Frustrated From The Back Of The Boat 2024
Wsdv135 reply :
I am getting really frustrated. I have only a couple years experience bass fishing, but I've been teaching myself quite a bit over this past year and doing OK for myself. When I fish from the shore or in my jon boat alone, I do pretty well. I recently joined a bass club as a non-boater and do awful. I pre-fished a tournament lake in my jon boat and bagged 5-6 keepers, then when i go out with my partner for the tournament, i got 0 fish. it's been this way all season, my partner will be culling by noon-time and ive only caught 1-2. Is there something I am missing about the dynamics of fishing from the back? my partner is pretty experienced but not the type of guy to completely box me out from a spot. I was wondering if there are any experienced non-boaters out there who could give me some tips so that I stop embarrassing myself in front of my new fishing buddies!!!!
Fun4Me reply :
scaleface reply :
Dont feel too bad.I remember a tournament when I was in the back and the guy in the front was culling a ten fish limit two days in a row and I had 1 fish .All he was doing was chucking spinnerbaits. . Charteuse with chartreuse blades. I didnt have one .
A-Jay reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 4:03 AM, Fun4Me said:
Fantastic Advice.
A-Jay
Wsdv135 reply :
Thanks for the video link fellas!
Bankbeater reply :
Thanks for the video! Some good info right there.
Canyon explorer reply :
The boater doesn't sing Cumbia either.
gulfcaptain reply :
First, you can't fish his way. You're going to have to find fish he's passing or missing. May be a different angle on the weed line. It happens. Don't throw the same bait, throw a variation of something either bigger, or slighty smaller. I've fished behind someone throwing a chatterbait and a spinnerbait and while he was struggling I was killing it on a rat-l-trap. But fishing behind someone and out of the back of the boat will make you a better fisherman simply because you have to be and make you fish out of the box and comfort zone and become more successful with other presentations. Now if you start catching fish and he positions the boat to cut you off or mess up what you're doing then that's another story. I'll still fish tournaments from the back, but prefer to fish a team format where two people can work off each others strenghts and weaknesses. Don't let yourself loose the mental game or you're going to take yourself out of the tournament before you ever start.
bigbill reply :
Do you use a scent?
If he's not using plastics I would. Worm, brushogs, grub. etc.
Try jigging a jointed countdown rapala straight down. Let it hit the bottom, reel it up a tad and twitch it.
Get into the zone don't talk. Focus
BaitMonkey1984 reply :
That video is good. I would say you have two different schools of thought. First, take time to learn from the boater if they are catching fish time and time again. I would initially try to duplicate what he is doing and throwing the same as him. If that doesn't produce than you have to mix it up. I would then go to simple baits that produce, senko, spinner bait, grub, and ned rig. You can hit all levels of the water column and as IKE has said many times, and I agree the spinnerbait and the grub are dummy proof and they flat out produce. I think the ned rig is as bulletproof a fish catcher too. You should be able to get a limit using these lures and then you can throw on different lures in an attempt to upgrade your catch. Good luck.
WRB reply :
When you are backseating you have no control where the boat is going, the pace (speed) or depth the boater wants to fish....you are along for the ride.
What is important is using lures and presentations that are effective where you are fishing regardless of what the front seat is doing. Backs seaters need to be versatile anglers. The 3 pro's agreed that a drop shot works good, you can't fish a drop shot rig effectively if the boater is covering water fast using a spinnerbait or crankbaits. Drop shot works if the pace is slower and the cover is light.
The simple answer to your problem is communication.....talk to your boater and ask what he wants you to use, then do that.
Tom
basseditor reply :
Many times, not much you can do. I try to do the opposite of the boater for a change (not all fish are doing the same thing). If he is fishing heavy weights, I go lighter and vice versa.
But he has the advantage to throw out in front of the boat. Mostly the back seater has used water. Or areas already spooked by the boat.
Watch for places he misses or passes up. That is your best bet.
Lastly, try out on the deep side. Carolina rig off the back corner on the deep side.
Ski213 reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 10:42 AM, WRB said:When you are backseating you have no control where the boat is going, the pace (speed) or depth the boater wants to fish....you are along for the ride.
What is important is using lures and presentations that are effective where you are fishing regardless of what the front seat is doing. Backs seaters need to be versatile anglers. The 3 pro's agreed that a drop shot works good, you can't fish a drop shot rig effectively if the boater is covering water fast using a spinnerbait or crankbaits. Drop shot works if the pace is slower and the cover is light.
The simple answer to your problem is communication.....talk to your boater and ask what he wants you to use, then do that.
Tom
This is perfect advice in my opinion. You have to adapt. It has alot to to with who is on the front. Sounds like you're not getting blocked so communicate with him and he will probably help you expand on your fishing skills. You don't have to throw exactly what he's throwing but you will have to pick something that is compatible with his speed and approach. There will come a time where your boaters approach is not working, if there is good communication he will give your way a shot. I have learned alot from the guy up front when I was in the back and I've also learned alot from the guy in back when I was in the front.
Catt reply :
The video address a co-angler fishing behind a Professional Angler, the OP is 2 anglers who are supposedly friends.
I've never understood why 2 anglers who are supposedly friends do not understand the benefits of fishing as a "team". When done in unison both anglers can cover water quickly & thoroughly, allowing a greater opportunity to establish patterns faster.
Y'all must fish as a "team" not two "individuals" out for a day on the water.
windjinx reply :
I have out fished my friends many a time out of the back of their boats, and its not because they are bad fisherman, in fact I have learned a lot from these individuals. Fishing from the back seat does require a different mind set. Your mind set is to catch the fish that the person in the front of the boat over looks. Especially, if the person in the front of the boat is a skilled fisherman. A skilled fisherman is going to hit the high percentage spots correctly, the first time, every time. It is your responsibility to pay attention to their choices and study the next best spot that they did not choose to fish. Many anglers fishing from the front of the boat have patterns themselves. For example, some may only fish the right hand side the trees as they move down the bank, so make some of your offerings to the left side or behind the trees. Some guys flip to the target jig once or twice reel in and make another cast, maybe you fish your presentations out a little further. If the guy in the front hops his bait on the bottom drag yours instead or dead stick it a little longer. The person in the back of the boat actually has a lot of advantages that easily get over looked. By not being in the front of the boat you have a different set of opportunities. You don't have to deal with running the boat in the wind, you can take the time to change baits, or tweak your tackle a bit without worrying where the boat going. You have different angles to present your baits that the guy in the front can't.You have the opportunity to study your surroundings and key in on things a little more. Especially, being able to study the guy in the front of the boat if he is catching fish. A lot of times it's not the bait catching the fish it's the way the bait is being presented that does.
One of the most important things to remember is to have confidence in what your doing and the choices that you make. Not chasing the other persons fish. They have already caught those! Learn to present your baits properly and effectively as your fish are more likely on guard already. But the down fall to being a good back seat fisherman in non team tournaments is the guy up front can get more frustrated with you catching fish behind them and really lock down your opportunities. Good luck and don't get discouraged.
StinkyBass reply :
I agree with a lot of the advice given above. When I fish a tournament from the back (which is always for now), I bring the basics for the lake I'm fishing. I never leave without jigs, worms, spinner baits, a few reliable crank baits, all in proven colors for my area (green pumpkins, black/blues and a few others). if he's burning a spinner bait or crank bait, I always have a senko tied on incase he misses a fish I can mop up. if he's fishing the upper water column, I'll start bumping the bottom. Usually a pattern will establish after awhile and you can go from there. Buuuut, I'm not gonna lie, sometimes nothing is working and I go back to the basics and try to keep my head in the game. I feel that is the most important, keep your head in the game! I know it gets tough, but I feel the back of the boat has forced me to strengthen my weaknesses and learn to "shut up and fish!" Your first year is tough, good luck, you'll figure it out just by doing.
Scorchx1245 reply :
I fished two years as a non boater, love hate relationship. I had one guy flipping docks literally would pull up, drop the poles, hit every single piece of the dock and rush to next spot. I got one fish I flipped a senko, opened the bail, let about 40 yards of line out so it could bake, and caught a 4lbser. It was rainy mud stained and cold water. He won the tourney with 19 lbs. I tried everything bit I learned so much I fished a tourney this year and now I know how to fish that type of water and learned from him. One thing I hate is docks and isolated rock pikes and the boat is pointed directly at the spot so I can't fish. Then they turn they're screen off on the electronics so I don't even know the depth, bottom contours, or of there's grass till I bury a crank or drop shot in it. I'm going boater next year. My best tourney as non boater I placed 3rd over all against the boaters and it's because my boater worked with me. He got 2nd i got 3rd. My club format puts boaters against non boaters so I'm basically paying to fish in someone's boat....
Ratherbfishing reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 11:52 PM, Scorchx1245 said:I fished two years as a non boater, love hate relationship. I had one guy flipping docks literally would pull up, drop the poles, hit every single piece of the dock and rush to next spot. I got one fish I flipped a senko, opened the bail, let about 40 yards of line out so it could bake, and caught a 4lbser. It was rainy mud stained and cold water. He won the tourney with 19 lbs. I tried everything bit I learned so much I fished a tourney this year and now I know how to fish that type of water and learned from him. One thing I hate is docks and isolated rock pikes and the boat is pointed directly at the spot so I can't fish. Then they turn they're screen off on the electronics so I don't even know the depth, bottom contours, or of there's grass till I bury a crank or drop shot in it. I'm going boater next year. My best tourney as non boater I placed 3rd over all against the boaters and it's because my boater worked with me. He got 2nd i got 3rd. My club format puts boaters against non boaters so I'm basically paying to fish in someone's boat....
Seems like you are (or were) paying to watch someone else fish. I wouldn't do that to save my life. One can make a reasonably good arguement that the non-boater hasn't really any room to complain but I have (finally) accrued enough wisdom and awareness about myself to not put myself into situations where I ultimately want to kick someones arse-especially if I'm expected to share gas, launching fees, etc.
scaleface reply :
Small time tourneys, there is no reason for the guy in the back to be at a major disadvantage, These tourneys are suppose to be fun . I always went out of the way to make sure the guy in back had as much opportunity to catch fish as me . And every time I fished in back I was treated the same way .
aldalo reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 10:08 AM, BaitMonkey1984 said:That video is good. I would say you have two different schools of thought. First, take time to learn from the boater if they are catching fish time and time again. I would initially try to duplicate what he is doing and throwing the same as him. If that doesn't produce than you have to mix it up. I would then go to simple baits that produce, senko, spinner bait, grub, and ned rig. You can hit all levels of the water column and as IKE has said many times, and I agree the spinnerbait and the grub are dummy proof and they flat out produce. I think the ned rig is as bulletproof a fish catcher too. You should be able to get a limit using these lures and then you can throw on different lures in an attempt to upgrade your catch. Good luck.
I just got back into fishing after a 10 year hiatus. Great advice and info on this site.
I didn't know what a ned rig was, so i searched it and found it right here on BassResource - http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/ned-rig.html
Thanks Everyone
Alan
zell_pop1 reply :
I have had my own boat for 4 years now but the previous 4 I was a Co angler and I got really good in the back of the boat, often the boater would resort to what I was throwing. Basically the key is to throw something different than the boater. If a guy is hitting all the docks and won't let you have a turn at them turn towards deep water and cast something that covets alot of water-rattle bait, walking bait, hollow belly, spinnerbait. If the bass are finicky try a grub or tube.
Matthew2000 reply :
Heres advice from Bryan New. He placed 2nd in this years FWC and 1st in last years, on the co angler side.
GO FINESSE!
Mike L reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 8:59 PM, windjinx said:I have out fished my friends many a time out of the back of their boats, and its not because they are bad fisherman, in fact I have learned a lot from these individuals. Fishing from the back seat does require a different mind set. Your mind set is to catch the fish that the person in the front of the boat over looks. Especially, if the person in the front of the boat is a skilled fisherman. A skilled fisherman is going to hit the high percentage spots correctly, the first time, every time. It is your responsibility to pay attention to their choices and study the next best spot that they did not choose to fish. Many anglers fishing from the front of the boat have patterns themselves. For example, some may only fish the right hand side the trees as they move down the bank, so make some of your offerings to the left side or behind the trees. Some guys flip to the target jig once or twice reel in and make another cast, maybe you fish your presentations out a little further. If the guy in the front hops his bait on the bottom drag yours instead or dead stick it a little longer. The person in the back of the boat actually has a lot of advantages that easily get over looked. By not being in the front of the boat you have a different set of opportunities. You don't have to deal with running the boat in the wind, you can take the time to change baits, or tweak your tackle a bit without worrying where the boat going. You have different angles to present your baits that the guy in the front can't.You have the opportunity to study your surroundings and key in on things a little more. Especially, being able to study the guy in the front of the boat if he is catching fish. A lot of times it's not the bait catching the fish it's the way the bait is being presented that does.
One of the most important things to remember is to have confidence in what your doing and the choices that you make. Not chasing the other persons fish. They have already caught those! Learn to present your baits properly and effectively as your fish are more likely on guard already. But the down fall to being a good back seat fisherman in non team tournaments is the guy up front can get more frustrated with you catching fish behind them and really lock down your opportunities. Good luck and don't get discouraged.
Well Said..
Mike
Adkfishing reply :
Dude I feel for ya! I fish as a co-angler in my local bass club, so I have some experience fighting for bites and trying to find a limit all day. My best advice is to be super observant of your boater and how he is catching his fish. If for example he is throwing a 3/4 once football jig offshore, than you could pick up a big worm or swim bait. Don't throw the same bait as him, just fish the same water zone. I also try to scale down my presentation to catch more bass, or the more finicky fish he might of missed. Like I said, be observant and try to find something or catch on to a pattern he hasn't figured out yet, and you'll always be successful out of the back of the boat.
Jaderose reply :
Just had my first experience on the back of the boat. Got totally smoked on my home lake. I felt like it was first time fishing and felt like a fool. Was a completely different experience that I know will make a better fisherman out of me. Just wish it wasn't so d**n humiliating...lol
Alonerankin2 reply :
I didn't watch the vid, but I always would throw spinning & small ( Ned ) or 4" to 6" worm.. A jig worm.. And always do decently.. In spring when fish are aggressive & chasing good, throw a trap..
Fish behind your buddy with small stuff & catch fish he's missing.. It works!
SudburyBasser reply :
I feel your pain OP. I like to fish slow and deliberate and really dissect a target and I invariably get paired with a run-'n-gun power fisher :-)
Like Ike said in the video, find a complimentary style to the guy in front. It's helped me a lot to understand the boat isn't going to slow down... I'd claim to have invented power finesse but Iaconelli wrote about it years before I started.
scaleface reply :
The only complaints I ever got was from my uncle who always said I was going to fast even if I was texas rigging and inching along .. He just fishes to dang slow and wont make the adjustments needed to catch fish. Most days he got skunked even if I was having a great day .Dont be like my uncle .
Montanaro reply :
My only problem is that most in the club will make one cast to a badass laydown or skip it entirely. That's without even having a pattern down. Ridiculous.
Justin Donaldson reply :
Shaky head, wacky rig, and drop shot are a coanglers best friend...
roadwarrior reply :
Troll a Rage Tail Eeliminator and out fish the boater!
FloridaFishinFool reply :
I don't have a problem with fishing from the back of the boat. I guess here in central Florida I am spoiled by having some great waters around me that are productive all the way around the boat 360 degrees.
I read the OP and all of the comments since and I get the feeling that there is a stigma being put on back of the boat fishing as though it is an automatic given that front of the boat = new waters = more fish and the back of the boat = old non-productive waters = no fish. And for me it just is not so cut and dry like that.
On a recent fishing trip on the St. Johns River I gave up the front of my own boat to a fishing friend of mine who thinks he knows where all the fish are. So to avoid conflict over where to go, I told him on that day you have the front, I'll take the back, go where you want to go. You drive.
I also told him there is no imaginary line dividing front from back and I will cast around him sometimes if I see a fish say on his left and he is fishing off to the right I will make a cast right past him but never with any intention of messing him up. I'm just not going to let him have all the new water all the time while up front.
My attitude on this situation was actually passed down to me by my father. When I was a little boy my father told me that he and his older brother did a lot of fishing together in north Florida on the St. Johns River and smaller places. My dad made it a point to tell me that he would pyss his brother off to no end because of this very situation.
My dad said his older brother ALWAYS took front of the boat. He always had new water to fish. My dad being the younger, smaller brother was stuck in the back of the boat. My dad said his brother would cast to a spot and not get a bite and would often not make a second cast to the same spot. So my dad would cast into the same spot the older brother had just cast and catch a fish. My dad did this over and over to his older brother again and again. My dad said it really pyssed him off.
I suppose the whole point and lesson for me to learn was that the front of boat did not always mean catching all the fish. And my dad wanted me to learn this lesson and I did. So today I refuse to let this sort of back of the boat stigma affect me. I know there are fish all around me out where I fish and the back of the boat is no different to me than the front of the boat. No one standing up there can cast to every single spot out there around us. And the few degrees out 360 that fisherman up front is blocking me from is not where all the fish are! From the back of the boat I have close to 340 degrees of a circle around me to cast to.
So on December 24th about a week ago, I caught a fish in the same manner my father did to his older brother. The guy up front was moving the boat forward to where he wanted to fish next and I moved in right behind him casting a different lure to the same places he had just given up on and I catch one of the biggest bass I have ever caught over 9 pounds.
My point to all of this is that we are the ones putting a stigma on back of the boat fishing and this is something that is INSIDE of us, not out there on the water that does not care. And it can only be this way if you let it. Fish do not look at a boat and all run to the front of it to make themselves only available to front of boat fishermen.
Back of the boat fishing should make each of us a better fisherman, not a frustrated fisherman. If this is the case, then we need to change something inside of ourselves and with what we are doing and how we think about it, because simply switching a physical location from back to front is not the only solution here. We gotta look within ourselves and turn the back of the boat into the front of the boat inside ourselves, not let it defeat us!
This is the mystic in me speaking and my dad from beyond the grave! Thanks for the wisdom dad! Wish you were still here but I'll catch them for you now! And try and pass down to my sons what he passed down to me... fishing- and that the back of the boat is not a bad place to be- or as bad as some make it out to be...
What's that old saying? If life gives you lemons make lemonade? Same thing.
GoCougs14 reply :
Awesome thread, really good read. Been searching alot of threads for good info on all aspects of co angling and I learned alot from this thread!
Glenn reply :
Here's some good articles on the topic;
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/back_seat_strategies.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/back_seat.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/backseat_fishing.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/fishing_partners.html
http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/co-angler_clinic.html
Enjoy!
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