Non Boater Help

[MikeOGNR]

Im just wondering how would i be a good non boater for the person using theri boat to fish like what are some tips i should use to actually be a help in the back of the boat also should i use about the same thing my partner is and what are some of the main category baits i should bring with me?

[fishnabarrel]

overall in my experience the non boater should have something that is fished at about the same speed as the person in the front. there are also alot of great articles on this site if you take the time to look for them

[PondBoss]

When I was fishing as a non-boater I brought 3-4 rods and my tackle bag. (jansport backpack) I tried to throw different baits until a pattern was developed. If he found something that was working I'd switch to something similar if I had it. Some guys are super nice and if they have plenty they will give you some too. If you get them figured out first he will switch accordingly. If he doesn't have one of what you are getting bit on, offer some if you have some to spare. This will not only score you some cool points, but it may score you some extra change at the weigh in.

[dmac14]

overall in my experience the non boater should have something that is fished at about the same speed as the person in the front. there are also alot of great articles on this site if you take the time to look for them

Yeah, don't fish a senko if your boater is burning a spinnerbait. What I find works well is too differ slightly from the boater. If they are fishing a white spinnerbait, use chartreuse, until both of you figure out which one they want. Likewise use a popper if they are using a spook. But if one starts working better than the other, either switch or let your boater know (he is probably already aware). Although you are competing against each other you can still help each other catch fish, it will make for a better overall day.

Prior to the tourny, talk to the boater and find out if he has found fish/ what his plan is to catch them. This will help narrow down which baits/rods to bring.

Also learn how to back in a trailer, launches and retrieves go so much faster when the non-boater knows how to trailer a boat (however if you are not 100% on it, don't offer).

As a non-boater you learn so much, stay open minded and willing to try everything. My first two tournaments combined netted 2 fish, I was stubborn and didn't wanna fish how my boater was. However once I opened up I have had much more success.

Just go out and have fun! Don't forget to bring water it gets hot.

Cheers!

[Glenn]

Here's a few articles to help you out:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/co-angler_clinic.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/guide_to_tournament_fishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/fishing_partners.html

Hope that helps!