With the 2021 season underway all over the country on various levels of competition, we wanted to talk about the “elephant in the room”. (when it applies). Let’s discuss this thing called “Co-Angler Etiquette”.
Let’s start off by talking about why this is important. First off, as a co-angler you are stepping into someone else’s home. (per say)
This boater has spent a lot of money and time to acquire and keep his boat as he likes it. Then add the fact that when you enter someone’s home, you are expected to respect and treat it as if it was yours.
Now let’s discuss this is more detail but I will keep each point brief.
Be on time
o There is nothing more frustrating as a boater than to have to wait on a late co-angler, so please do your best to be on time if not early at the agreed meeting location.
Boat Rules
o Always a good idea to ask the Pro if he has any pet peeves or boat rules. The simple gesture alone starts out the day in the right way.
Pay Your Way
o As you know, a day on the water is not free and a boat doesn’t run on “Thanks”. So, make sure you offer at least $40 toward the day’s expenses.
Smoking/Chewing Tobacco
o This should ALWAYS be discussed the night before because a lot of Pro’s don’t allow smoking or chewing tobacco on their boat.
Be ready to go
o When the Pro says he’s ready to move spots please be ready to go as well. Try not to have a ton of stuff to put away and such because that could leave you in an uncomfortable situation if he has to wait on you too many times.
o One good rule of thumb is to try to be the first one to sit down when leaving a spot and the last one to stand up when you get to the spot.
Rod’s and Tackle
o Try not to bring too many rods or too much tackle. The Pro should tell you what to expect for the day so try to keep your load as light as possible.
o If the Pro, ask you to bring or do something specific please try to conform with that as it will only help you both have a successful day (applies to shared weight format).
Netting and Landing Fish
o It’s also a good idea to have a brief conversation about how the Pro prefers to net/land the fish. Guys do things differently and it’s good to know what to do and expect regarding this before something bad happens.
Fish in the live well
o As a co-angler you don’t want to be the reason for a disaster happening with a fish jumping out of the live well. So, try to refrain from opening the live well unless the Pro ask you to check on this fish and even when he does please pay attention and be ready for a fish possibly trying to jump out.
Have a seat
o If you would like a seat in the back of the boat, please don’t forget to remind the Pro to bring the seat for the day of fishing. Often times they don’t keep them in the boat so a simple reminder could make sure you have a comfortable day on the water.
Drinks
o Please try to refrain from bringing giant bottles of whatever you like to drink. Bottle sizes should be 12oz or less to allow the Pro to have enough room for all the drinks and snacks that must go inside the cooler.
Misc. Items
o Don’t forget the important items that will help you have a comfortable day on the water. These items are but not limited to:
Valid Fishing License
Hat
Sunglasses
Buff/Sun Protection
Snacks
Leave your fishing area clean
o This applies to during and after the day of fishing
This also helps with the ability to be ready to move to the next spot quickly.
Don’t step on the seats in the boat
o Every boat manufacturer has some sort of true step to get you to the back of the boat. Make sure that’s the only place you are stepping when accessing the back of the boat.
o Also, when you are accessing the back compartment try to refrain from putting your knee or weight in the middle of the seat as that’s how the seats get torn or seems come apart.
Dipping Dye
o Most Pro’s frown upon it
o If you want to die a bait, try using the Pen type application
o If you are using the Pen type, please don’t color a bait on the guys carpet or anywhere in the boat. Use one of your tackle boxes to lay your bait on to color it.
Always watch where the Pro is casting
o This lets you know when and where you should be casting
o This also keeps everyone safe and free of anyone getting snagged on a cast or him hooking your line while casting creating a massive backlash
o Never cast over or in front of the Pro.
Special Needs
o If you have any special needs, please be sure to let the Pro know ahead of time.
Be the extra pair of eyes
o When you are running on plane please assist the Pro by looking out for any hazards that might occur. Even if he might already know about it or see it, it never hurts to be sure.
Fish Report
o It’s never okay to tell your next day Pro where you fished because that could lead to you being in an uncomfortable situation if your Pro takes you to that spot and your previous day Pro is also there.
Parking
o When parking the Pro’s rig please be sure to be extremely careful. If any accident occurs, please let your Pro know immediately upon returning to the boat.
Good luck to everyone this season!
