My 2 cents....
Each boat, owner and trip are different, so there will never be a one size fits all scenario.
However, it's pretty easy to insure you all have an enjoyable trip and simply run down a few questions with the skipper to get a feel for the trip, the boat, the crew list and general expectations or plan. The worst approach is to simply assume the conditions and allowances, simply because that's what was ok on the last boat.
You may feel like you're bugging the skipper, but trust me..., they will appreciate your effort to gauge things ahead of time.
In general...
- Soft bags are better than hard bags (tackle boxes).
- Rods longer than 7 ft don't work well on most private boats, unless you have a clear section in the bow or there's a very light load in the cockpit.
- Organization in advance is always a good thing (meaning, organize your gear and determine what you actually need in terms of gear and tackle vs what you 'want').
- Organization on the boat prior and during the trip is also really good thing. Picking up and storing gear during the trip is always a good idea. Boats are only so big and keeping things organized really helps, especially when fishing with multiple anglers.
- Plan general food, beverage and ice chest arrangements in advance. Always appreciated, even if you hear, simply bring what you'd like to eat and drink. Bringing a little extra for the pot for your newfound best friends is a good way to make bonus points, even if they don't eat it. More food than less isn't a bad thing.
- Feel free to ask where you can help and if the skipper says it's covered and relax, then relax...., but observe. Finding small ways to help (pick up, organize, prep snacks, offer occasional soft drinks, water to the bridge, store ropes, fenders, etc. are always easy ways to 'join' the crew.
- At the beginning of the trip, get a run down on safety gear, location, and emergency procedures associated with the boat and crew. Get to know the basics of the boats operation, even if it is simply by observation.
- At the end of the trip, advance help to store gear, wash gear, organize, clean galley, salon, bathrooms, etc. as the boat is heading back, always helps everyone go home early and you don't need to ask the skipper in advance....., surprise him / her...
Always a good thing as like Glen (and Rob), I'm often shooing people away as sometimes it's easier to do the routine alone, than oversee a new crew. Taking care of the cabin, prewashing gear or stains while on route home can be a nice plus as well.
- Clean up at the dock? Well, if you're going to join the clean up party, then party hard and getting the boat into a better condition than she left the dock is a big pleaser. Scub hard and have fun while doing it. Everyone is a little beat, so a little humor or some cheer goes a long way to capping that trip with a great memory.
- Fish? Hopefully, you or someone else in the crew already dealt with cleaning the fish. Splitting the fish? Personally, I view fishing on a PB is a team effort, so the catch is split among the crew equally. If one feels differently, this is one of those things that's good to work out in advance before one leaves the dock as fishing a PB isn't like fishing a six-pack or sporty, allot of guys simply split the efforts of the day. Not a big deal to me either way, but one of those things that's worth clarifying ahead of time. Kind of like ordering Chinese food. Do you guys want to order separately or put everything in the middle and share? Both ways work, but it's wise to clear it up before you grab the egg roll on your buddies plate...
Money? If the agreement is to split expenses, share expenses, etc., then work it out the details with the other crew and don't make the skipper be the accountant too. I personally don't enjoy that part, even if splitting costs was the agreement in advance..., it's simply a downer for me as I view people on my boat as guests, so if someone takes the initative, figures it out and shoves it into my hands, over all my protests, even if I find a way to hand it back..., that boy's going out again. Please don't bring the skipper into a nit-pick over expenses, work it out between the crew well before the end of the trip or at least get a general agreement. Keep a mindset of bringing solutions to the skipper, not problems..., that's always a good thing and keeps spirits high.
If money is tight that week or you'd like to work something out, talk about it before you go on the trip, get an estimate or agree on what you can do. It's not so much for the captain, but for your other crewmates...., on a boat, it's all about communication as they are all too small for hard feelings, so work in advance to avoid them. Heck, some guys are happy just to have the company, so you'd be surprised what a little communication can do for you.
- Damage? Well, Sh$t does happen..., after all.., it's a boat. The key here is being observant and try to avoid the simple things that could cause damage.
Don't set your bags or gear on top of varnished surfaces or waxed fiberglass surfaces and don't slide anything across them.
Watch your jigs when you fling and watch them as you retrieve. Winding a jig into the side of the hull isn't a good way to win bonus points from the skipper.
Clean spills / stains as they happen or as you notice.
Don't carry pliers or tools in your rear pockets (not good for upholstery.
Wipe feet before heading into salon and keep hands washed / rinsed constantly (even if it's a salt water rinse..., those scales can show up everywhere..
If something major happens that you might be involved with, concerned with or something you simply screwed up over, talk it over with the skipper and work it out then. Life's too short to lose a friend over unclear feelings or communications.
- One other thing John reminded me of....., never, flick a switch on the circuit breaker panel without the skippers knowledge (first mate's excepted) and get a run down from the skipper on other do's and donâ??ts of any electrical gear, settings, switches and general concerns.
- It basically boils down to observe, anticipate, and ask.
- Last and not least, be fun and have fun!! Bring an attitude and be the person you'd like to hang out with for a day. Fishing isn't just about the fish...., it's about the adventure!
Ok, so maybe it was more than just my 2 cents...
Cheers, Bill
â??If your not part of the solution... you're part of the problem"
