How Much Experience To Become A Co-Angler

[GoCougs14]

I know there isnt a single solid answer for how much experience you should have before becoming a co angler in a rather small club, but how much typically how much should you have?

I started fishing in early summer, and have been infatuated with it since. I read about it, think about, and do it as often as I can. I definitely want to do it competitively in the future, but I know theres only so much you can know in one season.

I also have only fished out a boat 2-3 times. But I bought a small boat a month ago so next year Ill get much more aquianted with fishing from a boat.

[Catt]

None.

[Bluebasser86]

I've seen guys show up at the dock with couple Zebco 33's and less tackle than I take in my kayak. There's no limit, as long as you have the entry fee. I will say that if you learn to back a trailer, you'll be way ahead of the game with most co-anglers.

[WIGuide]

You don't really need much experience as a non-boater. If you can keep your casts out of the trees while going down the bank and you know not to cast too far in front of the center line of the boat you should be ok to start off with. Since you are new, you might want to let your boater know that. Not sure if the club you're looking at has a seperate boater/non-boater division, or if it's just a team club, but a team format might be better for you to start. The guy in the front of the boat might be more willing to help you learn since the teams performance can do nothing but improve as you get better.

[BrianinMD]

None, when joined one i had never been in bass boat before.

[GoCougs14]

Well thats good news, thanks for the help guys!

[Felix77]

I literally had one fishing trip on a bass boat before becoming a co angler.

[gulfcaptain]

I've seen guys show up at the dock with couple Zebco 33's and less tackle than I take in my kayak. There's no limit, as long as you have the entry fee. I will say that if you learn to back a trailer, you'll be way ahead of the game with most co-anglers.

 

I totally agree with the learning how to back a trailer in.  BIG points in your favor if you can do this for your boater.  Makes their job of launching way easier and they will appriciate it.  Big ice breaker when you meet in the morning at the ramp and offer to back them into the water once the boats unhooked as well as retrieving the trailer and allowing them to load quickly with YOUR help.

[GoCougs14]

Well maybe that is something I really should learn, because I have no idea how to do it. Ive never hauled around anything before. Might just have to learn by watching the first few times, not gonna really have a chance to learn or practice backing up a trailer. Oh well though from the sound of it most co anglers dont know how either.

I can tell its important to learn though so Ill definitely make a point to lay attention.

[BrianinMD]

Another thing that seems to be very appreciated, learn to run a trolling motor. Whether its wind, current, or both there may be times where it helps to have a co be able to control the boat for a couple minutes if the boater needs to retie or do anything.