Do You Tip a Charter Captain?
The general rule of thumb: tip 15–20% on a fishing charter if there’s a mate. For standalone captains, tipping is optional—never expected, but always appreciated.
One of the most common questions I get as a fishing guide is about tipping. Do you tip the captain? How much? Is it expected? Before we get into it, let me be clear—this isn’t about me trying to get more tips. I’m writing this because guests ask all the time and simply want to know what’s normal.
Fishing charters aren’t cheap, and for some families the cost of the trip itself can be a stretch. That’s why tipping in the charter world deserves an honest, balanced explanation.
What’s the Standard Tipping Etiquette on Fishing Charters?
Why Mates Rely on Tips
Mates—your deckhands who rig tackle, handle fish, and work alongside the captain—rely heavily on tips as part of their income. On boats that run with a captain and a mate, a tip around 20% of the trip price for the mate’s effort is standard.
Offshore vs. Inshore Charters
This custom is especially strong offshore, where mates put in long hours and heavy lifting. On smaller inshore trips where it’s just the captain running everything, expectations are different—and that’s where things get a little grey.
Do You Tip the Captain on a Fishing Charter or Just the Mate?
When It’s Just the Captain (No Mate)
If you’re on a charter with a standalone captain and no mate—like the trips I run—tipping is optional. I’ve never expected it, but I do appreciate it when guests choose to leave one.
Effort vs. Catching Fish
Here’s what I recommend: don’t base your decision solely on the number of fish caught. Fish don’t always cooperate, and captains often work harder on slow days than when the bite is red hot. If you do choose to tip, think about effort, professionalism, and whether the captain made the trip enjoyable.
How Much Should You Tip on a Fishing Charter?
Typical Range Guests Leave
In most cases, somewhere in the 15–20% range is the industry standard, especially when there’s a mate involved. For standalone captains, that’s a common benchmark too—but again, it’s never expected.
What I’ve Personally Seen
Over the years, I’ve seen tips from my charter customers range from $0 all the way up to $250 (on a $450 / $550 charter). Neither of those extremes are the norm. Most of the time, tips land right around 20%, which has my clients tipping around $90-$110 on my charters. The bottom line: it’s always up to the customer (you!) of whether or not to tip and how much.
Other Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Captain
Leave a Google Review
For small businesses like mine, a Google Review is worth its weight in gold. A few kind words online help other families feel confident booking a fishing charter with me. A 5-star Google review is incredibly valuable for small businesses like mine and often helps me more than a tip, because it guides future guests to book with confidence. Reviews live on long after your trip and can influence dozens of future guests who are deciding who to fish with.
Book Again or Send Referrals
If you had a good time, come back next season or send a friend my way. Repeat business is the best compliment I can get.
Share Your Experience Online
Post photos and tag the charter on social media. Word-of-mouth and online buzz go a long way.
Tipping Charter Captains in Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Here around Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash, and Little River, the norms are simple. If there’s a mate, a 20% tip is expected. If it’s just the captain, tipping is optional. Every captain appreciates it, but no one should ever feel pressured.
Tipping Fishing Guides: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still tip a charter captain if you don’t catch fish?
That’s completely up to you. Some guests still choose to tip if they feel the captain worked hard and gave them a good experience, even on a slow day. But tips are never required—especially when it’s just the captain running the trip.
Should you tip the captain or the mate?
On larger boats, the tip usually goes straight to the mate. On smaller inshore trips with just the captain, the tip goes directly to them.
What if you can’t afford to tip?
Don’t worry about it. A heartfelt thank you, a review, or a referral means just as much. Most captains would rather know you enjoyed your day than see you stressed over tipping.
Do fishing captains prefer cash or card for tips?
Most captains and mates prefer cash because it’s quick and easy.
Is gratuity included in the price of a fishing charter?
No, not typically. Unless a charter company specifically states that gratuity is included, plan on any tip being separate.
What if the trip gets cut short?
If the captain has to cut the trip short due to weather or safety, most people tip based on perceived effort. But again, it’s your choice—there’s no hard rule.
Do you split tips on group charters?
On group charters where the cost is split among several people, it’s common for one person to collect contributions and hand over a single tip on behalf of the group. That way the mate or captain isn’t handed several small envelopes.
How does tipping work on multi-day charters?
For multi-day charters, most guests choose to tip daily rather than waiting until the very end. It keeps things simple and ensures the crew is taken care of throughout the trip.
Do you tip at the beginning or end of a fishing charter?
Tipping almost always happens at the end of the trip, once you’re back at the dock. That’s the standard in the charter fishing world. It also gives you the opportunity to ensure that the trip was to your satisfaction before deciding if to tip and how much.
Final Thoughts on Tipping Charter Captains
At the end of the day, tipping is just one way to show appreciation. If there’s a mate, plan on tipping them—that’s standard. If it’s just the captain, tipping is optional. What matters most is effort, attitude, and whether you enjoyed your time on the water.
For me, I’ve always seen tipping as a nice “thank you,” never a requirement. And whether you leave a tip, write a review, or just share a handshake at the dock, I appreciate every guest who steps on board.
If you’re planning a fishing trip in Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, or Calabash, I’d love to take you out. Whether you tip or not, my goal is simple: to give you a fun, memorable day on the water.
Tight Lines,
Captain Harvey Wall
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
November 5, 2025