Last year, everyone gave our charter master Tom Titus their customary 10% tip for the Big E Crew at the �beginning� of the trip. That tip money was given to Captain Frank on the way out. Captain Frank was told if he was able to put us on fish and the deckhands worked hard to take care of our needs, another tip on the way back to the dock was possible. That trip had the biggest catch since the Big E had been christened. Everyone gladly donated another 10% tip to the crew for their hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts.

Are we going to use the same plan for this trip???

i have $100 for tip.. so your plan above sounds right. $50- out, and $50 in if'n they earned it. Which I am more than 100% sure they will earn it.

Sounds good to me. $50 out and $50 in based on the performance of the deckhands.

I suggest that $50 out is fine, but the final tip needs to be decided aat the end. The $100 total is not excessive, but should be earned.
I tipped individual crewmen last time on the way back.

we could give them the fuel surcharge money prior to going out, which i believe is like $37 each and then the remainder depending on performance...

As long as we don't get stung by giving them part of the money up front, I'm ok with it. 10% is a minimal tip and if they don't perform well, then we can evaluate the remainder on the way back in.

Obi Wan- I will follow your lead. I agree they must earn it.

This sounds like a great idea!!

Im in on the fuel surchage idea, cocunt Gene Sneed in too.

I think the fuel surcharge going straight to the tip is a good idea too. Count me in.

Snagged has the right idea about tipping individual deckhands too. Last time I just put my money in the pot, but there were a couple of outstanding deckhands that deserved (earned) more than just an equal share.

DBG

Tx Griz

You nailed it.. We give the crew the $1,500 fuel surcharge money up front so they know we're serious about a tip. Then the rest going back into port when they earn it.

JP is going to discuss that option with evereyone present at the group meal Thursday night next week in Freeport.

You can still get a refund of the fuel surcharge if you want it.

Bazz

If we put the $1500 fuel surcharge towards the tip on the way out, that's 7.5%. I'm not big on tipping before the trip, but will go with what ever the group prefers.

I think most of you know it's been years since I have been Tuna fishing so I consider myself a "Rookie".

However, I agree with JP, I'm not big on tipping up front, but I will go along with what the "Group" decides.

I plan on being at the "Group Meal" on Thurs night.

i like the fuel surcharge going as the tip upfront also and it will certainly be easier than trying to give everyone 37 bucks and change or whatever

I'm not sure if the initial tip really results in better performance. The deckhands look at the trip as another day at work. If we tip heavy, early, light, or normal...it just doesn't seem to make a difference. They are going to do the job at a mediocre level with a slight lean towards the side of providing customer service, (gaffing may be one of their weaknesses..and they are still under the learning curve). I am all for giving my fuel surcharge towards the tip that puts the carrot in front of the hare...but I think that the tip would be more effective if we give it directly to the captain...as his incentive for putting us on fish. We can always tip the deckhands later...based upon performance.