Co-Angler Étiquette (Myth)

[dubya]

^{Whenever I go fishing with somebody in their boat I'm glad to share the cost and the chores. If I go fishing in my boat with somebody who doesn't share, that's the last time I go fishing with him. But normally, I'm fishing with a friend and there are no problems.}

[Lund Explorer]

Seems this is a pretty hot topic and I guess I would like to throw in my two cents. I started bass fishing about a year ago and have yet to step foot on a boat to do so. But as a potential non-boater I wouldn't even think of going out on someones boat without offering some cash at the end of the trip to help defer cost along with making sure I bring my own water, and lunch, in fact I would probably offer to bring the boater lunch. Sure the boater did buy his own boat, and yes he should be able to pay for it, and should not expect payment as if he was a guide. But etiquette is etiquette no matter how you slice it. If I go to a party I will always bring at least a bottle of wine, that includes family events. I think it would be rude for me to show up empty handed, just as it would be rude of me to fish on someone elses boat without offering something at the end. I wouldn't be mad if they accepted it, or declined it. At that point I have done what I think is right, I am no longer a freeloader in my mind, or the boaters mind.

 

No one likes a freeloader. 

 

Why not start the day out right by throwing the boater some cash at the start of the day?  Then it will look more like help in paying for the cost of the day rather than paying for the results.

[SFL BassHunter]

Hey lund that is an excellent idea. I never really thought of it as paying for results just because I wouldnt pay for results. If i had a crappy day on the water i would still offer cash to defer cost. But i see your point as to where the boater might see it that way. Great advice if i ever go along with someone on their boat ill do that.

Thanks

[Angry John]

Fun fishing it would not matter. If I was fishing for money I would give more if I won due to the boater. I hate that it has to be about money though as I do this to reduce stress.

[gulfcaptain]

Fun fishing it would not matter. If I was fishing for money I would give more if I won due to the boater. I hate that it has to be about money though as I do this to reduce stress.

Fun fishing with friends, before we even launch the boat, I hand him money for gas, launching fees, and cleaning fees when we are done.  We use my knowledge of areas I have fished in the past as well as experience taking people fishing. But although I am also offering my knowledge, the financial side should never be overlooked to help defer even a small amount of his expenses.  The way I look at it if two people go fishing for fun and you help our right off the bat, the two of you both have contributed to the trip and become true fishing partners for that day on the water.

 

And lets face it, we all love to fish, but it can get expensive, but even then it still reduces our stress.....atleast until we see how much we spent.....lol

[Zach Dunham]

Why not start the day out right by throwing the boater some cash at the start of the day?  Then it will look more like help in paying for the cost of the day rather than paying for the results.

 

I might try this at the Opens this year. I like the idea.

[Chris186]

As a boater, I never expect anything from a non boater, and I also never ask for anything. Im going fishing either way, so its not like its costing anything extra to have someone else in the boat.  Alot of times they will throw me some gas money at the end of the day which is cool, but not necessary. I like to feel like I am pretty good about giving the guy some good water to fish as well, and not completely rear-ending them the entire time. I try to keep the boat in a good position for both of us.  If its in a  singles tournament, honestly the only time they see the front of the boat is if im eating or retying a bunch of stuff. If its a team tourney(which is most of the time for me) or fun fishing, we will take turns at the front of the boat.

[gulfcaptain]

Why not start the day out right by throwing the boater some cash at the start of the day?  Then it will look more like help in paying for the cost of the day rather than paying for the results.

Why not throw him some money for expenses and then after the day, you could also show your gratitude with a little extra if the pro/boat owner gave you a shot at some fish and didn't backseat you and leave you in left field.  Then atleast he knows you appriciated the extra bit of effort he put forth trying to give you a shot at some fishable water as well....weather you caught fish or not. 

[Josh Smith]

Well dang, guys!  I never knew this was an issue.

 

The boat repair/restore is taking longer than I expected due to business, but I figure I'll have it out this summer.  Maybe the following summer, I'll fish a local tournament or two. 

 

My idea of boat use has always been along these lines:

 

"Dude, wanna go fishing?  I'm taking the boat."

 

"Cool.  What time?"

 

I doubt there will be any difference for any tournaments I might enter.  Sure, I might win some money.  Then again, maybe not.  It doesn't matter.

 

For me, if the focus ever switches to money instead of the enjoyment of fishing, I'll hang up my rods.  Lunch?  Hell, it's bologna and cheese on white bread, with mustard, and coffee to drink.

 

Oh, and I prefer the back and I enjoy backing the boat into the water.  That might just be me.

 

Josh

[Lund Explorer]

Why not throw him some money for expenses and then after the day, you could also show your gratitude with a little extra if the pro/boat owner gave you a shot at some fish and didn't backseat you and leave you in left field.  Then atleast he knows you appriciated the extra bit of effort he put forth trying to give you a shot at some fishable water as well....weather you caught fish or not. 

 

Spoken just like a Charter Captain.  I like it!

[corn-on-the-rob]

Well dang, guys!  I never knew this was an issue.

 

The boat repair/restore is taking longer than I expected due to business, but I figure I'll have it out this summer.  Maybe the following summer, I'll fish a local tournament or two. 

 

My idea of boat use has always been along these lines:

 

"Dude, wanna go fishing?  I'm taking the boat."

 

"Cool.  What time?"

 

I doubt there will be any difference for any tournaments I might enter.  Sure, I might win some money.  Then again, maybe not.  It doesn't matter.

 

For me, if the focus ever switches to money instead of the enjoyment of fishing, I'll hang up my rods.  Lunch?  Hell, it's bologna and cheese on white bread, with mustard, and coffee to drink.

 

Oh, and I prefer the back and I enjoy backing the boat into the water.  That might just be me.

 

Josh

I hate the launching/loading process. It is the most nerve-racking part of tournament fishing for me because of so much traffic/pressure.

[wrat]

Myth : a widely held but false belief or idea

 

Im unsure what these myths are but as far as etiquette its a pretty simple thing treat others with respect REGARDLESS of how they treat you

 

as a co angler I offer gas money some accept some dont

 

as a boater in my club gas money is part and parcel and it RARELY covers 1/4 let alone 1/2 of my expense

 

when I take someone out fishing for fun or practice I dont believe I have ever accepted gas money BUT if its not offered chances are a second invite will NOT be forthcoming

[ColdSVT]

A six pack of beer for us to enjoy after the day of fishing is the most i would ever ask for

[gulfcaptain]

Word to the wise, if you are looking to fish as a co-anger here is some advice.

 

#1 Be where you said you will meet them early. If they say 6:30, be there at 6:20 that way they aren't waiting on you.  

 

#2 Give them or offer some money for gas first thing before the boat launches. Show's character and sets the mood.

 

#3 If you can back a boat up, bonus points.  If you can't let them know right away.  Anything you can do to help them get the boat in the water quicker and reduce the stress of everything going on before take off is a big help to them.

 

#4 Keep your gear organized.  Don't have your crap everywhere.  Bring your own lifejacket.  Be prepared to fish.

 

#5 Really important, DO NOT backseat fish.  You are along for the ride.  I fished two very tough days in a recent tournament.  Last thing they need is someone questioning everything going on.  The less stressed out and easygoing you are, the more relaxed they are as well.   And if you do catch fish, DO NOT tell anyone where you fished.  You have to keep that info quiet.  If they ask you can give generalized answers such as what kind of area (no exact spots).  

 

Main thing, just enjoy the day and have fun.  Tough days show exactly what kind of fisherman you are.  If you make the best of it you are likely to make a new fishing partner down the road that would be more then willing to meet up and pre-fish tournaments with you not to mention give you insight on other venues and techniques that they may not share with you if you're "that annoying guy" that isn't fun to fish with.  

[Mista bass]

I'm fishing as a co angler this year and I plan on offering gas money and coffee, as well as do what I can to help out. I've been reading through this thread and to be honest it almost makes me not want to fish. It seems like a lot of boaters see co anglers as second class angler and that's not right at all. I have the same right as a boater to be fishing. I pay $500 entry fees per event, and people are saying I should keep my mouth shut? It's not cheap for me to fish, yes it may be more for a boater, but nonetheless I still have to pay a large amount. I treat everyone with upmost respect when I meet them, but if a boater if blatantly disrespectful and treats me like crap I can promise that neither of us will have a good day. Having a boat doesn't make you a better angler then I. Why do people think it's even remotely acceptable to treat a co angler like they're less then a boater? Tournament rules REQUIRE that a boater needs a co angler. If I don't fish neither do you. All I keep reading is what we must do for the boater and we're lucky to be there at all. I believe in respect but I'm not the boaters servant. I don't owe the boater anything but my respect, me giving my boater gas money is me being courteous. If I'm treated like scum from the start you really think I should or would still give you gas money? It should be a mutual respect. You signed up to be a boater knowing what it entails. I own a boat and I never expect anything from a guest that I invite. I'm not a charter. I'm fishing as a co angler because I want the experience in tournament fishing before I fish as a boater. Am I wrong for all that I've said? If I am please explain.

[Josh Smith]

Dude, it's like, don't start nothin', won't be nothin', you know?

 

It's about fishing.  Getting along helps the fishing.  You come aboard my boat, I assume I can learn from you as well as you maybe learn from me.

 

That's my attitude, anyway.  I don't fish tournament yet, will only fish local tournaments if at all.  My boat's a slow deep v.  I'm out for fun and to relax.

 

The only two things that would ever get on my nerves are telling me how to fish, or bringing equipment you have no idea how to use and ruining my fun.  (If I know how to use stuff you bring and you don't, I'll be more than happy to teach.)

 

It's about fun.

[J Francho]

If you can afford $500 per tournament, you sure as heck can afford your own boat.

[Lund Explorer]

I'm fishing as a co angler this year and I plan on offering gas money and coffee, as well as do what I can to help out. I've been reading through this thread and to be honest it almost makes me not want to fish. It seems like a lot of boaters see co anglers as second class angler and that's not right at all. I have the same right as a boater to be fishing. I pay $500 entry fees per event, and people are saying I should keep my mouth shut? It's not cheap for me to fish, yes it may be more for a boater, but nonetheless I still have to pay a large amount. I treat everyone with upmost respect when I meet them, but if a boater if blatantly disrespectful and treats me like crap I can promise that neither of us will have a good day. Having a boat doesn't make you a better angler then I. Why do people think it's even remotely acceptable to treat a co angler like they're less then a boater? Tournament rules REQUIRE that a boater needs a co angler. If I don't fish neither do you. All I keep reading is what we must do for the boater and we're lucky to be there at all. I believe in respect but I'm not the boaters servant. I don't owe the boater anything but my respect, me giving my boater gas money is me being courteous. If I'm treated like scum from the start you really think I should or would still give you gas money? It should be a mutual respect. You signed up to be a boater knowing what it entails. I own a boat and I never expect anything from a guest that I invite. I'm not a charter. I'm fishing as a co angler because I want the experience in tournament fishing before I fish as a boater. Am I wrong for all that I've said? If I am please explain.

 

Oh dear.........

 

Rather than going through all of your points, could you please link us to the successful tournament trail where no boaters need to show up?

[Mista bass]

Oh dear.........

 

Rather than going through all of your points, could you please link us to the successful tournament trail where no boaters need to show up?

Ice fishing. obviously I didn't mean that. I'm just saying it seems like co anglers are looked down upon and I don't think its right. I've read horror story's from both sides of it.

[J Francho]

They are looked down upon, by a few. Just like boaters are looked down upon by non boaters.

[Dylcook91]

In some places, they look down on boaters, and non boaters alike

[KyAngler_1120]

I don't have a boat and it will likely be a few years before I can afford all of the cost associated with the responsibility. Right now with a house payment, the regular monthly bills, and the fact that I am finishing my college degree it would be a undue burden to attempt it. By lifelong best friend and fellow sheriff's deputy has a boat and he generally invites me along for the brotherhood of the experience. I always make it my job to help in the launch and loading of the boat and take off any strain for my buddy just because I know it is the right thing to do. My friend always grips and grumbles about taking money because he argues that he was going with or without me. I always make it a point to buy lunch/bring lunch a cooler of beverages, snacks etc etc. I just feel that is the least that I can possibly do.

 

When we fish a tournament as partners I split everything down the middle...he tires to decline, but I wont take no for an answer in such a situation as that. Personally I don't think I would want to fish as a co-angler because you just never know if the guys is going to be a good ol boy or a total a**hole. I look forward to owning a boat in the future, but for now I go when invited and otherwise I have learned to become quite a good bank fisherman.    

[corn-on-the-rob]

I'm fishing as a co angler this year and I plan on offering gas money and coffee, as well as do what I can to help out. I've been reading through this thread and to be honest it almost makes me not want to fish. It seems like a lot of boaters see co anglers as second class angler and that's not right at all. I have the same right as a boater to be fishing. I pay $500 entry fees per event, and people are saying I should keep my mouth shut? It's not cheap for me to fish, yes it may be more for a boater, but nonetheless I still have to pay a large amount. I treat everyone with upmost respect when I meet them, but if a boater if blatantly disrespectful and treats me like crap I can promise that neither of us will have a good day. Having a boat doesn't make you a better angler then I. Why do people think it's even remotely acceptable to treat a co angler like they're less then a boater? Tournament rules REQUIRE that a boater needs a co angler. If I don't fish neither do you. All I keep reading is what we must do for the boater and we're lucky to be there at all. I believe in respect but I'm not the boaters servant. I don't owe the boater anything but my respect, me giving my boater gas money is me being courteous. If I'm treated like scum from the start you really think I should or would still give you gas money? It should be a mutual respect. You signed up to be a boater knowing what it entails. I own a boat and I never expect anything from a guest that I invite. I'm not a charter. I'm fishing as a co angler because I want the experience in tournament fishing before I fish as a boater. Am I wrong for all that I've said? If I am please explain.

Take this thread with a grain of salt. When most people bring up bad experiences when it comes to most things, it normally is the exception, and more often the rare exception.

 

Nothing replaces your own experience, so get out there and give it a go. Don't go in with preconceived notions and you will likely be met with a good experience. If something does go wrong, take it as the exception not the rule and keep trying.

 

As a boater myself in college, I find each co-angler unique and interesting and have a lot of fun with anyone. I get just as excited when I net their fish as I get for mine even though they are directly competing against me. Sure I have had to tell some to not step on seats, not cast over my line, be quicker on the net, but it is never demeaning and always respectful especially because many of the college guys are new to the tournament experience.

 

When others talk about "keeping your mouth shut" it basically means if you are too busy talking like you know more than someone else, you won't learn anything and can come off as disrespectful even if you do know more than the other angler. You create your experience. If you are always a courteous, nice, respectful co-angler, and a boater is an ass, it isn't your fault. This is where I personally think is the most important time to just keep your head down and fish. If someone is an ass, don't engage them in any manner than is necessary and do so politely. Even though the other person was an ass, you don't want to tarnish your reputation by reacting to them. Sometimes it happens, just get through it, then move on and don't let it bother you. Once again, the bad experience due to ass anglers is the exception.

 

 

With respect to the whole gas money, no gas money ordeal, do as you wish. I personally like to offer reasonable gas money every time and even though I will say it isn't necessary, I would recommend it. The reason being the act itself has been defined by BOTH boaters and non-boaters themselves as "polite" and "courteous". Personally, when engaging others in any manner I believe politeness and courtesy go with out saying, but I won't hold it against someone who does not partake.

[BaitMonkey1984]

Give me a guy that can back a boat trailer over $15 bucks ANYDAY!

The only guys I take money from is the guys that dont back my rig.

 

I don't fish tournaments but I take several friends out 4-5 times a week. Usually, they are helping themselves to my soft plastic (whichever lure I am killing them with that day). That being said summer full of beer, gas, and lures can add up- I refuse to take money though, as I would be going out anyhow. I may hate getting off the water. However, as i pull up to the ramp after sunset I am always much happier when I am fishing with a buddy that can back a trailer down to the water. Too many of my friends have no experience and are unwilling to try. So I load/unload myself while they stand by watching.

[Lund Explorer]

Ice fishing. obviously I didn't mean that. I'm just saying it seems like co anglers are looked down upon and I don't think its right. I've read horror story's from both sides of it.

 

Obviously, neither did I.

 

But the fact remains that the boat owners (and you've said you are one as well) are the base upon which any normal bass tournament can be held.  Take your choice between the chicken or egg, one had to come first, and in this case the answer is clear.  The other truth is that when you get into tournament fishing, IT IS all about the money whether we want to admit it or not.  Where money is concerned, you have to consider what is called return on investment, and without a doubt, the boat owner's investment is larger.  Simple cold hard facts, no emotion needs to be tied to it, just rational realization of the truth.

 

As far as all of the bad stories, it goes both ways, and the majority of the time they are not all that common.  For every bad day there is an outstanding day, and then the majority of the time it falls somewhere in the middle.