Non-boater as a Fishing Partner

[Robert B]

I'm going to join a small bass club in my hometown. Every week during the spring and summer they have little tournaments where the non-boaters are randomly drawn and paired up with a boater.

Since I have my boat what should I expect from the non-boater? Should they help pay for the fuel for the boat? Assist with loading and unloading? How about fishing? Since I'll be new to the club and not familiar with the lakes should I go with their suggestions or try what I think might work?

I want to make the most of the situation and be a part of the club. Let me know the dos and don'ts of the boater vs. non-boater.

Thanks

Robert

[Sam]

Great question.  Here is my two cents.

1.  Club needs to set up the non-boater fee before any tournament based on the current mid-range gasoline prices.

Why mid-range gas prices?  Because the big motors use 89 octane gasoline.

The rate has to be based on one gasoline station as of the day before the tournament.  You have to have a listing of the non-boater fees, such as this:

"Non-Boat owners shall pay boaters on a sliding scale for the boater's tournament day expenses. The fee will be based on the price of eighty-nine (89) octane automobile gasoline at the closest automobile service station to the Club's meeting location at the time of the tournament pairings.

     

Eighty-Nine (89) Octane Gasoline Prices:  $1.00 to $1.50 = $30; $1.51 to $2.00 = $35; $2.01 to $2.50 = $40; $2.51 to $3.00 = $45; $3.01 to $3.50 = $50; and so on for each fifty cent ($.50) increase in Eighty-Nine (89) Octane gasoline prices at the pump.

     

Mid-Range gasoline prices at the closest gasoline service station to the meeting site will be used in formulating the Non-Boater fee.

     

Non-Boat owners shall pay the daily rate without being asked by the boater."

Just as long as the fee is upfront and is known and that the non-boater is expected to give the money to the boater before blast-off then you should not have any problems.

2.  What happens if the non-boater damages the boater's boat or equipment?

     

"Non-Boaters shall be responsible for damages incurred due to their individual negligence when operating any equipment of others arising out of any tournament activities.'

It is imperative that all fees and do's and do-not's be spelled out in writing and agreed upon by all club members before each tournament.

This avoids any embarrassing situations or arkward moments.

3.  Launching and trailering.

Yes, the non-boater can help launch and trailer the boat if you wish.  You may have a friend in the club you would rather help you or you may get to the launch site early and launch the boat by yourself.  However you want to handle it based on the non-boater' experience launching and trailering boats.

4.  Fishing favorite spots.

Usually the boater goes to his favorite spots. The non-boater can suggest where to go but it is the boater that has the final decision.

The techinques used have to be discussed BEFORE the tournament between the boater and non-boater.

If the boater wants to throw a crankbait and the non-boater want to fish a finesse worm the non-boater loses as the boater will move the boat fast.  This can cause hurt feelings and anger towards the boater.

So discuss where you are going; other options when the first plans fail (and they will); what techniques you all will use; the baits you will use; what structure you want to fish; etc.

And don't be afraid to share your baits with the non-boater or boater if they are working.  This promotes goodwill during the tournament.

The non-boater may also be allowed to take the trolling motor for half of the tournament or be INVITED to fish off the front deck.

5.  Refreshments

Clear who is going to bring what to eat. Usually the guys bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks. See if the boat has a cooler. And the non-boater should offer to pay for the ice, if possible.

Don't litter the boat and clean up the back of the boat and any other trash you generated after you trailer the boat.

6. Talk

Talk to the non-boater and let the boater talk to the non-boater.  Nothing more uncomfortable than to be with a boater who does not talk to you and does what he wants.

7.  Jerks

Remember, there are jerks out there so be ready to encounter them.  Just don't let them ruin your day, even it they don't know what they are doing.

8. Turning your partner in for a violation.

This is usually not done.  If the boater forgets to put on his PFD and goes under power; if litter somehow gets into the water; if he runs through a wake zone; or if there is another violation by either the boater or non-boater you usually keep your mouth shut.

Unless you really do not like the non-boater or boater and you want to have him disqualified.  Your call.

Hope this gives you some guidance.

Just get all details in the open and agreed to by all club members and put it in writing!

Have fun.

[Robert B]

Thanks Sam, these will help out allot.

[fishizzle]

Sam does a good job here with fair rules

I am a non boater in a BASS affiliated club and for me I offer to pay the $20 entry fee, help unload and park trailer, keep communication open,

be respectful of their virgin water ( not cast past a 45 degree angle toward the front)

I tend to keep my mouth shut about where we fish unless asked if I have suggestions

We speak the night before so I know what kind of pattern they tend to fish--so I can prerig my rods.

I do not clutter the back deck so when we run and gun it doesn't take 5 min to put away my stuff

I net their fish and they net mine

Basically we all bass fish and have respect for each other and there are no problems

Although its not my fault I usually outfish the boater

[fishfordollars]

Great question. Here is my two cents.

1. Club needs to set up the non-boater fee before any tournament based on the current mid-range gasoline prices.

Why mid-range gas prices? Because the big motors use 89 octane gasoline.

The rate has to be based on one gasoline station as of the day before the tournament. You have to have a listing of the non-boater fees, such as this:

"Non-Boat owners shall pay boaters on a sliding scale for the boater's tournament day expenses. The fee will be based on the price of eighty-nine (89) octane automobile gasoline at the closest automobile service station to the Club's meeting location at the time of the tournament pairings.

     

Eighty-Nine (89) Octane Gasoline Prices: $1.00 to $1.50 = $30; $1.51 to $2.00 = $35; $2.01 to $2.50 = $40; $2.51 to $3.00 = $45; $3.01 to $3.50 = $50; and so on for each fifty cent ($.50) increase in Eighty-Nine (89) Octane gasoline prices at the pump.

     

Mid-Range gasoline prices at the closest gasoline service station to the meeting site will be used in formulating the Non-Boater fee.

     

Non-Boat owners shall pay the daily rate without being asked by the boater."

Just as long as the fee is upfront and is known and that the non-boater is expected to give the money to the boater before blast-off then you should not have any problems.

2. What happens if the non-boater damages the boater's boat or equipment?

     

"Non-Boaters shall be responsible for damages incurred due to their individual negligence when operating any equipment of others arising out of any tournament activities.'

It is imperative that all fees and do's and do-not's be spelled out in writing and agreed upon by all club members before each tournament.

This avoids any embarrassing situations or arkward moments.

3. Launching and trailering.

Yes, the non-boater can help launch and trailer the boat if you wish. You may have a friend in the club you would rather help you or you may get to the launch site early and launch the boat by yourself. However you want to handle it based on the non-boater' experience launching and trailering boats.

4. Fishing favorite spots.

Usually the boater goes to his favorite spots. The non-boater can suggest where to go but it is the boater that has the final decision.

The techinques used have to be discussed BEFORE the tournament between the boater and non-boater.

If the boater wants to throw a crankbait and the non-boater want to fish a finesse worm the non-boater loses as the boater will move the boat fast. This can cause hurt feelings and anger towards the boater.

So discuss where you are going; other options when the first plans fail (and they will); what techniques you all will use; the baits you will use; what structure you want to fish; etc.

And don't be afraid to share your baits with the non-boater or boater if they are working. This promotes goodwill during the tournament.

The non-boater may also be allowed to take the trolling motor for half of the tournament or be INVITED to fish off the front deck.

5. Refreshments

Clear who is going to bring what to eat. Usually the guys bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks. See if the boat has a cooler. And the non-boater should offer to pay for the ice, if possible.

Don't litter the boat and clean up the back of the boat and any other trash you generated after you trailer the boat.

6. Talk

Talk to the non-boater and let the boater talk to the non-boater. Nothing more uncomfortable than to be with a boater who does not talk to you and does what he wants.

7. Jerks

Remember, there are jerks out there so be ready to encounter them. Just don't let them ruin your day, even it they don't know what they are doing.

8. Turning your partner in for a violation.

This is usually not done. If the boater forgets to put on his PFD and goes under power; if litter somehow gets into the water; if he runs through a wake zone; or if there is another violation by either the boater or non-boater you usually keep your mouth shut.

Unless you really do not like the non-boater or boater and you want to have him disqualified. Your call.

Hope this gives you some guidance.

Just get all details in the open and agreed to by all club members and put it in writing!

Have fun.

X2

It's a small club. Go out, have fun, make a new friend. Enjoy yourselves, and kick some a--