RE: Bluefin Tuna in NJ
2007/08/22 19:51:24
(permalink)
Extra costs that you might want to consider.
Fish cleaning (per pound), probably want to put aside $100 per person for a good catch.
Bagging - They'll put fish in a bag for you at the cleaner, but will cost extra to have it vaccum packed and flash frozen if you like.
Tipping is pretty much like going to a resteraunt. The mate is just like a server, he gets paid basically nothing from the captain, and will likely be on the move 95% of the time. He is dependant on what you guys give him. Even if you get skunked, if he is serving you guys well, you really need to tip him. Unlike a waiter, he doesn't have 10 other tables, that can pick up the slack of a bad tipper.
Charter boats are a blast, but are pretty expensive. Definitely something to check out though.
Make sure there isn't any "understanding" that the captain owns the fish caught either. I've heard some strange things about bluefin charters. It doesn't sound right at all to me, that you pay to go out, but they can sell your catch with out your permission. Read your contract and ask questions. They can sell a large bluefin tuna for $5k before reaching the dock, and give you $100. Not sure if it was just a made for TV court thing that I saw, or if that really happens.