What are the general expectation when going on somebody else's boat? 2024
JFlynn97 reply :
I don't have a boat of my own so 99% of my fishing is done from the bank, and I've only fished from a boat a handful of times. But someone that the president of my university's bass fishing club knows offered to take a couple of people out on his boat this weekend and I jumped on the opportunity! Only thing is I'm still not totally sure what the standard procedure for a situation like this is. It'll be a 20 ft bass boat with the guy taking us out, and two members (3 total on the boat). What is the appropriate number of rods to bring? How much tackle? I was thinking to bring book bag with enough hard tackle, terminal, and soft plastics for the day that way I don't take up too much space, and maybe 4 or 5 rods. Does that sound about right? I also already know I'm going to give the guy who owns the boat a bit of cash for gas and to make up for taking us out, but how much should I offer?
If you guys have any other tips for fishing from a boat for a noob, I'd super appreciate it! Thanks
Bladesmith, reply :
Lets see....3 guys on a 20 foot boat. You might want to contact the boat owner and ask how much rod storage he has. 3 guys with 5 rods each is 15 rods, a little much in my opinion. When I fished club turnaments I took 3 rods; 1 spinnerbait and topwater, 1 crankbait rod, and 1 worm or jig rod. It was customary for the non boater to buy gas and pay entry fee. Lunch optional. Boat owner provided everything else. It is a good idea to contact boat owner and establish a rapport. Be supportive of his ideas and not complain if you do not do as well as expected. I forgot pfd. Take a pfd. Just my .02 as a boat owner.
LionHeart reply :
Back when I had a boat, I didn't expect someone I invited to do anything except show up on time, and have a good time. Although I had a Jon boat that could fish all day on 2 gallons of gas, so may be apples to oranges.
To me though, it's no different then when I invite someone into my home. I Don't expect them to bring a thing, but if they show up with a pecan pie and a jug of sweet tea, well I appreciate it.
If I were you, I'd put 20 bucks toward gas, and only bring 3 rods. Oh, and show up early to help launch.
Krux5506 reply :
If it's just leisure fishing and not a tournament then I wouldn't sweat it too much, it should be laid back. I would try to contact the boater and see what he thinks. I would be glad to answer those questions as a boater and would be pleased the non boater was even conscious of these things.
When I have buddies out to just fish for the day, I don't really put a limit on rods or gear, but it's usually just two of us in my deep v so storage isn't really an issue. I tell them to bring whatever snacks or drinks they might want. I never take gas money, because I'd be going out with or without them anyway. I'm not one to nickle and dime people. My priority is to just get us both on fish and have fun.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 9/21/2018 at 1:57 AM, LionHeart said:To me though, it's no different then when I invite someone into my home. I Don't expect them to bring a thing, but if they show up with a pecan pie and a jug of sweet tea, well I appreciate it.
If I were you, I'd put 20 bucks toward gas, and only bring 3 rods. Oh, and show up early to help launch.
I agree and feel the same way. I have met a lot of people over the years that invite my wife and I and it is BYOF and BYOB. Not the way I roll but to each there own.
I also agree, gas money, help launch will get you a return invite. And 2 rods should be fine a Baitcaster and a Spinning set-up is usually all I need.
looking45 reply :
First and foremost, be respectful of the guy's boat. Don't bang your lures of his outboard, windshields or boat. Some boat owners don't want guys stepping on the seats to get on the back deck. Ask about things he doesn't want you to do. I don't allow smoking in my boat. I don't need cigarette burns in the seats. 3 rods should be plenty and a small tackle bag should hold enough stuff for the day. Maybe bring a bigger lunch than normal and offer some to your host. If in doubt, ask questions. Be the guy the host would invite again.
Logan S reply :
20' bass boat is plenty big...His rods will be on the deck and in his locker. 4 or 5 rods and a backpack for tackle should be fine, you could slim it down if you wanted. Probably not his 1st time with 2 others in the boat, he'd have told you if there was a space issue.
Don't be late. Don't be messy. Don't be disorganized. Don't step on the seats. Ask about smoking/dipping if you do either (not allowed in my boat, but everyone's different).
Kick in some cash for gas or offer to pay the ramp fee, he may or may not accept. Have a good time, he wouldn't have invited you if he didn't think it would be fun...I'm sure you'll all have a fine time, don't be too paranoid about things. If in doubt about anything just ask him.
Krux5506 reply :
A buddy of mine recently got his first bass boat, and when I was out with him one day on it, I was the one who told him to not step on his seats. So yeah, don't step on the seats !!!
Ratherbfishing reply :
Try to keep the boat clean. Don't step on the seats (with muddy shoes) or traipse in more mud than you can help. Don't lean waaaay back on the seat pedestals. If you're going to have lures pre-tied, rig them on the rod so they don't snag the boat seats. Try to use the bathroom (number 2) sometime BEFORE departing the ramp. I don't expect or want money on the first trip but if, later, outings become the norm, be willing to share gas costs and any boat launch fees. Unless you've driven your own/separate car to the ramp and it is close by, don't ask to come in after just a few hours. If you NEED to leave at a certain time, clear it with me first. DON'T complain about the fishing (If I knew how to ALWAYS catch fish, I would do so).
lo n slo reply :
no spray attractant PLEASE
On 9/21/2018 at 3:20 AM, Ratherbfishing said:Try to use the bathroom (number 2) sometime BEFORE departing the ramp.
i got a chuckle outta this one ????
NHBull reply :
I think it's great you asking the question.
I have been fishing with a 14 year old student and he is awesome because he ask....
What can I do?
What do you want me not to do?
and he treats my boat like it's his.
He is aware that I recently had heart surgery and is there to help, albeit launching or there with a net.
While I tell him, "what's mine is yours", he always ask.....
In short, manners count. I never take $$$$ for recreational fishing, but the offer is appreciated.
TnRiver46 reply :
When I take buddies out on my boat, I like it when they bring me beer!
WRB reply :
What to bring with you? Simple call the boater and ask.
Tom
Catt reply :
I see it as kinda a guided trip that ya don't have to pay for.
So I would definitely offer to pay for 50% of the gas, breakfast, lunch, launch fees.
20' boat is more than adequate for 3 anglers, pay attention behind you before casting.
He's a tournament angler so ask him what to bring.
Bankbeater reply :
What everyone else has posted above. Plus I would call him and find out what kind baits he will be using. If you are fishing with plastics, and the boat owner is running and gunning with crankbaits it could make for a long day.
Mobasser reply :
Offer to pitch in on any cost, be courteous, and tell him thank you at the end of the day. You'll have a good time
buzzbaiter83 reply :
If I ask someone on my boat to just fish I don’t expect them to pay for anything. I’ve asked them because I genuinely want them to have a good time for no more cost than their food or I want their company for the day. If they offer, I’ll let them buy my meal or something similar. If I’m on someone else’s boat I always offer to split on cost but usually my friends and I are pretty likeminded. Club tourneys are different. We split everything 50/50.
diehardbassfishing reply :
I'd talk to the boat owner. Mention that you'd like to bring your own gear. The answers will flow naturally.
I do think 4 or 5 rods would be a bit excessive in such an outing. But that comes from someone that never brings more than 1 rod when fishing from the banks, or with a guide...
Karl
slonezp reply :
Don't smoke
geo g reply :
I have had a bass boat for over 35 years. I fish almost every weekend and take some 90% of the time. For 20 years I had the same partner almost every trip and got to a place where he knew what I was thinking and I knew him. He passed away and I Now invite different people almost every trip. A few things I have learned after fishing with so many. A back seater should:
1). Take a max of three rods.
2). Don't take 100 pounds of tackle and use 4 Oz. of plastics all day
3). The back seater needs to watch what the captain is doing and don't cast in his waters.
4). With treble hooks let the other guy know your throwing them. Danger!
5). If the back seater is moving forward, say something first.
6).Bring your own water and food.
7). In the beginning throw something different until one of you find a good pattern.
8). Remember you are the guest not in control of the boat.
9). Three people all fishing, I would stay away from treble hooks.
10). The captain should always remember to give the backseater clean water to fish, and not just his scrapes!
I never expect any money, I would be going anyway, and enjoy company to share the experience.
Big Rick reply :
On 9/22/2018 at 12:18 AM, geo g said:I have had a bass boat for over 35 years. I fish almost every weekend and take some 90% of the time. For 20 years I had the same partner almost every trip and got to a place where he knew what I was thinking and I knew him. He passed away and I Now invite different people almost every trip. A few things I have learned after fishing with so many. A back seater should:
1). Take a max of three rods.
2). Don't take 100 pounds of tackle and use 4 Oz. of plastics all day
3). The back seater needs to watch what the captain is doing and don't cast in his waters.
4). With treble hooks let the other guy know your throwing them. Danger!
5). If the back seater is moving forward, say something first.
6).Bring your own water and food.
7). In the beginning throw something different until one of you find a good pattern.
8). Remember you are the guest not in control of the boat.
9). Three people all fishing, I would stay away from treble hooks.
10). The captain should always remember to give the backseater clean water to fish, and not just his scrapes!
I never expect any money, I would be going anyway, and enjoy company to share the experience.
Very well said. If I could add one more thing it would be stay in the MIDDLE of the back deck. Nothing more aggravating than steering a foot control trolling motor while the boat is tilted to one side and rocking.
TOXIC reply :
Coming from a guide......
Respect the boat. Don't step on the seats or stand on the gunnel. Be aware of your casts and try not to knock lures off the motor, powerpoles/talons if so equipped, or the windscreen. Ask before you smoke or dip. Don't spill drings or spit sunflower seeds on the carpet. Same with any crumbly food. Crackers, etc.
With 3 in the boat, someone is going to be in the well or on the front deck. Watch your casts. If your Captain is not fishing it will be easier. If he is, I say again watch your casts, especially if you are on the front deck with him. I am full of hook holes. LOL!!
Check the weather. Bring sunscreen, your lunch your drinks. No booze. Bring your own PFD if you have one and your raingear.
I take an average of 8 rods when I go on someone else's boat. LOL!! With another passenger I would limit it to 4 to 6 because your other passenger will do the same. Your backpack of gear is fine.
Money is touchy. Always offer but if it were me in your situation, I wouldn't accept it. Offer to wipe the boat down.
Most of all HAVE FUN and don't worry so much that you can't.
geo g reply :
On 9/22/2018 at 1:18 AM, Big Rick said:Very well said. If I could add one more thing it would be stay in the MIDDLE of the back deck. Nothing more aggravating than steering a foot control trolling motor while the boat is tilted to one side and rocking.
Excellent point you bring up. Movement in the back of the boat has a tremendous effect on the guy up front trying to control the boat. Most back seaters have no idea how standing on one side effects the guy up front. Especially a big heavy guy.
jbmaine reply :
I took out a good friend ( and fellow member here) to a lake he couldn't reach with his yak. Before hand a sent him a list of what, and how much he should bring. The day we went out I let him have first crack at all the likely spots ( I could fish them anytime, him, not so much). When we had lunch he asked before cracking open a beer ( he also brought water in case I said no, I didn't). We got along great and it was a wonderful trip.
I suspect the person taking you out just wants you to have a good time also. Just respect him and respect his stuff and you should be fine.
Maggiesmaster reply :
All good suggestions, but as to helping with the launching; offer to either help or get out of the way. I’m accustomed to launching my boat by myself, and well-meaning guests have made launching a lot harder than it should have been!
TnRiver46 reply :
On 9/22/2018 at 4:02 AM, Maggiesmaster said:All good suggestions, but as to helping with the launching; offer to either help or get out of the way. I’m accustomed to launching my boat by myself, and well-meaning guests have made launching a lot harder than it should have been!
My buddies always try to pull my boat on to the trailer with a rope no matter how many times I have told them it's impossible. One of them even refers to it as the "Arkansas method" hahahah
WRB reply :
The op had a specific question, not a over all general question about being a back seater.
3 anglers in a 20' bass boat, 2 are younger angler with the boat owner being the experience older bass angler. This is a training outing for the 2 youngsters and should be an enjoyable trip.
Have a good time and all will go well.
Tom
LionHeart reply :
The words "General Expectations" were literally in the title of the post.
toni63 reply :
Ask before shooting videos or taking pictures and posting anything to your social media accounts. If this guy is a tournament guy, he doesn't want to share with the world, he is just sharing with you. And if he finds out you put stuff out there without asking him, it may be the last time him or other guys even think about taking you with them.
I'd say if you aren't sure whether to bring 3 or 5 rods, one or three tackle bags, your big plastic cooler or a small coolie bag with a few drinks and some snacks, etc, opt to go for the least amount you can. If you make a good impression this trip, there may be more and he'll let you know and you'll figure out what the rules of the road are fishing with him.
And as I am getting to this topic pretty late, hope you had a good time if you already went. 
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