In high school one of my best friends was a couple years older than me. Back then, juniors and seniors were allowed to leave campus for lunch if they wanted to do so. He asked me if I wanted to go one day, and I said yes. When it was time to pay for lunch, he asked me if I was going to buy his lunch for the ride and opportunity (fast food- couple of bucks, and a heck of a lot better than cafeteria food to a teen). I bought that kid a lot of lunches that year. Basically, if it's something he really wants to do, he will not mind chipping in and you shouldn't have to ask again. On the other hand, I take folks fishing quite often and do not ask for fuel money. Sometimes it's offered, sometimes it's not. Communication of your expectation is key.

I think a lot of folks, especially younger folks have absolutely zero idea how much it costs to go fishing. I think they think the whole thing is basically free. Maybe a few bucks in boat gas. They don't realize it's 30 bucks in truck gas, 5 bucks in oil, 10 dollar launch fee and 15 bucks in boat gas, plus 20 bucks for your lures they lose. Real quick each trip winds up costing between 50-100 bucks.

When I was younger I had a buddy who had a nice boat early in life. To this day I feel bad about stiffing him or offering up a pittance, not realizing it was costing him 100 bucks every time we went out. I wasn't trying to be a tightwad, I truly had no idea.

Highschool, I assume you don�t have a silver spoon in your mouth. Yeah I would ask too, you need to create an understanding at that age that things cost. And trips cost should be shared.

People who don't own boats generally don't get what it costs to keep a boat (storage, upkeep, repairs, etc...); so when they think the cost of a trip is just gas, they're way undervaluing what you're doing for them.

I hardly ever accept gas money if offered, unless it's a long haul, then I may let them fill up my tank once in a while. I always offer to fill up, buy drinks, lunch, and cover all costs on others' boats. I look at it as somebody taking me out and it's still much much cheaper than pulling my boat or getting a guide; just show up and fish, yeah!. And I want the option of being re-invited.

If they don't so much as to offer, the next trip will be a little ways out.

When I get invited fishing, I always offer to help with gas but my friends never take it. I do buy their breakfast, lunch and take care of the ramp fees.

As a senior in HS currently who bought my own boat 2 years ago, I don�t expect gas money from friends if I�m just going to my home lake to fun fish as I was going anyways. If they offer or buy lunch then sweet but I don�t expect it. Traveling to a lake is a different story. We usually split it 50/50

I did not vote.

In my opinion if you want gas money you ask if he'd split it with you when you first ask if he wants to go fishing. Then you can decide if you want to take him and give him the same decision to make.

Sometimes a friend will tag along when I go fishing. He has offered to give a few dollars but I don�t take it. I was going anyway so he didn�t cost me anything. On long trips with hours of driving involved, then yes donate a bit. If you expect it then tell him ahead of time that you need him to chip in X amount. Don�t wait and let it be an embarrassment at the gas station for him or you.

If he is trying to initiate the trip then you should be up front that he needs to help you with fuel cost. If you invite him along don't ask for it. I know how it can be. When I was young I had jet ski's and it was amazing how many "friends" were planning lake trips and wanted me to bring the ski's. Never wanted to buy gas though. Wouldn't you know it the plans would fall through if I couldn't go. Funny how that worked.

Yea just be honest up front . Say something like , Yea we can go but I may need a little help with some gas. But if you throw out the invite then he really isn't obligated . Yes , he should have offered something , whether you took it or not is up to you .

If they're "unaware" of the costs of running a boat,ramp fees, etc. then its no big deal. But, if they offer it, then that tells me they're polite & I express thanks for the help.
Longer trips, it is a topic of discussion. I always offer fuel money & if they wont take it, I'll at least offer dinner on the way home. I try to ALWAYS at least bring Gatorade or water for both of us, for on the water hydration.

I have 5-6 of my golf buddies ask me all the time, " hey, when you gonna take me fishing ". All they have to fish with is a 9 iron so I know my reels are going to get back lashed real quick and lures will be lost. I tell'em first time my regular fishing buddy doesn't go I'll let you know. "Bout a month ago I went and my fishing buddy couldn't go and the next day a couple of them ask me why I didn't invite them. I said I wish I had I could have used some help with some gas money. Not a one of them has ask me to take them since.
I may not ask anyone for gas money but if they don't offer they won't get another invite and I'm dam sure gonna take it if they offer. Cost more than gas to go fishing and if they don't want to share they can buy themselves a boat or hire a guide. They're golf buddies, not family.

The question is... Did you put him on fish??

The way to look at it is you invited him and either way you'd probably of been fishing with or without him so whats the difference

Folks who don't offer some gas money when they fish with me don't get invited back. 40 or 50 bucks for a day of fishing is a super cheap day on the water in a nice boat.