Non Boater Etiquette

[Dtree11]

This summer I joined a fishing club as a non-boater. So, I am trying to be on my best behavior trying not to make a mess, get line caught in the prop, be too talkative or quiet, and so on...

 

I cannot be more thankful for someone else who will let me fish on their expensive boat so I do not have to spend the 30k to 50k to get my own.

 

With that being said, of all the boaters, what are the top things you expect or ask of your non-boaters on your boat?

[Bass newb]

How do you pull that one off? That's what I need to do.

[(='_'=)]

this has been covered several times already, try looking in the boating subforum....

 

i live in Mexico and things work different here, we always fish with friends and for you to be a non boater you have to have a friend with a boat, or else you are staying in the bank.... sorry i cant help with that... 

[Nelson Wormefeller]

If I was in your shoes, I'd say, " It's your boat, and you're the Captain...I'd appreciate it if you could let me know if I'm doing something wrong" .  

When someone is in my boat and they don;t listen to my advice (rules), they don't get asked back.

Other than that, sounds like a great opportunity !

[Sam]

Find out where he keeps the net.

Seriously, with all the things you need to do, knowing where to find the net is critical and the boater will appreciate it.

OK guys, let's have all the suggestions.

[gardnerjigman]

Be on time

 

Be respectable

 

Have conversation but don't yap about your sister in laws baby sister... 

 

For club format, pay the boats entry fee. He is providing the boat and gas. 

 

Talk to him the night before the tournament to see if you need to bring extra water bottles, ice, snacks etc. I say talk to him about it because it's better than just showing up with extra stuff only to find out he has a full cooler and now you are taking up extra room. 

 

Ask him if he wants you to net his fish. (some people aren't comfortable with others netting). 

 

If you run a lot during the day, pitch in some for gas. $20 bucks shouldn't be anything to you but it earns a lot of respect from a boater. ($20 if you paid his entry fee. $40-$60 if you did not) 

 

Use smart judgment. Don't constantly cast behind the boat getting snagged. Understand that if you get snagged, you will most likely have to break off. Sometimes you run into guys that don't mind and will flip around for you. Just try to not make a habit of it. 

 

Basically just use common sense. You are gonna run into some D bags, they are everywhere, but for the most part you are gonna bond with some really cool down to earth guys who in the long run will teach you a ton about the sport. (If you do get a D bag, DON'T ARGUE OR INSTIGATE AN ARGUMENT WITH HIM... JUST STAY QUIET, FISH THE TOURNAMENT AND WALK AWAY THE BIGGER PERSON!!!! There is nothing in the world work better than a boat that has good chemistry in the front and back. 

 

Good luck.

 

GJM

[corn-on-the-rob]

BB pretty much covered it. My biggest advice is if you are unclear or unsure about something, just ask, don't assume.

 

What can I do to help you launch? (if you aren't comfortable with something they ask TELL THEM, don't screw something up)

 

Do I pee in a bottle or off the back?

 

How do you want your fish netted? (some like an aggressive netter, some want you to just hold it there until they have the fish tired and bring it to the net easily)

 

etc.

 

 

 " It's your boat, and you're the Captain...I'd appreciate it if you could let me know if I'm doing something wrong" . 

 

This.

 

It is the best way to break the ice so no one feels awkward about expected behavior. Just say, "hey, if there is anything you want me to do or not to do, I'm all ears, don't hesitate to let me know!"

 

This way the boater knows he can communicate with you easily without fear of stepping on some toes and he will likely give you a reply along the lines of "sure thing, let me know if you need anything or have any questions"

 

Communication is key.

 

Relax, have fun, use common sense and courtesy.

[zachb34]

This should probably be considered a given, but a guy I used to fish with had one major rule. Don't step on the seats. Some guys also won't want you casting over the center line of the boat.

[NathanW]

Use smart judgment. Don't constantly cast behind the boat getting snagged. Understand that if you get snagged, you will most likely have to break off. Sometimes you run into guys that don't mind and will flip around for you. Just try to not make a habit of it. 

 

Good luck.

 

GJM

THIS!!! Nothing more frustrating this other than a guy who talks all day. 

 

If you snag no big deal we will try to get it BUT if the boat is going one way and you cast the other way all I can say is I hope you don't lose your whole spool.

 

Also, boaters don't care about your Fantasy League... And no we wont snap a quick photo of your 3.5lbs bass. 

[Glenn]

Here's some good reading on the subject:

 

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

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

[tomustang]

Ask the boat owner, each one is different and has different rules

[Mike L]

First of all let me say that I am not a boater, never have been.

But I fish in more tournaments in a year than most people I know.

Let me give you a few comments if I may...

You've gotten some good advise from boaters about what they feel is important to them, follow the specific's they addressed.

Don't put undo pressure on yourself and over think everything you do...

You have no control over anything unless they ask, if they do, be honest.

Don't think that it's thier responsibility to put you fish, it's not.

Fish your own water.

Let the depth, cover, clarity, and your strengths dictate your choices...

Don't worry about what he's doing...

Don't get frustrated and doubt everything you're doing because he's catching fish and you're not.

If there is one thing that almost universally every boater will demand from you is Respect.

Respect for his boat, equipment, space and time.

Good Luck

Mike

[BaitMonkey1984]

Find out where he keeps the net.

Seriously, with all the things you need to do, knowing where to find the net is critical and the boater will appreciate it.

OK guys, let's have all the suggestions.

This sound stupid but is about the only thing I expect someone fishing in the back of my boat to do. I have a net attached to the back seat with a carabiner and it makes me go absolutely nuts when I call for the net and its a struggle. Other than that, just use common sense. Ask questions and ask to help. 

[Bluebasser86]

Lots of good suggestions here. I'm pretty laid back and easy to get along with (at least I think so), but even I have my stuff I like done. Help out unloading and loading if you can. Like another member said though, if you don't know how to do something, then tell me instead of breaking something. Learn to back a trailer if you can't already, it's so must faster at the ramp that way and you won't feel like a little kid holding the boat while dad parks the truck. Bring gas money, how much depends on the length of the trip, how much we run. One of those things that's good to discuss ahead of time so you don't have to pull the old "Oh I don't have any cash on me". Don't bring the whole tackle shop with you. Again, ask what your boater plans on doing the next day to help you cut down on what you need to bring. Treat the boat with respect (don't track mud/sand, step on seats or sit on the top of the backrest, spill dye or drinks in the boat, stuff trash between the seats). Offer to net fish and like was mentioned how the boater likes their fish netted. If you feel like you need to cast past the centerline of the boat, ask first, this drives some guys crazy. I don't care unless I'm fishing slow and my partner is fishing fast and casting across my line so I have to cut my retrieve short. Casting way back behind the boat is not a good idea unless you don't want that bait anymore. If you're going to do that make sure it's with a bait that's very unlikely to get snagged and if it does I'd suggest breaking it off without even saying anything. Finally, if you fish tournaments where you get paired up, it's just a matter of time before you get "that guy". It sucks when it happens to you, but when you do, just fish through the day and cut your losses at the end and vow to never be "that guy", when you get your own boat. 

 

It sounds like a lot but once you get use to it it will become second nature. 

[Dtree11]

These are all great suggestions. thanks guys

[fishblitzer]

Hey Dtree and congratulations on joining the club!

 

I am also a co-angler in a bass club and here are just a few things which I feel would have helped me out when I first started.

 

First, always offer to pay half gas on the boat and truck. Beleive it or not most of the boaters in my club always tell me not to worry about it, but it is the thought that counts.

 

Second, only make suggestions on fishing if you and your angler are friends or know each other well. Some will take it the wrong way if you suggest something different than they are doing.

 

Third, always be respectful, on time, and ask if there is anything you can do to help.

 

I joined my club being a complete new guy to tournament fishing but I had always watched it on TV. Now, the boaters fight over me to be on their boat. It is not that I am a great angler or better than the other co-anglers, it is because I help out and do my best to be a good partner. When my angler hooks into a fish I drop my pole and sprint to the net. It's the little things like that which make a big impact on how your angler views you.

 

And here is a very informative website that I use for tips/advice. Bassresource is a great source of info and is updated. This one is not as active but it holds some great advice, make sure to look around!

http://fishingtheback.com/

 

 

Oh yes, one last thing... Pay attention to what and how your angler is fishing and adjust accordingly. You can not only learn a lot from them, chances are they are on the water more than you, but you can also adjust to what the fish are hitting. If your angler is fishing a crankbait that dives 6 feet and he is whacking them, don't be hardheaded and keep throwing a jig. Tie on a crankbait or something as close to, but not matching his, as possible.

 

​

[Ratherbfishing]

Whatever you do, don't do what someone I knew (who could afford it) did:  Offer 4 dollars for gas.  I'd rather receive nothing than "help" someone clear their conscience (but not really).

[Dtree11]

Hey Dtree and congratulations on joining the club!

 

I am also a co-angler in a bass club and here are just a few things which I feel would have helped me out when I first started.

 

First, always offer to pay half gas on the boat and truck. Beleive it or not most of the boaters in my club always tell me not to worry about it, but it is the thought that counts.

 

Second, only make suggestions on fishing if you and your angler are friends or know each other well. Some will take it the wrong way if you suggest something different than they are doing.

 

Third, always be respectful, on time, and ask if there is anything you can do to help.

 

I joined my club being a complete new guy to tournament fishing but I had always watched it on TV. Now, the boaters fight over me to be on their boat. It is not that I am a great angler or better than the other co-anglers, it is because I help out and do my best to be a good partner. When my angler hooks into a fish I drop my pole and sprint to the net. It's the little things like that which make a big impact on how your angler views you.

 

And here is a very informative website that I use for tips/advice. Bassresource is a great source of info and is updated. This one is not as active but it holds some great advice, make sure to look around!

http://fishingtheback.com/

 

 

Oh yes, one last thing... Pay attention to what and how your angler is fishing and adjust accordingly. You can not only learn a lot from them, chances are they are on the water more than you, but you can also adjust to what the fish are hitting. If your angler is fishing a crankbait that dives 6 feet and he is whacking them, don't be hardheaded and keep throwing a jig. Tie on a crankbait or something as close to, but not matching his, as possible.

 

​

Thanks Blitzer, It is funny you said not to be hardheaded about the crankbait thing. We were fishing huron and he was crushing them on a crankbait and he told me to tie one on and I did not want to steal his good sense of what to use. I guess the next time I will listen.

[Robeng]

All great advice.

[Bluebasser86]

Whatever you do, don't do what someone I knew (who could afford it) did:  Offer 4 dollars for gas.  I'd rather receive nothing than "help" someone clear their conscience (but not really).

I got 11 dollars once. The guy met me at the lake so he justified it to himself that he didn't ride with me and had to drive himself so he didn't owe me anything and was really doing me a favor by giving me any money. Not real sure how he was going to get my boat to the lake without me and my truck pulling it 

[bassin is addicting]

i have fished in 3 different clubs over the past 9 years.  this year i am fishing in  2 different clubs, one in Indiana and one in Ohio.  these are not high dollar clubs.

i am a non-boater.  before i joined a club i had never fished in a boat.  my thoughts were this;

be courteous and respectful of the the boaters boat and all his equipment, know how back up a trailer and to unload and load the boat

at the end of the day, leave the boat as it was before i got aboard.  leave nothing behind.  do not step on the seats, try to not track in mud when boarding, if i did, clean it up. ask the boater how he wants me to net his fish, when the boater has a fish on, drop my rod and immediately grab the net.  do not cast over his line, parralell is ok and may cross the center line depending on the speed he is fishing and technique, do not cast behind the boat (unless you are sure to not get hung up), i try very hard to not get hung up, period ( i think this may cost me some fish) but kinda keeps peace.  when the boater is hung up, i do not cast, i wait until he retrieves his bait/lure.  as for gas money, the clubs i fish in, it is pre-determined what amount to pay the boater for gas for the tourney.  if i ride with the boater to the lake, i split gas.  if i feel the boater has used more than normal amount of gas, AND he has treated me fairly, ie, not back-boated me all day, i will offer him more money for gas (or leave some in the seat of his truck)

 

with that said.  i have read a couple comments on here that i am not sure i agree with. 

 

ie; if i get hung up "expect to break it off"  ? really?  so i am to be totally courteous and respectful to you, but you "expect me to break off my bait". 

if the non-boater doesn't ride with the boater to the lake still pay for half his gas to get there ,"not sure how he thought i was going to get my boat to the lake" ?   seriously, so i pay for my gas AND half of yours to get there?

 

the gas thing seems to be a sticking point for some boaters.  most are totally ok with what is worked out ahead of time.  those guys i typically give them more at the end of the day.  it is the ones who gripe that they "ran all over and used so much gas" kinda fishing for more gas money that i don't understand. 1st of all, it is predetermined by clubs rules, which the boaters far out number the non-boaters and they set the rules, what amount for the non-boater to pay.  2nd, you are determining where we fish all day ( i have no input), if you chose to "run all over the lake", that is your choice.  3rd, i pay the same entry fee and am competing against you.  you have chosen; where we fish, at what speed we fish, how long we fish there and get 1st shot at every piece of cover.  insinuating that i should give you more/extra money is not fair.  most everyone in all 3 clubs have been really good to fish with, but some back-boat a guy so bad it makes it no fun.  certainly don't expect it to be 50/50, that is not realistic. i knew that going in.  i just want to be treated fairly and have a good time too. don't treat me as 2nd class because i am a non-boater.  90% of the guys are great.  10% are not, probably goes the same for us non-boaters too.

 

i have and always will, totally respect the boater, his boat and equipment and give fair amount fo gas money.  many times the boater has turned down money and i have left some on his truck seat. 

[stkbassn]

The credentials for being a non-boater are tougher to attain than just getting a boat yourself. LOL.

I personally will only fish with friends or people I know very well that have boats. I wouldn't dream of being a non-boater with someone I only knew from a club or whatever. People expect too much in my opinion. If you've agreed and invited someone to go on your boat with you I say give them a break, let them enjoy the experience and don't expect a pro to be in the passenger seat and on the back of the boat. I've been there and felt undue pressure from guys that thought they were Capt. America. When I  used to take friends I didn't ask for gas, I didn't ask for money, I didn't expect them to unload the boat or know how or even to back the boat down the ramp or know how....if they did it was purely a bonus.  I only ask that they don't expect me to leave early.  I'm not saying anyone is wrong about their requirements but there's too much pressure a lot of the time for something that is supposed to be fun. If you don't want a non-boater just don't have one.

[ColdSVT]

As a boater i just expect you to not break anything, fish respectfully, dont step on my seats and dont bring a dozen rods.

Im not worried about gas money and if i ask you to pay my entry fee go ahead and punch me in the face cuz thats just stupid or else im drunk and spent my entry fee at the bar and will again require a punch to the face

Yes i will spin the boat to get you unhung...i do it for me so i shall do it for you. I even ask for suggestions on what or where we should fish...why? Help me to help you so we both do well thats why

[PAGreg]

I learn all kinds of great stuff on this forum. I'm going to be ColdSVTs nonboater in a tournament on the 11th. I might have to pay his entry fee and punch him in the face!

[Scorchx1245]

Don't have you're navionics app on stealing way points =)