Sharing Expenses on a fishing trip

[Catt]

Here's my thought on it; yea I was already going alone or with someone & so was my buddy but if we split 50-50 we can go twice or stay twice as long.

[BASS fisherman]

During the tournaments I fish it is mandatory to throw atleast 15 bucks to the owner for gas.  This year I have been giving more due to the high prices for gas.  

When I go out as someone's guest I also always throw them money for gas.  How much depends on how much I can afford and not be broke untill payday.

I have never had a boat owner actually ask for money from me.  I always offer it up first.  

IMO it's appropriate not to ask for money just as much as it is appropriate for the rider to volunteer it.  

Just like if someone helps you out on the side of the road.  It is polite to offer the assistee some $$ for the help, but equally important is to say thankyou and decline the offer.

[ba7ss3in]

I have a fairly new acquaintence that I've taken fishin a couple times, I've never asked and he's never offered, which is perfectly fine with me! Now he wants to get into some tournaments with me. (I usually fish tournaments alone) If all winnings including big bass are gonna be split 50/50, should gas for tow vehicle only be split 50/50. I will cover eveything else. He's pretty young and just starting a family and doesn't make a lot of money. What do you think???

If he is wanting to fish tourneys, then I would let him split tow vehicle money. As for as the boat, I would take care of it.

[ventureboat]

ba7ss3in, Those are my thoughts too! Thanks!

[senile1]

"Guests" are free.

However, if I'm the guest, I always try to help with something,

at least breakfast, lunch or dinner.

"Regulars" should carry their weight.

8-)

Agreed.  If it's a friend who is a regular in your boat, I have to ask you guys what kind of friend he/she really is if he/she isn't offering to help out.  As for guests, you invited them.  You pay the tab.  If they offer to help, great.  

[wagn]

Going at this from another angle. If you do have a guest and they offer to help pay expenses, if they ask you how much you want, give them an actual number. Before I owned my own boat I fished tournaments with a guy who was nice enough to take me along. Having never owned a boat, I didn't really put much thought into gas for a large motor, towing and other expenses. When I offered to pay he would just say doesn't matter, whatever you want. I'd give him 10 bucks or whatever I had on me. I never realized how much he was paying and would gladly have ponied up more if I had just known. After getting my own boat I felt kind of like a jerk.  :-[

However when I take someone out on my boat I expect nothing from them, I was going to go anyway. If they offer I'll give them an actual amount that would split the gas. If the have less that's fine, but at least they'll have an idea of what my costs really are

[gobig]

I always try to go 50/50 with whom ever I fish with. I have been on both sides of the fence. Just because you have a boat does not mean that you are rich. Sometimes other people are needed just to afford the trip(not so much anymore but in the past). I would tell them up front so there are no surprises. If you feel like others should pay make an agreement don't harbor ill feelings if they don't offer, be clear. Most understand this and don't mind paying.