By Capt. Dale Wills
Being the big skipper—riding high in the captain’s chair—is the goal of many professional sportfishermen. After several years in the cockpit learning the ropes, honing your skills and mastering everything there is to know about sportfishing boats, getting the call to take over can be the logical progression for many mates. Once at the wheel, the helm chair can lead some to memory loss about what it was like to work in the cockpit. Everyone appreciates a bit of professional courtesy in the workplace. Mates are no different. What follows are ten basic courtesies that a captain can do to make his mate’s job and life that much easier – and more fulfilled.