Staff Answer
Jul 10, 2026 - 12:28 PM
The deckhands, often called mates, play a huge role in making sure everyone has a great fishing trip. They work hard before, during, and after every charter to keep the trip running smoothly. Before leaving the dock, they prepare the fishing tackle, rig rods, organize bait, and make sure the boat is ready for the day. During the trip, they bait hooks, untangle lines, fix broken tackle, coach anglers on how to fight fish, remove fish from hooks, net larger catches, keep the deck clean, and help ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable. After the trip, they clean the boat, fillet the catch, bag the fish, and get everything ready for the next charter. While the captain is responsible for navigating the boat, finding fish, monitoring weather conditions, and ensuring the safety of everyone on board, the mate handles most of the hands on customer service and fishing related tasks. A great mate can make the difference between an average fishing trip and a memorable one, which is why tipping your mate is customary on most deep sea fishing charters.
