There is nothing like the anticipation you feel heading out in the morning on a calm sea aboard a party boat.
During my teenage years back in the 1970s, many weekends went sleepless with the excitement of knowing a trip aboard one of the open boats at Captree State Park was only hours away. Whether it was flounder during the spring, fluke during the summer, bottom fishing during the fall, cod and whiting during the winter or anything in between, there was no way I was missing out since where else can you go with the best chances of catching fish. Still today some 45 years later, I still get shivers of excitement up and down my spine knowing I’ll be enjoying a day of friendship, fresh air and maybe even bring home a few fillets.
There is nothing like the anticipation you feel heading out in the morning on a calm sea aboard a party boat. The aroma of fresh air, cut bait, hot coffee and a touch of diesel builds an anticipation of expectation at one level or another, a sense of competition and a little nervousness wondering if all on board are friends or foes. However, emotions soon evaporate into the salt air as the roar of the diesels purr like a kitten as the captain positions the boat over what all hope is the pot of gold and sounds the horn of lines down. Baits are quickly deployed into the inky depths, and soon, rods begin to bend. Kids and adults alike squeal with delight as fish start coming over the rail. Clench-jawed “regulars” check and recheck their baits, fuss with various hooks, sinkers and teasers and either talk tersely or remain mostly silent, intent on filling a pail or cooler with goodies. More casual rail neighbors, perhaps tourists who have never met, begin chatting and joshing, sharing fishing tips, where they’re from and the best way to prepare a fluke or blackfish.
Why They Come
As the morning progresses the fish keep coming in. They may not be big or particularly plentiful, but that’s not the point. The fact is party boat anglers are a diverse group of all breeds. Some are just out enjoying the water and spending time with family and friends, caring little if they catch anything. And then of course there are fishermen out to catch fish and take home a big bag of fillets. In addition, if they really bare their soul, they’ll admit to wanting to win the pool. Finally there are those anglers that are new to the sport, willing and quite open minded to absorb what they can to eventually master the game of fishing. These anglers come full of wisdom since there is no better way to learn how to fish than from the expertise of the party boat clan.
Ask and You Shall Learn
You can read fishing books and articles until the cows come home, you’ll learn little versus real life hands on experience, and quite frankly, jumping on an open boat on a regular basis will have you go from basic training to climbing up the ranks as you become friendly with the captain and especially the crew. In addition, you’ll soon be welcomed with many of the boat regulars that will be happy to pull a few tricks out of their bag of magic to help put a few extra fillets on the dinner table and perhaps land the prize pool fish of the day. Remember it’s hard to beat camaraderie among the open boat clan, and before long, you’ll give back to a newbie that may feel intimidated at first. We all have been there. Therefore don’t be afraid to ask questions, it’s the best method to learn and I have never had anyone tell me to buzz off.
If you just can’t find the groove where most everyone else is busy hauling in fish, ask the mates for help. Above all, follow their instructions to the letter. Most of these guys and gals are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, and have a vested interest in your satisfaction. If you catch a bunch of fish and have a fun and productive day, you’re more likely to give them a good tip at the end of the trip. At least that’s the assumption. So if the mate says, “Reel up and put a fresh bait on,” or “Drop down another 10 feet,” you’ll want to do exactly that. Party boat mates are on the water every day, and they know what works and what doesn’t. And they’re not much interested as to how your custom-tied leader rig or special hot-shot jigging technique really slayed them on some boat you went out on 10 years ago.
Respect the Mates
The day of any good mate begins well before the rooster crows and well before the captain and even before most patrons arrive. They start up the twin diesels to get them warmed and ready by the time the captain comes aboard. They get the coffee brewing and breakout the rental rods giving them a once over to make sure they are rigged and ready for a day of wear and tear from unfamiliar hands. They make sure the entire deck and rails are clean as possible, grab enough bait from the freezer below deck for the day, separate the pails or bins so they slide apart easily when the bite begins. Finally, grab a cup of Joe, and head for the bow to greet the early arrivals, help bringing aboard their gear, and rig their rods. They check to be sure everyone is aboard, untie the lines and warn both sides of the deck to watch their hands and rods on the pilings as the captain backs the boat away from the dock and heads for the open waters. Indeed a party boat mate must be one of the most exhausting and frustrating jobs in fishing. If you think about it, mates net or gaff then unhook and take care of your catch. They play with tangles all day long, and then clean and bag your catch. A good mate is worth his or her weight in gold. Most party boat mates spend almost every day, (especially in tourist areas during the summer) dealing with a good percentage of 20 to 50 people that don’t know a clinch knot from a pair of pantyhose. So, how do you quantify the value of excellence, or compensate a person for unwavering dedication, extensive fish knowledge, a hefty physical toll and a first-rate attitude? Certainly not by pay shelled out by the boat owner. Indeed, it takes a special person to master such an occupation, then go home to their spouse and children who rely on mom or dad to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Mates must earn most of their pay from gratuities, which just as any job that relies on tips, the better the service, the better the tips. Keep in mind that throughout the day, mates are there to instruct novices and kids in the fundamentals, remove tangles, net and unhook, measure and keep your catch fresh, clean and bagged. The mates keep your bait pails replenished and the deck washed down, so no one slips and slides on fish slime. So, the next time you go to tip the mates, a fair starting point would be 20 percent of the cost of the fare per person.
Of course, you can slide the scale either way should you find exceptional or poor service. It is also customary for winners of the boat pool to shell out an additional 20 percent of the pot. A party-boat trip is an adventure whose outcome is impossible to predict, and that’s precisely its allure for so many folks, from all walks of life. In most cases you won’t bring home enough fish meat at market prices to cover the cost of the fare, but that’s not really the point. The point is simply to pay attention, learn and have a good time. Some folks are quiet and serious about catching, yet others delight as much in the social interactions and camaraderie. But virtually everyone has the same goal; to enjoy the opportunities that the wonderful sport of fishing has to offer.
