first time having co angler, what to expect?

[Justin38]

So I am fishing my first BFL this weekend, I have only fished solo tournys before, my question is what is expected of me as a boater?

[Hollada]

I fished as a BFL co for 5 years in the Michigan division.  Here’s my 2 cents:

- be honest with the co about your fishing plan when you connect on friday

- let your co know if you want him to net and how you want your fish netted if you have a oreference

- ask your co if he’s comfortable backing you in

- have an open compartment for his stuff

- agree on where you will meet on tournament morning and be there

- don’t back-boat your co, unless your “that guy” or turn off your console graph to “save battery” 

- Karma is a beeatch.  The best boater I know (Michigan division AOY last year) has helped more co’s Cash a check than any other boater in the division.  I’ve fished with him and he makes sure his co’s Get fish.  Not saying you have to do this - and most dont - but it’s good karma.

- give a 5 minute heads up when your ready to move

- take the money the co offers you or not, that’s your call

- be open to ideas of places to fish if you’re not on them

 

thats about all I can think of right now.  Hope it helps.

[Logan S]

Just go fish how you fish.  The fact you're asking means you're probably a normal, decent person so I'm sure you won't have any issues.  

 

Pretty good advice above.  The open compartment for the Co is nice because it clears up space for both of you...Although I wouldn't unpack the boat if you've got it full already.  Sometimes, especially when it's colder, I have a lot more gear in the boat so I might not have an open compartment.  

 

If you want or need to turn the console graph off or put on standby, that's your call.  I like to put mine on standby.  Didn't know it made me 'that guy'.

[J Francho]

I give the non boater an open compartment, and choice of leaning post, regular seat, or nothing.

[jaimeastin]

I fished my first tournament on my boat last year.  I was going solo, just like I normally fish.  I prefished the day before and marked spots.

 

Next morning,  there was a mom working the event and saw I was solo.  She asked if her son could join me.  She said he was really good and a nice kid.  I said, let me meet him.  He came to my boat and we hit it off.  I was going to make some room for his stuff, but he decided to only bring one of his favorite rods.

 

I didn’t hog up anything.  It was an opportunity to work with a young man and have fun.  I let him drive the boat and fish up front.  He kept me on spots so I could fish, lol.  He ended up uses my gear, rods/reels, lures, and my techniques and we put fish in the boat.  

 

Near the end he was wearing out.  I might moved to another spot and caught a bigger fish.  He was almost wanting to lay down, I get it.  It was hot and nearing the end.  I told him to work the spot, he was not paying attention and then he reeled in with out realizing he had a bass on.  It was the big of the day.

 

We didn’t win, but could have placed higher.  One or  fish just didn’t make it.  We tried hard to keep the fish strong.  Secondly, I made a mistake... my new partner tried to warn me.  I kept the wrong fish, had I listened, I would measured the two smallest to keep he right one.  I brought one fish in that wasn’t up to spec and we points deducted for it and the two weak fish...  

 

i fished with a total stranger that I met at 4am, day of the tournament and it was a good experience... I can’t even say I would have had that experience with someone I’ve known for years.  It it was a great experience and it saved me from some extra work so I could fish.  He had fun.  He was respectful of my boat, my gear, and me.  We talked about family, school, and future goals.