[Dean2]

Originally Posted by thumper

My rule of thumb for one or two fishers- '0' if the crew is unsafe, drunk or abusive. 10% of the charter cost for a fair day of effort & results, 15% for a very good day of effort & results, and up to 20% for a very phenomenal day that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

If you have a larger group on board - you might want to up it a bit, because the captain and mate are generally busier than a one-armed wall-paper hanger.

If they don't offer it, ask for an orientation when leaving the dock. Where are the PDFs kept? How does the radio work? If the guide falls overboard - what radio channel do you use to call for help? Can you stand when the boat's in motion? Are rods & hooks safely stowed? What's the plan - how far before you start fishing, if that doesn't produce - then what/where? When they realize that this isn't a sightseeing excursion and that you're motivated to catch fish - they will be too.

How I judge a charter's effort is on how motivated they are to find & hook fish. Some will put on a bait/lure and troll it all day in a straight line - no change-ups. If the fish are aggressive, they may consistently hit that bait and you'll have a great day. But if the fish aren't hitting, and then if your crew aren't changing things up every 30 minutes or so - they aren't working very hard for you.

Don't be shy about reminding them of what they offered you: "Si señor, we work hard and always catch the big fish, you will have many hook-ups" when they accept their payment. That's a contract - you've done your part and paid the agreed amount - let them know you expect them to live up to theirs, you're not there for a relaxing boat ride for them, or yourself.

I find that in some waters where the fishing is usually excellent, Haida Gwaii for instance, some guides just don't know, or don't care to change things up on the slow days. They just think that the fish will turn on again in a day or two and then continue dragging around the lure/bait that usually works, telling stories and watching whales, without thinking of all the resources you've put into the limited time you have there. Get to work. Nothing worse than hearing "You should have been here yesterday" from your guide. Any fool can catch a fish when the bite is on - it's when it's slow that a guide will or will not show what he's made of - and you can base your tip on that.

If it's awkward for you to be so direct, try telling your guide a few stories of past excellent, hard-working guides that tried everything to put you on to fish. That often inspires them to get off their seats, checking baits, chasing birds and really getting motivated.

Good luck!

This is spot on.

Outside of that, this whole tipping thing is right out of control. Guide making 250 a day, even with a 10 hour day, and most are a lot closer to 6 or 7, is still $25 bucks an hour. That is a heck of a lot more than minimum wage, which is $15. The job is; drive the Boat, bait the hook, take fish off the line. Not exactly brain surgery that requires 10 years of University and 5 years residency.

Whatever job you work, you pay rent and food, don't see what that has to do with anything. If they are working camp jobs where they have to maintain a separate residence and live away, then it should be like any out of town work where your on the road living costs are covered. To me, the Charter places that expect people to live in camp and pay for the privilege are screwing over their staff.

Why are clients expected to make up for outfits that pay crappy wages. Tips are supposed to be a thank you for going the extra mile, now they are positioned as necessary for the guide or camp staff to earn a living wage. That is pure nonsense and I would not book with anyone that screws their staff over like that.