just common courtesy. What the skipper does from there is up to them.
After fishing with a lot of different people over the years I have settled on the old addage to prewarn the crew that its a shared fuel and bait cost. Saves the hassles afterwards when the deckie leaves it to you to raise the subject which I don't like doing. I much prefer the deckie to "offer" as you said.
I invited a mate out on saturday, we stoped at the shop to get some bait and bits and pieces for my son (He eats lots) mate payed for everything behind my back $40 worth of bait,ice,berly and stuff. So hes my prefered deckie. Theres different ways people can do things. Another bloke ive taken out braught his old crappy bait and very little gear (used of most of mine , food aswell). Dont see much of him.
have to provide everything (bait, ice, drinks, food etc) and i provide a boat and fuel - so far its been a good arrangement.
I'm yet to take a "stranger" out, but I'd go with what Andy suggested - thats what I have done in the past as a deckie on other peoples boats. What the skipper expects of you while on the boat (ie tasks like pulling anchor etc) varies wildly, so its always best to ask.
if i am already going then i am not to phased. Most of my deckies have boats and they return the favour anyway. Admitedly though most of the time they offer, but i certainly never raise it.
Have been out on a boat once with a forum member. Since then, after reading the many and various posts on the subject, I have learned a thing or two about being a deckie that I wish I had known before the event.
To put it into perspective, when I go out with my brother (not the forum member I refered to) he preferrs to set the anchor and retrieve it, primarily because that is usually the front end of the boat & my job was other end - to pull the rope to start the motor. (He changed boats a year or so ago and that particular rope pulling job has disappeared ). Anyway, because of his preferences, my assumption on my first 'deckie' experience (with someone I had never been out with before, and in fact hadn't met before that morning) was that it would be the same (not the motor start bit, but the preferences). On top of that, I saw myself very much as a guest on board so didn't want to get in the way or to be a nuisance (and believe it or not, I am actually quite timid and nervous about meeting new people - yes those of you who have me me may laugh but it is a fact). I also assumed (may be wrongly) that should the skipper want me to do something he would say so. My apologies to the skipper of the day if that was wrong (as I said, I learned differently after the event). I did manage to net a couple of very nice fish for him though (didn't lose any, a cardinal sin ), and certainly didn't out fish him (the original sin ). Sharing or contributing to the costs was an absolute given for me right from the start irrespective of the method of invite or the expectations of the skipper. (Incidently, I responded to a post on the forum where the skipper was looking for a deckie for the day so knew before hand that the expectation was that there would be a sharing of costs).
As to what should and shouldn't happen, I am firmly of the opinion that it depends on the expectations set by the skipper in the first place. If a person receives an invite to go out AND if the skipper doesn't mention otherwise, then I would suggest that the deckie might reasonably expect that it is just that, an invite at the skippers expense. It's a bit like an invite to dinner. Most hosts when making an invite to dinner will say up front whether they would like the guest to bring something or not. Likewise most guests would, out of courtesy, ask if the host would like them to bring something. So why not the same conventions for a deckie position?
On the other hand, if the deckie solicited a spot on a boat, in other words a type of self invite, then the deckie should expect to contribute irrespective of what the skipper has or has not said.
Now, why did I bother with that diatribe? Well, it's like this. It is fine for skippers to have expectations, that isn't unreasonable, but sometimes the deckies (especially if new to the process or the particular boat) may either have no expectations or may have expectations - namely, the skipper would speak up rather than get annoyed quietly (AND I AM NOT SAYING my skipper did got annoyed quietly, but then again he could have ) and complain later.
Communication is a wonderful thing and can uaually achieve lots. But remember, communiation has to be a two way process if it is to be most effective.
Agree Ody. I went out fishing on probably 50+ boats before I left Perth and added to that total significantly since being in Exmouth and I've seen the best of skippers, the worst of skippers and the whole range of deckies.
Andy Mac's article on deckies is true to form. You can't go wrong if you chip in your share of the petrol, take some bait just as a gesture to thank the skipper (even if it doesn't get used), wind your line out of someone's way if theres a good fish on and one I always stand by is not to let your tounge get wagging if the fish aren't biting. (unless the skipper is a complete muppet) Oh and always hang around and offer to clean the fish or the boat or both, if you want to get a regular spot on someone's boat its not a lot of effort for what you get in return.
I've seen so many people throw tantrums when they aren't getting fish and more often than not its not the skippers fault, the fish just aren't on the chew. The biggest thing for mine is that you are out there fishing not sitting at home talking about fishing. :)
about what I expect on the day. I have a regular deckie who chips in more than his fair share, and I would say that for those on the site who want a regular deckies spot on someones boat then his example would be a pretty good way to go about things. Firstly you will always get the invite, secondly you should make a new good friend, and finally fishing is always learning and it is enjoyable doing it with someone. I like taking new people out, but that is just me as I get a buzz out of putting someone on to good fish and meeting and learning from others.
My main deckie always chips in with the following
Fuel - I pay for the car he gets most of the boat.
ETEC oil, he will pickup a container occasionally as at $70 a container it is a big cost.
Bait - I always get bait because the tackle shop is around the corner and on the way home from work.
Gear - we pretty much share it, if there is a specific outfit that we need for a new technique then either one will buy it but it sort of stays with the boat.
Lunch - he supplies good coffee, i bring lunch
Tackle - again sort of a mutual fund
Cleaning the boat - always clean on the way home then rinse
Again he is now one of my best mates and has been fishing with me for the past two years including a few trips up north and heaps off perth.
Just remember when you get a deckies spot that if the skipper provides a clean, reliable and well serviced boat, tries hard to put you onto fish, and makes it a good day, then you are getting a lot more than you will get on most charters. So even if it costs you $100 in fuel remember that it cost the skipper the interest on the boat, servicing costs, and lots of incidentals .
For me if fishing three on the boat then I generally recon that $50 each is a fair fuel contribution. As a guide for the deckies out there, a 150 etec doing a run to the back of Rotto, moving around and coming home is about 100L of fuel. Most fourstrokes would be the same.
The best way to do it is to get the skipper to fill up on the way home if you can and then split it, that way it is totally fair.
I agree with what's been said. Different skippers will have different expectations. The way I look at it is there are three broad areas:
1) Cost Contribution.
2) Deckie role.
3) Catch expectations.
Cost Contribution
Some skippers will take the view that they are going out anyway and therefore won't expect payment, some will swap boats (as Brad said) and others will expect expenses to be shared. None of these are wrong or more right than the other. The skipper decides what's expected and has the right to to (re)ivite a deckie that doesn't contribute - it's his/her boat after all. But obviously, if you expect contribution, then it needs to be reasonable. For example, skipper and deckie would split half the costs of fuel, bait, petrol etc. That's MY expectation.
Deckie Role
This point brought up by others is very important and lays down what is expected in the way of deckie assistance. For a new deckie (rare because it's normally my wife), I go through what's expected of him/her when we initially talk about the trip. This clears up misunderstanding/a dissapointed skipper and ensures the deckie is comfortable and participates in a knowing way.
Catch Expectations
A very good point by Andy. Some new deckies will get all fired up and expect to catch a lot of fish, perhaps because he/she has seen photos from a previous trip by the skipper or photos by other skippers. But, as Andy said, some days the fish just don't fire no matter how hard the skipper tries. The new deckie needs to appreciate and respect this.
As Ody said, it's ALL about communication - that way, there's mutual understanding and happiness through agreement.
I'm not make of money, and can afford to go out once, twice a month at most, so the deckie contributes or doesn't come.
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
i don't deckie down here often as i don't know anyone who goes out regulary and i'm trying like buggery to get the Titanic out of the paddock and ready for summer - but i used to deckie for a long time mate in Perth - i paid half or better of fuel and bait as i felt his contribution was a boat, expertise and occaisionally a fish, all things i did not have. I went out a couple of times down here when i first moved with someone i met but found a combination of paying for all the fuel and bait plus being nearly a statistic twice was a bit pricey and gave it a miss. I will go out with out with Hansie if he is still interested and as he has a tinny similar to mine, turn about will do the job. My personal opinion is a deckie should put up a fair share of the costs based on the number of people on board who can chip in and toss in a beer for the skipper at the end of the day.
As deckie, i would be very happy to not only offer to split half for fuel but pay full for bait, drinks and food for the day. learn and take instruction on pulling anchor and anything else that is need to be done on the boat. and even maybe give the boat a wash after the trip. i think its only fair to the owner of the boat.
Simo_
Posts: 1843
Date Joined: 13/11/06
I would say yes, its good if
I would say yes, its good if they offer instead of you having to ask.
Bring on April
Andy Mac
Posts: 4778
Date Joined: 03/02/06
Key words there for me are
Cheers
Cheers
Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)
Youngest member of the Fishwrecked Old Farts Club
fishcrazy
Posts: 1235
Date Joined: 27/01/07
standard rule
pretty standard to chip in for bait fuel,better to have your own gear too, wash the boat afterward that sorta thing kingfisher
gpc123
Posts: 265
Date Joined: 12/02/07
I invited a mate out on
I invited a mate out on saturday, we stoped at the shop to get some bait and bits and pieces for my son (He eats lots) mate payed for everything behind my back $40 worth of bait,ice,berly and stuff. So hes my prefered deckie. Theres different ways people can do things. Another bloke ive taken out braught his old crappy bait and very little gear (used of most of mine , food aswell). Dont see much of him.
Regards:Geoff & Luke
Single dad and proud of him
HuggyB
Posts: 2515
Date Joined: 03/08/08
my mates
have to provide everything (bait, ice, drinks, food etc) and i provide a boat and fuel - so far its been a good arrangement.
I'm yet to take a "stranger" out, but I'd go with what Andy suggested - thats what I have done in the past as a deckie on other peoples boats. What the skipper expects of you while on the boat (ie tasks like pulling anchor etc) varies wildly, so its always best to ask.
The Terrorist - coming to a fishing spot near you.........
dagree
Posts: 660
Date Joined: 08/12/07
I Supply Everything!!!!
But then again my usual deckies are the missus and oldest daughter
But would expectanyone else to at least offer some help with $'s on the day!!!!
Cheers,
David
Cheers,
David (AKA Grumps)
Location: Heathridge. Toys: 120 Series Prado ... 5.3 Stacer Seamaster/Merc 90HP.
PilbaraBrad
Posts: 3628
Date Joined: 16/05/07
if i am already going then i
if i am already going then i am not to phased. Most of my deckies have boats and they return the favour anyway. Admitedly though most of the time they offer, but i certainly never raise it.
ody
Posts: 581
Date Joined: 30/12/06
Hi Ya,Have been out on a
Hi Ya,
Have been out on a boat once with a forum member. Since then, after reading the many and various posts on the subject, I have learned a thing or two about being a deckie that I wish I had known before the event.
To put it into perspective, when I go out with my brother (not the forum member I refered to) he preferrs to set the anchor and retrieve it, primarily because that is usually the front end of the boat & my job was other end - to pull the rope to start the motor. (He changed boats a year or so ago and that particular rope pulling job has disappeared
). Anyway, because of his preferences, my assumption on my first 'deckie' experience (with someone I had never been out with before, and in fact hadn't met before that morning) was that it would be the same (not the motor start bit, but the preferences). On top of that, I saw myself very much as a guest on board so didn't want to get in the way or to be a nuisance (and believe it or not, I am actually quite timid and nervous about meeting new people - yes those of you who have me me may laugh but it is a fact). I also assumed (may be wrongly) that should the skipper want me to do something he would say so. My apologies to the skipper of the day if that was wrong (as I said, I learned differently after the event). I did manage to net a couple of very nice fish for him though (didn't lose any, a cardinal sin 
), and certainly didn't out fish him (the original sin 
). Sharing or contributing to the costs was an absolute given for me right from the start irrespective of the method of invite or the expectations of the skipper. (Incidently, I responded to a post on the forum where the skipper was looking for a deckie for the day so knew before hand that the expectation was that there would be a sharing of costs).
As to what should and shouldn't happen, I am firmly of the opinion that it depends on the expectations set by the skipper in the first place. If a person receives an invite to go out AND if the skipper doesn't mention otherwise, then I would suggest that the deckie might reasonably expect that it is just that, an invite at the skippers expense. It's a bit like an invite to dinner. Most hosts when making an invite to dinner will say up front whether they would like the guest to bring something or not. Likewise most guests would, out of courtesy, ask if the host would like them to bring something. So why not the same conventions for a deckie position?
On the other hand, if the deckie solicited a spot on a boat, in other words a type of self invite, then the deckie should expect to contribute irrespective of what the skipper has or has not said.
Now, why did I bother with that diatribe? Well, it's like this. It is fine for skippers to have expectations, that isn't unreasonable, but sometimes the deckies (especially if new to the process or the particular boat) may either have no expectations or may have expectations - namely, the skipper would speak up rather than get annoyed quietly (AND I AM NOT SAYING my skipper did got annoyed quietly, but then again he could have
) and complain later.
Communication is a wonderful thing
and can uaually achieve lots. But remember, communiation has to be a two way process if it is to be most effective.
Just my ranting.
Cheers.
***** Proud RECFISHWEST member ****
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15661
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Yup
Agree Ody. I went out fishing on probably 50+ boats before I left Perth and added to that total significantly since being in Exmouth and I've seen the best of skippers, the worst of skippers and the whole range of deckies.
Andy Mac's article on deckies is true to form. You can't go wrong if you chip in your share of the petrol, take some bait just as a gesture to thank the skipper (even if it doesn't get used), wind your line out of someone's way if theres a good fish on and one I always stand by is not to let your tounge get wagging if the fish aren't biting. (unless the skipper is a complete muppet) Oh and always hang around and offer to clean the fish or the boat or both, if you want to get a regular spot on someone's boat its not a lot of effort for what you get in return.
I've seen so many people throw tantrums when they aren't getting fish and more often than not its not the skippers fault, the fish just aren't on the chew. The biggest thing for mine is that you are out there fishing not sitting at home talking about fishing. :)
Site Admin - Just ask if you need assistance
Simon C
Posts: 801
Date Joined: 01/05/07
as skipper I am pretty clear
about what I expect on the day. I have a regular deckie who chips in more than his fair share, and I would say that for those on the site who want a regular deckies spot on someones boat then his example would be a pretty good way to go about things. Firstly you will always get the invite, secondly you should make a new good friend, and finally fishing is always learning and it is enjoyable doing it with someone. I like taking new people out, but that is just me as I get a buzz out of putting someone on to good fish and meeting and learning from others.
My main deckie always chips in with the following
Fuel - I pay for the car he gets most of the boat.
ETEC oil, he will pickup a container occasionally as at $70 a container it is a big cost.
Bait - I always get bait because the tackle shop is around the corner and on the way home from work.
Gear - we pretty much share it, if there is a specific outfit that we need for a new technique then either one will buy it but it sort of stays with the boat.
Lunch - he supplies good coffee, i bring lunch
Tackle - again sort of a mutual fund
Cleaning the boat - always clean on the way home then rinse
Again he is now one of my best mates and has been fishing with me for the past two years including a few trips up north and heaps off perth.
Just remember when you get a deckies spot that if the skipper provides a clean, reliable and well serviced boat, tries hard to put you onto fish, and makes it a good day, then you are getting a lot more than you will get on most charters. So even if it costs you $100 in fuel remember that it cost the skipper the interest on the boat, servicing costs, and lots of incidentals .
For me if fishing three on the boat then I generally recon that $50 each is a fair fuel contribution. As a guide for the deckies out there, a 150 etec doing a run to the back of Rotto, moving around and coming home is about 100L of fuel. Most fourstrokes would be the same.
The best way to do it is to get the skipper to fill up on the way home if you can and then split it, that way it is totally fair.
Dreamweaver
Posts: 4688
Date Joined: 01/12/07
Kinfisher...
I agree with what's been said. Different skippers will have different expectations. The way I look at it is there are three broad areas:
1) Cost Contribution.
2) Deckie role.
3) Catch expectations.
Cost Contribution
Some skippers will take the view that they are going out anyway and therefore won't expect payment, some will swap boats (as Brad said) and others will expect expenses to be shared. None of these are wrong or more right than the other. The skipper decides what's expected and has the right to to (re)ivite a deckie that doesn't contribute - it's his/her boat after all. But obviously, if you expect contribution, then it needs to be reasonable. For example, skipper and deckie would split half the costs of fuel, bait, petrol etc. That's MY expectation.
Deckie Role
This point brought up by others is very important and lays down what is expected in the way of deckie assistance. For a new deckie (rare because it's normally my wife), I go through what's expected of him/her when we initially talk about the trip. This clears up misunderstanding/a dissapointed skipper and ensures the deckie is comfortable and participates in a knowing way.
Catch Expectations
A very good point by Andy. Some new deckies will get all fired up and expect to catch a lot of fish, perhaps because he/she has seen photos from a previous trip by the skipper or photos by other skippers. But, as Andy said, some days the fish just don't fire no matter how hard the skipper tries. The new deckie needs to appreciate and respect this.
As Ody said, it's ALL about communication - that way, there's mutual understanding and happiness through agreement.
I'm not make of money, and can afford to go out once, twice a month at most, so the deckie contributes or doesn't come.
Colin Molloy
(Colin 2 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)
Soon to be de "dreamweaver" ed!
7739ian
Posts: 948
Date Joined: 25/06/08
Fair deal for deckies
i don't deckie down here often as i don't know anyone who goes out regulary and i'm trying like buggery to get the Titanic out of the paddock and ready for summer - but i used to deckie for a long time mate in Perth - i paid half or better of fuel and bait as i felt his contribution was a boat, expertise and occaisionally a fish, all things i did not have. I went out a couple of times down here when i first moved with someone i met but found a combination of paying for all the fuel and bait plus being nearly a statistic twice was a bit pricey and gave it a miss. I will go out with out with Hansie if he is still interested and as he has a tinny similar to mine, turn about will do the job. My personal opinion is a deckie should put up a fair share of the costs based on the number of people on board who can chip in and toss in a beer for the skipper at the end of the day.
otoshi
Posts: 426
Date Joined: 02/09/08
As deckie, i would be very
As deckie, i would be very happy to not only offer to split half for fuel but pay full for bait, drinks and food for the day. learn and take instruction on pulling anchor and anything else that is need to be done on the boat. and even maybe give the boat a wash after the trip. i think its only fair to the owner of the boat.