Charter tipping etiquette: To tip or not to tip?

Charter tipping etiquette: To tip or not to tip?

A debate that comes up sometimes between some friends on tipping a charter; I'd appreciate your feedback:
1. How much to tip? What is an average tip? 10% min standard being 15 to 20%
2. Who to tip? - If there is more than 1 mate do you give them each an equal tip or give it to the captain to divide as he sees fit? I would always tip the Capt to split up, or tell him "this is for the crew"
3. Do you tip a captain when there is no mate (small boat)?YES
4. Do you tip even if you catch nothing, especially if you feel that the captain or crew didn't try their best? This is touchy.. To one person not doing the best can be one thing.. I would say, if you did not get the service you had in the past or was expecting, then tip what you think will get them to understand.
5. Should you tip for the charter and again for cleaning fish? Depends of if the boat or a cleaning service does the job, if  it is not part of the boat, then yes.
6. Is there a typical per fish cleaning tip? No it should be based on total cost
7. Do you tip if the boat insists on keeping whatever fish you don't want (rather than allow release?) This is a regional matter and you should understand this before going on the trip. 
8. Is tipping with fish acceptable (instead of cash), or is cash expected too? This too is a regional matter, depending on the laws on whether the fish can be sold. 
9. Should you tip in countries where tipping in general is not the custom? Check before going out and ask what is standard for that area, in some cases it is included in the trip cost. 

Always ask around as to what is standard if your not sure and always check with what is allowed. US West coast fishing (Ca.), sport-fish cannot be sold.  

Inox Lubricant - Fishing and Boating

iNox MX3 Lubrication, Review
January 13th, 2011

by Captain Chuck Simpson

Making a living in the outdoor industry demands that my equipment function properly and for this to happen, it must be properly maintained – I cannot afford malfunctions. The different pieces of equipment I use for work and play have moving parts, which means they need to be routinely lubricated. A good quality lubrication product will not only aid in keeping moving parts working smoothly, but will also serve as protection against many of the harsh elements found in outdoor environments: salt, sand, dirt, moisture, etc. Let’s face it; reliable gear is expensive, so why not use a product that will prolong the life of your equipment, one that will drastically reduce wear, the possibility of down time, and expensive repairs?

After receiving a sample over a year ago, I have been using the Inox MX3 aerosol lubricant extensively and I am convinced it is one of the best lubricants and protection on the market – especially for fishermen and outdoors men. Not only is MX3 a lubricant and protection, but it also displaces water and is a penetrate. I can spray my reels lightly after washing them down from a day’s fishing trip and rest on the confidence they will be protected from the elements and function properly the next time I pick them up. I have even started coating the inside of the plastic tackle boxes where I store my expensive plugs, spoons, and hooks to combat rust and oxidation. It doesn’t affect the finish on my lures, nor does it have a negative effect on a fish’s olfactory senses.

The unique formula used in the Inox MX3 lubricant contains no silicon, acid or acid-forming ingredients and is not petroleum-based. It will not harm metal points, surfaces, plastics, paints, enamels or finishes, fiberglass, neoprene seals, or degrade the quality of braid and mono-filament fishing lines. MX3 is non conductive and non-static so it can be used on electrical connections and will not attract foreign particles. It will not dry out, become gooey, gum up or wash off. In addition, Inox MX3 aerosol is ozone-safe, contains no CFCs, and is environmentally friendly, though its makers recommend against its use on natural rubber products. MX3 also is available in non-aerosol applicators.

As of now, fishing tackle isn’t the only thing I’m using the Inox lube on: my guns, bow, mountain bike, door hinges, locks, skiff (no worry of stain) and just about anything else you can imagine – I am totally impressed. With Inox I don’t have to apply nearly as much as with other brands, it does a far superior job, and a little goes a very long way. What more could I ask for?

For more information regarding the extensive Inox supreme lubrication product line and to find a dealer near you, I highly recommend visiting WWW.inoxlubewest.com

NOAA Graphic of Tsunami Wave across the Pacific.

An energy map provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the intensity of the tsunami in the Pacific Ocean caused by the magnitude 8.9 earthquake which struck Japan on March 11, 2011.http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20110312/i/r3138901053.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=FaNnjot4eh3SmwALolpqkw--

Buying a 2011 California fishing license online?

Outposts
Outdoors, action, adventure

An angler's take on buying a 2011 California fishing license online
December 21, 2010 | 11:19 am

Carson_tunaVeteran angler and frequent Outposts contributor Steve Carson recently purchased his 2011 California fishing license, and did so using the new online system. Here's his take on the process:

The 2011 California state fishing licenses are now available, but buying one is not quite the same as it has been in the past. Along with the traditional spots like local sporting goods stores, the Department of Fish and Game now sells licenses online.

California’s previous attempt at online license sales a decade ago ended in a technological nightmare. One benefit of waiting so long to start again is that much of the license-buying public is now very comfortable with online purchases.

Accordingly, this writer tackled the new online system this week, with apparent success. I was able print out a "temporary" license, with the permanent version hopefully to arrive by U.S. mail. It should be noted that I am only a moderately active online shopper, but was an actual license dealer for more than 30 years, and so was extremely familiar with the "old way" of issuing licenses.

The entire process took about 20 minutes; and the DFG’s online purchase form is slightly less intuitive than say, Southwest Airlines'. California has more different fishing license options than any other state. It helps to be familiar with the kind of license options you will need, or the process may take considerably longer.
Purchasing licenses as Christmas gifts is still possible, but the purchaser must know all of the recipient’s personal information, including driver’s license or other ID number. It is also important to purchase the correct type of license, as no refunds or exchanges are given by the DFG for online purchases.

A typical Southern California-based angler who fishes all of the possibilities within a two-hour drive (but doesn’t go lobster hooping) can get by with $48.35. Fishing only in the High Sierras (without a second-rod stamp) can be done with the basic $43.46 license. Versatile SoCal anglers who want to "do it all" within a five-hour drive will need to ante up $73.86. The traveling angler who fishes all areas of the state, and enjoys abalone diving will shell out a whopping $106.78.

Online purchasers must have access to a printer. Those purchasing short-term licenses must immediately print out their license before use. Anglers who do so are cautioned that the vast majority of printer ink is not waterproof, so a sealed license-holder is a good idea.

Anglers purchasing annual licenses can print out a temporary copy for immediate use, but this expires in 15 days. The website states that a permanent copy will be sent via U.S. mail within 15 days. The various "Report Cards" do not print out, so anglers wishing to use them immediately must instead go in person to a license dealer to purchase them.

Photo: Steve Carson with a nice tuna caught last fall out of San Diego. Credit: Steve Carson
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More in: Abalone, Bass fishing, Fishing, Freshwater fishing, Lobster fishing, Saltwater fishing, Trout fishing

Surf Fishing

There are a lot of people out there who are very much interested in surf fishing and if you are one of them, then you will be very happy to hear that there are a lot of things that you will be able to benefit from when you will be engaged in such an activity.
So, I guess that you already know, if you are internet savvy, that you will be able to find a lot of tips surfing the internet and use them in your hobby. But if you are an inexperienced fisherman and you want to try out and see if this will be your next big thing and the next hobby that will make you wake up smiling every morning, then you should give it a shot and see if surf fishing can be that hobby.
Yes, I know that when you are just a newbie, you will have a hard time when it comes to anything. You will mostly hear the fact that you will need to have a state of the art collection of equipment in order to have chances of getting a good catch.
You know very well that the biggest problems that fishermen have are related to their Surf Fishing Equipment. So yes, this will be something that will utterly confuse you and hearing different opinions from all of those people, will certainly make your head spin.
Again, you will feel very confused and all of this info that will come straight at you will make you feel a little discouraged. Many of these people will recommend you all sorts of surf fishing rigs and they will also offer you Surf Fishing Tips that they have used, so that you will be able to have a good catch from your first cast.
But you dont have to feel that way anymore as there is a guide out there that will be able to make all of these worries just poof away. Surf Fishing, The Quick Start Guide To This Exciting Sport is just one of the best guides when it comes to such fishing and reading it, you will be able to find out a lot of tips and tricks that will help you out with your hobby. You will also be taught how to make special Surf Fishing Knots that will never untie and thus provide you with that solid catch that you've planned to have by the end of the day.

One Cool Tuna -
www.onecooltuna.com
Fishing Line Weight Labels - "Always Know your Line weight on your reels"

Fishing Tips & Tricks

Well people are always asking me how to do things when I am out fishing. Well here are a few of the most asked questions from my last trip.

1. What is the best knot to tie? Well that is easy, use the one you know how to tie the best, it is the fastest and if it hasn't failed on you before, use it. If you want to learn a new one, don't do it when your fishing. Always practice a new knot at home after a trip or before a trip, they will fail the first few times you tie them and you don't want to lose a fish due to a bad knot. Most of the major fishing line manufacturers as well as the hook maker all have a cheat sheet on how to tie knots that you can pick up at your favorite tackle store. Try a few out and find new that is easy for you to tie and doesn't break when you put pressure on it.

2. What is the best bait to use? Well that all depends on the fish you are targeting at the time. I was on a Off-Shore trip and we where after tuna, in that case my suggestion was live bait. With live bait you always want the liveliest and best looking bait. The bait should be the slimy and not red spots, as well as the hardest one to catch in the bait station. You can also use trolling lures, these can be a feather or Cedar plug are my favorite ones. But check with the crew if it is a charter and they will tell you what has been working the last few trips.

3. What is the best line? Line that doesn't break... The best line is one that fits your fishing style, I mean it depends on the fish and the conditions.  Mono is the basic and most common used, but with the new spectra lines and braided lines it can be one of those or a combination of those lines. I use a Spectra line with a short top shot of mono or fluorocarbon of the same weight or one size smaller. If you are in an area with a lot of plant material or rocks you should go with the straight braid or spectra line. This line will give a better chance if you get caught on something.

4. What is the best time to fish? When the fish are Biting.. The best time to fish depends on the a few things and what you are fishing for. But a few things hold true for all fishing, Moon phase, weather and water temperature. Moon Phase cycles have an impact on the tides and a few days before a full or new moon and a few days after are always a good time to fish. Weather fronts moving into an area with a change from high pressure to low pressure is a good time as well, the day a storm is moving in is a great time to fish a lake. Temperature of the water is something to watch, in ocean fishing you want to find the breaks in the water and fish those warm to cold changes.

5. Who makes the best reels? The reels that fit your price and work the longest without repair. I know that it is not a clear answer but to name one or two brands would not help you pick the one best for you. I use different reels for different types of fishing and I have my own favorites. You can check with some of the fishing forum and websites on reel reviews and they can give you a good starting point. Check to see which ones are asked most about getting fixed and cross them off your list. Check to see who has the most positive feed back or the best pricing in the style you are looking for. Always remember price is not always the important point, you can pay a little more now and save you a lot later.

The best tip I can give you is talk with other fisherman and people in the sport, the more time on the water the more you will learn or  find out. As long as you are fishing and having fun you are doing it right.

One Cool Tuna - Jeff

IMPORTANT COW COD CONSERVATION UPDATE - Send a letter

ACTION BY YOU IMPORTANT COW COD CONSERVATION UPDATE  On October 21, 2010, the California Fish and Game Commission will vote on the proposal.  There is a request out for public comment.  SAC has already submitted a letter of support to the Fish and Game Commission and will be at this meeting to testify.  It is important we get more letters before the Commission in order to move this modification to the regulations forward.   PLEASE help us form a UNITED FRONT from a UNITED FLEET and send letters of support for the initiative on your letter head to the Fish and Game Commission.  A sample letter is as follows as well as an E-mail address you can send it to.  Many people have worked quite hard to get this topic to the table.  WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Click here

To send a letter now, takes 30 seconds.