Should the jackpot have better procedures?

[rhartung84]

What should happen if I purchase my entry into a Jackpot, and become disqualified based on a deckhands choice of who they feel should win?

I hooked up was thought to be a sealion, but surprisingly stopped spooling me. Many within earshot began saying, "Jackpot fish," but I knew the deepsea trip was close to ending. I was congratulated multiple times, and reasuured fellow angelers that there was a significant chance. Plenty of time remained, becuse it was pretty much the first run; moreover, big fish were definitely out there! Got some agitated looks from anglers who wanted the jackpot (you know how it goes). A different angler, not myself, pulled up a competitive fish, but only the head. Darn sea lions! Directly after the captain said we had to head back, the deckhands did not announce the jackpot to the entire boat. One of the deckands stated, "He walked into the gallery and told everyone out loud," but nobody saw him or heard him. Je apparently lied for no known reason. Nobody saw him, nor heard him and was "offered" a phone number if I desired help. Afterward, I talked to many, and many did not know the deckhands called jackpot. I retained anothers phone number who thought a travesty of professionalism occured. The second person was key because his position atop the deck close to this "calling." He said they did it super quietly, barely hearing them. He confessed not appreciating how jackpot took place. My question is what does that mean for a jackpot? Can deckhands select who they feel is most suitable based on personal experience and opinion? There must be a posted rule, or open announcement that includes the entire boat that justifies my situation! Are there rules for the gamble? What is fair in a situation like this?

 

[scott v]

This is why most decent boats no longer have a jackpot. The drama is not worth it. Are you saying you should of won the jackpot based on the head of a fish? I sure hope that is not what you are insinuating.

 

[lowprofile]

You brought up a head, not a fish. The jackpot goes to the biggest fish, not the largest head. You lost the battle with the sea lion.

As for the rest of the post, I don’t even know what’s going on.

 

[rhartung84]

This is why most decent boats no longer have a jackpot. The drama is not worth it. Are you saying you should of won the jackpot based on the head of a fish? I sure hope that is not what you are insinuating.

LMBO!!! Hahaha!!! No, it wasn't my fish head.

 

[rhartung84]

You brought up a head, not a fish. The jackpot goes to the biggest fish, not the largest head. You lost the battle with the sea lion.

As for the rest of the post, I don’t even know what’s going on.

! Nope, the fish head belonged to a separate angler. I wouldn't think about posting a thread about a fish head, "That could have been jackpot!" I rephrased the post. Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[lazyfisherman]

It happens all the time. Deadheads, hand on the scale, wait for a swell for one fish to dip lower and call it quick. Seen it all. I don't fish jackpot for the money and always give it to the crew, but if I'm in it, I always wait at the stern when fishings over to watch the jackpot.

 

[threewaves]

Jackpot "should" be for good fun. If you're concerned about making money, play poker on the trip, or better yet stay home and work. I myself always tip back jp money if I am fortunate enough to place, and highly encourage that behavior on my trips. Bottom line if you're concerned about who wins, maybe it's better to not enter. Just do your part and catch some nice fish and karma will work itself out. my 2 cents.

 

[RodRage]

Never understood it, what’s the fun in everybody pooling money and then somebody wins then turns around and gives it to the crew? Makes no sense to me , these trips are expensive enough if I can get a few bucks back for the biggest fish that would be cool but that’s frowned on so I don’t play. Ill tip if I think they did a good job and that’s the only time!

 

[rhartung84]

It happens all the time. Deadheads, hand on the scale, wait for a swell for one fish to dip lower and call it quick. Seen it all. I don't fish jackpot for the money and always give it to the crew, but if I'm in it, I always wait at the stern when fishings over to watch the jackpot.

Hey, thanks! I just realized that is an unspoken rule. The deckhand who said that, "He announced it in the gallery," as I stated on the forum was standing next to me, then left to go announce the jackpot quietly to people standing behind the bait tank aboard the freelance(huge bait tank). The person sitting behind the bait tank told me they did it really suspiciously, and had to movie his ear into the right position to get past wind gusts. This deckhand gaphed the fish for me! I had to ask him, and he still questioned why I wanted it gaphed. He gave me the oddest look; a little wierd! Questioning with a blank stare, "You sure you want that gapahed?"

On the trip to catalina I told him the toilet was backed up and overflowing after I tried to plung it, before I used it... He looked at me like I told him something that was going to make him puke in his food, and said, "I'm eating now." He had it out for me from the beginning! Another angler said he tried to charge him five bucks to tie his hook! It was really a fun trip though...Great captain, and knew where the fish were, Capitain Nick!

 

[MichaelJ]

I was on a boat recently and I won jackpot but at the end they tried to keep my jackpot money, did the scale, announced the winner and then proceeded to clean fish, and forget to give me the jackpot. I asked...one dh, he said he didn't know anything about the jackpot, asked the chef/deckhand because we paid in the galley prior, he didn't know anything. Then one passenger told me, he'd won it twice on this boat and they never gave him the money. Not gonna go into a whole long spew but they tried to keep my money. I ended up getting it. I was gonna give em half, it was a big jackpot. After they tried to keep it i gave em about 20% of it. I already tipped when i paid my galley tab.

 

[rhartung84]

Jackpot "should" be for good fun. If you're concerned about making money, play poker on the trip, or better yet stay home and work. I myself always tip back jp money if I am fortunate enough to place, and highly encourage that behavior on my trips. Bottom line if you're concerned about who wins, maybe it's better to not enter. Just do your part and catch some nice fish and karma will work itself out. my 2 cents.

I do get that threewaves. Just a bit "uncalled" for! If ya know what I'm sayin... If I win the jackpot with him a deckhand...50% to the crew and not 100%! Unless he is absolutely extraordinary.

 

[RodRage]

I was on a boat recently and I won jackpot but at the end they tried to keep my jackpot money, did the scale, announced the winner and then proceeded to clean fish, and forget to give me the jackpot. I asked...one dh, he said he didn't know anything about the jackpot, asked the chef/deckhand because we paid in the galley prior, he didn't know anything. Then one passenger told me, he'd won it twice on this boat and they never gave him the money. Not gonna go into a whole long spew but they tried to keep my money. I ended up getting it. I was gonna give em half, it was a big jackpot. After they tried to keep it i gave em about 20% of it. I already tipped when i paid my galley tab.

I wouldn’t of gave them shit

 

[Interpaleo]

I won a jackpot out of Newport this week. It was not even close...they announced it but there was not much talk since my fish was nearly twice the size of the next largest...no issues with my money, which paid my galley tab and parking with then I handed over the rest to the overworked crew.

I cannot see how those guys would ever not want to gaff a worthwhile fish...or mess around with keeping the jackpot money...both of which are just counter productive to thier jobs.

What kind of fish did they not want to gaff and land?

 

[rhartung84]

Never understood it, what’s the fun in everybody pooling money and then somebody wins and turns around and gives money to the crew? Makes no sense to me , these trips are expensive enough if I can get a few bucks back for the biggest fish that would be cool but that’s frowned on so I don’t play. Ill tip if I think they did a good job and that’s the only time!

I debate tips in my head too much also! Paying 5 bucks, I don't really lose out! Being a Christian, I can't gamble...So, guess it would go to the crew. Not if he's aboard, not till he's super nice...%50 to the crew until then. Some people say they pay for their ticket and food for a free trip! If the deckhands are mean maybe two free trips.

 

[lazyfisherman]

If you win the jackpot, it's up to you to do whatever you want with it. It's your money. Don't let anyone tell you how to handle it. I have friends who worked as deckhands and understand in the local fleet, the jackpot makes a big portion of their daily pay since most people don't really tip well on the local trips. That's why I give it to the crew if they worked hard, but you make your own judgement on what to do if you win.

 

[rhartung84]

I won a jackpot out of Newport this week. It was not even close...they announced it but there was not much talk since my fish was nearly twice the size of the next largest...no issues with my money, which paid my galley tab and parking with then I handed over the rest to the overworked crew.

I cannot see how those guys would ever not want to gaff a worthwhile fish...or mess around with keeping the jackpot money...both of which are just counter productive to thier jobs.

What kind of fish did they not want to gaff and land?

Good question! It was a bonita. Guess I lost touch with how great a deckhand is after the trip. I have always looked to deckands as 100% the greatest help, besides the captain! They just did me wrong on purpose, and multiple people saw it and gave me their number siding with me; hopefully I made friends and better acquaintances. Being on the other end feels kinda bad, honestly. Hope you never run into trouble InterPaleo.

 

[threewaves]

All good points by everyone here, I can see from all sides as far a tipping preferences go. However one a-hole on the crew should not screw the other crew members when it comes to tip as they are generally all split equally. If you choose to tip less due to one bad crew member, you screw the other good ones. In my opinion by tipping back the JP money I am helping make up for those one or 2 guys that think any tip is too much. I know on the boat I normally ride, they collect the JP $$ and announce the total pool and what each place will get well before the fishing starts, the Captain and crew then weight the fish and announce the JP at the landing over the PA and he hands the $$ to each angler in front of everyone.

As for the a-hole crew member, simply let the captain know about him and they will take care of it knowing it's costing them tip money. They can't undo what happened on your trip, but they should be able to solve it moving forward. If they don't do anything, take your business elsewhere.

 

[rhartung84]

If you win the jackpot, it's up to you to do whatever you want with it. It's your money. Don't let anyone tell you how to handle it. I have friends who worked as deckhands and understand in the local fleet, the jackpot makes a big portion of their daily pay since most people don't really tip well on the local trips. That's why I give it to the crew if they worked hard, but you make your own judgement on what to do if you win.

My conception of gambling guides me to just give the jackpot money to the crew also. They really did me wrong. They wouldn't let me enter, and that's frustrating. Jackpot money isn't important, but getting the biggest fish is a lot of fun! I vow this day forth to not let a deckhand ruin my day, Aye Aye!!! Thank you for your post lazyfisherman.

 

[rhartung84]

All good points by everyone here, I can see from all sides as far a tipping preferences go. However one a-hole on the crew should not screw the other crew members when it comes to tip as they are generally all split equally. If you choose to tip less due to one bad crew member, you screw the other good ones. In my opinion by tipping back the JP money I am helping make up for those one or 2 guys that think any tip is too much. I know on the boat I normally ride, they collect the JP $$ and announce the total pool and what each place will get well before the fishing starts, the Captain and crew then weight the fish and announce the JP at the landing over the PA and he hands the $$ to each angler in front of everyone.

As for the a-hole crew member, simply let the captain know about him and they will take care of it knowing it's costing them tip money. They can't undo what happened on your trip, but they should be able to solve it moving forward. If they don't do anything, take your business elsewhere.

All three of them lied to help each-other, but the person I am talking about said he did something when he didn't. That is what is aggravating. Its the reason I can see what happened. That's disappointing. But, you did bring up a good point! I'll have to keep that in mind, because I didn't want to leave a tip for once. Can't let one person screw it up...They all have to work with each other every day, and One person can't be allowed to screw it up for the rest. Thank you very much, again, for your post threewaves!

 

[getaway]

Happens all the time. Kinda like the trolling or kite turns.

 

[rhartung84]

I was on a boat recently and I won jackpot but at the end they tried to keep my jackpot money, did the scale, announced the winner and then proceeded to clean fish, and forget to give me the jackpot. I asked...one dh, he said he didn't know anything about the jackpot, asked the chef/deckhand because we paid in the galley prior, he didn't know anything. Then one passenger told me, he'd won it twice on this boat and they never gave him the money. Not gonna go into a whole long spew but they tried to keep my money. I ended up getting it. I was gonna give em half, it was a big jackpot. After they tried to keep it i gave em about 20% of it. I already tipped when i paid my galley tab.

That's absurd, by the way. Wanting jackpot money for themselves. That's probably what they talk about when anglers aren't around, lol! I'll just talk about how the entire jackpot will go to them. I'll be included next time.

That's how I felt without getting the jackpot on this trip. The winner gave me $15 bucks because he felt my anguish. The captain gave me my jackpot contribution and bag money $7. I like how people cared for me. One person can't and won't screw up my deepsea fishing! Catalina island is way to beautiful to let go of!!!

 

[rhartung84]

Happens all the time. Kinda like the trolling or kite turns.

Yes, I just found that out. Knowledge is key! Thank you!!! I pulled in a 98# bluefin on a daytrip troll out of Davey's locker, and 27# people got fed! Wasn't even concerned about jackpot, or greater portion (wondered inside if they would give me extra) I was a bit delighted to see my people walk away with more than me, just knowing they were happy to get fresh bluefin! Shoot, I got to reel in my first bluefin ever! That's a life changing experience that I'm sure everyone wanted!!!!!!! OMG, the deckhands were awesome!

 

[Interpaleo]

Good question! It was a bonita. Guess I lost touch with how great a deckhand is after the trip. I have always looked to deckands as 100% the greatest help, besides the captain! They just did me wrong on purpose, and multiple people saw it and gave me their number siding with me; hopefully I made friends and better acquaintances. Being on the other end feels kinda bad, honestly. Hope you never run into trouble InterPaleo.

Oh I have seen plenty of poor behavior out there...

Deckhands smoking meth, crazy swinging a gaff handle into a crowd of people knocking people down, tossing fish over the side half filleted, tossing filets over the side instead of carcases, tossing their cell phone or radio over the side in fits of anger. Yelling at passengers, each other, themselves...

Normally good crew can even just have a bad day. Overworked and lacking enough sleep can make for a rough trip, mistakes happen. However, I would suggest watching the offender very closely next time your out. If it is a one time mistake, stuff happens and its usually forgivable. If its a pattern, best everyone should know...

 

[sickcat]

First thing is name the cheatin' boat as a heads up to others.

Yes some crews cheat, a small minority of them. No its not right.

In the immortal words of Jimmy Buffet:

"Breath in, breath out, move on"

 

[Buttchaser]

That's absurd, by the way. Wanting jackpot money for themselves. That's probably what they talk about when anglers aren't around, lol! I'll just talk about how the entire jackpot will go to them. I'll be included next time.

That's how I felt without getting the jackpot on this trip. The winner gave me $15 bucks because he felt my anguish. The captain gave me my jackpot contribution and bag money $7. I like how people cared for me. One person can't and won't screw up my deepsea fishing! Catalina island is way to beautiful to let go of!!!

Did you get clarification of the rules from the captain , Jack pot are Boat rules . The deck hands declare a winner