Flw Bfl

[aumdb487]

I'm thinking about trying to participate in the FLW's BFL series this year as a co-angler. I was curious if anyone has any experince with BFL in general and more specifically about being a co-angler. Any advice for someone who hasn't done anything like this would be appericated.

[zip pow]

Go to the flw website it has all the tourny info preregister for what ever tourny you want to fish I if you want a spot don't try to register day of tourny you won't get picked four out of five times only bring four rods max get you some small tackle trays be sure and have hooks and weights. Don't worry about bring a bunc h of hard bait your angler will be more than willing to share hard bait with you but don't forget to offer to help with expense alway try something a little different from the boat and good luck

[aumdb487]

Thanks for that info... I was planning on bring 5 rods and my small soft tackle box (carries 5 planos). I didn't think would be too big of a foot print on the boat. Also, planned on about 40 dollars for gas and everything, that seemed like the right amount, thoughts?

[psuangler91]

I'm trying to fish some BFL's as a co angler this year too. I don't have much previous tournament experience but I figured this would be the best way to learn. I was going to bring five rods too but I was told that if you talk to your boater before you go out he can pretty much narrow down what you need and you can usually get away with 4 rods and a 3 or 4 trays worth of stuff. The hardest part for me is going to be choosing what to leave behind, I have separation issues. lol

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I'll offer some thoughts. I know a handful of guys that have fished them.

Now, if you take the time to read this I do actually want to fish a few. Keep that in Mind. And I'll get to the reason later.

First....GAS.

I've heard as low as 20 bucks, and as high as 1/2 the boat, AND truck gas, and possibly even more.

That is ridiculous. The boater is NOT there to provide a boat for you. He is there to fish his tournament. He, by signing up as a boater, has decided to fish his tournament in his boat, and that tells me he would fish it, whether he has a co-angler in the back or not.

$40 is more than enough. I would toss a tip if he is A) a good guy, and has you on fish

Rods. IMO, it depends on how you will be fishing. Some of the BFL's are more than one day (or at least used to be) In this case you will end up fishing with two different guys. It would be a good idea to discuss with them, the night before, about where, and how they will be fishing. That is all up to them, and you have no say (part of their benefit of being a boater-see above)

This will help you narrow down your rod selection.

However in this scenario I would bring all my rods, and then pare down my selection based on how you will be fishing. Again, two different boaters may be doing two different things.

Value. Don't go into it thinking because you are a co-angler that you are going to get paired up with a "PRO" You just might get teamed up with a great fisherman who is on fish, and you whack them like crazy. Or, you just might get teamed up with a guy with less skills than you, and there you are stuck in the back of his boat, sitting in water with few small bass, and you catch nothing. Now are you going to pay half that guys gas? I know I won't.

By signing up as non boater, you get reduced cost (again back to the whole gas thing) and a possible learning experience.

Not just from the boater you are fishing with, but the water you are fishing.

Personally, I would rather sign up as a boater. Then, if you don't catch fish because of the area you are in, it's on you, not somebody else.

However, I do hope to fish a few in the future. I'm doing so to A) learn from the person I'm fishing with, and Learn more about water I plan to fish in the future, but is a little to far away for me to just go any old time.

I've had friends who fished with guys who just simply were not on fish, and with guys who had a great boater, and whacked them all weekend long.

[aumdb487]

Thanks. that is good information... and it sounds like it's in the ball park of what I was planning to do. I guess the biggest gamble is the luck of getting paired with a good boater vs someone who is as green as I am to the tourneys.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Thanks. that is good information... and it sounds like it's in the ball park of what I was planning to do. I guess the biggest gamble is the luck of getting paired with a good boater vs someone who is as green as I am to the tourneys.

IMO, yes, that is the biggest issue.

I had a roommate who signed up as a boater...I fished with him. And I've fished with and against some guys who are pretty good. Fishing out of his boat would have been a real downer.

[zip pow]

I always leave a back side compartment open for my co anglers gear if his tackle fits I pleased and forty dollars is plenty.

[lynyrdsky1]

I've been with some good boaters more than bad but I have had some bad experiences. Still out of respect, and due to high gas prices, 40 to 60 is good for gas. If you are pretty close to your destination and the lake is not fairly big, than 30 to 40 is fine but, if you are driving far and on a big lake 60 or higher is good but most guys shouldn't make you pay more than 50 or 60 dollars.

Another note, most guys have no problem if you ask them to go to a spot you know or let you control the boat for a little while. This gives them time to change baits and do anything else they could not do while on the trolling motor. With asking them to go to a spot, do not bug them about it. If they say sure and towards the end of the day you havn't gone there and you have not caught fish then kindly remind them. If they say no then leave it at that.

As a non-boater you got to have tougher skin than as a boater because it is not your boat. If guy says 2 rods and box of tackle then thats what you got to do but truthfully, most guys out there are not like that but just plan for the worst and hope for the best.

["BRB"]

I just signed up for the first two tournament in arkie divisions as a co-angler. And well try to signed up for the other once I find out my work schedule. This well be the first time I fish a tournament like this and I'm really looking forward to it. I really hope I get a good boater so I can learn more about tournament fishing.

[aumdb487]

So I signed up for the Choo Choo division ... now I'm looking for a boater if anyone else is in division I would greatly appreciate a ride.

["BRB"]

Good luck to you mybe I see you 2013 All-American!!!

[maveric1]

I have fished as boater and coangler... I have personally never asked for a specific amount of money from a co-angler, I have also refused to accept money cause I felt A) we didnt burn that much gas we werent ongood fish so that being my fault I am not accepting anything.

As a co-angler I have been with good and bad Boaters not in fishing ability so much as attitude. As a boater i have had co-anglers that are good and bad. Just be a good guy and tlak to the boater he will treat ya right. I had a co-angler bring more stuff than me before... dont be that guy lol

OVERALL ENJOY YOURSELF AND HAVE FUN

[basscatcher8]

Another note, most guys have no problem if you ask them to go to a spot you know or let you control the boat for a little while.

I fished a couple tourneys in the Great Lakes division as a co-angler and I remember them being adamant about this that co-anglers weren't allowed on the front deck or to have control of the boat at any time. They might have changed it since but that was one big thing I remember. One big thing that I ran into was getting a plan for netting fish together with your boater. He might want the net laying a certain way or certain place. Its best to do it and not do what i did and think i knew better lol. First fish of the day resulted in him being in my face lol. Kept the net where it was suppose to be and we were friends the rest of the day. Never hurts to network when you are there either. You might be able to find a boater that will be pre fishing the next tournament and let you go up early and fish with him. I had a friend that did this and it helped him big time even being in the back of the boat for the whole tournament.

[lynyrdsky1]

I fished a couple tourneys in the Great Lakes division as a co-angler and I remember them being adamant about this that co-anglers weren't allowed on the front deck or to have control of the boat at any time. They might have changed it since but that was one big thing I remember. One big thing that I ran into was getting a plan for netting fish together with your boater. He might want the net laying a certain way or certain place. Its best to do it and not do what i did and think i knew better lol. First fish of the day resulted in him being in my face lol. Kept the net where it was suppose to be and we were friends the rest of the day. Never hurts to network when you are there either. You might be able to find a boater that will be pre fishing the next tournament and let you go up early and fish with him. I had a friend that did this and it helped him big time even being in the back of the boat for the whole tournament.

Never heard that but it may be for very large tournaments. Cause I know in most bfl, club, and small circuits they really do not mind but like I said in my post it depends on the boater if they offer ok but if not that is different.

[BassIdiot]

Fry,

I fish the BFL's as a co-angler. In the past 7 yrs, I have fished 13 divisions (I fish Bama and Bulldog every year), I have qualified for every regional, WON a regional and qualified for two All-Americans.

Disregard what ZIP said.

1) the easiest way to get in is to find a boater to register for the tournaments with. They have what they call "guaranteed boater/co-angler". If you register with a boater by the deadline, you are in the tournament. If you wait till after the deadline, you go on a waiting list and may not get in. Use the bass fishing forums to look for boaters or at the first tournament, tell the tournament director you are looking for a boater for the rest of the tournaments. He will make an announcement and help you find a boater.

2) Rods - I carry 5, sometimes 6. It all depends on where you are fishing, time of year and what your boater tells you that you will be fishing. When you draw your partner, don't be afraid to ask him how you will be fishing the next day. Find out technique and depth. EX: does he plan on flipping all day, will he fish deep (carolina rig, big crankbait, pig and jig), will he stop early and throw top water first then go deep. This will let you know how many rods you need, what size line on each and what type of baits you need to tie on. I always have a spinning rod with a shakeyhead on it.

3) Hard baits. I don't know where Zippy fishes, but I don't know of many guys that will willing give you a $14 crankbait to throw. Get a tacklebox that has 3 or 4 of the medium size plastic boxes in it. In one, put hooks (3/0,4/0, 5/0, drop shot hooks, flipping hooks) and weights. In another, put crankbaits (shallow to deep), If you are fishing shallow all day, you can always take out the deep ones and add shallow ones the night before. In another, have topwater and jerk baits. In the top of the box and pockets, carry your plastics. I also carry an extra reel. When you backlash one, it is easier to swap reels than to lose that rod or spend 30 minutes getting out the backlash.

4) GAS - It depends on how much your boater runs. If he drops the trolling motor and stays on it all day, I would give him $20, if you run a bunch, $40 is good. If my guys runs a ton and I catch fish, I have no problem with $50. I always feel good giving gas if my boater was a joy to fish with.

5) Snacks - bring your own. Most of the guys will have something but better to bring your own than to eat theirs. Bring a few waters and throw in the cooler and bring some snacks or a sandwich.

6) Lifevest - Most guys have an extra but it is expected that you have your own. I have run into a few that didn't have an extra in their boat. If you bring your own, let the boater know so he can remove his and give you extra room. In the BFL's, the compartment behind the passenger seat is supposed to be empty and storage for the co-angler.

7) Other stuff - If it looks like it will rain, bring your rainsuit. Figure out if your boater likes to talk or not. Some will talk your ears off and others want to concentrate on fishing and will only talk while idleing or running down the lake. Find out how your boater wants you to work the net. Some want to do it themelsves, some want you to put the net in the water and not move it so they can bring the fish to it and others want you to reach out and get the fish. Nothing worse than knocking a fish off the line with the net.

It sounds like a lot but the more you find out when you first meet your boater will make it a better day on the lake. Most boaters are great guys and if you have an questions, ask them. They will be glad to offer advice and help you out. You are not fishing against them, you are only fishing against the other co-anglers. Most of the boaters would love to see you win the co-angler side.

I hope this helps some. Good luck and hope to see you at one of the BFL's.

[zip pow]

Ill let anybody have any lure that's catching fish even some of my 90$ custom crankbaits. Most of the guy if not all of them will do the same evidently you have had some bad anglers

[ChiCityBasser]

Fry,

I fish the BFL's as a co-angler. In the past 7 yrs, I have fished 13 divisions (I fish Bama and Bulldog every year), I have qualified for every regional, WON a regional and qualified for two All-Americans.

Disregard what ZIP said.

1) the easiest way to get in is to find a boater to register for the tournaments with. They have what they call "guaranteed boater/co-angler". If you register with a boater by the deadline, you are in the tournament. If you wait till after the deadline, you go on a waiting list and may not get in. Use the bass fishing forums to look for boaters or at the first tournament, tell the tournament director you are looking for a boater for the rest of the tournaments. He will make an announcement and help you find a boater.

2) Rods - I carry 5, sometimes 6. It all depends on where you are fishing, time of year and what your boater tells you that you will be fishing. When you draw your partner, don't be afraid to ask him how you will be fishing the next day. Find out technique and depth. EX: does he plan on flipping all day, will he fish deep (carolina rig, big crankbait, pig and jig), will he stop early and throw top water first then go deep. This will let you know how many rods you need, what size line on each and what type of baits you need to tie on. I always have a spinning rod with a shakeyhead on it.

3) Hard baits. I don't know where Zippy fishes, but I don't know of many guys that will willing give you a $14 crankbait to throw. Get a tacklebox that has 3 or 4 of the medium size plastic boxes in it. In one, put hooks (3/0,4/0, 5/0, drop shot hooks, flipping hooks) and weights. In another, put crankbaits (shallow to deep), If you are fishing shallow all day, you can always take out the deep ones and add shallow ones the night before. In another, have topwater and jerk baits. In the top of the box and pockets, carry your plastics. I also carry an extra reel. When you backlash one, it is easier to swap reels than to lose that rod or spend 30 minutes getting out the backlash.

4) GAS - It depends on how much your boater runs. If he drops the trolling motor and stays on it all day, I would give him $20, if you run a bunch, $40 is good. If my guys runs a ton and I catch fish, I have no problem with $50. I always feel good giving gas if my boater was a joy to fish with.

5) Snacks - bring your own. Most of the guys will have something but better to bring your own than to eat theirs. Bring a few waters and throw in the cooler and bring some snacks or a sandwich.

6) Lifevest - Most guys have an extra but it is expected that you have your own. I have run into a few that didn't have an extra in their boat. If you bring your own, let the boater know so he can remove his and give you extra room. In the BFL's, the compartment behind the passenger seat is supposed to be empty and storage for the co-angler.

7) Other stuff - If it looks like it will rain, bring your rainsuit. Figure out if your boater likes to talk or not. Some will talk your ears off and others want to concentrate on fishing and will only talk while idleing or running down the lake. Find out how your boater wants you to work the net. Some want to do it themelsves, some want you to put the net in the water and not move it so they can bring the fish to it and others want you to reach out and get the fish. Nothing worse than knocking a fish off the line with the net.

It sounds like a lot but the more you find out when you first meet your boater will make it a better day on the lake. Most boaters are great guys and if you have an questions, ask them. They will be glad to offer advice and help you out. You are not fishing against them, you are only fishing against the other co-anglers. Most of the boaters would love to see you win the co-angler side.

I hope this helps some. Good luck and hope to see you at one of the BFL's.

Thanks for the great info and tips as I just found a boater for the illini division and this info really helped and gave me some things to go over with the boater before we even get ready to start fishing.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Thanks for the great info and tips as I just found a boater for the illini division and this info really helped and gave me some things to go over with the boater before we even get ready to start fishing.

Don't forget, that boater is just a way to gaurantee your spot. Chances are you won't actually fish with him.

[ChiCityBasser]

Don't forget, that boater is just a way to gaurantee your spot. Chances are you won't actually fish with him.

No I didn't know that I wouldn't fish with the boater I register with and thanks for that info also.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

No I didn't know that I wouldn't fish with the boater I register with and thanks for that info also.

Ya, it's still luck of the draw, when it comes to who you fish with.

They want you to sign up like that so they have a set number of boaters/non boaters.

[Nick]

In any BFL, co's only fish from the back...period.

I accept money for gas no problem, but only half of what was burned.

The only bad co's I ever had were the ones who tried to cast ahead of me, I mean way ahead of the boat. Please do not cast ahead of the pro's position. FIsh your water as you come to it.

I do not hug the bank even though that is often more effective in a shallow bite. I leave room for my co to cast and expect him to not fish in front of me.

One more point for all co's is not to try to mimic the pro's lures esp. if he is picking apart bank very thoroughly. Change the presentation, cast angle or even cast to the other side of the boat. Complement, don't mimic a slow moving pro.

For young anglers, there is no better way to become a better angler than spending lots of tournament days in the back of a pro's boat. Even if you don't win a thing, you will learn to become a much better angler. If your pro is pretty tight lipped about the why's and wherefores of the day, he may open up a little more around weigh in time. Be a good listener, an offer to help him clean his boat if possible.

[TimJ]

BassIdiot, I could not have written that any better. Nick, good points.

No matter the skill of your pro, treat them with the same respect and professionalism that you would expect. Good luck to you all and enjoy your experiences.

[james 14]

This is great information as I'm considering my options for more serious tournaments in the future. My first inclination is to jump in as a boater because I like control but the last thing I want to do is drag some poor non-boater around without catching fish. One caveat to that is I wouldn't move into this process without first knowing I can hit fish in nearly every situation presented to me. Not quite there yet but I HAVE had the taste of victory a few times in my first year seriously fishing tourneys.

I'm glad to hear you guys only pay/expect around $40 because I was imagining something quite a bit higher than that.

[aumdb487]

Just a quick update... I fished this last weekend in my first tournament. Finished 30 out of 189 with 4 fish at 10 pounds 7 ounces. Thanks for all the advice, I was lucky enough to draw an awesome boater and had NO issues at all.