As a mate I would say tip according to service. Just remember its fishing. If you see us changing rods consistently but the fish are not biting we are still doing our job. I know when i go to dinner i give a generous tip if my service is great. We remember good clients but always remember the bad ones... And as per pay, many of us are paid min wage. we ALL work for our tip. Don't forget to ask too if the tip is being split with the Capt. That was the mate is not being f$%$ over.