Non-Boater Etiquitte 2024

Preytorien reply :

I'm not in a position right now in my life to own a bass boat (or really any boat for that matter). I've been fortunate enough to be able to join a friend of mine with a very nice Stratos several times this summer while he was pre-fishing for a tournament.

I just wondered what are some tips of etiquitte to keep in mind.

Some things I did each time were....

1. Help launch/pull out the boat (I'm not quite skilled enough yet to back it in, but I parked the truck/trailer)

2. $20 gasoline gift card

3. Brought snacks/drinks for the boat cooler

4. Brought hot breakfast sandwiches (Hardees or McD's) for early morning

5. Paid for the launch fee (except for the 1 time he beat me to it)

6. Was never late, and generally offered any assistance he needed from me

I was pretty careful not to cast in his direction, I kept my gear tidy. I only brought 2 rods and a small tackle bag (about the size of a shoebox). I kept pretty quiet and let him do his thing, although he was teaching me a lot of new methods and tricks throughout, but talking was pretty minimal most of the time.

Anything else you'd recommend?

What are some personal caveats or tips you'd give me? What are some things that non-boaters do that irritate the daylights out of you?

Thanks!

Siebert Outdoors reply :

My biggest one is don't step on my seats.

Dwight Hottle reply :

Offer to pull up & deploy the trolling motor while the boater warms up the motor & shuts it down.

slonezp reply :

Don't smoke.

A couple years ago a buddy of mines non boater was backing the trailer down the ramp to load the boat. He had put the tailgate down to see better. Cut a turn to tight and the boater and his wife were waving their hands and yelling stop. I guess he didn't see or hear them and crushed the tailgate.

Felix77 reply :

On 11/27/2013 at 10:20 PM, PSN81 said:

I'm not in a position right now in my life to own a bass boat (or really any boat for that matter). I've been fortunate enough to be able to join a friend of mine with a very nice Stratos several times this summer while he was pre-fishing for a tournament.

I just wondered what are some tips of etiquitte to keep in mind.

Some things I did each time were....

1. Help launch/pull out the boat (I'm not quite skilled enough yet to back it in, but I parked the truck/trailer)

2. $20 gasoline gift card

3. Brought snacks/drinks for the boat cooler

4. Brought hot breakfast sandwiches (Hardees or McD's) for early morning

5. Paid for the launch fee (except for the 1 time he beat me to it)

6. Was never late, and generally offered any assistance he needed from me

I was pretty careful not to cast in his direction, I kept my gear tidy. I only brought 2 rods and a small tackle bag (about the size of a shoebox). I kept pretty quiet and let him do his thing, although he was teaching me a lot of new methods and tricks throughout, but talking was pretty minimal most of the time.

Anything else you'd recommend?

What are some personal caveats or tips you'd give me? What are some things that non-boaters do that irritate the daylights out of you?

Thanks!

Felix77 reply :

On 11/27/2013 at 10:30 PM, slonezp said:

Don't smoke.

A couple years ago a buddy of mines non boater was backing the trailer down the ramp to load the boat. He had put the tailgate down to see better. Cut a turn to tight and the boater and his wife were waving their hands and yelling stop. I guess he didn't see or hear them and crushed the tailgate.

Preytorien reply :

Yea I'm pretty transparent, which I figured he'd rather me be than to trash his $60,000 boat. He doesn't seem mind backing it in. But I'm not above saying I'm inexperienced at something, which is also how I've learned so much this year. He really has taught me a lot and showed me stuff I never could learn on-shore.

As for the other ideas, I don't smoke, so no issue there.

I have leather seats in my car, which gets baby'd (just ask my wife!) so I definitely don't step on his seats either. That'd tick me off pretty good.

I've never thought of the idea of deploying the trolling motor, that's a good suggestion. One more thing he wouldn't have to worry about and we could get our lines in the water faster.

I'm always conscious of when "he's done" with a spot and wants to bring everything in and move. So I think I usually do a pretty good job of being ready to go when he is.

Great ideas guys thanks.

Any more?

Glenn reply :

Well...don't be afraid of the boater. Yes, it's his boat, but you don't have to be a mouse .... you're a guest. I'd say ask him how many rods and how much tackle he suggests you bring. Each boat is different, and each boater's tolerance is different. So there are no hard rules. Chipping in for gas is almost mandatory - although I never accept it. And don't let anyone convince you that you need to chip in for "other" expenses such as oil and insurance.

Other than that, don't make a mess (eating crackers, peanuts, etc).

Here's some additional information you might find helpful:

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

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

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tournament-etiquette.html

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

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

J Francho reply :

I don't know about other boaters, but I'm perfectly willing to teach non boaters in my club how to back a trailer down. You can read all the articles you want, know all the tricks, but really it comes down to seat time. I've hear the crushed tailgait story too many times to count. Neither of my trailers would ever do this - the side rails would hit the bumper before hitting the tailgait. Maybe it's the hitch I use, since it sticks out about 8" from the receiver. My main advice to learning how to back down is to go slow, but not so slow you can't tell how the trailer reacts to steering inputs. That, and don't make any sharp cuts. Many times, I'll line the trailer up on the ramp, then hop in, and let my partner back it straight down and park it. My girlfriend can even do this, and she won't drive my truck any other time.

Non boater tips? Keep your stuff neat and tidy, out of the way, and be ready to roll at a moment's notice. Some gear that I use as a non boater: Save Phace mask, Bac Rac, packable rain gear, inflatable PFD worn all the time, belt clip for tools, and a pocket full of those tarp bungees - just in case. Tell your boater to give you an idea when he thinks he'll move, and you'll be ready for him. I generally bring 4-8 rods (the Bac Rac really lets you bring more than you need), and a 4x3700 tackle bag.

BrianinMD reply :

Don't take anything into the boat which could stain, such as colored drinks, liquid scents, and such.

Always talk to you boater in advance, so you are prepared for what they are going to do.

Be prepared for weather.

Don't bring to much stuff.

Be honest about what you are comfortable doing, whether its backing up trailers, running trolling motor if necessary. Boaters are happier knowing this info rather than someone not saying something then damaging things.

If you need to pee off the boat, make sure to pee OFF the boat.

Don't get irritated if they prefer to do things themselves. Such as I always try to help cleanup and prepare the boat for the road once the day is done. Some boaters don't want help, they have a method which they prefer to do without disruption.

if you prefish don't go blabbing to anyone else what you found out.

bring along some type of hook guards especially for trembles

find out before you leave the ramp what their netting thoughts are, some what it immediately others only when called for.

Felix77 reply :

One very overlooked thing is your attitude. Nothing brings down a day of fishing more than a negative guest. Just try to be positive and stay positive throughout your day. Fishing is hard enough without negative vibes.

Remember you are fishing and there are a lot of people out there who would trade everything they have to be in your shoes.

ww2farmer reply :

When I fish a tournament with someone and we use there boat instead of mine, I try to do the following:

Launch and retrieve the boat

throw the boater some gas money............the amount depends, and if were going out of town to another lake, I give him some gas money for the truck too.

Pay 1/2 the entry fee

Try not to bring too much stuff, but I usually fail in this area LOL

That is for team type open tournaments............the only kind I fish. And I expect the same in reverse if we use my boat.

Now if were out fun fishing, and I invite you to join me............it's free, your a guest, and I am going fishing anyways, no need to pay me.

tomustang reply :

Don't be afraid to ask him what he expects from you.

Fishes in trees reply :

When I was doing BFLs as a co-angler there was a learning curve. All of the advice posted above is good advice. There is a line between being a good co-angler and being a door mat. Everyone has to find out for themselves where that line is. For me, it was a tournament on Bull Shoals where the fishing was tough and there were only a couple of patterns that were working. Boater had plenty of fish early ( would have finished 3rd ) and continued the rest of the day to position the boat to where I had no chance to cast at the available fish. That kind of got me steamed, but I stayed quiet, tried to fish available water, that sort of thing.

When we got back to the dock, I packed up all my stuff and said "bye". I refused to sign his weigh in slip. He got angry and threatened me. I walked away, let him put his own boat back on his own trailer. He got an expensive lesson about the results of co-angler abuse. I'm not totally proud of what I did, but guys have their limits and I hit mine. I fished BFL a couple more years after that incident and it was never brought up to me again, except in the motel parking lot where a couple of other co-anglers said "way to go". 99% of the boaters I drew during BFL tournaments were good guys - I say in contact with 5 or 6 of them. All I'm saying is be ready to stand up for yourself when you run into that one genuine jerk.

MarkH024 reply :

On 11/27/2013 at 10:22 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:
My biggest one is don't step on my seats.

martintheduck reply :

It already sounds like you'd be an ideal tag-along fisherman in my book... gas money and bring hardly any gear? You get an A++ in my book.

A few things I'll add (and I don't know if everyone buys into these ideas):

- Don't question what spots we are fishing. If we are fishing a spot, it's for a reason -- If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it.

- Try to joke around a little (on my boat at least). It gets kind of stressful being 100% serious. Can get kind of tense when it's totally quiet.

- Be prepared for weather -- My buddy and I went out a few weeks ago after a cold front and it was 45 degrees -- he showed up wearing jeans and a hoodie. He was shivering cold all morning ESPECIALLY when we were running 60mph and he wasn't behind a console! Made me feel terrible for him all day.

- DON'T YOU DARE BRING A BANANA ON MY FRIGGIN' BOAT!!!!! NOT EVEN BANANA BOAT SUNSCREEN!!!!

BassnChris reply :

On 11/27/2013 at 10:22 PM, Siebert Outdoors said:
My biggest one is don't step on my seats.

BassnChris reply :

Almost all of the advice I agree with totally. And in part with every tip......with following deviations.

On 11/28/2013 at 12:43 AM, Fishes in trees said:

That kind of got me steamed, but I stayed quiet, tried to fish available water, that sort of thing.

When we got back to the dock, I packed up all my stuff and said "bye". I refused to sign his weigh in slip. He got angry and threatened me. All I'm saying is be ready to stand up for yourself when you run into that one genuine jerk.

martintheduck reply :

On 11/28/2013 at 8:26 AM, BassnChris said:

A+ in my book too. And do not question where/what we are doing in a confrontational way. But you should be able to ask 'why' or 'how' they picked the spot or technique.

BassnChris reply :

On 11/28/2013 at 8:42 AM, martintheduck said:
Absolutely -- ask why or how at any point in time -- This is how I learned quite a bit about choosing spots, reading points, reading graphs/maps, and why I should be casting off the port side and not the starboard side, etc.. etc.. ---- but, when we are at a spot don't complain like a two year old about the spot we are fishing. Have a buddy who has a knack for doing this often and it chaps my butt really bad. Told him to can it quite a few times.

Boomer_bassin reply :

On 11/28/2013 at 7:23 AM, martintheduck said:
- DON'T YOU DARE BRING A BANANA ON MY FRIGGIN' BOAT!!!!! NOT EVEN BANANA BOAT SUNSCREEN!!!!

Long Mike reply :

Wow! No bananas it the boat? I've heard of superstitions, but that one really takes the cake! I have a superstition. I will not allow anyone with a bazooka in my boat.

BassnChris reply :

On 11/28/2013 at 11:38 AM, Long Mike said:
Wow! No bananas it the boat? I've heard of superstitions, but that one really takes the cake! I have a superstition. I will not allow anyone with a bazooka in my boat.

martintheduck reply :

On 11/28/2013 at 11:38 AM, Long Mike said:
Wow! No bananas it the boat? I've heard of superstitions, but that one really takes the cake! I have a superstition. I will not allow anyone with a bazooka in my boat.

PotomacBassin reply :

Don't play music on the radio or radio unless he asks you to.

Preytorien reply :

On 11/27/2013 at 11:00 PM, Glenn said:

Well...don't be afraid of the boater. Yes, it's his boat, but you don't have to be a mouse .... you're a guest. I'd say ask him how many rods and how much tackle he suggests you bring. Each boat is different, and each boater's tolerance is different. So there are no hard rules. Chipping in for gas is almost mandatory - although I never accept it. And don't let anyone convince you that you need to chip in for "other" expenses such as oil and insurance.

Other than that, don't make a mess (eating crackers, peanuts, etc).

Here's some additional information you might find helpful:

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

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

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/tournament-etiquette.html

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

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

jessejames556 reply :

Couldn't agree more with Felix. Attitude is big for me. You don't have to go out there and vomit rainbows of optimism, but don't get down on the situation just because we aren't catching. It drives me nuts when I hear my passenger say "There's no fish in here, let's head back".

Zoff reply :

I only have two rules on my boat...

Keep positive... I need someone who will help keep me positive during the tough bite.
Don't cast over my line. I had this one guy, who no longer fishes with me, that constantly would cast forward of the center line and say "Sorry, didn't see your line." when all along I knew he was just steamed that the front of the boat always got to a spot first.

I don't worry about dirt, blood, stains scuffs, etc on my boat. I bought it to use it. It will happen. Smoking... just don't burn a hole on my boat. I never fished with anyone who showed total disregard for my boat. If I did... you'd only fish with me once. Peeing? Hell... I can't pee off a boat without getting some on the gunwales. Why should I expect you to. Just dip a little water and rinse it off. As for money... If I call you up and ask you to go for a recreational fishing day, I do not expect a dime from you. I invited you. I will accept it if I feel you may be insulted if I do not. If you call me and ask me to take you... a little cash would be nice. In a tournament, the co-angler should pay half of all expenses.

What to expect from me on my boat... lots of chatter and joking, a little bit of cursing, sometime an action that make you say "huh?", and several times me asking you to run the TM so I can do something else. I have to leave the boat drifting and you standing there doing nothing so I can re-tie or untangle a line. I will often ask your opinion and will start the day by saying your have the right to make suggestions. You are here to catch fish, too. Not just be a pretty face on my boat.

Sam reply :

I call my nonboater and we meet a week or two out from the tournament date to look over the maps of the waters we will be fishing; discuss presentations; consider baits; show each our favorite spots; and anything else that we need to get on the table before we blast off.

Two heads are better than one and it bonds us together for the trip.

Bankbeater reply :

Try and find out what kind of baits and rigs the boater will be using. You don't want to start dead sticking a tube if he is burning crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Mytoyzfishing reply :

All great advise. Our Club tournaments are run where the non boater draws a boaters name and they try to make it so you do not fish with the same person more than once thoruhgout the year. Its also set up so the non boater pays the entry fee for both himself and the his boater. There was some problems a while back, before i joined, that a lot of the boaters were complaining that the non boaters were not pitching in on gas money so to resolve it the non boat pays the boaters entry fee and there is no expectaion then for gas money.

When It comes to my boat nothing bannan related rule goes for my boat as well. If its someone I know and trust I will let them run the TM and fish from the front when I am retieing. I keep one of my rear compartments empty for the non boater to use for what ever they want. Bring as many rods as you want just be able to keep them neat in the non boater rod storage and not waste time fumbling with them. As for spots to fish I have my spots I like to check out but will also ask my non boater if they have a place they want to check and if its resonable I will make every effort to check it out. I have found some great spots from some of my non boaters

Mytoyzfishing reply :

IneedAnewScreenName-3260 reply :

Man i'd love to go fishing with some of you, some true sportsman. My pops wont let me back the boat up but i help with anything i can. Our one rule is to not hook the other, ever.

Nitrofreak reply :

First of all , I would be glad to have someone on my boat like you , I have shared my boat with many many people in my time , and I have been on the back end many times as well , the best advise I could give here is when asked to be a co angler , ask the angler what's expected of you , it gives the angler and co-angler a feel for the day and of each other , if it's not a fit , find someone else , I learned that the hard way .

On my boat you need to ask questions , angler or co-angler , it's a learning experience , as well as anything else , I'm never above learning something , or giving something .

You are doing a fantastic job , I applaud your respect !!

tracker01 reply :

Note to "Boaters", Please do not pull the trolling motor up then sprint to the console and fire the motor while I have 30 yards of line out. Note to "Non Boater", Work something out in advance with the Boater so you are in your seat with life jacket on ready to go when the Boater fires the motor up.

Zoff reply :

On 12/8/2013 at 5:36 AM, tracker01 said:
Note to "Boaters", Please do not pull the trolling motor up then sprint to the console and fire the motor while I have 30 yards of line out. Note to "Non Boater", Work something out in advance with the Boater so you are in your seat with life jacket on ready to go when the Boater fires the motor up.

Koofy Smacker reply :

On 12/3/2013 at 7:52 PM, Bankbeater said:
Try and find out what kind of baits and rigs the boater will be using. You don't want to start dead sticking a tube if he is burning crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

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Non-Boater Etiquitte 2024

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