tipping bombardier drivers?

[Pagz]

For those of you who have used there services,just wondering what a person should tip them.I've been up there once before and sometimes we had different drivers pick us up than have dropped us off and I want make sure its fair to each of them.Heading up to Sportsman's March 4th-7th.Of course if we do well on the fish the tip would be a little heavier.Thanks.

[The Big Gaffer]

Don't tip the guy who drove by me in his bomber when I was stuck. I didn't try to flag him down or anything, just looked at him and he looked right at me and kept driving. I won't say what resort's bomber it was but I know I won't give them any business. The good part was that then a little truck came by pulling one of the same resorts houses and he got stuck right next to where I had just gotten out of. He asked us for a pull but I told him sorry, it wasn't his fault but to call his bomber driver that just drove past us. He wasn't still sitting there the last time I was up so he must have gotten out. But, you should tip them well because I think most of them work hard in rough conditions.

[bturck]

I will tip the driver in the morning for the ride out, and also tip the driver who picks us up in the afternoon because he will generally also be the one cleaning my fish and have them in the frig when I get back to the cabin. The driver in the afternoon I will generally tip a little heavier because of the fish cleaning. our grooup of 4 will tip $5 a man in the evening and a couple of bucks a piece in the AM. Bill

[MJCatfish]

I agree with bturck. $20 bucks for the afternoon is about right. A couple of bucks to show appreciation in the morning is okay, too. After all they were probably the ones that were out that morning cutting holes and firing up the heater.<P>MJ

[Doc Madison]

If they go back in and get us more bait (or beer) I'd tip the hell out of 'em! 38 days and counting Pagz!!!

[iffwalleyes]

Wow I guess I am a cheap skate. I have never tipped. Guess I probably should but the cost that some of the resorts are getting to be it is enough money.<P>------------------<BR>Grip it and Rip it<P>IFFWalleyes<BR>I Fish For Walleyes<BR>[email protected]

[bapperpimp]

I have been a part-time trackvan driver in the past and just to let you know, most places share all of their tips. We averaged them out over the week and depending on who was working, we then figured out what we all should get. If you have a good hard-working honest crew, it seems to work out nicely because you are always checking on everybody and you always bring in different people at night than you brought out in the morning. On average, a 4 man party would usually tip about $50-$70 for a 2-day fishing weekend. Others would tip zero, which really sucks, but would buy us beers instead. Tips are tips. Any amount is always appreciated. You should always tip at least a little. The drivers don't decide how much the fishing and cabins cost so they shouldn't be penalized.

[hunt4food]

I usually tip when settling my final bill at the resort before I leave. The resort I stay at always splits it up as was posted above. When I was there in Dec, we left $90.00 for 3 guys that fished 2.5 days and stayed 3 nights. We also tipped separately at the bar for our drinks since they were not included in the bill. I do not consider myself a "big spender" in any way, but having been a former bar tender, I might think about it more than some people do. One thing...it always ensures good service for the future. Most of the resorts have computers. Is it possible they also keep track of who tips well and who doesn't?? Who knows, but our rental shacks always seems to be sitting right on fish when we get up there. Is it luck? Maybe, maybe not.

[Doc Madison]

Pagz - I think we all threw in $20/each last year for the two bomber drivers" We had poor fishing so they didn't have many fish to clean. I don't recall the drivers checking on us during the day except to pick us up which was a little disappointing. (different resort)

[russ]

Aren't the drivers paid by the resorts? <P>..............................<BR>Good Fishin'!

[Uncle Bill]

$50.00 to $70.00 tip ???<BR>For two days fishing ???<BR>Give me a break !!!<BR>

[cliffy]

What I have done in the past is remember each drivers name….it was normally the same person. I then left the tip with the cashier when I paid my final bill. I made sure to mention who the tip was for…etc. How much a person should tip is up to you. Just my two cents worth.

[warrior]

Gentleman...Keep in mind these guys working the ice are making $10.00 bucks an hour on the avarage, unless there an owner operator.<BR>can you live on $10.00 bucks an hour? just my 2 cents.

[karma]

not that i am a complete cheap skate, but on the website for the lodge we are going to, it says that for our $1200 for 4 guys we will receive 3 nights lodging, 2 days fishing,all meals, transportation to and from our heated fish house....etc. cant imagine tipping a whole lot more than $10 a guy.

[The Big Gaffer]

I am with uncle Bill. Thats ridiculous. I know they work hard, I am not disputing that but the hell if I am giving em 70 bucks to give me a freakin ride. I don't think too many people would tip them like that. I tip waiters and haircut ladys and that [PoorWordUsage] but I don't tip a bomber driver. I would buy them a few beers in the bar though.

[Buckets]

Never been in one but for $10hr. plus tips (and not just the money kind) where do I sign up! <BR>I went on a launch one time at Millacs, one fish was caught all day and not knowing what to expect I was out of beer by 10am. Then this clown come's around on the way back with a hat politicing for the driver's tips! People actually were giveing too!! When he got to me I told him "here's a tip, when you can't take people to fish at least have a cooler of beer with" I'd given dome prices for a brew! <BR>

[Benfishin]

Like any other "tip" industry, the tip depends on the SERVICE!! And to me it has nothing to do with the fishing, afterall they can't make them bite. What they can do is to be helpful and friendly. That goes a long ways in determining the tips I give out in all jobs that rely on tips.

[Pagz]

Benfishin,<BR>I agree with you that they can't make the fish bite.Do you think that some of the houses in certain areas on the lake may be producing more or better fish than others?<BR>If so,do you think the drivers with a "good tip" may be inclined to put you on those spots?.I like reading all the replies!Thanks.

[Pagz]

Benfishin,<BR>I agree with you that they can't make the fish bite.Do you think that some of the houses in certain areas on the lake may be producing more or better fish than others?<BR>If so,do you think the drivers with a "good tip" may be inclined to put you on those spots?.I like reading all the replies!Thanks.

[Capt'nJosh]

I also subscribe to the theory that a tip should be based on performance. Last trip to LOW the bomber driver was great the first night, talked to us, was on time to pick us up etc... he got a generous tip. The next day the bomber driver was grumpy as hell and got our group to the resort 2 and a half hours late, causing us to miss the bite on URL. He didn't get a dime.<P>Capt'nJosh

[Burbut_King]

I have to agree, if the driver is niceand friendly plus gets there on time,i would give him a tip otherwise, i wouldn't give'm a dollar.

[curt quesnell]

This is the kind of discussion that makes<BR>FishingMinnesota.com a cut above some of <BR>the other fishing websites. We can <BR>disagree and not get all [PoorWordUsage] about it.<P>There are some very good points that I <BR>think need to be underscored and repeated<BR>because they are 100 percent correct and<BR>acurate.<P>1. If you travel off the road, bring a <BR> shovel, you will need to use it if you<BR> get stuck. You can shovel your way out.<BR> The Bomber operator WILL stop to save<BR> your life, but he will NOT stop to <BR> help someone who is attempting to <BR> drive on the snowpack trail set <BR> to run snowmobiles and track <BR> vehicles on. You dont drive a truck<BR> on a snowmobile trail even if they<BR> are on public property. If you stay<BR> on or near the maintained roads<BR> designed for trucks you will find<BR> much less shoveling necessary. <BR> <BR> If I see you are stuck near the road<BR> and not able to shovel out quickly, I <BR> and help shovel or pull you out. I<BR> have been helped in the past and will<BR> gladly assist.<BR> <BR>From the sounds of the above posts, all of the people complaining about rude bomber<BR>drivers seem to have been on tracked vehicle trails where they are NOT supposed to be.<P>Just because you might be able to drive<BR>anywhere on a lake it doesnt mean you <BR>should and it doesnt mean everyone is obilgated to stop what they are doing to take care of something you can take care of yourself. This isnt recess, we all have<BR>some obligation to ourselves and others<BR>to have some kind of understanding about<BR>what goes on out there. <P>This is winter on Lake of the Woods, it<BR>should not be taken lightly. Several <BR>vehicles have dropped thru the ice on<BR>LOW this winter, I cant think of any of<BR>them that didnt get exactly what they<BR>were asking for(know what I mean)<P>Again, great discussion, thanks to all.<P>Oh and, I would tip a good bomber driver<BR>who checked on us and did a real good job<BR>10 bucks a man. I would also buy him a drink<BR>while he cleaned the fish. Whats right on<BR>this issue is up to the individual. What<BR>we really want is good service!<P><BR> <P>------------------<BR>Curt Quesnell<BR>NorthCountry Outdoors Radio

[Benfishin]

Pagz,<P>For me and my buddy's the fishing is just a small part of the whole experience. Don't get me wrong we would rather catch a bunch(I said catch not keep) but as we all know that doesn't always happen. A friendly face and helping hand goes a LONG way in my book. We always tip around $5 to $10 bucks a guy per night and plus it always comes out of the pocket of the guy who won the most in poker the night before!! The drivers need to make a living too!!

[Bryce]

One trip out on bombers. They gave us very little help. We gave them very little tip. ( We did give them something though ) As far as only making $10 an hour or whatever the figure may be. That's their choice. Reminds me of a buddy that complains about his job in the golf industry being so cut throat. You pick a job that others consider a hobby and the money will be hard to come by. I am by no means saying don't tip, but I don't tip the bus driver.

[widetrack]

Curt,<P>Good points.<P>I had a buddy of mine get in a wreck on the lake on a sled, and the driver for Arnesons saved his life, no doubt.<P>A Arneson launch save my bacon in heavy seas out in the Bermuda triangle 25miles off shore in a boat that was broke in 2. Towed me in all the way with a boat plump full of water, dragging a 175 Mariner by the steering cables.<P>I say hats off to the guys that work the lake, they will help you in a pinch, and are good people.<P>PS:<BR>Stay off their marked trails with anything without a track, (this includes wheelers).

[russ]

I complained because I had no shoes..... then I met a man with no feet!<P>So I took his shoes....(Curt)<P>[This message has been edited by curt quesnell (edited 01-29-2004).]<p>[This message has been edited by curt quesnell (edited 01-30-2004).]

[hunt4food]

When I referred to my tipping above, I was referring to the entire package. The bomber driver is only one part of it. Behind the scenes, there are emplyees cleaning our cabin, cooking our meals, filling our coffee thermos's, cleaning our fish, stopping by our shack and offering tips and advice and just plain being happy. That's why I tip the resort when I pay my total bill. I fugure my tip at about 10% of my total bill. In the case I posted above, that's what we did. For those of you that stated you don't tip at all, more power to ya. It's a free country and all you are contractually responsible for is your bill and a little(ok, a lot of) tax. I plan to visit the same resort with friends and family for years to come. I guess I would rather walk in the door and be recognized as "a nice guy that tips out of appreciation" than "that guy with the tight wallet". As was stated above, they do remember their better customers and that's good enough for me. Just my 2 cents.

[walleyehawk]

It is not the bombadier drivers job to help us out when we are stuck. They are out there to take clients to fishhouses, deliver meals, open new houses, move houses, etc. If they see a person in a life threatening situation, that is another story. But they have a job to do for their bosses the same way we each do.<P>A few years ago a bombadier driver told me that trucks driving on the bombadier/snowmobile trails is against the law and a fine. And when we saw a truck driving on the route, he did not have much respect for the person, taking down the license number. This messes up their trail by making it just bare ice. Something to keep in mind, stay off the trails and don't expect help if you happen to drive on it.<P>As far as a tip, in winter it depends on the quality of service and if they provide extras such as cleaning fish. $5-20 a day is what I give if I receive good service. That is within the 15% general tipping rule. And that is what I can afford as my last name is not Trump. <P>In the summer I may tip more on the charters as the captain puts alot of effort into keeping the downriggers on top of fish as well as cleaning the fish.<P>Finally, I think they understand some people are better off financially than others and appreciate anything they get.

[little perch 1]

When we were up there in Feb of 03 we asked our bomadeer driver.What the going rate was for tips.He said what ever you feel is right.All I am doing is my job,like you do for your living.When we reached into our pockets to give a tip.He said that it was not nesacary to tip him.All he was worried about getting us out there safely.But was very happy to receive a tip.I know a lot of them work there butt off to get tips and do what is told to them buy there bosses like we all do.This is my own feeling give them a brake if your house does not have the fish there.An't there fault that you can't catch fish.Just my two cents

[Burbut_King]

i agree, it really isn't there fault thatyour house didn't catch any fish, but it is nice to give a tip. They work pretty hard