I’m thinking about the future, when I may have the chance to go on a bass boat with a friend. I haven’t been invited yet, but I want to be ready in case the invitation happens without much prep time.

Right now I’m thinking to take a duffel bag which will have some extra lures in 3700 size boxes, soft plastics, water, and snacks. Rain gear in the future when I have it.

I figure not knowing the condition of storage on his boat, I may need to remove the stuff from my bag and stuff the bag in a small spot. So, I figure it’s best not to take a hard tacklebox or a milk crate.

I’ll probably also will have a cooler, a soft cooler.

This in addition to my current backpack and my rods. Am I missing anything?

Should I consider something else, is there anything that I haven’t thought of?

When you get invited, ask him what to bring. 3 rods, 1- 370 full of hard baits, jigs, and spinnerbaits, a small terminal box, and 2 - qt. bags of soft plastics is what i do. See if he has a cooler that you can add to. He will have tools so you don't need to bring any. Gas money, breakfast, or lunch on you. Have fun.

59 minutes ago, detroit1 said:

Gas money, breakfast, or lunch on you

This part goes a long ways towards getting invited again. Especially with the cost of fuel right now.

I always give $40 towards gas and buy breakfast but no way am I leaving my full tackle bag behind.

I do only bring 3 rods.

It’s $40 about the right amount to offer?

When it comes to breakfast, or lunch, is that something like where I just bring some sandwiches, or do I offer to go to a restaurant?

Heck, I ain’t got enough tackle to fill a whole bag. I might if you include all the soft plastics, but there’s a bunch that I don’t know how to use yet.

Good answers all around. Bring your PFD is you have one. If you don't, make sure that he has an extra one.

If he is catching with something you don't have, odds are great that he (or she) will have some extras to share. Start the day fishing something different than what the boater is using. Different depth, speed,and type of lure to help with figuring out what is currently working. Have fun , don't complain (i know you wouldn't) and help out with anything you can.

For backseating, I generally carry 3-4 rods, a small tackle backpack, and a small cooler bag. Bring your own PFD and any meds/stuff you may need.

Far as food goes, everyone is different - most of the time I’d say bring your own. I personally carry a couple Uncrustables and a couple cut up apples on the boat and that’s it. Some guys are real touchy about foods/smells, so ask beforehand.

If you want to head out West, I’ve usually got an open backseat.

If I ever make it out west I’ll look you up @ElGuapo928 thank you kindly.

Lots of good ideas so far. Here's my extensive list for fishing for the first time with an acquaintance. Fish hard the whole trip but always keep in mind, your friend is considering how you do and it will influence their thinking about having you back again.

• Show up early. Ready to go, with your fishing license and your own life vest.

• Most Captains will tell you what to do. If not, ask how you can help. Only do what you're told to do.

• Take two rods, three at most. Have them pre-rigged. Lures and baits in a small tackle box. Don't forget your own line clippers and pliers.

• Pack the bare minimum. Put everything you're taking in a tackle backpack, including extra lures, clothes, towels,and gear. If you run out of room, take things out before hand, not at the dock.

• A small cooler is ok. Be sure to have a couple extra drinks and snacks to offer the Captain.

• When you board, ask the owner where you should put your gear.

• Keep your gear neat and stowed properly during the trip. Immediately put your trash back in your backpack. Don't let it blow or roll around in the boat.

• Secure your things so they don't blow overboard by the wind or making way.

• When you're onboard, never attempt to do anything unless the owner directs you. Of course, use common sense.

• Never touch or pickup the owners gear.

• When fishing, never cast over the captains line, or intrude on the area they're fishing. Your zone is from the center of the boat to the rear.

• You take responsibility for not getting hit by the front anglers backcast and for not hitting and damaging anything on the boat when you cast.

• While fishing, do everything you can to not get hung up. It will happen but try to keep it to the minimum.

• At the end of the day before you dock, clean and organize your area as if you were never there.

• When your done for the day and heading in, If the owner pulls up to the gas docks, try to pay the whole bill. If he doesn't gas up, as soon as the boat's tied up, voluntarily offer the Captain gas money. Forty dollars seems reasonable to me for a freshwater bass trip.

• Offer to help clean the boat.

I have found that being able to match fishing styles with your boat partner can be important to you both having an enjoyable time. If he is running the trolling motor on high all the time and will only power fish, and you like to slow down to drag a worm, it’s not a good match. Have a talk ahead of time to set realistic expectations.

@Capt Ed

You can come with me any time!