How much do you pay.....

[robodad]

Here is a subject that I hate !! When you invite someone to go fishing with you I am sure you expect that they will contribute to the trip financially but what bothers me is I never know weather or not I have given enough or have I given too much.

Personally I would like there to be a set amount that the "host" (for lack of a better term) sets for taking you fishing, I know there is some legal issues with guide licenses and crap but I mean an unwritten rule between those of us that do it amongst friends of like $50 for a days worth of fishing from everyone on board, this way there isn't the question and answer session at the end of the day of "Well what do I owe ya ??" and the reply "Well whatever" and one guy puts down $10 and another $40 and you do $50 etc......

It is uncomfortable to have that conversation at the end of a nice day on the water and as the "Host" sometimes I feel like I must have done a crap job finding the fish when no one wants to pony up the money !!

So "Hosts" or "Folks with boats taking out other folks" Give that some thought and maybe tell me I am way off base here or pick a number you can work with and let me know, I love to go fishing with other guys but am always uncomfortable with that part and makes me wonder if I'll be invited back if it wasn't enough or if it is because of the bad luck I bring to the boat after being on it for the day !!! 

EDIT: This could be moved to fishing if needed, sorry for posting it here !!!

[road.kill]

I think about this too. I hate to be the cheapskate but at the same time I dont like to be a pushover either. Most of my trips consist of gas money to and from the lake or gas money for the boat.

I dont find myself fishing with new people very often (although I like to, I just have a regular group of guys who I go with) and if they overpay me one time, I will give them a few extra the next time. If they drove and say "I dunno like 5 bucks" then I try to give then a little more. Or lunch on the way back is good to

I definately understand where you are coming from, its the most awkward part of the fishing trip if you dont know the guys very well

[Huntbear]

As a person that does not have a boat, anymore, here is what I have come up with.  If I am fishing with someone for the first couple of times, I put a $20 in his hand, and flat ask if that will cover it.  Does not matter if we catch fish or not.  If the person insists that is to much or makes a big deal out of it, I will buy him lunch/dinner at a local diner.

After owning a boat, and not owning one anymore, I fully appreciate the costs, but also appreciate anyone willing to take me out in their's.  I bring my own gear, a thermos of hot coffee during cold weather, a 12 pack of sodas in warm weather, and always willing to help wherever I can, launching, trailering, manning the boat if they get a fish on, etc.....

Maybe I do to much, but again, at least they know I appreciated the trip, and them inviting me when they did not have to.

[RustneckNW]

Most of the time I'd just be happy to get some help cleaning the boat afterward!
Cash is always appreciated, but I'm probably going anyways... so technically the money's already spent. Food is always appreciated too! But my biggest issue is ALWAYS being stuck with the cleanup.

[Mookie]

I pay for the bait, tackle, and beer, you pay for gas.

[magnanimous_j]

When I go fishing with a buddy who has a boat, I always bring food, a 12 pack, a couple cigars and help clean up. If we were going a long distance, I would probably chip in for gas too, but I usually don't if the boat is moored.

Never had a problem getting invites.

[rasbo]

I split gas,and what I figure for bait and lunch.when I go scouting for a day with my partner we take turns buying breakfast,who ever drives gets a free breakfast.I went shrimping with a guy.we both had a place in brinnon we leased.the shrimping was done a few hundred yards out of pleasant harbor.free ramp.I bought the bait,the beer and gave him 15 bucks for the boat fuel,he looked at me and said wheres that gonna get us,I was pissed..I pulled all the pots by hand,he might have used 3 gallons of fuel,we would set the pots and then go to shore at a friends beach which was 200yrds from the pots..and drink some beer.last time with him.oyeah gas was under 2 bucks a gallon.there was four of us on the boat,

[boneaddict]

As a host, I don't expect a dime, but if someone chips some in then it is really appreciated, or I jsut say no thanks and you drive next time, or I invited you, keep it.  Kind of depends on who I am hosting too.   If its someone along for 1/2 the oppurtunity then thats one scenario or if its someone I am introducing to the sport or I talked into coming, thats another. 

As an invitee, I usually pony up a $50 or a $100 (depends on how big of a trip it was)or whatever I think gas was.  Some refuse, some about break an arm reaching for the cash.


Two scenerarios from members on here.   I invited and took JDB on a scouting mission/coyote hunt.  At the end of the day he offered gas money and I said no thanks, and he said he'd drive next time. 

Huntnphool took me Sturgeon fishing.  I offered him a $100 and he refused it, said keep it, I invited you and I was coming already.  Now remember, he provided gear, bait, his boat, his time etc.   Now thats a gracious host.

[HawkenBob]

I fish allot, I have a few die hard friends that will go anywere anytime. They know how much I put out with the boat, rods, reels, taclke and the likes. They dont own there own gear cause I buy 4 of everything.

We fish the same circut pretty much every year. So we have it to a science. Each person puts in there third at the beginning. Typically just a cash amount in an envelope, like 40 bucks each. When its gone we put in more. I usaually just pay everthing on my debit card. so I add reciepts and take cash.

It works slick. But mostely, my trips are pre planned and if your new to the crew you'll know exactly whats required before you commit...

[agchawk]

Yea, this is always a tough one.

Usually, if I am the one inviting another on a fishing or hunting trip, I invite without expecting anything in return. After all, I am the one asking them if they want to go. If I am the one being invited, I always offer to at least split gas and vittle costs. If they refuse, I make sure I "leave" or "forget" a little something just so I feel better about the situation...whether or not they wanted anything but companionship in return.

Ya know though....most of my friends and/or the guys that I normally spend time with outdoors follow the "unwritten" rule that no good favor goes unreturned. They will bring stuff regardless or invite me on a seperate trip to repay the gesture.

[Hoytstaffshooter83]

I always just asked  for some to cover bait/gas... however I did not know at the time and some of you may not know as well, but any compentsation by ANYONE on YOUR boat is considered guiding by the USCG and if they wanted to and you did not have all the requirments, you be up a certain "creek"

[jackelope]

i'm with bone. when i invite someone to go fishing, it is not for gas money. it's part of the fun having a friend or showing someone new. the guys that i fish or hunt or scout or whatever with all seem to be on the same page...we rotate who drives, who buys breakfast, who brings food, etc. but we don't ask or tell whats what...it just kinda happens....but to answer the question, if i invite someone to go fishing, i am not looking for gas money. odds are i'd be going anyway, so the gas would get burned one way or the other.
when i go with someone i hope we need to stop for gas on the way so i can pony up for it, same goes for breakfast or lunch or whatever...given the opportunity i buy...we all gotta eat.

[HawkenBob]

Coast gaurd could care a less about "compensation". They only care if your carring passenger for hire without a 6 pack or better on navigatable waterways. Only WDFW cares about the money/guiding part. And its there discretion. We all ride, stay and fish together. Aint no way there gonna call that guiding.

Everybody flips for the bill, and the Gamies know it. You dont know how much time goes into busting people guiding for compensation without a licence. And the gamies have to go under cover.

Either that or your best friend gets mad and tells the Gamie you took his money and have no guide licence. They still have to prove it. and they cant.

So dont turn this inta a GF.com thread Paul. I had to un-ignore you just to see what your likely, normal banter was. No surprise, your back on ignore...Lol

[washingtonmuley]

As an owner of a boat I know how fast things can add up and I to feel uncomfortable telling someone how much they should pay.I think it is only right for the person invited to offer to pay for half of the expenses(gas,bait,tackle,etc.)Just my 2 cents.Anyone got room on their boat?

[FISHBOY]

This is a good topic, I usually fish Roosevelt, somtimes Moses, Banks and Rufus Woods.  Which means I typically have an 1 hr to 1 1/2 hrs of drive time one way and then whatever I burn in the boat (sometimes 30-40 dollars worth of fuel on the water) so it can get expensive especially in the summer with high gas prices.  I typically invite buddies to fish with me so it can be uncomfortable to ask for gas money, however I have a few guys who always offer 20-30 dollars of gas money which is perfectly fine with me.  I have had a few guys watch me put gas in the truck and boat (which totaled around 75-80 dollars) and didnt even offer to pay a little.  They dont get asked to fish with me anymore.

[robodad]

There is no reason what so ever for the host to foot the entire bill to take some guys fishing, I think that most of you would agree, sure they will say crap like "Well I was going anyhow" or "Its my treat" Here is another one I hate, "It will all come out in the wash" but in reality it shouldn't be like that. I know that if I were to put up $50 per trip to help with all the expenses that I would be invited back. I know there is much more to owning a boat then gas to the launch and back home and some lunch, what about boat payment, and license for boat and trailer and insurance and oil changes and tuneups and tow rig expenses and launch fees and Sportco bills and Cabelas credit card bills and drift sock losing fees ( ) and gear lost and bait and internet research fees and, cleanup fees, and, and, and, and etc.........

Point is that those of us that get invited to go fishing need to contribute to the fund more and the host needs to communicate with those he/she takes out with them so this part of the trip isn't so uncomfortable. There is no such thing as too much when you have a good time, but there are cheapskates too so that's why I suggest an unwritten rule that we pay $50 upfront to go. Could be less depending in the host but it needs to be said !! 

Here is how I see it, If we gave $50 per trip (just using $50 as a figure, could be less or more depending) these guys would be much more willing to get the boat wet and wouldn't wonder at the end of the day if the folks he took out are going to help pay !!

Maybe that will make more room for those willing to pony up and eliminate the freeloaders !!

[jackelope]

you can see how you choose, but i won't be asking anybody for or expecting money from anybody that i invite to go fishing in my boat (that i used to own).
 i should qualify that by saying if i decide in my own little pea-brained head that you are a freeloader, i simply won't invite you again.
i will also add that it's a lot cheaper for me to take someone fishing now with my driftboat than it was with my bluewater...but money transfers to oar time now...bring your biceps with you on my boat 

[washingtonmuley]

Well said Robo.I agree with you 100%.

[BLKBEARKLR]

Wow good subject to be brought up. I read through it all and seen a lot of good ideas. I own a boat I have gassed it up when gas was 4+ a gallon and put 120.00 in tank and never got an offer from the person I took out fishing.

And I agree totally with Jackelope on this, maybe this time did not have the extra cash to contribute. But if at anytime I think they are a freeloader, they do not get asked again and I have had some ask me that i thought was a freeloader, go hey when we going fishing again. I tell them point blank as soon as I empty my tanks and you fill them up..

[cohoho]

I thought I posted something in response but it is gone...  Anyhow, I think I'm probably somewhere in the middle.  My thoughts, I like to go as much as possible, but reasonably can't go every weekend if it is going to cost me each trip from Seattle to the Columbia and back anywhere from $150-175 depending upon truck diesel, boat gas, bait, launch fees, etc... I'd be looking at $600-800 plus a month just to go myself fishing, not counting boat cost, up keep, the later of which I never ever would ask someone to even share in in a million years.  I'd sell my boat and quit fishing, if I didn't cut the cost of getting there into equal costs...  Since I like to go often and like meeting really cool people... I figure splitting the bill in equal ways to cover the cost.  If we got four guys gas and stuff would be about 40 bucks each.  This is, in no way linked to receiving monetary compensation for fishing or guiding as suggested previously.  I normally have the gear, rods and reels and terminal gear for everyone on the boat, I buy it in sets of four anyhow, so everything is the same...  I don't offer anything but four guys or girls   cutting cost to do something we each like doing.  Guiding is totally different, he is paying for his business license, his boat, his advertising, his gear, his bait, his time, his everything else and your meeting the guide at the dock, paying for expectations that he is the "EXPERT" and will put you on fish each and everytime, if he can't then he doesn't get repeat customers and slowly out of business or living on a shoe string budget...  Lord knows I don't get fish everytime but get repeat FRIENDS that like to go and give it a go as much as possible, too me that's what it is about.  All while keeping each of our cost down.  I can't imagine going fishing four or five times a month and paying guide fee, plus transportation cost to and from....  It would be in the ballpark of let's see, $1200 bucks a month just for fishing and haven't even eaten yet...  All the while on a an 8 hour set schedule for his time...

[rasbo]

no boat here but willing to pay to go fishing..hint hint well I do have a 12 footer but cant load or unload it yet

[robodad]

you can see how you choose, but i won't be asking anybody for or expecting money from anybody that i invite to go fishing in my boat (that i used to own).

If you would have invited me to go fishing with you would you have refused my $50 ??

I respect that you don't want to ask for or expect money from those you take fishing but we as those taking you up on the offer are clueless as to weather or not you want help with the expences so at least mention the fact that you don't want any money for going or at least communicate that you'll accept what ever I have to offer, this is why I mentioned the unwritten rule about giving the host a set amount per trip so no one feels the pressure of "Well are they going to pony up for the bills" or "Crap I wish I knew what he wanted for taking us out fishing" Like it or not these questions plague every fishing trip I go on because I don't want to be thought of as the "freeloader" nor do I want to insult the "host" by offering him/her money if they don't want it. There is nothing worse then offering someone money and having them refuse it, that is just akward and actually disrespectfull IMO

[popeshawnpaul]

You know, I don't mind a couple bucks for gas but I really don't expect it if I'm going fishing.  If it is someone that I like and we fish a lot I usually end up going with them and it all evens out I think in the end.  I know I owe Cohoho a few trips that will even us out but that makes it fun.  I do things he likes and vice versa.

[jackelope]

robo--with my current choice of fishing vessel, yes i would refuse $50.00. if we go a long ways to fish then maybe i would take $20.00 for gas money for the truck or lunch or something, but i wouldn't expect it.
with my powerboat that i had, if we had to stop to tank up before leaving, maybe through me a 20 or pay the launch fee, bring lunch or pops or something like that...but again thats just me. 

as the captain of the mighty lavro driftboat, i can't spend too much time fishing hard because i usually am the guy on the oars, so the offer to row a bit so i can fish would be the exchange for $$ for gas...but unless you know what yer doing, there will be spots where you just won't row the boat.

[robodad]

robo--with my current choice of fishing vessel, yes i would refuse $50.00. if we go a long ways to fish then maybe i would take $20.00 for gas money for the truck or lunch or something, but i wouldn't expect it.
with my powerboat that i had, if we had to stop to tank up before leaving, maybe through me a 20 or pay the launch fee, bring lunch or pops or something like that...but again thats just me. 

as the captain of the mighty lavro driftboat, i can't spend too much time fishing hard because i usually am the guy on the oars, so the offer to row a bit so i can fish would be the exchange for $$ for gas...but unless you know what yer doing, there will be spots where you just won't row the boat.

Well yeah I agree that everything I am saying is in direct correlation to the type of fishing you are doing of coarse. If it cost's more to do then it should cost more to go !!

Since you posted that you used to own a "bluewater" boat I posed my question in past tence just to make the point. I realize that some of you are willing to take folks out all the time and never ask for or expect a nickle but realistically not all you boat owners are like jackelope and made of money 

I'll trade you a trip down one of your rivers for a trip down the Hoh or Bogey, I'm not the most experienced rower but have taken my boat down some streches of the Sol-Duc too so maybe this winter sometime !!!  I could use the excersize !!

[klickman]

First off great topic.   

This is on my mind during fishing trips all the time.  I am actually on both ends every year.  I own my own boat.  I also fish out of my friends boats.  Unfortunatly they don't really like to out of my boat so I don't really trade trips. 

When I fish out of my friend's ocean boat I will either pay for the launch ($45) or give him $40 - $50 for gas.  I will also pick up a package of bait.  We use his gear for halibut.  So I think thats fair and my wife and I get invited back as much as we want. 

When I fish with my friend on the lower Kenai we use his power boat.  We use our own gear, I provide all the bait and we split the gas.  We take turns running the boat also.  Been doing this for the last 6 years. His house is like a second home in July.  My wife and I are there every weekend. 

When I take my own boat (aire raft) I don't ask for but I do expect some sort of help with gas and any other expenses.  I really do appreciate it when someone offers to row.  I love rowing but sometimes its nice for someone to help with the rowing.  When I get stuck rowing for someone and there isn't even an offer to row you'll never get to fish on my boat again.  If I wanted to row all day and not fish I'd be a guide, at least I'd get paid to not fish.  If you don't know how to row I'll probably decline the offer but at least there is the offer. 

If I take someone fishing and he doesn't put up any gas money he won't be asked again.  If some one does put in some money thats all I want. Just help out, and show a little appreciation.  I fish by my self a lot so I really don't mind not taking someone out because he's a freeloader.  I usually take my wife and daughter now so the freeloader factor isn't in play as much as it used to.   

If you are the guest on the trip you should split the bill evenly between all including the host.  My old landlord took a friend of mine fishing.  My friend drove both ways, 4.5 hrs each way, while my old landloard slept.  My friend bought all the gas for the truck and boat and he bought all the food and drinks.  The only thing my old landlord did was drive the boat.  Now that is a bunch of crap. 

My two cents

KLICKMAN

[klickman]

Here's the ultimate freeloader and I love every second of it.   

[jackelope]

klick...i was gonna try too that but the age mine is at and being mobile now, she has no patience for the kelty pack.

[klickman]

hahaha

Yep it was easy last year she was just a little ball.  This year she wants to run all over the place.  It will be totally different. 

Klickman

[TeacherMan]

If I'm taking someone I don't expect anything, especially if I invited them. I will usually pay for all the gas in the boat or the truck if I go with someone. Or I will pay for everything one trip and not the next. Some days I will pick up all the food, drinks, bait, and any extras... Depends on who it is also, tuff question.

[boneaddict]

I've got the same picture  on your namesake river Klick.   COOL   

[boneaddict]

By the way, watch out, you might get nailed for guiding. 

[walt]

It's tough to put a number or value on the day.  I mostly fish with friends and it all evens out on the river, golf coarse, bar, whereever, just part of being friends.  I would say that if you are going as a guest do the rough math in your head, error on the heavy side, and offer to split the cost.

[klickman]

By the way, watch out, you might get nailed for guiding. 

No doubt

[Intruder]

Kinda depends.  When I host I don't "expect" payment.  When gas prices were sky high last year it was pretty spendy to tow the boat and run the boat so any offter to chip in was appreciated.  That was especially true if there if the drive was long where you could burn through over 100 $ in gas. 

When the tables are turned I usually throw out 20-30$ or offer to top of the boat.  Definitely bring enough barely sodas and goodies for the host.