What are some of the do's and dont's? Thinking about getting myself a dog soon and want to take it on the boat with me. Any tips are appreciated, thanks!

If it's a retriever with a high retrieve drive you can leash the dog and step on the leash with no slack to keep him from chasing every cast.otherwise you both will get good at dragging him back on the boat

bring them a bowl for some cool ice water on warmer days...DONT leave rods with treble hooks on your deck...I love taking my lab.

If you have a habit of leaving used baits out on the deck or in a little bin like most boats have, I'd put all of them away. Don't want to risk your dog ramming a couple trebles into their snout/paw.

I just fish with a lot less rods on the deck. I started my lab fishing when she was about 10 weeks old.

I've taken all of my labs fishing over the last 20 years.. and they are great fun to have in the boat. The last one, it is taking some time to get him learn to lay down and stop thinking anytime your near the bank to want to jump out. I still have to tie him to a cleat to keep it from happening.

Watch the heat, my Boxer loves to be on the boat, but if its sunny or over 80 she gets hot fast. She also loves to follow my cast and race from the front of the boat to the back, over and over again lol. Bring something for shade and cool water, start with short trips and see how the pup adjusts. Be prepared to haul them in once or twice until they understand the water is deep and they can't just step off the boat.

I started ours out as pup as well. We adopted a 7 year old Golden Retriever and I feel like he's just too old to learn a new trick like being on the boat.

Thanks guys I appreciate it!

My Brittany Spaniel thought the Skeeter deck was a diving platform and would jump off and then swim back to be brought in only to do it all over again. I eventually learned to let her swim for several minutes before letting her back in. Once tired, she would not jump off the boat. You need to do this well away from the boat ramp and anyone fishing.
I would not bring a puppy on the boat unless your have a second person to help you. One drives the boat and the other corrals the puppy.

I don't know how you guys do it. I see these guys with dogs yapping and biting at the fish when you're trying to boat/net a fish. I'd be more afraid at my age I'd trip over it and bust my arse or go in the lake. I love dogs, but just never wanted one in the boat with me.

Labs chasing a top water ! Cow dogs trying to heard the fish! Wiener dog trying to Badger roll the fish ! Yorkies giving the fish a what for ! Man it’s all fun ! One rod at a time!

Still laughing at all the good times! Wish I could reach them to run the net!

I highly recommend buying lure wraps - if you have ever seen a dog hooked on a jerkbait it is just horrible,