So you want to be a mate, do you? Okay kid, first cut up four flats of bunker and get back to me. You're done? Okay now wash down the boat from head to tail. You're done with that? Now bring 40 rods from below and clean out all the bait buckets. Okay, now tie me up 120 rigs for the morning trip. Oh, by the way, our customers today are 40 kids from St. Mickey Mouse and this is their very first trip.
As your first day unleashes, you have untangled 140 knots from hell and have removed two hooks from two of the customer's body parts. Oh, by the way, three kids were sea sick in the bay and have left their lunch on the galley seats. Don't look at me like that...go clean it up...as the customers are screaming and yelling for a mate to fix their reel and can you get them a gin and tonic while you're at it buddy?
The mates tell the customers their names and they get called everything but their names...usually in colorful words. That really makes them want to help the customers in the most courteous of ways. Then comes the unholy tip...here's a buck kid, don't spend it all in one place.
Okay kid, get ready for the second trip...redo all of the above. By the way kid, can you work a third shift tonight? We have the meat trucker's annual one day a year outing for bluefish.
Oh joy!
So you want to be a mate? Half of you slobs wouldn't last a day...forget about a week or a month. But there's always a customer that thinks that he is there all alone and that one mate is not enough, he needs all three to net one flounder because he is soooo special.
So you hear all this email from one-sided, brickheads who think they could do a better job. I have heard both sides of the story and seen first hand from over 250 trips the reality of this story. Two mates and 30 guys half in the bag, abusing the mates for their lost fish...cursing, yelling and even threatening the mates physically.
Even if the fish committed suicide and dove on the hook, these hacks wouldn't catch on because they're working on half a candle light as is. Put a drink and a joint in them, they're now working on
none.
How much do you guys think that these mate make? I don't see their BMW's parked in the parking lots, do you? What, did your wife put you in the doghouse last night and the mate is your puppy to kick around? Personally, if I was a mate and I had one of you highly intelligent gents vent out on me, you'd be missing on the number count on the way home.
Nothing personal of course.
Guys, lighten up and open your eyes. Ninety percent of mates are hard working guys, just like the rest of you canolli heads. You're going fishing so once in a while say "thanks" to a mate after he gets your rod out of a mess from hell. Remember their names, I know that's hard at times...ahhhh...how many fingers do I have....oh yeh! Have an attitude, get an attitude. And guess what? You lose fish, it's part of the game. And some days you don't catch fish...it happens. Don't blame the mate, blame the sea gods. When you leave the boat give the mate a bouquet of flowers, maybe a fruit basket and if you really feel the spirit, a big fuzzy, bear hug! Or skip all of the above and tip the mate...not in pennies, OK?
There is "this guy", you all have seen "this guy"...he is tuna fishing, drives a fancy car, has a house on top of the golden hills and goes fishing with over 10 rods and reels, the best money can buy. He catches his limit while mouthing off all day and gives the mate a $5 bill for a two day trip. If I was a mate, ohhhhh would I remember you the next time you come on the boat. Call for the gaff and see how fast I come running buddy.
What's your opinion? (Pot-bellied, beer-heads, need not reply!)
Your Truly,
ScreamingReel "Fuzzy Bear Hugs and a Basket of Fruit" Dave
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