What's expected of a boat passenger?

[Jpmiller]

So recognizing everyone is different but what's a normal expectation of a boat passengers contribution on a fishing trip?. My buddy's old man had a nice big boat and is super generous taking anyone out pretty much whenever they want. He is also super against anyone buying fuel, lunch, whatever. He did let me pull it out of the water and to a paint shop for him once since I have way more trailering experience than him and in his words "I'm tired of paying the marina to fix the stuff I keep hitting" but that's about as far as he will go.

His son bought a boat last year and I've known him way too long and way too well to put up with him trying to let me be a freeloader on trips so I'm curious from you boat owners what's a reasonable, appreciated contribution from someone you're taking out for a day?

[pianoman9701]

I always chip in for gas and bring food.

[Rob]

I always bring Bananas to share

[Fishmaker57]

For me, it's a judgement call on the situation, as each one can be vastly different. If I'm going fishing, and there is room on the boat, they don't pay. I am fortunate to be in a position where I make a good living, and don't really need the money. It also depends on the people going. I take people who love to fish, but don't have a boat, and really can't afford to pay a guide, again, they pay nothing. I also have a bunch of friends who are in similar situations as me, make a good living, and can afford to chip in. In those situations, I am ok with them helping on fuel, but we split it up. As for food and gear, I am particular on how I fish for Salmon, so we use my gear. My wife doesn't let anyone go hungry, and is usually along to run the gear while I drive.

 

[phildobaggins]

I always bring Bananas to share

Is there a story behind this? 

[Stein]

It's really dependent on the person and situation.  I don't expect anything from anyone, most of the time I'm just happy to have the company and extra rod in the water.  It also depends on what the trip entails.  Some cost a few bucks and some involve a hundred gallons of fuel, hundreds of pounds of ice, tons of bait and hours cleaning up the boat afterward.

[Cylvertip]

I always bring Bananas to share

Is there a story behind this? 

I always bring Bananas to share

Is there a story behind this? 

 
 
Yeah, Harry Belefonte sang a song about it. 

[pianoman9701]

I always bring Bananas to share

Is this why?

t=212s

[wafisherman]

Sounds like you are on the right track.  I've been on both sides of this many times.  Just depends on the relationship and expectations.  As the 'captain', I don't ask for anything.  If they are good company, they will be invited again.  If they offer stuff, I may or may not accept.  And when I'm a passenger, I may offer a number of things along the way, and just generally try and be helpful and ask what I can do.

Some ideas:
Bring good food, snacks, drinks to share.  (But be careful of assuming alcohol is good to go - find out first.)
Prepping the boat and cleaning the boat after - helping keep it clean and organized during the trip
Offer to pay for gas, lunch, dinner, etc.  Or just hand over some cash and say thanks after the trip.

Important:
Be early - not just on time.
Stay as long as the captain wants unless you agree ahead of time to be done at a certain time
Ask what the boat rules are and captains expectations
Never just sit and watch - ask how you can help.
Bring your own bait and gear unless already discussed ahead of time.
Assume the role of the deck hand, not the paying client who just sits there and has stuff done for them

[PointBlank]

Which the current price of fuel tuna trips will be particularly expensive this year. Pitching in for gas is a must. Bring food and help wash the boat down after returning to the ramp

[ASHQUACK]

I don't want to sound like an a-hole but, I expect nothing except for whomever is fishing with me to understand that I'm the captain of the boat, period. Gas money can fall under compensation for fishing so be very careful because you get  into guide/charter issues with licensing and such.

[fishngamereaper]

Splitting fuel is the norm...it's not compensation because it's a cost of goods not service's.
If you break gear pay for it.
Offer to help clean but on my boat I'll respectfully decline...I do it my way.
Bring your own food/ drinks. Offer to share.
Don't grab your catch and bug out at the end of the day. Learn to clean fish and help with processing...that's my biggest pet peeve.

[metlhead]

My boat is snacks/drinks only. And you need to do all the deckhanding, and catch fish.

[metlhead]

Forgot to mention, forget my snacks and you go hungry🤨

[pickardjw]

On the gulf coast it was usually splitting gas, ice, food, beer, etc. Coordinate any gear you need to bring. Pretty normal stuff. When you get back to the dock the expectaction is that you help clean the boat or the fish.

Mu uncle used to weed out his daughter's boyfriends with the last one.

Since I'm just running a 14' aluminum with a 15 horse up here in fresh water, I just expect people to not flake and brind whatever food / snacks they need. And to hold the rope at the ramp