Non Boater Etiquette

[ColdSVT]

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!

Wouldnt be the first time you smacked me l

[Last_Cast]

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. 

 

 

Well said.

[Last_Cast]

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'd tell the guy to get the "bleep" off my boat...if I had one 

[TxHawgs]

I'm joining a club this Thursday in Tx and it's my first everything also, co-angler, tournament ect. Definitely a little nervous but so glad I read this first. Some are definite givens like at least $30 bucks for gas (not sure how much u typically burn maybe more?) not stepping on seats, change into clean shoes, ask about netting and what else u can help with. Didn't really think of the whole centerline thing, I understand not crossing his line or throwing on top of him. Also understand not throwing straight off the back of the boat while traveling in opposite direction but if I'm not doing that don't expect me to just break off $15-$20 dollar cranks. Guess I will talk to the boater before fishing in regards to how snags will be handled and go from there. As far as tackle what's the norm? Like one medium sized bag that's about 16"×9"×10"? And my biggest question, rods, how many is norm and how many is too much. I'm a gear/tackle and will want to take as many as I can. Sorry this got so long and thanks in advance for the advise.

[bassin is addicting]

congrats on joining a club.  there are some pretty good ideas/suggestions previously posted here.  on the centerline thing.  imo..that is darn near impossible if the boater is casting out in front of the boat or at a 45 degree angle and motoring along at a pretty good clip.  if you cast straight out, you will be reeling in behind the boat every cast.  what i have found is that most boaters are ok with me casting parallel to their cast.  not on top of or close to them but with enough distance as to not interfere with their cast and reel.  any decent boater will assist and help in getting you unhung.  i try hard not to get hung up, but it happens.  and i expect the same effort to get my crankbait/lure back as he does for his.  and most every guy i have fished with has been great about that.  BUT, i do not cast behind the boat.  if i did, i would not expect him to be so accomodating.  just makes sense.  communication is the key.  and total respect for his boat and equipment.  at the end of the day, he should not be able to tell that you were on his boat.  as far as what to bring.  most guys have an open compartment for me to put things like a jacket, rain gear, etc. in.  my tackle bag is not too big.  it holds 4 3700 plano boxes with enough room for plastics and extra hooks, weights, etc.  it will easily fit on the floor of the boat by my feet.

i usually bring 5....maybe 6 rods at the most.  i also use snaps on 2-3 or my rods to be able to adapt and change quickly and easily.   

good luck, i'm sure you will enjoy.  it is a learning experience for sure fishing out of the back of a boat vs fishing from the bank..

be prepared to buy more tackle as you see what the boaters use... the bait monkey is vicious.