Why do we tip the mates?

[lunkertaker]

Originally Posted by reason162

We're almost exactly on the same page. I think 20% on the fare is pretty standard

Agreed. But I tend to lean on the higher side if I receive exceptional service. I once won a pool @ $275 on a bluefish trip out of belmar and gave 1/2 to the mate due to this. Depending on the size of the pool, I have given it all to them. Service...Service...Service.! I tend to tip well when warranted and sub-par if not which is usually the outlier and not the norm on the boats I usually fish on.