Commercial fluke "rod" licence question for you guys...

[Garone Custom Rods]

I wish all commercial fishing was done by rod and reel. If it was you can sure as hell bet many fisheries which have been on the decline would be booming in 5 years. Rod and reel fishing doesn't destroy habitat, and it is way less effective than long lining or netting.

Agree that it's an unusual arrangement but also agree rod and reel will NEVER destroy a fishery. Economically if someone is going to pay for ALL operating costs for the day including gas, oil, ice, bait etc, paying 1/2 the market value for your 5 fish daily limit would probably be a lot less expensive than what it normally costs to run the boat for the day. That being said, it would be very weird using my boat in this manner since you basically become an observer and give up your rights to your catch for the benefit of the person with the license. I go fishing to enjoy the day and get away from what happens during the week at work, not replicate it on the water!

Something more important to consider are the insurance implications of all this. Does this arrangement effect your liability insurance and does it violate any of the requirements of having a Captain's license. If someone is paying for your operating costs, you're getting value. How is that any different than someone paying you a charter fee? Sounds like the boat is now being used in a business manner and not recreationally which may void your insurance coverages. What if the guy with the license falls on board and hurts himself, I would assume you have liability issues your insurance carrier is not going to be responsible for. Who assumes the risk if the guy starts keeping 13" fluke, the guy with the license or the boat owner.

As I said, I go fishing to get away from life's realities and enjoy the day, not to make money essentially chartering my boat out to someone to use for his own personal interests. It might make sense to someone else but to me the downsides completely outweigh any upside.

Dakota

[stevelikes2fish]

Originally Posted by garone custom rods

i wish all commercial fishing was done by rod and reel. If it was you can sure as hell bet many fisheries which have been on the decline would be booming in 5 years. Rod and reel fishing doesn't destroy habitat, and it is way less effective than long lining or netting.

exactly

[jerseyhunter]

Sounds like a deal to me. Fish all day and take home only 1 meal . Next day repeat.

[NATE THE MATE]

Hell, where do i sign up for that one? lol