I enjoy fishing and ask a few buddies along on trips,we use my truck,boat,etc.,then split gas cost,as a owner Im sure you all realize the expense you have.My question is should you ask buddies to pony up a little more.
Thanks in advance
This one is going to get heated…atleast it did on Great Lakes Angler.
My responce was…
It should be the responsability of your buddy to know it is the RIGHT thing to do. There are times, like fishing locally where it does not cross my mind about getting $ from buddies. On the flip side, I have nixed more than one friend from my fishing list due to the fact they never even offer, espicially when were making a haul like Red, Superior, LOW. I guess I draw my courtsey line before Mille Lacs or Red Wing and only envite those that I know will offer, otherwise Ill take my Bro or GF.( whom I dont expect to pay) Yes i do enjoy friends but trips plain and simple cost $$$.
This question has been asked in previous posts. It still creates interesting conversations.
If I am fishing local waters for a couple hours, I won’t ask or take money for gas. I figure I would be fishing anyways. If they want to pick up the launch fee, bring a couple beers along, or buy a burger afterwards, that would be more than enough. If we’re heading somewhere for a weekend, splitting gas wouldn’t be out of the question. I enjoy being able to take others fishing. As long as they seem to be appreciative. 
I normally fish with a couple of buddies. they usually get bait and put some gas in the boat once in a while. I don’t expect anything out of them. They are my friends because they are good people and have good qualities. They are the guys that will drive to Arizona if I call them and tell them I need help. they also have skills that i don’t have that they put to use for me when I need something done. Friendship is a give and take. If you always have a friend in the boat you should be fine in my opinion.
Russ 
For me it depends on who it is. My good friend runs his own business and I never ask him for anything because I know if my AC or furnace breaks, he’ll be there in the middle of the dang night if needs be. many people have no idea how much it costs to run a rig and haul a rig. Local stuff who cares, traveling settle up front and nobody ever complains or has reason to. It is hard to look your buddy in the eye when you watch them drop 80 bucks in the truck and 80 in the rig. I have this other friend who has broken two of my bow lights and a base. It is a case by case with him. He has other qualities though.
In most cases if I am going fishing in somebody elses rig I offer to pay for launch, bait or what ever else. Most of the time my offer is declined and the person says I was going anyway.
If I OFFER to take someone out in a boat I never ask them for money as I OFFERED to take them fishing. If they try to pony up I respectively decline the cash because as stated above, I was going fishing anyways wether they showed up or not.
NOW if someone calls you and asks you to take them fishing and you hadnt planned on going that might be the 1 and only time accepting some kind of offer would be in order.
Maybe letting people know before getting them into your boat that you are expecting some kind of $ or donation then they would be better at coughing up some cash. But dont call them and OFFER to bring them out while in the back of your mind you are EXPECTING them to pay, if thats the case dont offer.
A trip of more than 50 miles from home needs to be planned accordingly and the costs of fuel, lodging and whatever else should be discussed prior to leaving for the venture and split evenly. Just my 2 cents
If I am fishing in someone elses boat, I will always offer. If someone is fishing in my boat, I won’t accept it unless there are some strange situations. I enjoy the company or they would not be there.
Now there are, and will always be freeloaders. Everyone knows them, the guys who watch you put $150 of gas in the truck and boat, don’t buy bait, beg for a pop, etc. it is really easy to not invite them back. There are enough guys that I don’t connect with enough that I would rather take then worry about the free loaders. I file it in the “life is too short” to worry about bums like that.
I have a good deal in my local fishing situation. I love to fish and when every my buddy want to get out i am all for it. (if the wife lets me 
)We take my truck and his boat. in this instent it works out great for the both of us. If i go with someone i always try and give more than what i would expect someone to give me. when i take my truck and boat i except what ever they want give and if i thank its to much i will give some back. I look at it like this i am going fishing anyways and them riding in my truck or boat is not really costing anymore. The friend i fish with when we take his boat and my truck is always tring to give me money for gas but i wont except it. i think we are even in that respect. Look at it like this. if your driving and get a flat tire should your buddy have to pay some to get the tire fixed?
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I enjoy fishing and ask a few buddies along on trips,we use my truck,boat,etc.,then split gas cost,as a owner Im sure you all realize the expense you have.My question is should you ask buddies to pony up a little more.
Thanks in advance
So your saying that splitting the trip expenses isnt enough? You want them to contribute to the cost of your gear as well since they are using it? If so I would say that is tacky and unreasonable. Regardless, it is a matter best resolved prior to the trip and one that differs from person to person. Do what makes you comfortable so that it doesnt weigh on your mind and taint your trip. And dont be suprised if you lose friends under that policy. At least the good ones.
Maybe you misunderstood what i was tring to say. I am saying just the oppesit. I would never expect some one to pay for the tire. as i would not expect them to pay if i was going out fishing anyway.
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Maybe you misunderstood what i was tring to say. I am saying just the oppesit. I would never expect some one to pay for the tire. as i would not expect them to pay if i was going out fishing anyway.
I was responding to the poster, not you.
Local stuff I would never accept a dime. I try to offer if I go out with a friend…never been taken up on the deal. Just not the type of friends I have. Eyetroller won’t even take gas for trips to pool 4… 
Weekend trips…you have to throw in at least half the $$$ for gas…no discussion there. Additional $$$…I will take my own boat next time and invite a different friend… jmo
Dont invite someone if you expect them to pay.
Do you give them a bill for food and booze if you invite someone over for game?
If they never contribute anything or invite you along for anything, then I invite them over to play poker.
I never expect anything, except for the person to be on time! 
-J.
I should of been more specific,I never expect anything on a local trip,Im alking a trip over 300 miles and some miles on bigger water,I amno way talking about cost of equipment but maintence and upkeep
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I never expect anything, except for the person to be on time!
-J.
I was the same way until I had kids. I swear, I haven’t been on time for anything in four years. 
Thanks guys.
I have never felt right to ask for extra,I have had a extra 10 or 20 thrown in and felt it appropriate.I do the same if Im riding with someone else and will continue to,once again thanks for the feedback.
I don’t expect anyone to pay when I take them fishing. If its out of town, I might take them up on an offer though or maybe bait or launch fee. The thing that drives me nuts is my brother fishing tournaments with me and thinking his half of the entry fees are cutting it. After 2 chances, hes out.
I’ve been on the passenger many many times with a bunch of people here on the site, so I hope I’ve always pitched in enough.
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The thing that drives me nuts is my brother fishing tournaments with me and thinking his half of the entry fees are cutting it. After 2 chances, hes out.
Ouch!
I feel that if you are fishing a tournament, all expenses for that tournament are split 50/50, or as fair as possible.
On a pleasure fishing level, I do not expect nor would take anything from friends.
I have the same arrangement as Fish-n-fun. When I go to the river with Erick, if we are not fishimg out of two boats, we about always pull his boat with my vehicle. Works good for both of us. Probably better for me as Erick is a better fisherman than me. 
This may be a different perspective…
1)I agree, when INVITING someone to go fishing with you…you are implying that he/she will be your guest, no gratuity should be expected.
2) Someone asks you to provide your boat, truck, and/or expertise on a trip…you need to speak up and ask to share costs etc…or not complain about no one helping out on costs.
3) Since I have been guiding(10 years), and invested in boat, motor, gear etc… I have had numerous “new” friends asking to take them out fishing. I am careful to be very clear in my expectations and or limitations if I take a friend out.
Since many of my trips are long haul, the friends that go with me understand we split everything 50/50. That way it costs half as much or even better we get to go twice. The friends I have help with everything else without my asking, labor, parts, the shirt off their back if they thought I needed it (and mine in return). After all, the best things in life are not things.
When you are pulling a 5th wheel with a diesel pickup and a sixteen foot boat behind it, there is a lot of money and expense involved. They are the beneficiaries of this equipment. Helping a little with the upkeep whether with bucks or sweat is just. I never ask. If I needed to ask, they would not be going with me.
I guess it depends, is it a “trip” or just out fishing ? If I am heading to the cabin and invite a friend along, I expect nothing but good times. If we are going to a “destination” then we would split costs. I think some are talking about 2 different things in my mind.
big G
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