doesn't have a boat and is looking to hire you to take him out where the fish are? Even though there may be other anglers in the boat, he has his own specific gear that he prefers to use, his own special recipe with bait and rigging set up. He's just buying the transportation. What then? Especially if he is the one who catches mucho fish.

Unless you are a charter operation it is not wise to use the term of being for hire
That will get you into some bad trouble

We offer rides with fuel compensation nothing more

[fish assassin]

20%-25% to the crew, 75% - 80% to the boat ... usually nothing for the owner operator ...

Oh, wait! You guys are talking *sport* caught fish!

~assAssin~

[OutTrolling (ot)]

[quote=fyshndad;1923965]

Originally Posted by OutTrolling (ot)

Unless you are a charter operation it is not wise to use the term of being for hire
That will get you into some bad trouble

We offer rides with fuel compensation nothing more

Same scenerio but remove the word hire. He just doesn't have a boat to get to a fishing spot. Angler offers to "help" cover expenses. Then how is the catch divided, or is it left up to him, if he uses all his own equipment, bait, etc. and catches most of the fish. I don't know all of the ramifications of being for hire or "accepting donations" to help cover costs. Does it make some difference in liability or regulations? Just curious -- I don't know.

[northriver1]

Split even steven the best one can. The only way that changes if prior to leaving the dock other arrangements are made between crew and captain. Plus if the only fish that is caught is a 3 pound jack. Hard to make a three pound salmon go four ways to feed there families. Might as well make whom ever caught it happy..

[fyshndad]

[quote=OutTrolling (ot);1924131]

Originally Posted by fyshndad

Same scenerio but remove the word hire. He just doesn't have a boat to get to a fishing spot. Angler offers to "help" cover expenses. Then how is the catch divided, or is it left up to him, if he uses all his own equipment, bait, etc. and catches most of the fish. I don't know all of the ramifications of being for hire or "accepting donations" to help cover costs. Does it make some difference in liability or regulations? Just curious -- I don't know.

Yes liabilty does come into play and I believe it would be breaking the laws of Oregon as well

Just think worse case senerio
Someone gets hurt and tells the CG that he paid you to take him out
That opens the can of worms
I believe that most insurance would not pay out in this case due to your having boat insurance based on being a private boat
Then John law comes around and tickets you for chartering without a license

So you see we Capts must be very careful not to appear to be getting "PAID" to take someone out
It is a very fine line that we walk (or in this case fish)

Hope that helps to make it clear

[CATCH AND EAT]

However the crew wants to. Some days evenly. Some days the crew takes the loot.

[ducky-fish]

as it is with most boats and crew an equal split is a common thing. regardless of the "situation" fishing is fun.... with the exception of TUNA. its a way of life for most. we split everything as evenly as possible and if its a trophy its yours if you want. so enjoy the time on the water and have a safe trip. give when you can and enjoy the time with friends

[KeyWest]

Originally Posted by CATCH AND EAT

However the crew wants to. Some days evenly. Some days the crew takes the loot.

Yea Bernie - if the crew picks up the price of fuel, then they can have thier way with the catch.

[BIGALSURF]

We split equally, but by household until all have their limits, because I usually have one or no kids going and my buddies have tons of little fishermen, except if there's an exceptional fish that goes to the catcher.

And here's a different question, who gets the next turn at the "live rod"? Each person get a chance at a hooked fish, keeper or not, brought to the boat or not?

We give each person a "fight" and even if it isn't keeper, we rotate to the next person to give them a chance at a fish.

[OutTrolling (ot)]

Originally Posted by BIGALSURF

We split equally, but by household until all have their limits, because I usually have one or no kids going and my buddies have tons of little fishermen, except if there's an exceptional fish that goes to the catcher.

And here's a different question, who gets the next turn at the "live rod"? Each person get a chance at a hooked fish, keeper or not, brought to the boat or not?

We give each person a "fight" and even if it isn't keeper, we rotate to the next person to give them a chance at a fish.

This was basically the intent of one of my previous questions. If a person likes to use and brings all of his own gear, bait, etc. What then? If he caught the last fish and his rod gets the next hit, does he have to give it to someone else??? Any of the captains can answer if this occurred on their boat.

[The Lucky Duck]

Originally Posted by OutTrolling (ot)

This was basically the intent of one of my previous questions. If a person likes to use and brings all of his own gear, bait, etc. What then? If he caught the last fish and his rod gets the next hit, does he have to give it to someone else??? Any of the captains can answer if this occurred on their boat.

The term "his rod" might be the sticking point here. On my boat the term might be "live rod". So whoever is next up will be rewarded the next fish.
If I have kids on board, they will be rewarded the first and lion share of the fun. Also women or elderly folk or people visiting that might not get the opportunity that we do. My crew and myself will normally see to it that the new people get the most fun, within the law. For me this is more enjoyable than landing a fish myself.
These are by no means rigid rules but it gives you a good place to start. I believe that the more you give, the more people are going to be willing to give back. This makes for a team effort attidude that will have less hard feelings at the end of the day.

Scott

[Tinman]

Originally Posted by The Lucky Duck

The term "his rod" might be the sticking point here. On my boat the term might be "live rod". So whoever is next up will be rewarded the next fish.
If I have kids on board, they will be rewarded the first and lion share of the fun. Also women or elderly folk or people visiting that might not get the opportunity that we do. My crew and myself will normally see to it that the new people get the most fun, within the law. For me this is more enjoyable than landing a fish myself.
These are by no means rigid rules but it gives you a good place to start. I believe that the more you give, the more people are going to be willing to give back. This makes for a team effort attidude that will have less hard feelings at the end of the day.

Scott

Well said Scott

[Pilar]

Like many others have said this and the expenses are best set before you push off the dock.

I'll take my share of Halibut and the first couple of TUNA! rodeos. After that it is for the crew to split.

Next on the live rod? That'd be the new guy, especially on a quad. The other guys are waiting for a tug on the handline and pretend to be busy when a rod starts bucking. Sport rod officianadoes become handline experts in one trip once they figure out the boat is not going to stop.

[Beefcake]

OutTrolling- It seems like the majority sentiment is that you can make the rules however you want as long as everyone agrees up-front. If the guy you are talking about wants to keep his own fish, and if you and the rest of the crew are okay with it, then everyone should be happy. If not, you should help him find another boat to crew on where he will be allowed to keep his own fish so that the rest of your crew can get back to enjoying fishing rather than fighting over groceries.

[Grizzly II]

I am really flexible, especially if the freezer is full. We mostly split the fish and crabs with my share going into the split as I keep the boat in Newport. Exceptional fish or ones that the kids catch go to the catcher. On Halibut it usually goes to the one that catches, tags and cleans it. More often than not, if it is a big fish, it gets split.

Agree that if you have some new folks, sharing expenses on a longer trip, then the rules have to be set up front.

I like to give everyone the chance to catch fish, especially the kids and ladies. Therefore the "live rod" gets handed off to those folks first.

[ducky-fish]

i fish with scott a ton and he is a great skipper and a better friend. i have seen it many times and i have no problem giving up my share of fun or fish. we do well when we fish so my freezer is always in good shape. if he or one of the others need or want i am happy to give mine up. we have learned a lot from each other and this board, also this thread. he always gives to those who need or are less fortunate, and so have i.

kids or the "new person" always get the first shot at landing some sort of catch. we make it fun for them at our sacrifice of fun. just try to stay safe and have fun, thats what it is about. many people have said it and it remains true on scotts boat as well. make it clear as to how the split will be. my love for fishing isnt measured in what i take home its the fishing itself that keeps me doing it. enjoy the catch and have fun

monty

[Smoked Salmon]

Speaking of freezers. I have one package of September loins that never got canned. They are vacuum sealed and wrapped in butcher paper. With 16 cases in the pantry, I do not need this fish.

Anyone in the near-to-Vernonia area want 3 loins?

Just shoot me a PM. Would prefer a tuna newbie, or a family in need.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Originally Posted by KeyWest

Yea Bernie - if the crew picks up the price of fuel, then they can have thier way with the catch.

Amen to that Dean. But with one exception. One grocery run and then whomever wants fish after that. Just need fresh loins each trip.