InTheBite

  • Home
  • News
    • All News
    • Featured Stories
    • General News
    • Captain of the Year
    • Tournament Results
    • First Builds
    • Splash Reports
    • Old Salts Rule
    • Tackle Tips
    • Dock Talk
    • Crew Records
    • Conservation
  • Tournaments
    • Calendar
    • Captain of the Year
    • Champion’s Cup
  • Shop
    • All Products
    • Subscriptions
    • Back Issues
    • Shirts
    • Hats & Visors
    • Miscellaneous
    • Release Rulers
  • Classifieds
  • Job Board
  • Contact
    • Contact InTheBite
    • InTheBite Media Kit
  • Log in

Figuring Out the Going Rate for Tournament Shares

August 14, 2020 By InTheBite Editor

By Captain Scott “Fraz” Murie

What’s the going rate on tournament shares?”

I’ve heard this question several times in the past. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is no “going rate.”

I’ve talked to many owners and captains and it seems that no two boats are the same. When the fishing season is really good for just about all species owners can be found betting large amounts of money in these tournaments. These days, an across-the-board bet averages from $50,000 to $70,000. For the most part, they’ve been doing it.

What have I learned after talking to some owners? Some take out expenses before any payout goes to the crew. If you win $50,000 and it costs $70,000 to fish the tournament, you get zero (thank goodness, he’s not charging you for the $20,000 he’s in the hole!). Other owners are giving 20, 25, or even 30 percent of the top to split with the crew.

The owner split is not the only variable. When the captain with ten years on the boat doesn’t split the money evenly between himself and the mates, there’s bound to be some whining. For instance, I was listening to a “walk on, walk off” third mate complain about not getting as much money as the long-time captain and mate did. That’s right, the same captain and mate that had been working for days ahead of time, making all the preparations in order to be ready for the tournament!

The fact is that there is no right or wrong on the way the owner shares the winnings with the crew. After all, it’s his boat and he’s taking all the risk up front. It’s his account that throws down $50,000 to $80,000 in cash to bet in the first place. So, he has the right to share it as he sees fit.

If it’s the owner’s choice, what should the crew do while preparing for tournament season? Each crew member should find out exactly what they are to receive in the event any money is won – before he ever agrees to fish the tournament. Ask the questions beforehand.

Here are some questions to ask: “Am I going to get ten percent of the top or ten percent after expenses, on top of my deck, or captain’s pay?” Also, “Will I be receiving a 1099-form from the owner?” at way there are no surprises. There will be no need for whining, “I only got this much and it’s not fair.”

What do I think about whining about tournament money? As a captain, I don’t want to hear it. You should have figured all that out before you ever left the dock. Whining about money ends up taking all the fun out of what should have been a winning weekend and all-around great time. Here is my suggestion: get it figured out before you leave the dock or take what you get and be happy with it.

—That’s my two-minute warning. Fraz

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Do you have any comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you.

    Filed Under: Featured Stories Tagged With: capt. fraz murie, fishing tournament, tournamnet shares, two minute warning

    Recent News

    The Evolution of the Captain of the Year—The Championship of Sportfishing

    The InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup is the championship of sportfishing. The Cup is the world’s only quantifiable way to recognize the tournament success of professional sportfishermen. Comprised of 90-sanctioned events that span the world, there i … [Read More...]

    SiriusXM Marine’s Fish Mapping service

    Fish Mapping: Now Available on Simrad & Furuno

    SiriusXM Marine’s Fish Mapping service is now available on Simrad and Furuno displays!  Whether you’re competing in a tournament, out fishing for fun, or taking clients on a charter trip, Fish Mapping provides the information you need to help get you … [Read More...]

    lunatico effie may

    Champion’s Cup & COTY Updates

    Champion's Cup Update April 19, 2021 Team Lunatico's 63' Titan Effie Mae is moving up in the ranks for both the Champion's Cup and Captain of the Year with their first place win during this weekend's White Marlin Roundup. The win awarded them a full … [Read More...]

    New Texas State Record Bluefin Tuna Weighing 876 Pounds

    Friday, April 16, 2021, Thomas J. Hilton, www.HiltonsOffshore.com—A week ago last year in early April 2020, 4 Texas boats with Hilton's subscribers aboard each landed a bluefin tuna weighing between 599 pounds to 820 pounds (new Texas state record). T … [Read More...]

    furuno

    NavNet TZtouch from Furuno

    If you missed the Palm Beach International Boat Show or didn't make it by the Furuno tent then check out the video below to see what was on display and to learn a little more about the Furuno products. Braden Shoemaker, Furuno SE Regional Manager, … [Read More...]

    Leave a Reply

    Connect With InTheBite

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Sign Up for the InTheBite Newsletter


    Be the first to hear about the latest Sportfishing News, Products, and Services!

    Subscribe to InTheBite Magazine Today!

    InTheBite Magazine Current Cover

    Our latest issue is hitting the docks now! Be sure to subscribe to the hottest bluewater mag on the market. Purchase or Subscribe »

    Upcoming Tournaments

    Wed 21

    Hawk’s Nest White Marlin Shootout

    April 18 - April 21
    Wed 21

    Ed Dwyer’s Otherside Invitational

    April 21 - April 25
    Thu 22

    Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament

    April 22 - April 25
    Wed 28

    The Shootout: Production vs. Custom

    April 28 - May 1
    Sat 01

    MONGO Offshore Challenge

    May 1 - September 30

    View More…

    InTheBite Champion’s Cup

    InTheBite Champions Cup Logo

    New for 2021, the Champion’s Cup is an optional paid entry with a winner-takes-all prize format for teams who want to up the stakes in each division utilizing our longstanding tournament scoring formula.

    Captain of the Year Cup Standings

    Captain of the Year Cup Standings Logo

    View the current standings for InTheBite's Captain of the Year Cup... Leaderboard »

    News

    • The Evolution of the Captain of the Year—The Championship of Sportfishing

      The Evolution of the Captain of the Year—The Championship of Sportfishing

      The InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup is the championship of sportfishing. The Cup is the world’s only quantifiable way to recognize the tournament success of professional sportfishermen. Comprised of 90-sanctioned events that span the world, there is nothing else like it. Winning an InTheBite Captain of the Year Award is a major achievement. From the winners to the Cup’s... [Read More...]

    • Fish Mapping: Now Available on Simrad & Furuno

      Fish Mapping: Now Available on Simrad & Furuno

      SiriusXM Marine’s Fish Mapping service is now available on Simrad and Furuno displays!  Whether you’re competing in a tournament, out fishing for fun, or taking clients on a charter trip, Fish Mapping provides the information you need to help get you to the spots where fish are most likely to be located, saving you time and fuel.  In addition to all... [Read More...]

    • Champion's Cup & COTY Updates

      Champion's Cup & COTY Updates

      Champion's Cup Update April 19, 2021 Team Lunatico's 63' Titan Effie Mae is moving up in the ranks for both the Champion's Cup and Captain of the Year with their first place win during this weekend's White Marlin Roundup. The win awarded them a full 500 points putting them neck and neck with Uno Mas within the Champion's Cup International Division... [Read More...]

    • New Texas State Record Bluefin Tuna Weighing 876 Pounds

      New Texas State Record Bluefin Tuna Weighing 876 Pounds

      Friday, April 16, 2021, Thomas J. Hilton, www.HiltonsOffshore.com—A week ago last year in early April 2020, 4 Texas boats with Hilton's subscribers aboard each landed a bluefin tuna weighing between 599 pounds to 820 pounds (new Texas state record). They were landed off of surface structures shown on www.HiltonsOffshore.com. Sea surface water temperature is critical this time of year, with fish... [Read More...]

    • NavNet TZtouch from Furuno

      NavNet TZtouch from Furuno

      If you missed the Palm Beach International Boat Show or didn't make it by the Furuno tent then check out the video below to see what was on display and to learn a little more about the Furuno products. Braden Shoemaker, Furuno SE Regional Manager, breaks down the different NavNet TZtouch systems and what they can offer on your next... [Read More...]

    Search InTheBite

    Copyright © 2021 InTheBite, LLC · All Rights Reserved.

    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.