Boating Basics

[noobpro]

As a co-angler I do a ton of observation on the bodies of water that we fish.  I just began helping out a boater who is new to tournaments and these bodies of water.  All of my suggestions were already covered but I will second them ...

 

1 - Don't over complicate the situation.   If you have been fishing for a while then you will know what is "fishy".  Test them our and let experience be your guide.

 

2 - Get a map.  On a large body of water this is important.  Get your bearings and use it as a reference around the lake.  I buy those fishing maps.  When we were lost this weekend this came in handy to find our way back to the launch.

** Another note on those fishing maps.  You can certainly try those spots but there were a TON of spots not marked that we tested in preparation for a tournament that held very nice bass.  Don't live by those maps.  Just use them as you see fit and trust in #1

 

3 - Learn your vessel.  Fishing is one thing.  Fishing while controlling the trolling motor, the depth you are fishing, the boat position in wind, current etc. is a whole other ballgame!  At first keep it extremely simple with the fishing and master your boat.  Once you have that handy the fishing will take care of itself.

 

Boy I wish I were in your shoes ...  I see co-angling in my future for quite some time before I end up in a boat.

Thanks, for sharing, I'm picking my nitro z9 tomorrow.   I'm pretty busy as well, my whole life I've just been shorefishing and renting small row boats but now then I'm done with pharmacy school I can get the things I want.  

[noobpro]

sorry, and no offense to you, but i dont think a boating safety course can be overstated. also, remember youre not only looking out for your safety on the water by what you do, you have to watch what others around you are doing, there are lots of idiots out there who probably dont even know such a thing exists. i took the course and dont even own a boat. but my uncle does, and lately he tells me to drive the boat at times, so i thought it would be prudent for me to take the course. admittedly i took the free online course, but its approved by Virginia, NASBLA, and the US Coast Guard. I live in WV, but only ever go on a boat in VA, so i took VA's course...

I'm not saying that boating safety isn't important, but that's not the point of the topic and I agree there are a lot of idiots out there so I will take my utmost care.