SportFishing and Charters Forum - First catch to the boat?

A friend of mine just got back from a weekend charter. He was fishing for Halibut, had his own hooks and lines ect. which he lugged on and off the boat. Paid for the weekend excursion and caught two fish. The Captain informed them once they got back that the "first" fish goes to the boat. The first one was an 80 pounder and the second was a 40 pounder. (I think, I kinda stopped listening because I was so confused with the situation) The Captain and his mate sold the first fish without them even getting a bite! Is this normal? It seems a little crazy to me since he paid for the excursion...;?

I apologize if this is an stupid question but the search did not bring up any results.

I've heard this before. there are guys out there that get ritualistic with their fishing. they have a black book full of fishing numbers (instead of women's phone numbers), they have their favorite ratty old hat they have worn since the 80's, lucky lures, drinking a beer before you leave the pass, etc. Ive also heard about the first fish going to the boat. then they start a rotation. I'm really new to the whole fishing game but so far thats one thing i have seen.

Where was the charter? Was the 1st fish rule explained and BTW, too late now.

I've chartered once, a gift from a client to multiple freelancers. We kept all the catch.

So let me get this straight, he charters the boat paying for gas and it's use for the day and brings his own gear and tackle, then catches the fish himself and they go and sell it? Seems like he should get a percentage, if not all, of the sale. Unless the terms were made clear and I'm missing something, it sounds like your friend got shafted. What would have happened had they only caught one fish?

My friend had no idea about the "first fish" rule, luckily they caught two fish so he has something to show for the trip. Luckily they caught two. I was hopeful this thread would go the other way and say that it was normal. At this point I'm just adding salt to the wound.

HurricaneBK, That's exactly what I was thinking... Seems like a great business to be in.

Was there some kind of contract signed before he chartered the boat? In some places I've heard of the boat keeping fish, but your friend should have been advised before the trip if thats the case. Is their a limit on halibut?

All of that stuff needs to be hammered out before the client steps foot on the boat. Live and learn.

I have not encountered that halibut fishing

Where was he fishing?