---
title: "Making It: The Head Boat Mate, Jodi Waibel"
description: "_Every outdoorsman dreams of turning his passion for hunting and fishing into some sort of a living. We tracked down a half dozen people who've turned their avocation into their vocation, and asked them what it takes to make a living doing what they love. And if making money in the outdoors isn't in the cards for you, stay tuned for the next installment in this story: how to save money in the outdoors with 21 DIY projects and gear hacks._ The Head Boat Mate Jodi Waibel North Branford, CT Even grizzled charter-boat captains will agree that the most critical—and thankless—job on any fishing boat belongs to the mate. Long hours, strenuous daily routines, low pay, and zero recognition? Jodi Waibel, a mate aboard the Black Hawk out of Niantic, wouldn't have it any other way."
date: "2015-04-15"
modified: "2015-04-15"
authors:
  - name: "Outdoor Life Staff"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/outdoor-life-staff/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/fishing/2015/04/making-it-head-boat-mate-jodi-waibel/"
categories:
  - "Fishing"
  - "Saltwater Fishing"
---

# Making It: The Head Boat Mate, Jodi Waibel

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/OO7QWPZH2HAHUPTB2SJCFEH57Y.jpg>)

**The Head Boat Mate**
Jodi Waibel
 *North Branford, CT*

Even grizzled charter-boat captains will agree that the most critical—and thankless—job on any fishing boat belongs to the mate. Long hours, strenuous daily routines, low pay, and zero recognition? Jodi Waibel, a mate aboard the [Black Hawk out of Niantic](<https://www.blackhawksportfishing.com/>), wouldn't have it any other way.

**OL: What's your typical day like?**
 **JW:** I'm usually up at 4 a.m. and at the boat an hour before our first trip at 6. I prep bait, rig up, greet customers, and sometimes sell trip tickets, hats, and T-shirts. It takes us 45 minutes to an hour to get to where we'll fish. When we're fishing, I untangle lines and net fish. On the way in, I cut and bag fillets. Once we're back in, I clean the boat and stow gear for the next trip. Some days during the peak of the season, we run three trips a day. During the summer months I sometimes work seven days a week, but that's by choice.

**OL: What's the most and the least you've made on a trip?**
 **JW:** The most was probably $300. The least was $12.

**OL: This sounds like a tough way to make a living.**
 **JW:** Maybe, but I truly love my job. I've been fishing since I was three years old—my dad would take me with him all the time. I went to school to learn marine mechanics. I also learned that I'm not one to sit behind a desk. I got to the point where I wanted to do what I most enjoyed doing, and this is it.

Check out more people making their living in the outdoors:

[**The New Media Star: Mark Kenyon**](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/category/deer-hunting/>)

**The Outdoor Writer: Ron Spomer**

**The Gun-Store Clerk: Sam Morehouse**

**The Outfitter: Layne Wilcox**

**The Apparel Maker: Kirstie Pike**

**The Head Boat Mate: Jodi Waibel**