RULES FOR NON-BOATERS
* Be on time when meeting your partner.
* Have your own Life Vest
* Bring your own drinks/food, but no extra coolers unless the boat does not have a built in cooler. Small lunch bags that can fit into a compartment are ok. Plastic coolers that have to sit on the floor will only get in the way.
* If you are not comfortable backing in a boat trailer or driving an empty trailer to the parking area SAY something. Don't be embarrassed. Everyone at one time did not know how to do it. Ask around and one of the boaters will show You how to maneuver the trailers.
* Treat the boat like it was your own "brand new boat" and try to avoid getting
mud, sand, spilling drinks, fish scents, etc… on the interior of the boat. If you do spill something , say something right away, the boater may have something to clean it with on board.
Bring drinks with closable lids, no open cans. Ask before using any Dyes on a boat, if the boater says No, then don't argue. Dye your baits at home before the TX. Dye stains permanently and does not come out of carpet or seats.
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Try and avoid stepping on top of the seats, most boats have a step up to the back deck, or a fold down middle seat with a step pad. Use it.
* Ask the boater where you can store items, You'll know where to store your rods; which compartments are for your use, etc
* Use covers for your crankbaits/traps that are tied on your rods so the trebles do not get stuck in the seats. If you do stick one, do not attempt to just pull it out as it will leave a bigger hole.
* If the boat has a big front deck and He invites you up front to fish do it, this is the easiest and fairest way to maneuver the boat and at the same time catch fish. Get up there!
* When casting from the back deck, do not throw your lure up past nose of the boat in an attempt to hit a target before the boater. The boater may be trying to position the boat to best access the structure so both of you can have decent casts at it.
* Do not have a lot of tackle scattered on the back deck. Ask the boater to give you 2 -3 casts notice when He will be ready to leave an area. You should be in your seat and ready to go when the boater pulls the trolling motor up.
* When prepping to move make sure your equipment is secured, rods strapped, hats stowed, etc. At 70 mph in some boats, objects will leave the boat in a hurry.
* Pay attention to what the bottom structure is like, or, if not familiar with the area ask the boater what it is like. If fishing areas that contain a lot of junk on the bottom, do not throw wacky rigs or open hook plastics that will get hung up every couple casts.
* Try to downsize extremely bulky tackle boxes and use tackle boxes that fit into storage compartments easier. This helps both of you, because the boxes won't be underfoot while battling and/or netting fish. You do not need to bring everything You own for a TX. 5 rods is sufficient, 6 max. Talk to your boater beforehand to get an idea what you will be fishing.
* At the end of the day clean up. Do not leave line, discarded plastic worms, lead weights, food wrappers, or bottles in the boat. Especially in the seating area floor. Smaller objects/plastics will work there way into the floor drain and either clog the drain, or get into the bilge and possibly get stuck in a bilge pump causing it to burn out. Take them to the trash.
* Always offer to help wipe down the boat after the tournament.
TOURNAMENT FISHING ETHICS
These apply to ALL tournament fishermen. There are a lot of these "unwritten rules" involving tournament etiquette.
* If you’re fishing in a tournament and your partner misses a fish don’t throw in immediately where he missed the fish and attempt to catch it. Let your partner reel in, and allow them to cast back at the fish a second time.
* When using a net don’t take wild jabs into the water at the fish, most fishermen prefer to lead the fish to the net. While other anglers would rather net or lip the fish themselves. Talk about net handling and lipping fish before you take-off in the morning.
* If you are in a 2 day TX and your previous day’s partner caught fish from an area do not go back to his areas trying to catch the fish he’d located. Maybe fish their pattern, but find a new area of the River.
* When someone takes you out practicing before a tournament don’t tell other competitors what, where, and how the fish were caught.
* Don’t cut off another competitor by pulling in on a bank and fishing in front of them. If a guy is working down a bankline, you can pull in Behind Him , but leave at least a 50 yard buffer zone.
* If boats are fishing a point or are sitting in one spot fishing. Do not pull up alongside and drop the trolling motor. Leave at least 4 long casts length between you and any other boats.
* if you’re leaving an area to go to another area, don’t prop wash and/or disturb the area . Idle out far enough away so your wake does not rock the other boats that are still fishing the area.
* When moving on the gas motor, keep a look straight ahead for any floating objects, especially after a heavy rain. two sets of eyes scanning the surface ahead is always safer. Point out an object if you see one, don't assume the boater sees it. Point out boats crossing from your side also.
Communication and a little mutual respect can go a long way in most situations involving etiquette or the "unwritten rules" of the game.
If you have to think about what you are going to do is OK, then it isn't.
Simply ask yourself: Would I like for that to be done to me?
You’ll have your answer.
