Thoughts On Trying To Hitchhike Onto The Water With Boaters At The Launch? 2024
Daniel Lin reply :
Just a thought. Does anyone have any input on a bank fisherman trying to hitch a ride with a solo boater in a bass boat or a small group in a larger boat that has room for one more at the boat launch? It's something that's crossed my mind a few times the last few times I've bank fished lakes. Some of the conditions that I've come up with for myself to the would-be boat operator are, in no particular order:
- Unless you specifically ask me, I won't dictate at all where to go, maneuvering adjustments to make, etc. I'm just along for the ride, and trying to walk on water isn't going so well. Want me to fish back of boat? Sure. Are you a back of boat guy yourself? Cool, I'll take the front. Want me to drive the boat while you sit back and relax? Maybe you should think twice about that one, largest motor I've ever operated is a 50 on a 14-foot aluminum boat.
- I'm willing to negotiate a price if you want cash money. I'm thinking for the lakes around here, $5-10 seems reasonable, as I'm really trying to be as unobtrusive as possible to you.
- If you want, and I'm ok with you throwing it, I'll give you access to my tackle bag and soft plastics. If I think you're trying to throw my entire collection of GYCBs or Lucky Crafts overboard, I might say something. This is mostly a "Hey, I've thought about getting that, can I give it a try?" sort of thing. Most likely, I won't ask to access yours.
- If you're a fish keeper, I don't really think there's a way for one person to come home with two people's worth of fish legally, since I'm usually 100% C&R. But seeing as nobody ever seems to get a limit around here for some reason, I'd be more than happy to donate my fish to you until you hit the limit. I suppose we'll have to start culling once we hit the (usually) 8 fish a day limit, but the slot should help us a lot with that.
- I'll bring my own PFD, bug spray, etc. All you have to do is cart me along wherever you go.
- If you need me to net a fish for you, I'll drop whatever I'm doing and help you out. Same goes for any other partner tasks you might need me to do.
- Unfortunately, I'm not really that experienced with putting in and taking out boats. Seeing as you originally planned to launch and recover the boat by yourself, it might be best if I just step to the side for this. But if you can delegate a simpler task in the processes, I'll be more than happy to help, and always willing to get more experience.
Basically, I guess I'm saying that I'm willing to pay a nominal amount to be a co-angler for solo boaters that I meet at the launch? I guess this is kind of the opposite of guiding? Hahaha. I figure most solo boaters around here would be happy to have some educated company to chat fishing with that isn't HURR DURR WORM, BOBBER AND PAINT BUCKET. Perhaps we should set ground rules of no politics or religion... I've found that my personal views often don't exactly align with the majority of Southern outdoorsmen. But at least we clearly have a love of fishing in common.
Jig Man reply :
Good luck with that idea. No one that I don't know is going anywhere in my boat, too much liability involved.
deaknh03 reply :
Trry asking someone..thats the only way your gonna find out.
bighed reply :
I'm pretty open to sharing a backseat with a stranger when I'm out prefishing. I prefer that angler would respond to a post on a local forum offering a ride for a share of fuel costs rather than hit me up at the ramp.
Logan S reply :
slimshad reply :
Had a nice older couple ask me if I would like to go with them down in the gulf. I was dead set on going but the wife said ABSOLUTLY NOT. lol She said thats the stuff you read or see on the news. They were putting fresh snapper on a grill outside our condo. I went over to talk fishing. They would have been great and I would have had a blst. Dang women... Sorry not the OP's original question but kinda sorta. I would not feel comfortable taking a complete stranger from a ramp with me. Off of a forum or meeting them first somewhere maybe. At least a forum you can check out their posts and see what kind of person they are....
Catch and Grease reply :
I wont take someone I 100% do not know fishing... I have taken people I don't know very well fishing from my school but I've at least introduced myself, know who they are and how they act. I tell them get a fishing license and be at the ramp at X time and we'll go catch em!
Swampstud reply :
If you looked like a creeper or possible trouble, most definatly not. If my kids are in the boat, definatly not. Those come to mind. Now if ive been out fishin several times an noticed your presence a few times, your dressed in clean decent clothes, and maybe we chatted a time or 2 at the ramp before being asked. I probably would think about it. by nature im different than most.
When i was walking the banks from age 7- oh say 11, i always wanted to ask aswell. I know where your coming from.
Plus if i thought i made a mistake by letting you on, id turn the trollin motor on high an toss ya out, lol
Bluegiller reply :
I don't think I would, too many wackos seem to fish.
TBO reply :
thats a tough one. i have thought about asking some bank fisherman to join me in my canoe. but then reconsidered just like bluegiller said "too many wackos out their" so i wouldnt have a clue how you acted in a canoe/ boat that seals the deal for me. i dont want to deal with someone who falls in or tips the canoe. id rather it be someone from a bassclub i joined or a forum
ww2farmer reply :
I have done it..... Picked up a bank fishermen I don't know, that is. I have nothing to worry about. If they are bass fishing, and I am bass fishing, we already have something in common. I have made a couple of friends this way too. What is the worst thing that could happen. So far no one has really tried messing with the 6'+, 325 lb guy who shaves his head, talks to himself and yells a lot.
reelnmn reply :
Everytime I fish an FLW tournament as a coangler this is exactly what I do. The only time I have had anyone tell me no is when they already had a practice partner scheduled for the day. Be friendly, organized, and offer to split gas costs. I typically give $40, but a lot of the guys I fish with have traveled hundreds of miles to fish. If I were you I would give $20 everytime. It's also important to understand everyone fishes differently. Some guys will camp on one spot and fish 4 hours whereas another guy may parallel the bank fishing a crankbait with the trolling motor on high. It's easy to get frustrated and upset leading you to blame the boater. Don't. Take it as a challenge, learn how/why the are or aren't catching fish and figure out a way to effectively fish behind them.
Good luck and good fishing.
Daniel Lin reply :
I understand the caution, especially since I'm an avatarless person on an internet forum. Here's a photo of me when I was working as a freelance photojournalist for the Roanoke Times at the 2013 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament in Charlotte, NC, scouting out aerial angles.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/894096_10151386936143040_612588467_o.jpg
I think it would take probably 10 seconds, if not less, of talking with me to realize that I'm not looking for a way to send your body to the depths of the lake. I know there's a lot of shady types that also happen to enjoy bass fishing. I'd like to think that I don't give off that vibe. Worst thing you can do is say no, and I'll tell you thanks and tight lines, and I'll ask the next guy who comes along who doesn't look like he'll push ME into the depths of the lake.
EmersonFish reply :
I boat alone quite a bit and bank fish quite a bit, depending on how ambitious I am that day, or how much time I have.
I feel like it would be pushing it a bit for a bank fisherman to approach a complete stranger about hitching a ride. Puts the boater in an awkward position. If it were a situation like someone mentioned earlier where it was a bank fisherman that the boater had previous friendly interactions with, it might be something to discuss, but maybe plan it for the next time out so that you can make sure you are both on the same page about the details (how long on the water; practicing new techniques versus just trying to catch for fun; gas money; etc...).
I've been creeping along the bank and had a couple of bass fishermen on boats ask me if I would like to hop on for a while. I genuinely appreciated the offer, but usually when I'm bank fishing, I'm pushing my luck time-wise as it is, so I thank them and decline.
This kind of thing is probably addressed more formally on message boards. I know on a catfish board I'm on non-boaters hook up with boaters once in a while, and it usually turns out pretty good based on their reports.
Brian6428 reply :
I wouldn't expect to have too much success doing this, but it may be worth a shot. Be well dressed, clean cut, and respectful. Don't be persistent if they say no or start making excuses, just tell them good luck and walk away. Also, let them know you aren't a freeloader.
You would have better luck trying to meet up with somebody on here. Go to the local fishing forums and give it a shot.
Also, put your location on your profile. That will help
Fisher-O-men reply :
Best to set something up ahead of time on local boards, if such exist. Around here it is not a "nominal fee" that a rider pays, it is both permits and the launch fee: $23. Plus it is a good idea to put some cash toward gas. The boat operator has a ton of expenses that most non-boat owners never think about. You need to be an asset, not just a ride-along.
Fishes in trees reply :
When I fished BFL's as a co-angler I found it fairly easy to snag a ride in the days leading up to the event.
Generally it was a guy staying at the same motel I was. All those guys had seen me around, etc. I generally stayed in touch with all the different guys I snagged a ride with and drew as a co-angler and over time it became easier to get on the water prior to a tournament, for pre-fishing and just getting out on different bodies of water. I would point out that I wasn't young when I was doing this - I was in my mid-40's to early 50's, so I looked pretty harmless.
I don't know about snagging rides outside of a tournament situation. Good luck with that. I know that if you are personable and polite, people will often want to help you.
When I was in college, I went fishing with several of my professors, eventually ending up with professors who weren't anywhere near my major, we just liked to fish together.
Josh Smith reply :
The boat is nearing completion. I do not know if I'll get it out on the water this year, but it will be ready next year if not.
Last time I went out fishing on the weekend, I saw some kids (teens) fishing. One was throwing a topwater frog while the others were bait fishing.
I am a substitute teacher, or am when time allows. I would be a teacher full-time if it weren't for all the idiotic regulations getting in the way these days. I would be fired. Subs can get away with more stuff. Hell, I was sparring in class once with a kid who was in taekwondo. Probably not the brightest thing I've ever done, but it was fun.
I come from a family of educators and this is probably where my "how-to" articles come from.
At any rate, I felt for those teens. It looked like they were trying, but just weren't catching anything. (That was the only day this year I got "skunked" as well.)
I would likely invite them to pile in. No drugs, no cigs, booze. Why no cigs? 'Cause I won't card you and don't want to be busted.
I have a real problem with folks trying to invite themselves, though. Canoes and kayaks are not overly expensive, and if it's important to you you'll find one cheap. Heck, even inflatables work.
Josh
Chris S reply :
When I moved back to KC from ATL I bought a new boat. I posted an add on Craigslist sporting goods section looking for a fishing partner to split gas with. I had two people reply and one of them is my Tourny partner for the past four years!
The first time we spoke over the phone we set up a place to meet and chat and have a few beers. His wife was kinda leery to say the least but we have fished over 50 times since then.
buzzed bait reply :
daniel, my only input is to act a little less like this is a negotiation so to speak. if you get picked up, you will be at the mercy of whomever picks you up, PERIOD. just from your initial post, you seemed to think a negotiation would ensue over costs, position of boat, technique, etc. go into the situation open minded and looking to learn from someone and you should really enjoy yourself should someone pick you up.
Chris S reply :
On 10/4/2014 at 12:27 AM, buzzed bait said:daniel, my only input is to act a little less like this is a negotiation so to speak. if you get picked up, you will be at the mercy of whomever picks you up, PERIOD. just from your initial post, you seemed to think a negotiation would ensue over costs, position of boat, technique, etc. go into the situation open minded and looking to learn from someone and you should really enjoy yourself should someone pick you up.
I agree if you are out with me fishing for the first time on my boat, I expect you to follow my rules period. I have a neighbor that's never been back out after a trip a few years ago and he doesn't even bother to ask about going out because of his mouth.
It also helps if you know how to back up a boat trailer to assist your partner!
WRB reply :
Join a local bass fishing club and become a back seater.
Tom
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Networking through clubs, tourneys, forums gatherings etc. and being helpful where you can will likely get you more invites than lurking at the ramp. I'd me more concerned about becoming fish food myself than scaring someone else.
K_Mac reply :
On 10/3/2014 at 7:38 PM, Stratos20SS said:No offense, but I wouldn't be picking anyone up at the ramp...
I know plenty of fisherman, if I wanted a partner on a particular day I'd have one. I enjoy fishing alone, I enjoy having a co-angler too...But if I'm out there alone it's because I want to be. If it's not a tournament, I'm usually alone.
Your list of offerings is basically the same things you would be doing in a club...Why not look for a local club? Then you would get to know the boaters and wouldn't have to hitchhike. There's also the added benefit of making friends, tournaments, learning, and a regular schedule of events. Just a suggestion
I agree. I once invited a guy to fish from my boat who was struggling with a trolling motor that was not big enough to manage the wind. We had a good day of fishing. I did the asking though. I don't mind helping or giving away baits from time to time, but if you ask me at the ramp I will tell you no. Offering 5 or 10 dollars to cover expenses may get a laugh, but is not likely to change anyone's mind.
Ratherbfishing reply :
Since you're asking, I guess I'll volunteer my thoughts. It really doesn't take a great deal for someone to move from the "complete stranger" category to the "Okay, I know you now. You seem harmless enough" category. Not much at all. And assuming someone doesn't get on my nerves (I'll admit this isn't always easy), they would be welcome to tag along. Having said this, however, I would not be very inclined to allow someone on my boat who just walks up to me and asks for a ride. There is something very odd to me about such an arrangement and it would make me rather uncomfortable. Just as when someone on the street tries to speak with me. I shy away. Not everyone feels this way but I do.
But who's to say the boater is someone YOU would want to bum a ride from? I'd like to believe all fishermen are cool but judging simply from the amount of discarded bait containers and fishing line there is, this obviously isn't true. Fishermen are people and some people are not to be trusted. I would not subject myself to the mercy of someone I didn't know at all. Wasn't Jeffrey Dalmer a fisherman? (This is a rhetorical question to make my point).
Munkin reply :
Sometimes I invite people when fishing Black Hills. I base it on; appearance, gear and a short conversation? If you are using a baitcast rod it is a good sign as only bass/musky fishermen use them around here.
Allen
Raul reply :
On 10/3/2014 at 8:59 PM, Bluegiller said:I don't think I would, too many wackos seem to fish.
Yup, starting by ourselves, and I´m pretty wacko meself. 
desmobob reply :
I think, like most people, I wouldn't pick up a total stranger at the launch if they asked to go with me. But I would at least consider taking someone who posted regularly on a forum, joined a club I was in, etc. I think that's the way to find your boat ride.
Tight lines,
Bob
RAMBLER reply :
No way. For years and years my fishing time is my alone time. I need that time.
I invited a "friend" to go one time. He didn't know that his spinning reel was on a baitcaster rod and visa versa. When I asked him to drop the anchor (this is for real) he had trouble hitting the bottom (the anchor rope was long enough). He got to he point that he thought when my boat moved from my place, he was suppose to be along. He even gave me permission once to take someone else if I wanted to.
Never shared expenses until about the last time we went together. That time I drove 40 miles to the boat launch and paid $5.00 fee. He gave me $5.00 to cover expenses for that trip. I had all I could take of that.
Take a stranger, hell no.
EvanT123 reply :
As a former boat less fisherman; this is something I dreamed about while beating the bank. Never thought of hanging at a boat ramp. One time I was fishing a dock around the local college. A guy about my age was off to the side with a little dog putting a canoe in. He asked me if I wanted to join. I asked if he was sure and we paddled around for an hour shooting the breeze while he waited for his gf to finish class. I thought it was a very nice geusture. As for myself I think I would be a little leary unless I had banked fish with them and got to know someone. I mean all it takes is someone to push you off the boat and away they go.
Skeeter Dan reply :
As for picking up some one from the ramp that asked . NO!!! Some one from BR YES . DON'T ALWAYS JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER. Being clean cut doesn't always mean good guy just like having long hair, beard and tatoo's don't make you a bad guy. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. Dan
ClackerBuzz reply :
put in some shop talk for 5-10 min, introduce yourself, find shared fishing techniques etc. ask if they ever want to go fishing together and if so exchange phone numbers. if you connected and they like you enough they will likely offer in the moment. if they are still hesitant maybe a phone call and few texts will get you on future trips.
i really connected with a kayak guy a few years ago but felt weird about asking for his number. next season i didn't hesitate exchanging info when i met a different cool guy and he is now a good fishing buddy.
Daniel Lin reply :
Thanks everyone for the input.
The universe works in funny ways.
I was in Walmart this afternoon killing some time in my day to work 9 hours in a 14-hour timeframe, and while I was browsing the soft plastics, an older gentleman approached me, obviously noticing that I was checking out the fishing section a little bit more in detail than your average joe in the area. He introduced himself to me as a member of the elusive local bass club I'd heard about in passing but couldn't find any information on, and gave me the details about when/where they meet, their monthly tournaments and yearly tournament scoring format, etc. That said, he still made a pretty visible frown when he asked, "I assume you have a boat right?" and I told him I didn't, nor do I have the means to store a boat or even tow the trailer for a little john boat at the moment. But maybe if I can end up partnering up with someone in the club over the next couple of months, everything will work out.
John G reply :
Oba Chandler gave boat rides!
FishinDaddy reply :
Just ask if they want some company on the water. I fish by myself a lot because of my schedule and deciding to go at the last minute. I have taken out a few people from the ramp when I can't find someone on here that wants to.
Just be polite and ask.
Brian6428 reply :
On 10/4/2014 at 8:02 PM, FishinDaddy said:Just ask if they want some company on the water. I fish by myself a lot because of my schedule and deciding to go at the last minute. I have taken out a few people from the ramp when I can't find someone on here that wants to.
Just be polite and ask.
This sounds like a really good way to ask. It leaves them open to just saying they don't want company. Seems like a less awkward situation for the boater than just saying "can I fish with you?"
OntarioFishingGuy reply :
Sorry, but I'm not gonna be out confined to a boat with someone who I know absolutely nothing about.
tatertester reply :
I am moving this month to Russell Springs , Kentucky, and, want to find a fishing partner....I do have a boat, 2 actually, but have never been without someone to fish with before. Not only do I need a fishing partner, I need to learn how to fish the lakes down that way, starting with Cumberland....I may well hire a quide for a few trips to get the hang of it.
Montanaro reply :
On 10/3/2014 at 9:54 PM, ww2farmer said:I have done it..... Picked up a bank fishermen I don't know, that is. I have nothing to worry about. If they are bass fishing, and I am bass fishing, we already have something in common. I have made a couple of friends this way too. What is the worst thing that could happen. So far no one has really tried messing with the 6'+, 325 lb guy who shaves his head, talks to himself and yells a lot.
Was she cute?
mikekurinka reply :
I'm with you bud I would want to try it to but think a forum or blog to find someone would be better. Understand you have nothing but good intentions but it would put people off, it's not the ocean. Good luck let us know if it works
GANGGREEN reply :
I've ended up with strangers in my boat a few times for whatever reason and personally, I didn't care for the experience. First of all, I'm not sure any of them offered to pay to help defray expenses (though they may have and I may have declined their offers, I simply can't remember). You have to understand that everyone is different. I happen to be an extreme introvert. That doesn't mean that I'm shy or that I don't know how to be pleasant with a boat partner, it simply means that more times than not, I'd prefer to be alone or with family or very close friends. When I find myself in a boat with a stranger or person who I don't know well, I always feel compelled to make small talk and it makes my day far less enjoyable and I'm typically in a hurry to get off the water.
Now that said, I also have friends who are extremely extroverted who seem to relish the opportunity to share some boat time or to chat all day with whoever they end up with. You just need to recognize that some boaters may not enjoy the experience even if they were kind enough to say, "sure, hop in". I suspect that I'm the type of person who would often times tell you to join me if you asked and if you appeared clean cut and decent, particularly if I had seen you or briefly chatted on other occasions. That doesn't necessarily mean that I'd want a stranger on the boat, it might just be a case of me being nice or being polite. For what it's worth, I like to think that I'm a better than average fisherman who has a good reputation locally for putting fish in the boat. I spend a fair amount of energy trying to avoid taking people along who try to invite themselves to fish with me. I know that makes me sound like a mean person, but as I've said before, I'm an introvert and tend not to like the experience on many or most occasions. Why should I spoil my limited time afield in the interest of being polite?
Just my two cents. I like the idea that people have offered of joining a club to find like-minded fishing partners who may take you in exchange for sharing expenses. You seem like a good enough guy and I'm sure many people would enjoy having you in the back of the boat.
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