What to do when you're invited to go fishing on a boat

While you're bursting with excitement, you're also starting to wonder what you should bring with you. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited out on other people's boats for quite a few years now and there are a few things I have learnt to never go without. 

It is always a good idea to ask the boat owner what you can bring. If you fail to do this, you may not get the repeat invitation you were hoping for. A huge tip is to not be that person that doesn’t contribute.

Typically, a boat owner won't ask you to kick in towards the vessel's running costs for that given day as they may find it awkward to do so, not to mention they'd be going fishing by themselves if you weren't tagging along.

The biggest cost for any day in a boat out on the water is fuel, which is also largely dependent on the size of the vessel. There's nothing that says you need to tip in to help offset the cost of the fuel, but owners will appreciate the gesture if you do.

If you're heading out in a small tinny the amount of fuel used could be as little as a few litres. However, if lucky enough to be going in a bigger boat crossing the bar and heading out wide, fuel use could be a couple of hundred litres. 

Estimating how far you might like to dip into your pocket to contribute to the fuel cost is difficult if someone has already filled up the boat so that it is ready to hit the boat ramp.

However, some owners will stop at the servo on the way to the boat ramp to get fuel. If this is the case, you can see how much fuel it takes to top up the boat's tank and offer to help out with the cost. 

Another good thing to ask is if the boat owner would like you to bring your own gear.

If you normally fish calm estuary waters, then your gear is likely to be very light. If the person asking you out on their boat is heading offshore, your light gear won't stand a chance alongside the heavy rods and tackle needed to land an offshore fish species.

Generally speaking, the owner should be happy to lend you some gear for the day. However, ensure you let them know well before the day out so they have enough time to grab and rig the extra rods needed. 

Another small way you can help out is with bait. Always ask the owner what bait you can bring, and if they’ve already bought it, once again you can offer to help out with the cost. Some fishers may catch their own bait – Ziplock bags of frozen squid heads left over from a hot calamari session a few weeks back, for example – so there may be no real cost associated with it.

The same goes for the ice needed to chill the fish pulled onboard. If the owner hasn't already filled the boat's icebox the night before, offer to cover it.

If you're heading out on a boat, usually it will be for some time. Plan for at least half a day.

That means it may be essential to pack some food and, more importantly, water. I also like to take some snacks, sandwiches and at least three bottles of water. It also is a good idea to pack some extra snacks to share with everyone.

Also remember to pack a hat, sunscreen and, depending on where you're going, insect repellant.

For the boat's owner, the day's fishing won't end at the boat ramp. The boat and all the gear on board, and the trailer the boat sits on will have to be washed down to remove saltwater, reducing corrosion and leaving everything clean for the next trip out.

Again, ask what you can do to help, even if it is just chipping in at the carwash on the route back home.

Don't get back to the ramp, get in your car and take off. I have seen people do this many times and they do not get invited back.

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