CoAngler ettiquette and electric events

[Chance_Taker4]

So I am fishing a tournament this weekend as a co angler. The lake we are fishing is electric motor only, the outboard has to be trimmed as high as possible and can only use the trolling motor to move about. As a back seater I always give money to the boater for gas as well as bring drinks and snacks for us both. I have the drinks and snacks planned but I don't know if I should still give the boater money on top of it. I could see maybe a little but I don't feel he should get the full $60 I normally give a boater. What are your thoughts?

[flyfisher]

Give him the full amount you normally would.  Remember fuel cost is also the vehicle transporting to and from the lake as well.  It also includes wear and tear on the boat.  You also have to consider that maybe he will be your partner again some time and the good will may be remembered.

[The Maestro]

I'd say to offer the full amount and don't be offended if he accepts it. When I was in a club it blew my mind that some people would try to be cheap with the boaters.  Without them the non-boaters would be stuck fishing from shore.

[Logan S]

We do 1 or 2 electric-only tournaments a year since there are a couple good electric-only lakes in our area.  Only thing we expect the co-angler to split with the boater is the ramp fees....As opposed to 'normal' tournaments where co-anglers are expected to chip in up to a max of $40 (including ramp).  

 

Just how our club operates, but it's worked out well for us.  We actually have rules on the books about both situations though...So it's easy to work out.  If a boater asks for more than half the ramp for electric-only he's breaking a rule - And conversely, if a Co doesn't offer something for a normal tournament he's also breaking a rule.  Might sound funny to some, but those rules make things go so much more smoothly on this topic.  

 

 

[Chance_Taker4]

2 hours ago, Logan S said:

We do 1 or 2 electric-only tournaments a year since there are a couple good electric-only lakes in our area.  Only thing we expect the co-angler to split with the boater is the ramp fees....As opposed to 'normal' tournaments where co-anglers are expected to chip in up to a max of $40 (including ramp).  

 

Just how our club operates, but it's worked out well for us.  We actually have rules on the books about both situations though...So it's easy to work out.  If a boater asks for more than half the ramp for electric-only he's breaking a rule - And conversely, if a Co doesn't offer something for a normal tournament he's also breaking a rule.  Might sound funny to some, but those rules make things go so much more smoothly on this topic.  

 

 

When I co I always pay full ramp fees, bring snacks and drinks then usually $40-$60 for gas. That's why I feel like on an electric tournament should only be ramp fee, food and drinks

[flyfisher]

sounds like it doesn't matter what anyone says because you aren't hearing what you want to hear.  Do what you want to do and call it a day.  

[Logan S]

11 hours ago, Chance_Taker4 said:

When I co I always pay full ramp fees, bring snacks and drinks then usually $40-$60 for gas. That's why I feel like on an electric tournament should only be ramp fee, food and drinks

Like I said, that's how we operate, not even including food/drinks...But again, our rules specifically state these things so no one has any expectations otherwise.  

 

To put in perspective...I'm a long-time boater that is a firm believer in co-anglers chipping in for expenses during normal tournament days - BUT, expecting a Co to kick in $40+ for a day when you don't even start the outboard is silly.  The only exception I could see making sense is if the lake in question is long drive and you catch a ride with the boater, then chipping for gas in the truck makes sense...But generally you aren't going to travel very far for electric-only events.  I know for us the only reason we fish them is because they are super close to home for most of our members.  

 

If your boater is expecting more than the ramp fee and you don't offer he's going to have some feelings on it...Regardless of whether you or I think that expectation is reasonable or justified.  It's a tough call, this is the exact reason our club defines this situation with clear rules.  

[Chance_Taker4]

On ‎4‎/‎9‎/‎2019 at 9:12 AM, Logan S said:

Like I said, that's how we operate, not even including food/drinks...But again, our rules specifically state these things so no one has any expectations otherwise.  

 

To put in perspective...I'm a long-time boater that is a firm believer in co-anglers chipping in for expenses during normal tournament days - BUT, expecting a Co to kick in $40+ for a day when you don't even start the outboard is silly.  The only exception I could see making sense is if the lake in question is long drive and you catch a ride with the boater, then chipping for gas in the truck makes sense...But generally you aren't going to travel very far for electric-only events.  I know for us the only reason we fish them is because they are super close to home for most of our members.  

 

If your boater is expecting more than the ramp fee and you don't offer he's going to have some feelings on it...Regardless of whether you or I think that expectation is reasonable or justified.  It's a tough call, this is the exact reason our club defines this situation with clear rules.  

Thanks man. This is such a tricky situation for me as this is the first event with a new club and don't wanna set a bad impression.

[Bass Turd]

You are the "new guy" in the club which gives you the perfect excuse for asking "the dumb question " to the club president. 

[tracker01]

Give what you normally would give to the boater. Let the boater decide if they want it or not. It’s still cheaper than a boat payment.