Asking for $ for gas

[Revtro]

So I had an interesting interaction with a friend I took fishing this past week.  I was low on gas/oil and as we all know oil is $25-$30 for TC-W3.  So I awkwardly asked him to chip in for gas which I have never done before because in the past I have felt there was a difference between fishing with a fellow fisherman where helping with gas is customary and expected vs fishing with a "guest" or non-fishing buddy who doesn't know about that etiquette.  So I say it was awkward because I kind of felt weird asking.  Normally when I invite a non-fisherman friend to go out, I treat.  But money's tight right now, so I asked and felt weird about it. 

So I'm just curious...anyone else ever feel this inner conflict when taking different people out fishing?  I try to live very generously toward people, but at the same time, gas and oil are expensive and I just don't have the spare dollars lately.  Nevertheless I hated to ask.  What have been your experiences?  Am I worried too much about being off-putting to my guests?  Should I just go ahead and ask or is it uncool to ask guests? 

[dartag]

Personally I never ask for gas money.  But fishing is an expensive sport.  Don't feel bad about asking.  You are providing the boat, gas and above all time on the water for them  They should be happy to help out. 

[21XDC]

Many non boat owners don't have a clue of the cost of boat payments, maintenance, insurance, battery replacement, trolling motor and electronic upgrades, prop repairs etc.... Let alone how much gas and oil these boats consume. It was my decision to buy, own and keep up the boat....

If a non boater paid for all of the gas and oil, They still get off cheap.  I try to never ask for money, But I sure do appreciate when money is offered.

My rig burns 28 gallons of high octane gas per hr at WOT Plus the $30 per hr in oil... $120-$150 per HR.. 

[Hollada]

Tough situation.  If the friend was bugging you to take him fishing, I'd expect an offer of cash or let him know that the boat isn't free.  If you asked him to go with you, there should be no expectation (unless it's someone that has owned a boat and understands the costs :-)   )

[Rangerman]

Well I never or rarely ask for gas and oil money, but most back seats offer to pay or to pay for gas , oil and launch fee's if any . When our group goes to LCS and other lakes the tow trucks and boats are full and keep a running tab of ALL expense and split 50/50 makes for no problems down the road and a second invite. When we get back in town refill and add it to the tab.

[21XDC]

This is such a common thing.... Please click links>>>

Google search 'my boat doesn't run on thanks'

Google search 'my boat runs on gas not thanks'

[Revtro]

I appreciate the feedback.  Yeah, never ask for gas when I do the inviting unless it's a fellow boater/fisherman who understand the etiquette.  But my buddy often has asked me to take him out and sometimes with another guy he wants to bring along.  So I figured in that situation, it would be more acceptable to ask for some help with the cost.  I wish I had unlimited funds and never had to ask.  LOL

21XDC, those shirts are hilarious.

[bob o]

when fishing as non boater, fishing for fun or a tourny, if we stop for gas i'm at the pump first with my card ready for either the truck or the boat, nobody should have to pull teeth for some gas money. as a co angler you better pony up or you might find your self standing on the dock with no invite the next time around. it dosn't even have to be gas, bring waters or lunch & snacks etc. the small lil bunch of guys i fish with we all know the $ will come back some time or another.

[Mojo]

Good post and good inputs. With the inputs so far coming from boaters, I'll provide input from the co-angler side.

TO FELLOW COANGLERS: Read these above posts very carefully. Especially 21xdc. His post on costs outside the gas pump are spot on.

Rev, don't be conflicted, take it as a teaching moment and explain to ANY person, on the day you organize the fish day ( not at the pump) about costs of fishing. Use me as an example. Tell them about the grateful guy who offers to pay for breakfast or lunch, brings sandwiches and drinks for their boater, or offers gas money before he sets foot in the boat. I think that would go smoother than waiting to say something after the gas pump is closed and new guy is whistling staring at the lake .

[motocross269]

I don't see it being an issue asking for help with expenses at all.....Especially if you asked beforehand... I got back into tournament fishing as a Co angler 7 or 8 years ago and I was lucky that I had a few great guys and club members to help cure me of my ignorance on some of the etiquette....

[djkimmel]

Doesn't bother me when someone asks. On rare occasions I actually forget to offer and usually feel like a heel when I do. I will try to correct later but a reminder from the boater again doesn't bother me.

It does seem like if someone invites you to go in their boat it may not be expected to offer money, but as pointed out, some of us are used to the idea of the cost and offering to help, but many people are not used to the idea of cost or offering to help.