Here is my belief. The crew gets the whole pot. I even give it if I am not happy with the crews performance. I do this for a few reasons. I learned to fish on The City of Redondo. On that boat giving up the pot resulted in passes. When I was young and not earning much the passes were great. The crew really appreciated the tip and other perks came to the regulars. I have found that on most boats the level of service is pretty good. My thoughts are for five or ten bucks I can give a good gift to these hard workers. On a few trips where I was not happy I gave the pot and talked with the deckhands and told them what I did not like. I have found that the discusions have been productive. On the next trips out they remember the kindness. I just think that these folks have a tough job, that requires fishing skills as well as people skills. If you are like me fishing is the best time. I want to let the crew know how much I enjoyed it.

Also remember not all boats will give passes for the pot. Some just say Thank you, and usually pick up the fish cleaning.