I offered to take a couple of people fishing today out at Neah as a favor to a close family friend. We owe this person big time....(long story) She asked if I knew of any guides or charter services for her cousin and her husband to catch a few salmon while on vacation in sequim. I gave her a few numbers but told her I'd take them out as a favor to her if she wanted. She was thrilled. I met the people today and off we went We had a good day, and we were able to put 6 in the cooler. (it took about 50 hookups, but again, another story...) I ran the riggers, and kept the rods bending as best I could, and gave help advice as needed to help with fighting fish. I processed the fish, bagged them, and packed them on ice in their cooler. They were very nice people and I had fun showing them the area and watching them get excited over the fish. When we got back I dropped them off at their car, I said good bye and left. About a mile up the road I noticed a considerable wad of $$$ sitting in my cup holder that wasn't there when I helped them get the cooler out. When they asked I told them they could help with the gas and I said 20 was fair. ( I know this is a gray area as far as accepting payment for taking someone fishing, but I think most everyone does it) This was WAY more than gas money. I immediately called our friends and told them what they did, and that I couldn't accept it. I explained it wasn't necessary, and technically it's illegal. She said her cousin and hubby had a really good time and wanted to thank me... asked for their address so I could return it, but she wouldn't give it. i dont even know their last names....

What should I do? I really am uncomfortable taking the $$$. Not only for the law it breaks, but it lessens the idea that I was trying to repay a big favor from a friend.

It's a gray area actually. You didn't ask for money to take them out (except for gas which is legit, I can't see any court actually convicting anyone for sharing gas expenses). I would try again and return the money. I can see the gesture, but in long run it's like paying or tipping you for your services (which would be guiding).

But, usually for myself, we normally do a "I pay for gas, you pay for breakfast" thing. This way, no confusion there. I guess if they wanted to, they could say there was a payment offered. But breakfast? Come on. But could see a lawyer saying so. But you did the right thing by attempting to contact them. If anything, give the money to the friend you were helping out. That way, they can carry the burden if it bothers you that much. As much as I hate to say it, you've exhausted all you can do. Just take it as appreciation and BUY MORE GEAR!!!! lol. Hate to make it sound smartalec, but not much else you can do unless you donate it to charity.

If you enjoyed the company,pocket the money and offer them another trip,with the understanding that there would be no more payment involved.

Consider it gas/launch fee/ice/food money.

They obviously had a great time. You did everything I'd do, and since you didn't ask for the money, I wouldn't worry about it anymore.

One thing to remember is that it is fun to give gifts. In affect, you'd take their fun away by refusing the money.

I agree with skydriftin'. Insist that you take them out again sometime with the promise they not give you a gift again.

Sounds to me like you showed them a great time. They wouldn't have given you that gift otherwise.

Giving is the perogative of the giver. Consider their alternative. A charter trip probably would have cost more than they gave you and they probably had alot more fun. They probably would have felt like they were imposing if you didn't accept the money. If you think it is too much they obviously didn't. Since you didn't ask for it make them stay happy and keep it. Maybe acknowledge receving the money and tell them it seemed like too much but you will accept it knowing they had a great time. Move on.

Elkrun
Do you mind me asking how much $$$.
That is really cool that they kicked down like that. People that dont ussually dont go fishing dont know how expensive it is. Twenty bucks doesnt even cover the one flasher spoon setup you might have lost. That was cool you offered to give it back. I would leave it @ that. How was fishing @ neah? Is it still as hot as it was two weeks ago? Ill be there this weekend.

You can send me the $ if you feel that guilty.

triple digits - WAY TOO MUCH. We actually didn't lose any gear. Most of my friends are pretty good about helping out. It honestly costs me around $40 to go on a normal trip. Gas in the truck (v-10 dodge...ouch) gas in the boat. usually at least 4 bags of ice, and launch fees.

Neah is fishing well. I didn't venture very far with too rookies. It was glass though... All fish were caught at the green can (waddah island). Probably at least 40 hook ups... to get 10 fish to the boat and bonk their 6 keepers. They had very little experience and had a hard time keeping them on. The lady reeled a 6 pound silver caught on a plug right to the top guide, within 3 inches! It was everything I could do to keep from laughing! I think I'll buy a gift certificate for some fancy resturant in our friends name and give it to her that way.... at least she cant give it back.

Elkrun,
alot of times its best to do what you feel inside your gut!!! that's a good return gesture!!! My 2 cents.
Winterun.

Just remember the money when your boat breaks down, and it will I can guarantee that. How many of your friends are there when you need the new waterpump or outdrive? Not many I'll bet.....I too am a boat owner and know what kind of money it takes to keep her going. Take the money and run, and give yourself a pat on the back for showing your new found friends a great day on the water.

Elk Run,

I think what makes you feel good is what it's all about.

If the couple feels good givin you the money thats their privilage.

If you don't feel good taken it and can't give it back donate it to the Salvation Army or some worthy cause and that's your privilage.

You know how you would have reacted if the tables were turned and it was you an your wife fishin with a friends, friend.

Actualy, I know you don't need my 2cents worth you'll do the stand up thing, you appear to be that kind of a guy.




herm

Elkrun
I agree with Herm, you seem like a stand up guy. What kind of boat are you in, Ill keep an eye out this weekend if your fishing?

I just rebuilt a deck,over on lk Chelan,for my girlfriends sister.I did it for the fun of it and because I know that my girlfriend is in debt too them from past taxes on the property.She is all paid up but they were nice enough too help her out when she was in need.When I got done wth the deck,her sister aproached me with a check that was beyond the triple digits.I was lucky enough to have the oportunity to politely refuse it with out an audiance and without leaving her feeling like she now owes me.Tough situation!

Sounds like if you push the issue of giving the money back,at this point, you will be pushing your agenda of returning a favor too far and detracting from the good time had by all.

Dude with all the bad luck you have had here the last few weeks????

Take the friends that you are in debt too out for dinner or something.

Buy them something special with the money.

I'm with itlCLEO, consider it return karma and do what feels right.

When visiting my wife's family back east, I never get a chance to pay for anything, and never has her uncle allowed me to pay for my spot on his charter fishing boat.

It is always fun, but it makes it a lot more enjoyable for me if I can contribute in some way. You gave these visitors a chance to do something that many Washingtonians have never had a chance to do, and they likely enjoyed it more because they got to choose what they felt was fair compensation.

Good people do good things! It sounds like you're running with the RIGHT crowd. It's hard to find/meet people with good values anymore. Most folks are so G.D. greedy and selfish it makes me want to puke! That's why my "crowd" is very small. Keep the money, you tried to return it. I wouldn't worry about the "law" issue. There's so many "weekend guides" that aren't licensed but are practicing and they're not being harassed (here in the Wenatchee area).

Snit has a point,

Used to go out with two guys that I worked a job with. It was great , my truck/boat they'd buy breakfast, bait 'n gas.
As construction goes, we wen't our separate ways. This season I met up with two new guys, had 'em out three times. No bait, no gas, no breakfast, no tackle, and they might as well have been Mickey Mouse Poles. So I was like, "hey guys,
how 'bout pickin up some bait, or throwin' down a couple of clams on the petrol?" Needless to say I haven't had those guys out since. Sure, if I invited 'em out and told them I'd take care of them, thats one thing. But as boat owners there are a lot more expenses than gas, or bait, and most people (non boat owners) don't see it. In Elkruns case, I'd have them out again, just be sure to look after them again. They obviously appreciated it.


Ken

i think that steve miller song sums it up...go on and take the money and run..lol.. i wanna do some salt fishing, anybody got room, i pitch in/help out, no problem..

I think you should donate it to a fish enhancement cause. They had such a great time because of the resource available to you and them. Make a donation in their name to help preserve that resource.

Or maybe a donation to help the kids at the school where you teach.

Everyone wins either way.