Co-angler Advie

[Big Easy Bassin']

I'll be fishing in my first series of bigger tournaments at the end of the summer and into the fall as a co-angler. Just wondering if you guys had any advice as far as being a co-angler in tournaments?

[Wildbillb]

Offer gas money, Treat the boat and owner with the utmost respect.  

[Bluebasser86]

Ask your boater ahead of time what to bring if possible and bring plenty of gas money. No boater wants to get paired with the "I'll get you next time", guy. Bring up to 6 rods and the essentials for tackle. I use to carry a bag that held 6 3700 boxes and probably 2 dozen bags of plastics in standard colors and never felt like I was unprepared. Talk with your boater before take off on if they like their fish netted or if they want to swing them. Ask about if they care if you cast past the center line of the boat (a huge deal to a select few it seems). Some communication before take off can prevent a really long day on the water. I've been on both sides and it's usually a great time. 

[fishballer06]

Be prepared to be "boated".

Know how to use cull balls and how to fill a weigh in bag from the livewell drain.

And most of all, be fast and good with the net. 

 

[d-camarena]

Dont get hung up and expect him to help retreive the bait lol

like someone on here said a while back- "suck it up and break off that h20 xpress lure" 

[Ratherbfishing]

4 minutes ago, d-camarena said:

Dont get hung up and expect him to help retreive the bait lol

like someone on here said a while back- "suck it up and break off that h20 xpress lure" 

I think next time I'm out on the lake, I'll follow the tournament guys (with co anglers) around.  Free baits for me!!!!!  :  )

[d-camarena]

Thats actually a good idea 

[Big Easy Bassin']

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm pretty pumped about getting the opportunity to fish some tournament on the Open series. Didn't know so many guys who fish the Elite series still fished the Opens. Looking forward to learning some things and hopefully doing decent in the tournaments. 

[flyingmonkie]

Hey Big Easy!  I just fished as a co-angler in my first Open (Central Open 1, Muskogee OK) and it was absolutely incredible.  I will be fishing in all of them for the rest of my life.

I was really nervous about being in the boat with a pro (fished with a previous Classic champ on day 1!), but it wasn't bad at all.  

- Be prepared (PFD, rain gear, sun gear, food/drink, culling tags)
- Pack light (4 or 5 poles and 5 or 6 plano boxes)
- Bring gas money ($40 is suggested in the Opens, I gave $60)
- Get at the ramp early!  When there are 200 boats launching at 6am, the line can get long quick.
- Be respectful of the boater.
- SOAK IT UP!  Such a blast!