What does it take to be a deckie?
Submitted by garethgkr on Wed, 2010-05-26 18:45
Hey there.
I'm just wandering what you opinions are on how to be a good deckie.
I've never done offshore fishing (always been land based) haven't had the opportunity to go out. so I have absolutely no clue about it. Got a 15kg overhead tho that I use for ballooning. I'm keen on doing some offshore seeing that exams are nearly over! Thank goodness.
So could you guys please share some tips, tricks, info? Basically about offshore fishing and well how to being a good deckie.
I'm a quick learner!
danno
Posts: 1676
Date Joined: 12/07/09
it varies from person to
it varies from person to person.
but if i invited some one out all they would have to do was help. help clean fish and clean boat etc all the small things. nothing over the top just help.
oh and share costs.
cheers danno
big john
Posts: 8786
Date Joined: 20/07/06
Few tips here
http://fishwrecked.com/forum/deckie-fishing-buddy-etticut
WA based manufacturer and supplier of premium leadhead jigs, fligs, bucktail jigs, 'bulletproof' soft plastic jig heads and XOS bullet jig heads.
Jigs available online in my web store!
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Here is a quick list; help
Here is a quick list;
big john
Posts: 8786
Date Joined: 20/07/06
LOL
If a knot slips on my rig, it's gonna be one i've tied myself!
WA based manufacturer and supplier of premium leadhead jigs, fligs, bucktail jigs, 'bulletproof' soft plastic jig heads and XOS bullet jig heads.
Jigs available online in my web store!
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Mostly just a few jokes for
Mostly just a few jokes for Pete D after the exmouth trip ;)
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Deckie
Gareth, I generally take the same person out fishing every time because he's good at obviously "being a deckie". If I had to list the things he does to make my life easier it would first start with rolling up on time, and assisting with hitching the boat etc. Once at the marina we launch the boat and whilst I'm parking the car, he will tie the boat off, lower the outboard and start it, and get the plotter up and running, so all I have to do when I get back to the boat is reverse out and go. Once we are underway, he will coil ropes that were used to launch the boat and stow them. Then maybe set about at defrosting some bait. Realistically that's pretty much all that I expect from my deckie, but to begin with I don't think starting outboards and messing with electronics will be something you'll be expected to do, it took a long time before I let anybody start the engine without me being there. Once out fishing, all he really does is pull the sea anchor before we start another drift, and give the deck a bit of a squirt every once in a while with the hose to keep our fishing space tidy.
Deckie
Posts: 1296
Date Joined: 03/04/09
A good deckie
a) Will help in all of the above
b) Try not to catch more fish than the skipper
c) Praise him when he catches a fish (even if its a small one)
d) Appoligise for catching 'his' big one
e) Always share the catch
But most of all enjoy the day out & help as much as possible, it should ensure another invite out. Good luck with it, i hope this helps. Rob
Cheers & Stay safe
Choongy
Posts: 57
Date Joined: 26/08/09
Don't spew, and never, ever
Don't spew, and never, ever hint that it is time to head home. Either we are catching fish, which means we stay, or we are not, which means we stay until we do.
Cheers, Choongy
garethgkr
Posts: 317
Date Joined: 16/12/09
its helped alot!
Thanks guys,
How much usually would the deckie have to pay for the bait/ice/fuel?
And do the skipers let them use some of the fishing gear?
sherbert
Posts: 4717
Date Joined: 10/09/06
I like to catch more fish
Than the skipper, And bigger fish as well
I some cases it true, But the main thing is we get on very well
And now /omg/Iam start to think like him knowing what to do next without upseting the old bugger
And i go through his lead as well
Cheers skipper
Assassin landbase fishing club
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
Garethgkr just help out were
Garethgkr just help out were you can if your traveling between spots grab the deck hose and give the boat a bit of a clean. If your cuting yourself a bait check if anyone else needs some cut just little things to help out during the day.Some guys will help out with a bit of gear rod,reel but you need to bring some hooks and sinkers .or some rigs made up before hand. at the end of the day help clean boat and pack gear away if you can't fillet fish you clean boat a let the others do the fish .Cost can vary from boat to boat and the distance you travel just need to chip in for bait and fuel three people three way split and three way split on fish ,do you have a boat fishing licence as you need one to catch fish ,unless you fish under someone elses licence.I'll keep you in mind and try to get you out one day for a run ,hope you don't get seasick,as you won't get to comme home until the day is over
Active Gyp-Rok solutions ,Residential and commercial ceilings and walls
deepwater
Posts: 1927
Date Joined: 09/05/07
Deckie
Deckie ,i have been a commerical hand for many years and all was the same thing {dont be late }after that is up to the skipper ,there is lots out there and we are all different
i have only ever had 4 regular crew we do the same thing trip after trip
1:Never be late
2:helping out with bait for the start of the trip,throught the bait out on the way to the spot {as a skipper i supple all the bait }
3:catch as many fish as possable as they are putting you on them {most of the time my crew catch bigger and more fish tham me thats you Ads}
4:ask all the time what the skipper wants of you and you carnt go wrong
5:ever skipper is different so ask before you go out about evrthing {cost,fuel,bait ,beer and so on}
good luck on finding a boat and a trip and catch a feed for you all
jeff
AmericanBen
Posts: 150
Date Joined: 26/01/09
I don't ask anything
but my current deckie does all of the above and more. He brings beverages and food for both of us even though I didn't ask. We always share the fish no matter who caught it. In the beginning he shared my gear until he was hooked at which time I took him over to Ryan's to buy his own gear. Until I was comfortable with him tieing rigs, I did them for both of us. Now we both have rigs ready and share each others when needed to include lead.
I take some extras out now and then and they usually pay thier portion of the fuel and bait while Dave takes care of everything else...basically the new deckie gets to enjoy fishing!
Where do you live as that will help everyone in opening up a spot for you. Oh and for me no spewing!!!
Ben
fish nut
Posts: 26
Date Joined: 30/03/10
hi im in the same boat as
hi im in the same boat as 'garethgkr' so to speak, and this has helped alot as now i know what is expected, i cant believe there are people that just go for a free ride then leave!!!! so if anyone wants another virgin deckie let me know after garethgkr has been offered first. dont meen to hijack your thread gareth hope no harm was done.cheers.
garethgkr
Posts: 317
Date Joined: 16/12/09
names gareth btw. :)
I'm in Jandakot SOR. And I don't get sea sick.
Basically I just want to learn new things and see how it all works (tieing the rigs, fishing techniques, etc) . I don't mind doing all of the above, except I can't provide the alcohol part. We bit underage there haha. I will be able to next year tho.
Does the cost of add up to around $100 per deckie after the split?
It's all cool fish nut. ;)
Faulkner Family
Posts: 18330
Date Joined: 11/03/08
i think the $100 would well
i think the $100 would well and truly cover costs on almost every boat that you might go out on. good luck with your exams and getting a deckie spot
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
sarcasm0
Posts: 1396
Date Joined: 25/06/09
It also varies based on the boat.
The guys above are pretty much on the money, but some people are far more anally retentive about it. Most of the above posters have boats that can easily fish 5 fathom bank, rotto, further out locations etc.
I only have a small f/glass dinghy and would be more than happy to take you out into cockburn sound for some fishing on light gear for whiting, herring, skippy or my current favourite SQUID!
I generally use about 15$ in fuel for the whole day, so refill the main tank from the 10lt reserve when I get home, and fill the reserve mid week, this makes the cost of fishing much cheaper.
Gear is less expensive as you could catch the above species with a cheapie combo and still have a blast and come home with a feed.
Dont worry about all these blokes who say "dont spew" thats easy enough for them to say, I am fine generally within the sound, but if I head outside or am lucky enough to score a deckie spot on a bigger boat I almost always take seasickness tablets. There is no point heading out and not being able to fish because you are so crook(especially charters).
I think skippers have to realise also that it is a two way street and if the people you are taking out are new then you need to communicate your expectations up front and show people what is required. No point saying they are to tie the boat up at the ramp if they can only tie a granny knot or are likely to use the fuel line.
I recentley went out as a deckie on a forum members awesome boat with 2 other deckies and the skipper and fuel usage was $50 each, I wasnt expecting the cost to be so high(naive) and only had 40$ on me, fortunately the skipper was cool cause I was a bit embarrassed.
Generally for bait I have squid heads/tentacles from the last trip, and make burley from our chook pellets and fish oil/dodgey old mulies. If I want to use a deckwash, I put a bucket over the side and sluice the deck:D
I just make up a few rounds of sandwiches and chuck em in the esky with water and a few drinks.
Anyway I guess its up to everyone to help out and I am sure most people wouldnt be upset if you were proactive or asking can I help with anything. I am in Bentley so swinging through jandakot isnt to much of an issue. Send me a PM with details and I will try to give you a call sometime.
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
Could be a couple of weeks
Could be a couple of weeks ,but I will give you a call and you can come for a trip with me and jesse
Active Gyp-Rok solutions ,Residential and commercial ceilings and walls
Brucesta
Posts: 1721
Date Joined: 29/05/09
if you can pre-empted what
if you can pre-empted what is about to happen in all situations your skipper will love you for it is probably my only thing i can add to this. No one expects you to know what rig to use and what size hook, sinker etc so we don't mind assisting in rigs and how to do them.
once you get a spot ask what fishing you'll be doing and what gear you may need if you are not sure, be on time, pre-empt events like if the skipper is nearing the ramp or slowing up to a new spot, get moving and get the ropes/anchor ready. bring a rag with you that between spots you can clean up some mess if there is any. getting the boat started and electronics running is a interesting one and something i'd only expect from people who regularily come out and your day isn't over untill the boat is put away and the fillets are in your hand.
beer is a huge plus also if you can purchase it!!! be self sufficient for drinks and food, extra food is always welcome and possibly let the skipper know you have food so he doesn't spend too big at the servo on the way.
Us as skippers should also make it clear what you are to bring, you're noty mind readers
Las Vegas - Rolling the dice and trying your luck. 1M+ Barra summer target. 100kg Black Marlin winter target
Brucesta
Posts: 1721
Date Joined: 29/05/09
if you can pre-empted what
.
Las Vegas - Rolling the dice and trying your luck. 1M+ Barra summer target. 100kg Black Marlin winter target
brenz
Posts: 2182
Date Joined: 15/06/06
my decky rules are if you
my decky rules are
if you are a decky on my boat you are a guest there for enjoy yourself and dont be a w@#$ker.
i dont expect fuel money, help cleaning or any other labour intensive duties .
if i have posted for a deckie or ask some one to come out then you have been invited so just have fun.
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Deckie
Sarcasm brought up the issue of getting seasick, obviously if you do get crook, take a seasick tablet, if you don't know, I think I would still take one to be on the safe side, it won't do you any harm. It could possibly turn what should be a good day into one you'd much rather forget.
Shorty
Posts: 1549
Date Joined: 10/05/08
Not sure if i missed it but
Not sure if i missed it but offer to share your catch, the skipper might have had a quiet day and you did well.
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
That's a good one Shorty!!
Nearly forgot about the whole purpose of the exercise. 50/50 split in terms of fish always, regardless of who catches what, it's a boat effort.
brenz
Posts: 2182
Date Joined: 15/06/06
i dont think id ask or take
i dont think id ask or take the deckies fish if hes payed his way . if he came out and didnt have to help etc then the offer would be nice though
carps
Posts: 126
Date Joined: 01/03/10
agree with all above
the most important thing imo is to just offer to do things and the skipper will be very greatful for it. small things like pulling the sea anchor in and throwing it out is always important and the sharing of costs and the splitting of fish 50/50 unless the skipper says you can have more. cleaning of the boat is also very important and something that a few deckies quickly forget once they hit the boat ramp.
cheers
JGS
Posts: 87
Date Joined: 16/03/10
i'm a new skipper
above all else i would like my decke to share a passion for learning all the varied things in being out in deep water.and have patience with a new skipper.i would allways be keen to take someone out who loves fishing regardless of the outcome.catching nice fish would be the bonus!
pale ale
Posts: 1755
Date Joined: 02/01/10
If you got a hot girlfriend,
If you got a hot girlfriend, she would be welcome on most boats too
STEVE231
Posts: 1443
Date Joined: 05/01/10
Girlfriends
Not on mine, that's the reason I go so far out... so I'm free!!!
Simon C
Posts: 801
Date Joined: 01/05/07
i reckon if you are going
i reckon if you are going out wide budget on $50. Owning a decent size boat costs a fair bit, and as someone who does, I would happily pay $50 or probably even $100 if going out in a well maintained boat, that covered a fair whack of ground and the skipper supplied bait etc. Most of us are happy to take someone out, all i ask is be keen, and listen and thats about it.
peter
Posts: 73
Date Joined: 26/03/09
bring the piss
bring the piss
fishings involved im already there
garethgkr
Posts: 317
Date Joined: 16/12/09
Thanks so much guys!
Learnt a bucket load of stuff there.
And thanks for the offers also.
Is there a length limit of rods on the boat? Like max length of the rod while fishing from the boat. Don't really want to whip out a 12 footer and tip the boat over.
I've got couple light rods (6'6) that I use for the herrings and tailor. And a 9ft starlo stix.
I think ive got a 'trolling outfit' tld 25 on a daiwa ninja powerlift. Got a penn 850ssm with 30lb fireline on it. But don't have a 'boat rod' for it.
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
Don't need boat rod Jesse
Don't need boat rod Jesse and I fish with 6-7' stick penn850 reel 30lb braid sometimes we will fish a lot lighter ,most my fish have been taken on 9kg braid on a 4kg 4' rod bigest 21kg .Jesse uses a calcutter 400 with 9kg and he has had some big fish on the outfit .his best was a double header on 4kg outfit,6kg and 4kg dhuies I guess at the end of the day if you are comfortable with the rod and reel you using then you should get most fish up..
Active Gyp-Rok solutions ,Residential and commercial ceilings and walls
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
You will find that boat rods
You will find that boat rods past 7' are pretty unusual, ie; superlight or poppering.
MJ
Posts: 362
Date Joined: 23/06/09
A good deckie.....
Be on time & be prepared to stay out as long as the skipper wants and not be prone to getting seasick
Be self sufficient - supply all your own gear/food unless you are offered otherwise
Check with skipper what type of fishing is planned and bring the minimal amount of gear to suit that type of fishing. Check if bait has been purchased or is required
Obviously offer to chip in with a share of fuel costs, I always leave with a full tank and whatever is used is usually split at the servo on the way home
Be optimistic and enjoy the day out there, a few laughs always go down well
Personally I am happy to clean the boat on my own
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
Smart thinking being a deckie.
Being a deckie is the way to go, let someone else bear the costs of owning the boat. I hear all the time how boat owners need to have a good deckie, some one who "know the ropes" and is reliable.
My suggestion would be, get your skippers ticket, so you know what is involved with boat handling, get you first aid ticket, some one is bound to get hooked up or have some other sort of problem and last get you VHF radio ticket, mainly because you learn the rules of radio use, very handy should an emergency arise.
Last of all, all of the suggestions of the above posts.
Dale
Posts: 7930
Date Joined: 13/09/05
I need an anchor bitch
I need an anchor bitch sometimes, so drop us a pm if your headed this way any time.
Cheers
Dale
"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."
Mr Wolf
catchalittle
Posts: 1875
Date Joined: 04/09/08
would agree with most said
would agree with most said above,plus ask what sort of fishing expected to be done on the day so u turn up with the right gear,plus offer to help and then should be plain sailing.plus will get another offer to go out again
Nathan