I know we're supposed to tip the second hand/mate 15% of the charter rate -- sounds like they don't get paid much by the captain.

But what if there is no second mate on board? Do I need to tip the captain?

No, at least not here in Nantucket.
You don't tip the captain. If you bring beer and there is any left, you can leave it.

The mate only gets paid when there is a trip, and they don't get paid a lot then. They don't get paid at all for the hours when they sit around waiting to go out or when the weather is too bad to go, and there are no benefits.

15% is fine for baiting, landing, advice, but if they do a lot for you on the run or cleaning fish when you get back in, more can be in order.

thanks askislander -- In the case that the captain doesn't own his boat (so I'm guessing he's paid a wage or paid per trip) should I still not tip him? Even if he's cleaned our fish? In this case there's no second mate -- in fact, we help out a lot by rigging the ballyhoo, etc.

If we bok an all day charter (with a deckhand) for $700, then would $140 be considered a good tip for the mate?