I have had dozens of people either PM or respond to my posts and ask me to take them fishing or tell them where I catch my fish....so, I thought I would share a theory of mine with everyone (without going into "backseat etiquette"). If anyone that doesn't own a boat and wants to go out on a boat to fish it is very easy to find someone to bring them.

1) Show up at the public boat ramp early in the morning (like Little Elm Park)
2) Bring small cooler with enough bottled water and snacks for two
3) Bring a $20 bill (to offer for gas/etc.)
If you do all of this and ask every boater (w/o a co-pilot)if they would bring you out, my guess is that it won't take 3 offers before someone takes you up on it. Also, I believe if you do this ten times (10 different days), you will find a taker 9 times, which means one time you will end up going home w/o being able to fish. The bonus to this is that one out of five times you will end up with someone that will show you some very good fishing spots.
I know myself that I fish atleast once a week by myself and would take up an offer like the one above. Just don't bring a dozen rods and a big bag of tackle. I hope this helps some of you get on the water and catch some fish!
One disclaimer: I put this on the white/Striper section because it works best with these fish. Most Bass/Crappie fisherman don't want to give up their "Honeyholes". Whites and Stripers are open water fish and there is not really a honeyhole, just have to find which hump/point they are one.

I have a better idea, instead of going to a boat ramp with $20.00 and some snacks and bothering folks like a panhandler at a gas station. Save up a little money and hire a fishing guide That's what those guys are there for and they will answer all of your questions and put you on fish.

For the record, and to anyone reading this topic/post, please don't approach me at any ramp, anywhere and ask to go fishing with me for $20.00 and some snacks. Now, if you want to split the following items with me, I just may re-consider:

boat payment
truck payment
insurance for both
gas (and gas I have used to locate fish in previous trips)
oil
new tires for trailer and truck
Lowrance HDS-7
Lowrance LMS-520
Minn Kota trolling motor
Dip net (retractable)
Marker Bouy's

If you want to go fishing and catch fish bad enough, you can buy all of these things and learn how to use it and learn how to find the fish. I know this because I did it

It will be interesting to see the response this post will get. In the past, I have offered my back seat to someone fishing off the bank or dock and not catching. I wouldn't have a problem with someone walking up to me with a $20 plus snacks and all. Plus, I don't enjoy fishing by myself. Because of that I try to fill the seat before I leave the house. I enjoy taking someone out there that maybe hasn't ever caught a lot of fish or even fished off a boat much. I remember as a kid and teen fishing off the bank wishing I could go fish off a boat. If a backseater came that prepared I would exchange number and he would be on my list of buddy's I call to fish with me before I left the house.

I'm with Thunderbolt. As long as you don't look like a serial killer I would take a bank fisherman with me just about everytime. I fish along alot and would enjoy the company. I'm fishing either way so if the backseat is empty or full it's gonna cost me the same. I as long as the guy is nice and clean we can roll.


Reggie

There is nothing wrong with asking someone if you can go with them and it is a great jesture to offer for gas and snacks. Some people do not have the means to go out and buy all the things you listed Nitro and probably never will. Maybe they just feel like going out fishing. Heck, it may be the 1 time a year they may go. Makes no sense to have to share the cost of all you are listing to go fishing. You chose to spend all that money to get on the water, they should not have to suffer because of it. I agree with Pittstate and the others 100%

Suffer? I thought we were talking about a liesure sport, not starvation from living in an impoverished country. I'm not saying I wouldn't offer a backseat to someone, I'm saying I don't want people coming up to me at the ramp and thereby making me feel some level of obligation. I have taken out wounded soldiers several times at different lakes. Those guys and gals are suffering so we have the freedom to even go fishing. I have also taken out folks that I just met, but it was by me asking and I didn't ask for anything in return.

This post will have mixed answers. Me personally... I would take someone out if I had a seat open and they asked politely. Nothing wrong with asking. Sure every now and then you might run into someone that gets hung up on what they spend fishing and how they want you to take out a second mortgage to fish with them. But do you REALLY want to fish with someone like that??? All in all you can weed out the guys that will share their knowledge, experience and gear just by asking.. Would you like a fishing partner today?

Interesting topic,

I would and have taken others fishing on my boat, also have advertised for a second here on this forum. It is more fun fishing with others...

In my opinion there is an "etiquette " for both the boat owner and the other wanting to hitch a ride.

I certainly dont want an idiot mass murder bum on my boat either, (bullet holes are costly to repair) so i always ask a lot of questions, if they dont measure up, then its a no go for them and i fish by myself, if they do, then we agree in advance to what degree they are willing to participate.

Its not a $ thing, but it does cost to run a boat, and if i am willing to share my ride, they will participate in the costs associated. sometimes 20.00 does not cut it...

its a judgment call for each out there how to handle it ..
I have met a few really good guys and kids and had a great time..

and was glad to be able to share..

What makes this a better idea? Other than you got to throw the list of all your "goodies" out on a public forum for "ALL" to see. I'm not impressed! But some with sticky fingers may be! Might think before you shoot next time .......

Every one has made some good points on this topic. I have a couple observations:
1) I only said to bring $20 to offer to help pay. I would never take anyone up on that offer unless they were adamant I take their money. I just think it is a nice gesture. If I wanted others to help pay for my equipment, I would be a guide.
2) There is a time and place to pay a guide to bring you out. And, when I am with someone new that is trying to learn the sport, it is the first piece of advice I give them. If you find the right guide, it can shorten your learning curve.
3) I have learned more about fishing from going with other people than I have by hiring four different guides in the DFW area (I hired each one for a different species).

Would $22 and some Natty get it done?

Now you're talking

This is a funny post. If I wanted to impress you, I might tell you I own a bunch of sheep.

Not everyone can afford their own boat and your mortage payment. I'd rather go with Pitt State anyway,seems like a nicer guy.

I would rather you go with him too. Nothing worse than a Giants fan, who is a band wagon jumping Rangers fan. And if you are basing whether a person is nicer than another on an internet forum, you are a perfect candidate for an internet scam

I've fished with El, if you drink a six pack of Corona he isn't that hard to take.........

Can't see what sheep have to do with it , Other than being your personal friends ......

"I would rather you go with him too. Nothing worse than a Giants fan, who is a band wagon jumping Rangers fan. And if you are basing whether a person is nicer than another on an internet forum, you are a perfect candidate for an internet scam."

The Ranger logo is a result of lost a bet, not jumping on any bandwagon...so if you don't know what you're talking about you shouldn't offer an opinion.

you all sound like a bunch of green trash fish wanna catchers!!!LOL

intresting thread? And entertaining! so far I think that I have to agree with some of EL's points.

Ibtl

Pancake