How much do you pitch in when a friend takes you fishing?

[jamisonace]

I've always enjoyed taking people fishing and I rarely ask for help with cost but I always accept what is offered. I'm always surprised when nothing is offered considering the time and expense that goes into a fishing trip. This year has been interesting with a few trips that cost me a significant amount in money and even more in prep and cleaning time and the people I fished with barely expressed gratitude. On the other hand, I've had guys hand me a couple twenties for a simple in and out couple hours in the drift boat.

I know this sounds a little whiny but I'm more interested in generating discussion.

So what do you think boat owners and non boat owners? Should people be expected to pitch in? If so, how much?

I have my own ideas but I want to hear other opinions before I share what I think.

 

[troutdude]

Great topic Mr. Ace! Looking forward to perusing, the replies.

Seems like proper etiquette dictates that, an offer of some sort be made (when fishing in someone else's boat). At least that's, how I was taught.

Heck I'd be a happy camper, for that aforementioned simple 2 hour float! I'd not only match the hatch; but those twin Stonewalls too! Plus I'd bring my own gear, and also some favorite "ciders" to share.

What are your available slots???...

 

[jamisonace]

I gave a twenty back but he wouldn't take it. I found it in my truck later that day. But yeah, a guy should give something, right?

 

[troutdude]

I gave a twenty back but he wouldn't take it. I found it in my truck later that day. But yeah, a guy should give something, right?

Ha ha. I've done stuff, like that too. Yes. Something.

Maybe that's not cash though. Maybe bring grub / drinks to share, bring / pay for bait, treat to dinner on the way home, gives you something in trade (I used to work in radio promotions, so always had tickets to different events), pays for you to go on a guided trip, gives you a new rod or reel, etc. Or E: all of the above, depending on the circumstances.

 

[Casting Call]

Good question! What is "pitch in"? What is "etiquette? IMHO pitch in means your portion of the cost $ for that day expenses in the boat ie gas and bait. Etiquette is don't bailout with-in 12hrs of the trip, help launch and load the boat, take turns being firstmate, and help clean-up the boat, wash down all (poles, pots and trailer) and last of all say THANK YOU. Remember you were invited by the boat host/owner. Do these things and you be invited to go again. My personal op if you don't say yes to two invites in a row means you don't want to be a fisherman. You won't get a third request. Tony

 

[jamisonace]

Good question! What is "pitch in"? What is "etiquette? IMHO pitch in means your portion of the cost $ for that day expenses in the boat ie gas and bait. Etiquette is don't bailout with-in 12hrs of the trip, help launch and load the boat, take turns being firstmate, and help clean-up the boat, wash down all (poles, pots and trailer) and last of all say THANK YOU. Remember you were invited by the boat host/owner. Do these things and you be invited to go again. My personal op if you don't say yes to two invites in a row means you don't want to be a fisherman. You won't get a third request. Tony

Help cleaning the boat would be payment enough. My kid gets $20 after every fishing trip for cleaning my boat. It's a deep clean. If it just needs a wash down he gets $10. If a guy can row, bait hooks and generally help out, that's a huge plus. And to Troutdudes point, really good snacks will get you invited back as well.

 

[cddunn]

couple twenties easy, don't mind helping clean the boat too

 

[Chromatose]

My Friends all know the drill. Acquaintances? I tell them what is expected in advance. No shows? Unless Death or Major loss of limbs were involved, Their Never asked again.
I have learned to take Etiquette out of the equation.

There is a old bumper sticker that I am reminded of pertaining to this. I will abbreviate to keep it G rated.

G--------------------G---------------------or-----------------A-------------------------- No one rides for free!

 

[TimberTodd]

The least someone should offer up would be to cover the gas.

 

[4labs]

If your riding with them always a 20 for gas or more depending on the distance
pay for the launch fee
buy lunch
I always offer to fill up a gas tank when we go past a Pacific Pride station .
Funny though I get few offers to go fishing ??

 

[EOBOY]

Interesting question. I would hope I would OFFer to help with expenses, I rarely ask others to kick in I figure since I'm going anyway. I figure just putting up with me needs some recompense.

 

[TheKnigit]

I think it is common courtesy to pitch in (either gas, snacks, beer, bait, etc.) but by no means do I expect it. I try and do it whenever I am blessed with the opportunity to fish on someone else's boat, but the only thing I expect from a guest on mine is some good company. If they want to help out then I am definitely not going to say no. I will take all of the help that I can get. However, the responsibilities and upkeep of the boat fall to me as the owner. Plus I actually enjoy most of the cleaning and maintenance that comes along with a boat. Even if it can be a bit of a money pit at times.

That being said, there is a difference between someone spacing "etiquette" and someone mooching beyond reason. At that point I would consider your company no longer "good" and you would not be asked back. But where to draw that line? I am not completely sure. I think it depends on the passenger and the experience I have had with them.

 

[troutdude]

i figure just putting up with me needs some recompense.

rotfl!

 

[DrTheopolis]

IMHO pitch in means your portion of the cost $ for that day expenses in the boat ie gas and bait.

And this is, in the eyes of (stupid) Oregon law, the ONLY legal way to do it. Any other arrangement constitutes "illegal guiding" (which is ridiculous).

I just ask "what can I bring?" Sometimes the answer is "donuts," or "sandwiches," or "could you stop and grab some herring," and sometimes "just your company" (which then leads me to try and buy gas or something).

Then again, the guy whose boat I go on the most usually owes me a ton of favors, so it all works out.

 

[wils]

When I was younger, it was bring beer and munchies. Me and the boat are going anyway.
Now that I'm "older", bring GOOD food. Me and the boat are going anyway.

 

[DrTheopolis]

Now that I'm "older", bring GOOD food. Me and the boat are going anyway.

Show up with a small grill and steaks/sausages. That gets you invited back.

 

[Hooked Up]

OFFer to split the expenses of the trip.

 

[jamisonace]

I love the barter idea. I took an OFF member out a couple times as trade for a ladder and some Chanterelles....best trade ever. Others, I was happy to take because they were extremely grateful....that means a lot to me. Bring good food and you will always be invited back.

I've been fishing twice a week in the sled at the coast and each trip costs me between $60 and $100. That adds up so I'm now only taking people that I know will chip in. That's what inspired this post. As much as I enjoy some people's company, I can't afford to take them. But even the drift boat costs money so I'm loving that my friends are helping with gear since gas isn't an issue.

Bottom line for me: If I'm fishing in someone else's boat I estimate the cost and split it but always a $20 minimum. No matter what, it's cheap entertainment.

If I'm on a trip that I can't help out a lot with rigging, baiting, driving etc. I'll pay the full cost of the trip and bait.

 

[LingFace]

Although I would definitely NOT promote socialism on this, I think there needs to be realistic expectations on ability. If I invite a certain friend, he often insists on driving, pays for bait and seems to forget to take it with him even though I tell him advance he can use anything in my box. I don't ask him to buy and I would be happy to share what I have, but I also know he makes twice as much as me. If someone invited me to go tuna fishing 50 miles west of Depoe bay, I might be able to contribute some snacks or twenties, but there is no way I am going to make a dent in the cost of the trip with respect to the fuel and maintenance of a small yacht. On the other hand, I have no problem covering the cost of a short panfishing trip with an acquaintance who has less then me. Generally, among friends you invite the people you like to hang with and if they are considerate and generous, they will thoughtfully show their appreciation to the extent they are able. If cost is a concern you tell him up front what you will provide and what he will need to bring. And I never invite anyone to a fishing trip I can't afford to pay at least everything I would have to pay if I were going alone.

 

[LingFace]

After re-reading this thread, I would like to point out that a BUII is no funner than a DUII. So be wise with the "cider".

A clarification on the "means" concept. I don't think somebody should get a free pass because they are poor. I think generosity and appreciation can express themselves in any circumstance. However, there is also a fault on the part of the privileged when giving a gift the recipient can't afford to receive. I am reminded of a story about a church full of wealthy people who sent a hummer to "bless" a medical volunteer in remote Africa with no awareness that lack of service and parts on such a unique status statement would make the vehical useless and its driver obtuse.