I joined Crab Orchard Lake Bass Club which is just a small local bass club.  I've decided this year to just go as a no-boat and try to learn from the experienced guys.  So I guess my question is do any of you have any tips for co-anglers?  Is there anything I should do or even better is there anything I shouldn't do.

Thanks for any help

Joseph

When I fished tournaments I hated when my co-angler didn't bring a lunch or drinks, and then wanted to share mine. Another thing, don't bring too many rods and tackle boxes. With gas prices the way they are, offer to share the cost.

Just my opinion,

Falcon

Joseph, I'll give you B.A.SS's ,first.

                               BASS TOURNAMENT DO'S & DON'TS

                                          CO-ANGLER

!. You will need your own Coast Guard approved life vest.

2. You are required to show the appropriate state(s) fishing license.

3. Please limit your tackle to one large or two small tackle boxes and no more than six rods and reels.

4. Keep fresh water in your weigh in bag at all times.

5. Do not pass any information about your partner's fishing locations.

6. You must fish from the back of the boat. Please respect your boater.

 Thats about it. The rest is about BASS alone and may not apply. But let me give you some other thoughts having been both, boater and non-boater.

1st...you want to be known by all the boaters as a good partner in a tournament, and I swear the word will get around as to whether you are or you aren't. Things like trashing up the boat, smoking and not asking, carrying a huge bunch of tackle, throwing to the front, over-competitive, clod-hopping or clammering,and just plain talking too much, are all negatives that if you do them with regularity will give you an unwanted reputation.

2nd...Things like being mindful of the boaters aspirations of winning and putting him first will pay for you in the long run. Be careful of his stuff, don't interupt his concentration, help land fish, BE READY TO MOVE when he wants to go, be repectful of the numbers of fish you catch in one of his spots and NEVER jump up first thing and cast first!

These kinds of things will pay dividends in the short and long run. Your reputation will get around and the good boaters or pros have a way of getting you. Remember as a rule in some of the bigger tours, "what goes around, comes around, you reap what you sow"

You'll soon learn that the "guy" in the front of the boat means whether you win or you lose ! It's about the DRAW and it goes both ways!

? TO ASK YOUR BOATER!!!!!

1.  What kind and size of boat they have? (smaller the boat the less tackle)

2.  Do they have a empty storage compartment? (for your rain gear, extra tackle and lunch)

3.  Does there boat have a cooler? (don't put to much into the cooler)

4.  Do they care if you fish off the front deck? (depends on size of boat and tournament rules)

5.  Whats there plan is for they day? (gives you a idea of the type of fishing you'll be doing)

6.  Do they have anything that you need to watch out for or need to know?

7.  Ask the boater about neting fish

HELPFUL TIPS

1.  Bring a life vest. (they might not have one that will fit you or you might be wearing a orange one)

2.  Don't grab the wind shields. (they break easy)

3.  Don't have your tackle all over the boat.

4.  If you don't feel comfortable about backing the boat down let your boater know.

5.  When your boater is ready to move buckle up and get ready to go.

6.  Offer money for gas, oil, ect.

7.  Ask before smoking or chewing on the boat.

8.  Have rain/cold weather gear. (they will not go in because you cold or wet)

9.  Help wipe down the boat after the tournament.

10. Thank the boater at the end of the day.

11. If the boater asks for the net stop what your doing and grab the net ASAP.

This is just a few things that may help!!!!

Thanks for the info! Thats exactly the information I was looking for.

Thanks again,

Joseph