The rules vary greatly from boat to boat and apply differently to regulars and newbies on the boats as well.
My first long range trip, the regulars with goo gobs of money, while on the kite, would catch multiple sharks and be returned to the kite until they caught a tuna.
My rotation came up, I caught a shark and was told "yer done"
It all depends on who you are and how much $$$$ you give to the crew.
I don't get into pools anymore unless it's a crew trip or the odd charter . We had so many people complain about the rules on tuna trips that we don't do it very often . It's too much trouble . When we do and I'm working deck my call is final and we state that before any money is collected . A $240.00 dollar pool isn't worth fighting over . Sometimes we have to help fares finish off fish by taking the rod when they are exhausted , run rods from bow to stern or vice versa , or pass the rod under the pulpet . Oh so and so played that fish for a couple of minutes or Pedro handed that fish off . It's not worth it . It's not IGFA rules out there it's fishing . If you get scammed for a pool then don't fish that boat again and tell the Capt./Owner why before you leave the lot ! If you like to gamble play pocker on the way out .
HEARING YOUR STORYS REMINDED ME OF MY FIRST LONG RANGE , I WAS A FIRST TIMER AND EVERYONE ON THE BOAT NEW IT. SO DURING KITE ROTATION(MY FIRST TIME) THE ROTATION WENT ON FOR 2-3 DAYS AND I HAD NO IDEA WHEN IT WOULD BE MY TURN, SO WHEN I ASKED THEY SAID WAIT IN LINE( WHAT LINE). SO WATCHIN THE SAME PEOPLE ROTATE 2-3 TIMES. I FINALY WENT TO THE CAPT ,WHEN HE WAS MANING THE KITE REELS , I ASKED HIM IS IT MY TURN YET , HE STATES NO, ITS OVER. SO I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO LEARN OR HOOK UP LARGER CLASS FISH ON THE KITE. SO ON MY NEXT LONG RANGE TRIP,OF COURSE ON A DIFFERENT BOAT, THE CAPT GATTHERED US IN THE GALLEY FOR A KITE SEMINAR. THATS WHEN I REALIZE THAT MY FIRST TRIP WASNT ALL THAT FAIR.IM JUST GLAD SHAWN STEWART DONT RUN THE EXCEL ANYMORE. FOSHO
Another of the many horror stories that I've heard from the Excel. But, on the other hand, I am sure all the boats have their detractors for one reason or another.
I just avoid or decline joining the jackpot. Money on the fish just spoils the fun of fishing.
Then if you hit the JP, the entire boat crew are looking at you like winos eyeing a Seagrams truck giving you the dirty look if you don't toss in the whole pot to them as additional tip. So what's the point?
i always give it to the crew if it's a big jp, i'll pay my galley tab/ fish cleaning tab. the rest to the crew, if i'm invited on a boat to do a report and take pics, i never get in the jp, if i'm charter master of the boat, i don't get in the jp..
If it's the recognition of getting the BIG FISH, then why not a one of those cheap trophys? Surely the boat can afford a cheap $25-$50 trophy for the BIG FISH to be awarded at the traditional last night prime rib dinner anyway. That way, everyone is eligible, no on feels left out, no crew member is sitting around like vultures.
IM JUST GLAD SHAWN STEWART DONT RUN THE EXCEL ANYMORE.
According to their website, He is still their lead skipper. Shawn is a very respected captain throughout San Diego. Bill Poole didn't get where he is easily and he hires good people.
what papers are you reading. everyone knows shawn stewart purchased another boat up north running short trips for the locals. hes respected by many only because bill poole allowed shawn to carry his sword. justin fleck took over the capt position on the excel. now if this info is not true , i will cancell my excel trip and hop on another boat.theres no hate here just had bad experience with shawn.
FOSHO
