I've always topped my boat and truck off before we ever left for the lake. My rule of thumb, and it has worked well over the years, is that we will top it off again when we return and split the actual amount we used 50/50. My thoughts are that the non-boater should not have to bear the full expense because I wanted the boat and bought it for my use. I pay for my insurance and any maintenance and repairs because I chose to take that responsibility. Personally, I have never let a non-boater pay more than 50/50 because I do not feel that is right.

As for staying at the lakehouse, I always bring food because I like to cookout and love to share, but if the lakehouse owner expected me to pay for everything then I certainly would not feel welcome there.

If I invite someone out, I don't expect them to pay for anything other than their drinks/food. I'm going out anyway, so I'll bring my own. As far as gas, if they feel they need to contribute, I won't turn it down, but I don't ask for it at all. Again, I'm going out anyway!

If bait is involved, I've not had anyone so far that hasn't insisted on either picking up the whole tab or at least half it so I haven't had to ever think about that.

Thats quite possibly the most useless post i have ever read on this forum. No way would I ever go out with someone who expects me to pay all his gas/food for an entire trip, nor would I expect someone to pay me if I took them on a trip. If I invite someone to stay at my house I would never expect them to plan the menu and bring all the groceries. If you find someone who does this tell them to come be my neighbor I will take them fishing every day then all I have to do is make my boat note each month.

In the old days I was happy if someone just picked up the launch fee. But with gas being a touch on the high side, 50/50 is great. Most people that I fish with call me to go, I don't waste my time trying to find someone to go with me thats off and ready when I am. The few partners I enjoy fishing with, know what its like to own a boat and you never have to ask. The ones that don't, well, you know!!

This seems like one of the most reasonable responses and or approaches to spliiting fuel with a recuuring partner. Or someone you have met and both of you wanted to fish a distant lake. When you are going out in youre boat to youre local lake and someone is going with you. You can have no reasonable expectation for them to cover fuel. If it is a revolving low dollar tournament team than the non boater should probably make things fare by covering the team entry fee. Again that would be a pre determinrd cost that was agreed ahead of time upfront.
Those that are in position to refuse fuel money when traveling 300 plus miles round trip and running a boat for several hours. Then you are one heck of a good guy with more disposable income than many of the day to day grind kind fellows.
So what ever we do it just needs to be friendly while not putting unfare burden on the other.
As far as food you need to be prepared to take care of yourself..........Room costs 50/50.......

I am just glad to see so many common sense responses.

If I invite they never pay even though most try to. Otherwise it should be 50/50 on the truck and boat gas.

As a boater, if I invite you to go fishing with me, you are my guest and I don't expect anything. If I don't feel like paying for everything then I'll fish alone before I "require" somebody to chip in.

I think some of you need to hone up on your thoughts about requiring or asking for compensation to take somebody fishing if you don't have a guides license. TPWD specifically states that any sort of compensation to include bartering (which means trading the service for products like gas, food or bait) requires the person to have a state issued guide license.

If you tournament fish and split expenses, and don't have a guides license, you could be breaking state law which in turn will disqualify you from most tournaments by doing so.

50/50 is right. You are going anyway,so why expect the non boater to cover all costs?

Just bring beer and bring enough so that we don't run out. If we go somewhere on the lake for lunch or dinner, pick up the tab there too.

I always offer. Some do not take it and some do. Either way is fine with me.

Ok, so if I go with someone on a guide trip - do I just need to bring food, drink, pillow, rod and a wad of cash?

I prefer their friendship and company more than their money. If they want to toss in some gas money, fine. But it is not expected as part of the invite to go fishing with me.

Crazy! I guess our club is breaking the law everytime we have a tournament! Our rules require the non boater to share expenses: gas, launch fees, motel, etc. It's only fair since the non boater doesn't do any upkeep of the boat, (nor is he expected to).

that is the way we do it!