I’m done entertaining on my boat…

It’s my boat, gas, insurance, and time. Why did I not have fun?

I had to be the host, and entertain you and your dog. I wanted to fish, but you got hammered and I took care of everything including getting you home safely.

Enough of that crap, I’d rather stay home and pass gall stones! I know I would have more fun alone.

This is the downside of owning a boat. I hate to lie to my friends about where I’m going, but I might have to so I can do my own thing and have fun without all the drama.

Thanks for letting me vent. Anyone else have to deal with crap that?

Hey Jon, I don’t ever recall having that type of problem…but then I didn’t allow alcohol in the boat. Not saying a couple of beers didn’t sneek in on occasion.

If you’re going to fish, fish….if you want to drink fine…stay out of my boat.

As for the dog…I love dogs, but your dog belongs in your boat…not mine.

Edit: The above was before I was guiding. Now it’s no alcohol, no dogs…just bring your fishing license, warm clothes, whatever soft drinks you would like and your smile. I furnish the rest.

Nights, Rivers and beer do not mix!

Jon, I’ve had similar issues. The solution I found was to flat out tell them.

1. No dogs. That includes my fiance’s. They just get in the way.
2. I’m going fishing, not partying. Seriously fishing can include a beer or two.
3. I expect assistance from my passangers, I’m not a guide. I don’t cater to anyone.

I can’t stand the people that always call and ask “Are you going fishing, Can I tag along”. I have had the worst year for that already and I can see that it is only going to get worse I would like to some people in the head. These kind of people never offer to help pay for gas, 2 stroke oil, or bait. Then to top it off they come empty handed and have to drink your water and pop that you brought for yourself and eat the sandwiches that you also brought for yourself. As for the drinking, I do not allow ANY alcohol in my boat as I have lost people near and dear to me due to the substance. And then comes the knock out punch when you get done fishing and put the boat on the trailer and they turn and look at you and say, “Man it was a tough day, I think that WE should try another lake next time” Thanks for the venting space I also needed it.

It has begun, got my first email just last nite from a neighbor to take her “baby boy’ fishing with me. The extra seats in my boat are filled by invitation only. On the slim chance I get invited it’s with the understanding I split everything, gas, non-alcoholic beverages, bait, etc. I could never be a guide, you guys have my admiration for your tolerance levels jerr

I’m just the opposite. Bring your dog, beer, wife whatever. Just don’t show up late!!!

BTW, I never ask for any money. Never even crosses my mind. I never offer it either. Guess I need to reconsider that part.

-J.

If I ask somebody to go, I usually don’t expect anything as far as money goes because I was going anyway. If somebody asks me, that’s a totally different story.

I may allow a few beers from certain friends, but overall it’s a no-no in my boat. Most people that I know, understand how serious I am about my fishing, and frankly a lot of them don’t want to fish that hard. That’s something I try to re-itterate to people who want to go.

I’ll say, “If I’m driving 2 hours to fish, I’m going to fish for 8-10 hours without a break and we’ll be fishing hard the whole time”. That usually is enough to dissuade the folks that just want in because you’re catching fish. The thought of working for something is usually enough to scare them off.

I have had the same thing happen to me, I finally told all my friends if you can’t help pay for the gas, bait and extras, then it will be $400 to get my boat of the garage. ALCOHOL IS NOT ALLOWED IN MY BOAT AT ANYTIME SORRY DEAL WITH IT . How about when they offer to bring the snacks and drinks and you have to stop at the gas station to get the pre-packaged stuff and a bag of sunflower seeds, just so they can spill the sunflower seeds all over the boat,I AM STILL FINDING THEM FROM 2 YEARS AGO, sunflower seeds are not a allowed in my boat any more, bottom line if you can’t help pay for a day fishing in my boat, get your own boat, if you have to ask how much will it cost, then you can’t afford it any way, JUST MY 2 CENTS WORTH

I guess I’m more with you Jon. When I’m able to get out fishing, I enjoy the company of friends. If they want to have a couple beers, why would I care? I haven’t had any occasions where anyone got out of hand from drinking in my boat while fishing. As for expecting money for gas, etc… I don’t expect it. I will have the same expenses whether they go or not. It they want one of my pops, waters or beers.. big deal. Most of the people I’ve taken fishing will offer me gas money. I normally don’t accept it. If they want to pick up the launch fee or buy me lunch, that is plenty for me and very appreciated. I guess I haven’t had anyone that has been a leech. If they were, they wouldn’t be welcome to go out the next time.

If I’m fishing out of someone elses boat, most likely, its someone that has fished out of my boat too. We normally don’t exchange money.

Come to think of it, I guess I have some pretty good friends that I fish with.

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I’m just the opposite. Bring your dog, beer, wife whatever. Just don’t show up late!!!

BTW, I never ask for any money. Never even crosses my mind. I never offer it either. Guess I need to reconsider that part.

-J.

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Ted

In general I don’t ask or expect any money for taking some one fishing. It’s what I was going to do any way. The exception might be a special planned trip of some distance and then some consideration on an offer of money would be appreciated. Haven’t had the issue of beverages being a problem, well, maybe coffee, but then some of us know who that is.

Guys that want to go home early are my pet peeve. 4 hrs is a short trip. 8 is a normal day. 10 or longer is a dang good trip in my book. 2 hours? Forget about it. I dont live on the lake.

Guys that want to mooch spots is another sore spot. I really dont mind showing guys where I fish. Just dont come back later and camp on them then start asking me why the fish are not biting. The guys that take my spots and expand on them or find similar areas are top fishermen in my book.

Okay. Im better now.

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I’m just the opposite. Bring your dog, beer, wife whatever. Just don’t show up late!!!

BTW, I never ask for any money. Never even crosses my mind. I never offer it either. Guess I need to reconsider that part.

-J.

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I definitely lean more this way. I refuse to take fishing seriously like many here do. It doesn’t pay worth a hoot, I don’t get anymore satisfaction from 8 hours of chillin’ vs. working my arse off. I get to take life serious 24×7 most days of the year, not on my few days I get to fish anymore. But, to each their own and I won’t criticize you for your choice.

my boat is easy on gas so I never ask. If offered I will take a couple bucks only. It only takes 10 dollars to run my rig for several trips. My dog is allowed in my boat and also my friends lab who fetches ducks for us. I fish often with friends who have larger boats that are much more expensive to haul and operate and I always either pay for gas or bring lunch to show my appreciation for the offer. You get a lot more offers to share peoples rigs that way. Beer is welcome in my boat. When fishing for big cats, sometimes you need to pass the time a bit and I like beer but I will only bring enough to have a couple beers. No freaking case action or hard stuff on the water.

Ive had guys ask me why I don’t guide to make some extra money. I tell them that guiding would take all of the fun out of fishing. I get some [censored] in the boat who thinks because he paid you that he expects to catch fish. He’d get pissed if you caught all the fish, when the truth is he couldn’t catch fish if he used dynamite. You’ld have to hold their hand all day and put up with their bullcrap. I have to put up with enough inconsiderate buttheads as it is, I don’t want them in my boat. I cosider myself a pretty easy going guy. I try to treat people with respect and be as polite as I can. But I don’t suffer fools well. And if you are going to act like an [censored]—I’m going to treat you like one. If your (so called)friends are going to take advantage of your good nature, don’t feel bad about not telling them your going fishing. You have a right to expect them to do more than just show-up with their fishing poles in hand, and have you do all the work and bear all the cost and responsability. Heck you’ld probably have more fun on your own anyway.

I enjoy taking people fishing. My buddies usually buy bait and beer in lieu of paying for fuel. It all comes out in the wash.
I did have a friend break a very expensive rod of mine just last week. It was an accident and he felt horrible about it. I shouldn’t have pulled that rod out of the locker.
Other than that another person sure makes it easier when unloading and loading. Especially when it’s real busy at the landing. I love to take my dog out on the boat. Not fishing so much because I worry about the stray hook becoming embedded in a paw. Then you got a real hassle on your hands. None of my fishing pals have ever suggested bringing their dogs so I haven’t had to deal with it.

I go both ways on this subject. There are some people that always repay the favor and there are some that just dont. As for beer and dogs I agree with the a few for each person, getting smashed means usually very little fishing and lots of broken stuff. A well behaved dog is always welcome they are just usually hard to come by. My yellow lab is my fishing partner and is always wants to stay untill im ready to leave. The one thing that makes me irritated is spilling of food. I just bought a new boat this year and went to millacs for opener. A buddy of mine must have spilled 5 cans of pop and cheetos all over. Then acted like its a boat whats the big deal? As for the guides you guys have more patience than me. I love bringing people that have never fished out but it usually tests my patience, with the exception of little kids.

I’m with Kooty on this one. I do fish seriously at times, but it usually “serious fun” not “serious work”. If I’m not enjoying it, I’m not gonna be out there. I will fish during miserable weather, but usually when the prospects are promising. The best days on the water don’t always depend on catching fish. I took my 2 y.o., 4 y.o. and my wife out sunday night. Great weater, we were on the water for an hour max, and we had a blast. I got to play with the new HB, my wife got to see the lake, and my kids got to rip apart my plastics . The 4 y.o. got to hold a few shad raps breifly and reel in some leadcore, and he was thrilled with that.

When it comes to local fishing, I don’t expect any money. I usually don’t accept money either, unless they want to pay for the launch or bait. The friends that I keep are generally outstanding people, so I never have to worry about rude crap happening, which makes it very nice indeed. Solo trips are rewarding, too.

Lake Michigan fishing is a different story. We usually drive from EC to Racine or PW, and we will split gas, ice, etc.. There is a lot of $$ invested in rigging for the great lakes that I certainly don’t expect to be subsidized by my friends, but it would be nice if the gas was taken care of.

That being said, we have a group of 5 or 6 college friends that live in various parts of WI and MN and get together as often as possible. Each time we get together, we tend to rotate locations – staying at one persons house one weekend, using another guys boat the next time, meeting on the mississippi in another boat the next… It tends to all even out,. We generally thank and somehow compensate the person with the most vested in that particular trip, but since trips tend to rotate, it ends up being all good.

My boat does tend to be by invite, only though. Extreme moochers not allowed, although I’m not sure I know any. I definately draw the line at chew spit ending up anywhere within the boat. And if you throw in a one or two bottled homebrews, you might just get invited back.

Mike

I appreciate an offer of gas money if we’re driving a long way, but more often than not it’s no big deal. In most cases I’d rather be reimbursed with beer/burgers/bait or just future fishing trips!

P.S. Spot moochers are the worst. My personal favorite is when I see a guy out in his boat showing his buddies what I showed him the week before.

I also agree with Jon.

Somebody took me fishing when I was young, then into high school and college until I got my own boat. I will NEVER forget that.. My family didn’t have a lot of money and there was a friend of the family that would bring my dad, me and my two brothers out all the time. He never asked for gas money and never hinted to it.. We brought lunches and we always had a good time. Some of my best memories as a kid were those outings.

I will never reject taking somebody fishing. If I have the time and they ask, they’re IN. And they can pretty much do whatever they want in my boat!

I only have two rules:

1. Keep the net clear of obstruction at ALL times (this probly goes back to the days mentioned above with 4-5 people in the boat and the net was always under something )

2. That’s the only rule!

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P.S. Spot moochers are the worst. My personal favorite is when I see a guy out in his boat showing his buddies what I showed him the week before.

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FDR

I’m usually a loner, so it hasn’t been a problem.

Actually, friends would not do this and they should respect everything. I’ve rarely felt this way, and if I did I would flat out tell them why they can’t go anymore. No sense in lying to them or beating around the bush…

My most memorable experience with a fishing buddy, whom shall remain nameless, happened when he dropped some Lutefisk he was getting ready to use as bait. It burned a hole in my boat carpet and the smell lasted forever, kind of like that proverbial Cadillac that someone died in and wasn’t found for weeks.

No expectations leads to no disappointments. If someone is invited to come along, I just expect:
1) They are getting the guided fishing trip
2) They won’t pay for anything
3) My spots will become their spots
4) My crawlers will get used up faster than expected
5) I have accepted the fact that my intensity level
will have to be diminished.

Since once I get out on the water I usually don’t come back for 15 hours, that cures most people of fishing with me again.
Sometimes it is just nice to go fishing by yourself.

P.S. You can always reduce the number of seats and lifejackets in your boat to an acceptable level.

Jeremy

I have to agree with Doc, and most of what Jon said.

If I am taking people out, I understand that they are not into it as much as me in most instances. I normally don’t take people out unless I feel I can get them on some fish and have a good time. They can a drink or two if they want, sloppy drunks stay home. I don’t drink in my boat, just too many bad things can happen.

Dogs may be another story. My dog is great when he knocks over my pop, spills stuff on the floor, but when your dog does it, well then it has to stop

It also is known that when I take you out, these are my spots that I worked hard to find. If you fish them, I will be angry. No different then going hunting, and the next week you are pounding on the farmers door asking permission since you now “know” them. Just bad manners.

I have found everyone from the site I have fished with to be GREAT. Nice, well mannered, and polite. I always say everyone is better at something then me, and if I can learn that thing, I am a better fisherman.

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It also is known that when I take you out, these are my spots that I worked hard to find. If you fish them, I will be angry. No different then going hunting, and the next week you are pounding on the farmers door asking permission since you now “know” them. Just bad manners.

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This one is a tough one. Although I agree, if the guy on “your” spot is a fisherman himself. Chances are he would have learned about it himself at some point or another. It’s not like there are really any secret spots anymore.

Until they are my secret spots being poached.

Simply take charge of your own property. It’s your fault if you let this happen over and over again. Go alone, try someone different or get tough on your friends. Real friends dont disrespect one another or continue to do so once they have been told.

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Simply take charge of your own property. It’s your fault if you let this happen over and over again. Go alone, try someone different or get tough on your friends. Real friends dont disrespect one another or continue to do so once they have been told.

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That’s probably the best advice. That’s one of the routes I took. I know my friends were mighty upset when I made them replace my couch after a party one night. However I’ve not had a problem in my home or boat since.

ALOT of the time people that rarely get out overcompensate when they finally do. Honestly in my experience you just have to exlude them.

Not everyone can afford a boat. I’m lucky to have a solid job with a good salary and a flexible schedule. I also have a very understanding girlfriend that supports my fishing addiction. I enjoy having others in my boat, but some days I want to fish alone. If somebody asks me to take them fishing, I will happily do it. If they offer to bring stuff or pay for gas, they will always be welcome in the future. If they show up late, bring nothing, lose a bunch of baits, and don’t offer to chip in for gas, they don’t come back. I have no problem with beer in my boat, but hard liquor is not allowed. Dogs are ok if they are well behaved and weigh more than an average woodchuck. A small dog will be used as bait so leave it home.

show up late and you don’t come back. Ask to leave early and you better have a treble hook deeply embedded somewhere or be sporting a severed limb in the cooler.