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Dec 30th, 2023
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 Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: Jarrett Latta]
#13286181
09/19/19 01:03 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 415
TX Strampion
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 415 |
Don't knock fish off with the net..... That should number 1 Will the pros usually net fish for the co or no? Depends if the co is experienced with it. I would want my co to tell me if they are comfortable or not with the net. Literally could cost you a tournament I was asking if pros usually return the favor.
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: TX Strampion]
#13286196
09/19/19 01:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,559
Jarrett Latta
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,559 |
Don't knock fish off with the net..... That should number 1 Will the pros usually net fish for the co or no? Depends if the co is experienced with it. I would want my co to tell me if they are comfortable or not with the net. Literally could cost you a tournament I was asking if pros usually return the favor. Just realized what you were asking. Yes certainly they will
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: Ken A.]
#13286254
09/19/19 01:45 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 161
TxSwimbaiter
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 161 |
As said above, be ready to move at all times. Don't have 5 rods laid out neatly on the back deck so that you can grab whatever one you want and then it takes you 5 minutes to get ready. If you see that the boater says "let's move" and is in his seat 15 seconds later and waiting on you......just ask them to give you a two minute heads up so that you don't hold them up....they will appreciate it. Don't step/stand in seats, don't throw bottles/cans on the floor, offer them a drink when you get in the cooler. Do NOT cast into "fresh" water when a boater breaks off or is changing baits. If your first thought when a boater comes off the trolling motor and starts to re rig is "this is my chance to cast to new water".....then YOU are a problem. Don't cast in front of the boat....EVER. Don't long cast to the other side of the cove or creek because most likely he is going to work out that way. If you see that your boater is fishing the shoreline and there is a tree off the bank that he is going to go past....nothing wrong with saying "hey, do you mind if I cast at that tree" if you know he hasn't been casting at deeper structure. Did I say do NOT every cast in front of the boat yet?
All of these things are really simple. if you approach it from a standpoint that you are there to enjoy your day, learn some new water, MAYBE have a chance to fish with someone that knows more than you or that teaches you a new tactic (by your watching them), acknowledge to yourself that the boater has WAY more invested in that tournament than you have.....then most likely you will end up with a boater that will treat you better than other Co's are being treated.
How much to pay and when to pay. My recommendation is to pay BEFORE the day starts and tell them that if ya'll run more than that then you can add more. How much....well.....how much can you afford without being a big financial issue for you. I've had guys hand me $100 at the beginning of the day and tell me that if we burn more than that, then let them know. I've also had guys give me $40 at the beginning of the day and say "that's about all I got....I hope it covers half the gas".....those two people were treated the same.
Not saying that all boaters are kind and nice and will respond to your respect......most have been doing this a long time and have horror stories about Co's…..just as a lot of Co's have horror stores about Boaters. Question is....which came first? My believe is that if you follow the things I have said above, you will have a MUCH better experience and two things will happen: 1) you are going to have a more enjoyable day 2) you will do better overall on the Co'angler side of the tournament over all the tournaments you fish. You most likely will draw a guys some day that takes advantage of you respecting him and front ends you all day even though you are being respectful....but that will be on him....not you. I did the co angler thing a few years ago in Bassmaster. You couldn’t have said it better. Things I’d add? Help with the boat launching and loading. Help to clean up the boat afterwards. You might not be needed for either, but 9 out of 10 will accept the offer and it will go a long ways towards goodwill for the day. Talk to them, but don’t whine and nag. Haha. Keep it light. Tackle, baggage, and conversation. If it’s a multiple day tourney, DO NOT give up spots that boaters put you on in previous days. That’s an [censored] whooping waiting to happen. If a previous day boater is no longer fishing on day 2 or 3, it’s ok then. If you prefish from your own boat, you can mention that you found some things that worked, or didn’t, but don’t expect it to go far. I’ve had guys tell me what they were doing, where they were going, and basically sit down, shut up, and hang on. Lol. Then I’ve had guys (Josh Bertrand and the Lee brothers) that have appreciated the information and said they would allot time to fish the spots I found and patterns, in the event that their patterns weren’t holding up enough for both of us. If it’s someone you’d like to get to know, offer to buy dinner. I’ve had dinner with a bunch of the top guys by offering. Most of them are on the road and looking to break the monotony from time to time. (Don’t offer to Biffle, he eats too much) Offer to meet them at their hotel early in the morning or their cabin, or whatever. Nothing is worse than looking for your boater among 250 boats. And parking. And carrying all your gear. PITA. Meeting up before the drive to the ramp eases everyone’s morning and gives you a chance to break the ice before first cast. Don’t bother with bringing rod socks and reel covers, cull beam, scale, cull tags, all of that. The Boater has all that stuff and less unneeded stuff means more room for plastics and terminal stuff. Know every rule in the book. Don’t create an awkward or bad situation by putting your boater at risk of a DQ. Bring 4 or so combos. A heavy, a medium, a MH, and your favorite general purpose setup. Do NOT 8-10-20 freaking combos. If you do, leave them in the hotel room or vehicle. The boater will tell you the night before or before you launch what the general waters are gonna be. Decide on the 4-5 you’ll bring at that time. Bring one decent sized tackle bag that will hold 3-4 3700’s and 15-20 bags of plastics, your shades, several line clippers or braid scissors, and maybe an extra spool of line or a back up reel. (For when you THINK you can skip a dock like a pro. Lol). Treat it like a vacation, but take it seriously. Don’t expect to out fish the front, but try. If the boater offers any tips, tricks, lures, etc....thank them.
When the boater is on the hotfoot, keep your head on a swivel and help watch for lake traffic. That’s all I got. Did I mention Biffle eats a lot? Good advice. I always tell people if they spot a boat approaching us as we are running down the lake to NOT assume I see it. They need to tap me on the shoulder and point it out. Disaster can happen in the blink of an eye on the water with a bunch of guys running fast down the lake. As I said above, Communication is paramount. This is a lesson I learned the hard way and was one of the reasons I bought my own boat. Not that the boater wasn't concerned about my safety, more along the lines of the event and the number of boats involved...assume nothing. It becomes even more of an issue when fishing a lake with boat lanes. To the OP: Don't lose sight of the fact you're not competing against the boater, cull your tackle for efficiency, formulate your day based on realistic expectations. To the latter if you know fish are on the beds chances are you're not going to get the opportunity to fish the way the boater is and know that all of the other cos won't either. In my limited time in the back of the boat one thing stood out to me and I later employed as a boater. I fished 5 events in a pro/am circuit, only once was my offer for fuel money accepted...I always offered to buy supper after weigh in if they didn't want the money, many informative & enjoyable evenings.
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: JarrodMc]
#13286299
09/19/19 02:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 178
hawkeye442
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 178 |
I'll weigh in on this, I've co'd in 11 events for the ABA including the Nationals last year in Alabama.. I've not once, had a negative experience, but, then again, I get along with just about everyone..
I've won money in 4 of those events and believe my successes are due to the fact that I communicate effectively, and am good at tempering my expectations.. In all cases I try to talk to my boater the evening before the tournament to get a feel for what we'll be doing and gear my tackle that way.. I plan my gear to be light and quick to stow in the event we need to move quickly.. I always offer to load/unload boat, wipe down, and whatever other chores are to be done.. Most of all, I let the boater know, that I'm there to learn and help them, . On many occasions, the boater and I have worked together to figure the fish out.. To give you an idea how it goes for me, I still talk to many of the boaters I've and have formed lasting friendships.. After My Wife asks me for the check, she always asks, well, " Who's your new best friend?"
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: hawkeye442]
#13286380
09/19/19 02:56 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 161
TxSwimbaiter
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 161 |
I'll weigh in on this, I've co'd in 11 events for the ABA including the Nationals last year in Alabama.. I've not once, had a negative experience, but, then again, I get along with just about everyone..
I've won money in 4 of those events and believe my successes are due to the fact that I communicate effectively, and am good at tempering my expectations.. In all cases I try to talk to my boater the evening before the tournament to get a feel for what we'll be doing and gear my tackle that way.. I plan my gear to be light and quick to stow in the event we need to move quickly.. I always offer to load/unload boat, wipe down, and whatever other chores are to be done.. Most of all, I let the boater know, that I'm there to learn and help them, . On many occasions, the boater and I have worked together to figure the fish out.. To give you an idea how it goes for me, I still talk to many of the boaters I've and have formed lasting friendships.. After My Wife asks me for the check, she always asks, well, " Who's your new best friend?" You're smarter than I was, I agreed at the start to hand her over the check LOL, I still talk with several of my boaters years later.
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: JarrodMc]
#13286461
09/19/19 03:50 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,284
Neches
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,284 |
If ya can’t back a trailer then tell him. I’ve seen more than one Co jack knife the trailer going down the ramp. All while the boater is hollering stop
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: Neches]
#13286517
09/19/19 04:20 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7,737
GIG'EM AGGIES
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7,737 |
If ya can’t back a trailer then tell him. I’ve seen more than one Co jack knife the trailer going down the ramp. All while the boater is hollering stop That reminded me of this : 
I am a Senager. (Senior teenager) I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 50 years later. I get an allowance every month. I have PU truck and a bass boat, I am blessed.
Conscience never acquits, it either accuses or excuses.
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: hawkeye442]
#13286559
09/19/19 04:45 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,102
David Burton
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,102 |
I'll weigh in on this, I've co'd in 11 events for the ABA including the Nationals last year in Alabama.. I've not once, had a negative experience, but, then again, I get along with just about everyone..
I've won money in 4 of those events and believe my successes are due to the fact that I communicate effectively, and am good at tempering my expectations.. In all cases I try to talk to my boater the evening before the tournament to get a feel for what we'll be doing and gear my tackle that way.. I plan my gear to be light and quick to stow in the event we need to move quickly.. I always offer to load/unload boat, wipe down, and whatever other chores are to be done.. Most of all, I let the boater know, that I'm there to learn and help them, . On many occasions, the boater and I have worked together to figure the fish out.. To give you an idea how it goes for me, I still talk to many of the boaters I've and have formed lasting friendships.. After My Wife asks me for the check, she always asks, well, " Who's your new best friend?" If you get along with everyone then why do we have such problems? Oh, that's right...I'm the insufferable A-Hole!  Good info, partner!   I've got some whiskey for you when I see you next week!
David Burton
2015 Skeeter FX 21 +Ultrex +Helix 12 (x3) +Mega360 +MegaLive
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: JarrodMc]
#13286760
09/19/19 08:02 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 178
hawkeye442
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 178 |
Dave, you are an insufferable A-HOLE, and I'm the only one that can stand you for any length of time!!
Whiskey is good!!
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: JarrodMc]
#13287573
09/20/19 03:10 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 251
JeffLStevens
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 251 |
Glad you read it the way that I intended it.....just trying to be helpful. And yes, I have had some really bad experiences and have literally missed out on thousands of dollars because of just a handful of "quick cast" past the front of the boat to key spots while I was either re rigging or putting a fish in the livewell…...and I remember them all. I have also had some great experiences. The first tournament I ever won I had a Co that was fishing his first "bigger" tournament ever. He had 3 fish in the box before I had one. then I hit a spot and caught about 23 pounds in under 30 minutes. He needed one more fish for a limit and I made about a 7 mile run just before weigh in to some shallow stumps on a hump and told him to slow roll a spinner bait across each of them. I didn't even cast at them. He caught a 3 lbr on the first stump and had his limit....he won the co side for that event. He was a great guy to be on the boat with and because of that, I had no issue doing anything I could to help him catch that 5th fish.
Read a few negative comments about the "pro" or boater side....and I'm sure that a lot of co anglers have had some bad experiences as well. I can tell you that myself and most of the guys that I know and like that fish these deals will try to help you as much as possible if you are just respectful and act like you are a guest in their house. It makes the day better and much more enjoyable for everyone.
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Re: Co Angler Tips
[Re: hawkeye442]
#13287656
09/20/19 04:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 582
gut hooked
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 582 |
I'll weigh in on this, I've co'd in 11 events for the ABA including the Nationals last year in Alabama.. I've not once, had a negative experience, but, then again, I get along with just about everyone..
I've won money in 4 of those events and believe my successes are due to the fact that I communicate effectively, and am good at tempering my expectations.. In all cases I try to talk to my boater the evening before the tournament to get a feel for what we'll be doing and gear my tackle that way.. I plan my gear to be light and quick to stow in the event we need to move quickly.. I always offer to load/unload boat, wipe down, and whatever other chores are to be done.. Most of all, I let the boater know, that I'm there to learn and help them, . On many occasions, the boater and I have worked together to figure the fish out.. To give you an idea how it goes for me, I still talk to many of the boaters I've and have formed lasting friendships.. After My Wife asks me for the check, she always asks, well, " Who's your new best friend?" My two cents, manage your expectations. simplify your approach. be prepared to drag a senko or drop shot. do not chunk anything with treble hooks behind the boat if you don't want to break it off. remember that all co-anglers are fishing under the same conditions as you. stay in the moment and don't get frustrated with not catching fish or being front ended. it's part of the game. fish a complimentary pattern to the boater. i would say try to fish smaller.....most importantly slow down.......like super slow down.....and take a minute, ok take an hour, and just enjoy the experience......... lastly, search for similar posts. this issues has been answered many times on this forum. i say that to say this....every post offers a new kernel of wisdom. i benefited considerably from the advice I received a few years ago and I have passed it on to a number of people who have all indicated that the advice benefited them. Additionally, look up the video on ken smith's youtube channel regarding co angling. I found it to be very helpful.
Last edited by gut hooked; 09/20/19 04:44 PM.
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