Co-Angler Questions

[nitsuj378]

Hello all.  I am a new poster but have been the forums for a while now and have really obtained some valuable information.  I have some questions concerning fishing tournaments as a co angler.  This year I plan on fishing the weekend series at Kentucky Lake as a co angler and just wanted to get some more information on what I can expect.  I have done some research online and read a couple articles on the topic.  I guess im just wondering....

 

Are all boaters welcoming to co anglers in their boats or do some feel its a burden they just have to deal with?

When fishing from the back deck, where am I not allowed to fish?

What are the cardinal rules to abide by when fishing as a co angler?

Is the amount of tackle and rods set by the tournament rules or is it up to the discretion of the boater?

 

I have been interested in doing this for some time and just want to get some insight from those who have done it and maybe some boaters who have had co anglers in their boats.  My number one goal is to learn as much as I can.  I love this sport so much but just dont have a boat.  My friend I fish with is scared to fish tournaments and he is the one with the boat.  Any help whatsoever on this topic would be greatly appreciated.  

 

Thanks

Justin

[CDMeyer]

_{I am also new to the tournament world and have the same questions he does, I love fishing it is just that my boat is not tournament "material"}

[CDMeyer]

I am in the same boat as he is and have the same questions, I love the sport and want to do allI can to get better

 

[Megastink]

Guys

 

Welcome to Bass Resource! This is a great topic to discuss. I've been a coangler for years. College was expensive, and I cannot afford a tow vehicle and boat. Being a co angler is great becauce you will get to see how other established anglers fish. You'll learn techniques different than what you might be used to. I think I can help you with your questions:

Are all boaters welcoming to co anglers in their boats or do some feel its a burden they just have to deal with?

- The great majority of boaters are very welcoming. It is a rare occurance when someone isnt welcoming. That being said, they are not their to help you or baby you. You have to be 100% self reliant, but offer a helping hand where you can (more on this later).

When fishing from the back deck, where am I not allowed to fish?

-Watch an episode of Ultimate Match Fishing. They draw an imaginary line right behond the console. Do you allow your casts to cross that line. Fish whatever is perpendicular to the back of the boat from that line.

What are the cardinal rules to abide by when fishing as a co angler?

-You could write a book on this: Whenever you find out who your boater is, start with a handshake and a smile. Let them know ahead of time that this is your first tournament. I, for one, have zero confidence backing in or loading a boat onto the trailer, so I tell them too. Make sure you dont damage their boat. Ask them if you can buy them/provide them lunch. Some say yes, others no. Either way, its a nice gesture. Find out what kind of fishing you'll be doing, and try to pack just what you need (boat clutter is a hassel). Ask if they want their fish netted, and be a good net man. At the end of the day, offer to wipe down their boat for them. Pick up all of your trash. And then there is the non-boater fee..... usually a sum of money between $20-$100 that you give the boater to help pay for gas. Some guys will only except $20, if anything. Some guys will demand that you pay half of the gas/oil and everything. You have to establish that before hand. Ask how much running you're going to do and how much THEY THINK the fee should be.  

Is the amount of tackle and rods set by the tournament rules or is it up to the discretion of the boater?

-Could be both. Some organizations dont allow more than x amount of rods. I carry 6 with me, I find that more than enough. Bring your confidence gear; you'll spend more time fishing than searching for antoher lure to try.

 

Good luck!

[Felix77]

Welcome to the club ... Fishing tournaments can be intimidating so you were right to ask these questions.  I have been a co-angler for over 2 years now and here is my 2 cents on the subject.

 

Are all boaters welcoming to co anglers in their boats or do some feel its a burden they just have to deal with?

 

As mentioned already most are welcoming.  Don't take that welcome as someone who is going to teach you during the tournament.  It's in your best interest to observe what they are doing and learning that way.  Some boaters are more open to teach than others.  Don't assume they all are.  I have only felt unwelcomed on one tournament.  In that case I just fished my fished and called it a day.  I found as long as I stood out of the way and was there to help (net and otherwise) the unwelcomed feelings at the beginning disappeared by days end.

 

When fishing from the back deck, where am I not allowed to fish?

 

In our leagues it's a simple rule.  Don't cross over one another.  I have discussed this at nauseum with my boaters and all are ok with fishing past that "invisible line" as long as you aren't trying to squeak one past them.  Be courteous and look for waters which the boater is not fishing and you should be safe.

 

What are the cardinal rules to abide by when fishing as a co angler?

 

#1 rule - Be ready with the net!

#2 rule - When the boater says it's time to go you should be ready to go at the end of that cast.

#3 rule - Keep your stuff clean and tidy.  If it takes you 15 minutes to sort stuff before your next run you could be breaking rule #2.

#4 rule - Help out in any other way possible.  I can't backout a boat but I can certainly pull it out and part it into a spot.  I can also tie it up and help clean when we are out. 

 

Is the amount of tackle and rods set by the tournament rules or is it up to the discretion of the boater?

 

There is no rules in my tournament trails however there should be some common sense here.  You will only have a small amount of space alongside you where to hold your rods.  You only have some space by your feet to hold your tackle.  6-7 rods and one good tacklebag is more than reasonable.

[J Francho]

I only fish team format tournaments.  Boater/non boater issues are VERY rare in this format, since you are working together.

[cdaggett]

Guys

 

Welcome to Bass Resource! This is a great topic to discuss. I've been a coangler for years. College was expensive, and I cannot afford a tow vehicle and boat. Being a co angler is great becauce you will get to see how other established anglers fish. You'll learn techniques different than what you might be used to. I think I can help you with your questions:

Are all boaters welcoming to co anglers in their boats or do some feel its a burden they just have to deal with?

- The great majority of boaters are very welcoming. It is a rare occurance when someone isnt welcoming. That being said, they are not their to help you or baby you. You have to be 100% self reliant, but offer a helping hand where you can (more on this later).

When fishing from the back deck, where am I not allowed to fish?

-Watch an episode of Ultimate Match Fishing. They draw an imaginary line right behond the console. Do you allow your casts to cross that line. Fish whatever is perpendicular to the back of the boat from that line.

What are the cardinal rules to abide by when fishing as a co angler?

-You could write a book on this: Whenever you find out who your boater is, start with a handshake and a smile. Let them know ahead of time that this is your first tournament. I, for one, have zero confidence backing in or loading a boat onto the trailer, so I tell them too. Make sure you dont damage their boat. Ask them if you can buy them/provide them lunch. Some say yes, others no. Either way, its a nice gesture. Find out what kind of fishing you'll be doing, and try to pack just what you need (boat clutter is a hassel). Ask if they want their fish netted, and be a good net man. At the end of the day, offer to wipe down their boat for them. Pick up all of your trash. And then there is the non-boater fee..... usually a sum of money between $20-$100 that you give the boater to help pay for gas. Some guys will only except $20, if anything. Some guys will demand that you pay half of the gas/oil and everything. You have to establish that before hand. Ask how much running you're going to do and how much THEY THINK the fee should be.  

Is the amount of tackle and rods set by the tournament rules or is it up to the discretion of the boater?

-Could be both. Some organizations dont allow more than x amount of rods. I carry 6 with me, I find that more than enough. Bring your confidence gear; you'll spend more time fishing than searching for antoher lure to try.

 

Good luck!

How do older anglers feel towards younger anglers? I feel that if they were any bit serious that they would want an older angler. Older anglers usually have been fishing for more time. I feel like nobody would want an 18 year old co-angler... Also, what if you have absolutely no experience fishing the techniques they are doing? For example; they are drop shotting in 60 ft. of water, while I do my best using a lipless crank? Not saying that is the case but if it were?What am I expected to do? Dropshot? I entirely understand that if I have the privilege of fishing on another person's boat that where he chooses to go and what he chooses to do are up to him. This would be my main concern even if I made it into a co-angler position. Also, say I don't have a cranking rod and the driver has two. He is using one, and the only rods I have are a jerkbait rod and a flipping rod. Will they usually share? Or are they concerned about their tackle being theirs? 

[Megastink]

 For example; they are drop shotting in 60 ft. of water, while I do my best using a lipless crank? Not saying that is the case but if it were?What am I expected to do? Dropshot?

I think, in this example, you would LEARN that if you're fishing 60ft of water, you might want to try a dropshot. Its not the boaters responability to make sure you know what you're doing. Your job is to oberserve your surroundings, conditions and make a decision on what technique you're going to employ based on that. If 60ft of water screams Lipless crank, you might want to do more research.

 

As for your question about the two crankbait rods, it depends. Some guys will share; others wont. But I have to say that it takes some BALLS to ask to borrow another angler's rod. That, to me, is showing up unprepared, which I consider a pain. You can always ask, though.

 

As for your age, I started fishing tournaments when I was 13. You might be sterotyped by some guys, sure. But others will look at your youthfulness as an opportunity to teach you something. We fish tournaments because we want to advance, we want to feel accomplished. DOnt be afraid to ask your boater for tips. They probably rarely get asked and would LOVE the chance to flex some muscle. Makes them feel good and can teach you something.

 

Side note: DONT UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF! I've put on some clinics from the back of the boat. Its not uncommon for a coangler to outfish the boater. I've given tips, I've lent tackle. Shoot, a few years ago, after boating my 15th keeper, I cut off my bait and lent it to the boater, who then caught his limit :-)

 

Positive attitude is KEY!

[nitsuj378]

Thanks to all who have responded.  Your input is extremely valuable.  I am very versatile with my bass fishing application and I dont think ill have any problem making decisions for any given condition or situation.  I guess I am just nervous that I might do something wrong or prohibited due to my inexperience as a co angler.  Again thanks for the helpful responses.

[Glenn]

Lot's of info here too!

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/co-angler_clinic.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/guide_to_tournament_fishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/backseat_fishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tournament-etiquette.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/back_seat_strategies.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tournament_etiquette.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Tournament_Tips.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tournaments_beginning.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/fishing_partners.html

 

Enjoy!

[cdaggett]

I think, in this example, you would LEARN that if you're fishing 60ft of water, you might want to try a dropshot. Its not the boaters responability to make sure you know what you're doing. Your job is to oberserve your surroundings, conditions and make a decision on what technique you're going to employ based on that. If 60ft of water screams Lipless crank, you might want to do more research.

 

As for your question about the two crankbait rods, it depends. Some guys will share; others wont. But I have to say that it takes some BALLS to ask to borrow another angler's rod. That, to me, is showing up unprepared, which I consider a pain. You can always ask, though.

 

Im not trying to be rude, but you didn't really answer the question in a way that I would have liked. Plus im slightly offended hahaha.    I would NEVER show up unprepared for a tournament. If I was ever to be a co-angler, I could only hope that they driver would give me a call, and discuss what we think is going to work, and what I am to bring. Im saying I do not have a designated crankbait rod. I don't feel like I am good enough with a crankbait to invest the money in a rod for it. I have and fish crankbaits of all sizes, brands and colors, but fish them on rods that may not be the best for hookups and keeping fish pinned. I am asking that If he had an extra rod laying around that would be better suited for me to help him with the tournament, would he lend it to me? Im an extremely polite person (I think), and I hate asking others for help if I can do something myself. I dont want to waste their time, or mine. AND... as for the dropshot thing. Again im asking if it is common for someone to choose a technique for the entire day without discussing and choosing spots with the co-angler to get fish in the boat, and to meet the needs of both anglers at the same time. I think that if you can find fish in a spot where both anglers can apply their own technique that they are best at, AT THE SAME TIME, then that would be better than going to a spot with fish in it where only one angler feels completely confident in his abilities to catch fish, while the other angler feels as if he HAS to use an unfamiliar technique in order to catch fish. I love dropshot fishing, and am confident every time I rig one up that I can catch some lunkers, but I have never explored that deep of water with one! And finally, on a side note, it was kind of stupid to make a comparison with a lipless crank. Im not that dumb to think that that sort of presentation will be effective for catching a limit!   I would not hesitate to try dropshotting in 60ft. of water. I just didnt really know what to use for a comparison. Im just wondering that IF I were an angler that has never even heard of a dropshot rig, if the main angler would lead him in the right direction, and guide you along a little bit in order to help me help him. The same question goes for other techniques as well. Will they help you or leave you on your own? Sorry if I worded anything wrong. I don't like to argue! Thanks for your thorough response!

[Felix77]

How do older anglers feel towards younger anglers? I feel that if they were any bit serious that they would want an older angler. Older anglers usually have been fishing for more time. I feel like nobody would want an 18 year old co-angler... Also, what if you have absolutely no experience fishing the techniques they are doing? For example; they are drop shotting in 60 ft. of water, while I do my best using a lipless crank? Not saying that is the case but if it were?What am I expected to do? Dropshot? I entirely understand that if I have the privilege of fishing on another person's boat that where he chooses to go and what he chooses to do are up to him. This would be my main concern even if I made it into a co-angler position. Also, say I don't have a cranking rod and the driver has two. He is using one, and the only rods I have are a jerkbait rod and a flipping rod. Will they usually share? Or are they concerned about their tackle being theirs? 

 

This is there being prepared for anything is key.  Aa co-angler in my first year I found myself in situations I was not comfortable with at all.  Namely deep water and clear water.  In my first experiences through those conditions I found myself unprepared and tried my best with what I had with me that day.  I struggled for limits on those days.  

In year two I was much better prepared (Tackle, baits etc.)

 

You would be smart to have at  least one technique handy for various depths which can produce.  The simplest is a series of bullet weights up to 1oz and Senkos, finesse or trick worms of various sizes.  A bass will bite a worm no matter how deep they are.  

 

[AMAC]

I have fished 5 seasons as a co angler now in the BASS opens and every boater I have had the pleasure of fishing with have been very respectable and easy to talk to. Now I have indeed heard some horror stories that I hope I will never have the chance to add to. With that being said most major trails or tours have printed rules as far as how many rods, bags, etc a co angler can bring. Also boaters are require to reserve a compartment for your gear on the back of the boat. Usually behind your seat. They also discuss the imaginary line between you and the boater and not to cast across that line. A side not to that I have been in tournaments where a guy is fishing a certain spot and fish come up schooling and he tells me to cast over his head towards the fish. Some guys are cool with that some are not. Not to beat a dead horse just let your boater know it's your first tourney and get a good idea of what he will be doing, depth, clarity, cover etc etc. There are many great techniques that compliment one another. Another great tip, get yourself some type of culling system so that when you have a limit and need to make a quick cull you're not chasing fish all around the live well. Some trails require this now because a co angler dropped his fish in the boaters live well by accident oooops! Another great tip which I haven't seen yet, DO NOT SHARE YOUR DAY 1 PARTNERS SPOT OR TECHNIQUES WITH YOUR DAY 2 PARTNER. Other than that pack you some lunch and drinks and offer to bring ice (not needed this month lol) and go have some fun! God bless!