Questions about the BFL

[Cheetahsneverprosper]

Hey guys.  I have a couple questions about the BFL.  I've been fishing as a co-angler in two different circuits in American Bass Anglers tournaments for the past two years and I want to try some different waters.  So I was thinking about trying the BFL as a co-angler in 2017 (potentially the Great Lakes/Wisconsin division).  As far as I know, the BFL has boaters fishing against boaters and co-anglers against only other co-anglers.  Is this still true?  It's been incredibly difficult getting decent points in the ABA as a co-angler trying to compete against experienced boaters.

I guess the question is will it be significantly different from the ABA tournaments in any way?  If so, is there anything different on the co-angler side that I should be aware of?

I also saw that the BFL just opened their tournament registration a few days ago.  So I'm wondering if there's a need for co-anglers to register as quickly as possible, or if those slots don't fill up nearly as quickly as spots for boaters? 

Besides those things, I'd like to hear if anyone has any insights with the BFL that might help someone thinking about making a move to that league after the long, cold winter.

[Mike L]

Yes, boaters and co anglers have thier own division. I fish the Gator Div and down here there is always a wait list for co anglers. The best thing to do is find a boater to guarantee your entry. You guarantee him and he guarantees you, but do it before the priority deadline of your division.

If you can't find a boater to pair up with, register now..

 

Mike 

[Cheetahsneverprosper]

That's exactly the information I was hoping for.  Thank you!

[Mike L]

You're Welcome

Yes it's tough sometimes to compete from the back when you're in direct competition with the guy in the front. Just don't let it intimidate you..

Unles he's "back boating" you on a flippin bite along a weed line..always keep in mind he's only about 10-15ft away and there is still water under the boat, and on 3 sides of you. 

Sometimes co anglers get all bummed out because they feel thier boater is inhibiting thier chances to compete because he's up front and they're not. That's not always true.

I fish the BFL, TBF and Bass Nations as a co-angler and have for the last 6 years.. Let me tell you honestly that I have been hampered because of boat position only a handful of times but still managed to catch fish. 

I feel that the ONLY advantage a boater has (and its huge) is he can cast into virgin water straight out where you can't, and he ultimately makes the final decision of where to go..BUT, you both have water on 3 sides of you.

You just have to fish your strengths a little harder, make good bait selections and casting decisions. It can be done.

Best of luck to you!

 

Mike

[Cheetahsneverprosper]

I'm happy to say that I've never had a boater back boat me.  I'm sure it does happen, but it sounds like it's thankfully rare.  In fact most of the guys in the divisions I've fished have gone out of their way to be helpful, so I didn't want to give the impression that I was frustrated about that.  I've just never tried a league where nonboaters fish only against nonboaters.  Looking forward to giving it a try.

 

[agilmorefishing]

I would recommend registering ASAP, because tournaments will fill up quick and you will get wait listed. BFL's are true Pro-Am's, and the only obstacle is drawing a boater who is unfamiliar with the body of water, or front end's you. 

[RichF]

Be aware too, that unlike the ABA, you really have no say as to where or what you wanna fish.  It's always a good idea to talk with your boater before the tourney and see what his gameplan is for the event.  That way you can prepare by bringing the right stuff and leaving things you don't need/won't use during the day.

 

Good luck! 

[Dr. G]

Did you register?  Im fishing the first one Saturday as a Co. 

[Cheetahsneverprosper]

I'm registered as a co-angler and I paid for the event shortly after my original posting.

So hopefully that'll get me into it, even if I'm not linked with a boater.

 

Quote

Be aware too, that unlike the ABA, you really have no say as to where or what you wanna fish.  It's always a good idea to talk with your boater before the tourney and see what his gameplan is for the event.  That way you can prepare by bringing the right stuff and leaving things you don't need/won't use during the day.

 

Thank you, I did read that about the BFL.  I've been spending the last couple weeks reorganizing everything into a smaller, easier-to-handle tackle bag that has a little of everything, since I won't know precisely what the game plan will be until talking with the boater the night before.  Have to be prepared for just about anything.

Definitely looking forward to it!

 

[Shifty44]

I have also registered for my first BFL.  Does anyone know approximately how long beforehand they confirm or waitlist you?  Just want to have an idea so I can let work know.

 

[Mike L]

If you have a boater link when you sign up you're in.

If not, you go on the wait list which gets whittled down as unguaranteed boaters sing up.

 

There is no timetable.

Once I was #11 with a week to go and got in 2 days before. A friend was #5 3 days before. He went to the meeting anyway just in case someone doesn't register (which does happen) and 4 didn't make it, he was next in line waiting for 1 more spot to open but none did, and he didn't fish. 

 

Point is you never know. Keep calling up to your time table restriction and hope for the best. 

 

Good Luck

 

 

 

Mike