Etiquette for Back Seaters

[Glenn]

If you're new to bass fishing this video is for you. Whether you fish from the back seat or are a boater, this co-angler clinic helps you navigate the waters of those tricky "unwritten rules".

 

 

[fishballer06]

A lot of great tips in there, Glenn. As a guy who fishes as a co-angler, these are all great points. One that never gets discussed that you mentioned is be careful stepping on the seats, or even on the clear coat of the gunwale. Stepping on that gunwale getting in/out of the boat, or if you are standing on the back corner to give yourself better positioning. A lot of guys don't like you putting that excessive wear on their clear coat. 

 

Another tip is ask your boater if/when you need to use the restroom to relieve yourself. Some guys don't care if you just go over the side, other guys prefer you only do it in a bottle and not get it on the carpet/gunwale. I've even had guys who have made me get out on the bank to do so. So be thoughtful before you just go. 

[Jermination]

56 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

A lot of great tips in there, Glenn. As a guy who fishes as a co-angler, these are all great points. One that never gets discussed that you mentioned is be careful stepping on the seats, or even on the clear coat of the gunwale. Stepping on that gunwale getting in/out of the boat, or if you are standing on the back corner to give yourself better positioning. A lot of guys don't like you putting that excessive wear on their clear coat. 

 

Another tip is ask your boater if/when you need to use the restroom to relieve yourself. Some guys don't care if you just go over the side, other guys prefer you only do it in a bottle and not get it on the carpet/gunwale. I've even had guys who have made me get out on the bank to do so. So be thoughtful before you just go. 

i've fished a ton of tournaments and never once had a person suggest to pee in a bottle. I believe i would have to ask them to hold it for me if they made this a suggestion, ridiculous lol

[Bluebasser86]

7 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

A lot of great tips in there, Glenn. As a guy who fishes as a co-angler, these are all great points. One that never gets discussed that you mentioned is be careful stepping on the seats, or even on the clear coat of the gunwale. Stepping on that gunwale getting in/out of the boat, or if you are standing on the back corner to give yourself better positioning. A lot of guys don't like you putting that excessive wear on their clear coat. 

 

Another tip is ask your boater if/when you need to use the restroom to relieve yourself. Some guys don't care if you just go over the side, other guys prefer you only do it in a bottle and not get it on the carpet/gunwale. I've even had guys who have made me get out on the bank to do so. So be thoughtful before you just go. 

The stepping on the seats thing is a big pet peeve of mine. There's literally a step between my seats, but still people sometimes step on the seats instead. I guess they've never looked at the cost of reupholstering a boat seat ?

[gim]

15 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

The stepping on the seats thing is a big pet peeve of mine. There's literally a step between my seats, but still people sometimes step on the seats instead. I guess they've never looked at the cost of reupholstering a boat seat ?

This is me too. I have the middle jump seat down almost all the time which serves as a step to the back deck and some people STILL stand or step on the seat. I just can’t figure that out. 

[frogflogger]

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

This is me too. I have the middle jump seat down almost all the time which serves as a step to the back deck and some people STILL stand or step on the seat. I just can’t figure that out. 

my boat you must step on seat or leap gazelle-like over to the rear deck.

[tim_kovar]

A well thought out video with lots of great tips and insight.  Nice job Glenn.

[Teal]

There are two guys

 

The first one- This guy brings between 3 and 5 rods...(its not because it's all he has, he has a shop full) this guy also brings a medium sized duffle style tackle bag with 3700 boxes in it.  He keeps rod covers on until he uses one.  He opens a box and puts it back in his bag.  Sets his bag in the floor right then. He is mindful not to step on my clear coat. 

 

Then theres the guy that brings every rod he owns and 1 large bag and 2 small ones and a big cooler.   It's a dang mess.  If he breaks a fish off and grabs another rod, you got a rod laying down with line whipping in the wind, 3700 boxes all over the back deck. You dang near have give him a compartment in the back of the boat just.for his stuff. Meanwhile hes stepping all over the clear coat...like dang.  Heartbreak cuz rhe guy is the best fisherman I know, hes just messy and scatter brained.  Ike ain't got nothing on him.

 

Maybe it's my OCD.  Maybe I'm a neat freak.  

 

Don't be the second guy.  He dont get called very often.  

 

Messiness is the only thing that bothers me.  

 

 

 

 

[fishballer06]

20 hours ago, Jermination said:

i've fished a ton of tournaments and never once had a person suggest to pee in a bottle. I believe i would have to ask them to hold it for me if they made this a suggestion, ridiculous lol

You've clearly never met a guy who thinks his 96 Stratos is God's gift to bass boats then 

[Glenn]

To be sure, there are a lot of rude and inconsiderate boaters too.  This video wasn't meant to single out non-boaters, but rather to address the more common issues both members of a fishing team experience, whether fishing a tournament or out for a fun day of fishing.

 

The key message throughout the video, is communication.

 

I've had many bad experiences as a backseater and as a boat owner.  And sometimes over the most trivial things.

 

Most recently, I was going to fish a team tournament with a "friend" in my boat in a big event.  As usual, the night before you have to register and draw a number, something I felt as the boater was my responsibility.

 

Upon learning I did it without him, he blew a fuse.  I mean, over-the-top reaction, ending with him storming off while I was in mid-sentence after calling me a few choice names.  All because he got his feelings hurt because he couldn't draw a number out of a jar!

 

I tried contacting him a few hours later to discuss strategy, and he wouldn't respond.  The next morning, I sent him a text asking if he was still upset, because I wasn't going to fish all day with him if he was.  He responded, "Whatever you want to do!"

 

Answered that question.  

 

Moral of the story is this: communicate down to the fine details.  I had no clue this guy placed such a huge importance on drawing numbers, and he never told me.  We didn't have that conversation.  Could've been avoided if we had.

 

Since then, I experienced his child-like behavior twice more - literally temper tantrums when he didn't get his way. So I ended my friendship with him.  

 

Oh, did I mention he's older than me?  LOL!  

[WRB]

I totally agree with Glenn #1 is communication the day before you start out fishing and while fishing. Ask questions that are needed and be a goog listener. To be a good guest in the boat so you need to know what is expected of you. Never, never, never get upset with your boater, enjoy the day.

I never fished a tournament as a backseater, always ended up front even in my partners boats claiming they catch more bass not worrying about boat position. It is a lot more relaxing having some operate the boat, just rearly got the opertunity.

Tom

[king fisher]

I would add, do not talk politics.  While guiding I had had to learn to bite my tongue, smile and laugh at any political comment no matter how stupid I personally thought the comment was.  Because of that experience, I do not want to hear someones political views while out fishing for fun, even if I agree with them.  Same goes for jokes,  The joke I think is great might be highly offensive to the person I am fishing with.  I try to error on the side of caution when it comes to all conversation.

[Bankbeater]

Thanks Glenn, another great video.