- Start em young
- Pop em when they step on your rods so they learn
- Teach them hooks and the ones that rattle are bad (may have to let the get a little poked once or twice)
- Tell them good dog when you catch a fish (they’ll concentrate like you)
- let them kiss some bass
- Let them go for a swim or two
- Put one or two in the livewell every now and then so they can watch them swim
- when they get old put a life jacket on them they get less stable
- Stop everything for a few minutes and let them know you appreciate them
- Get used to fishing buddies being a 3rd wheel

.., 14 years and my old guy I think has seen his last fishing trip

Enjoy man, they’ll be your best friend and co angler. .

I always carry a bowl for her to drink out of and I also keep her own personal umbrella that I clamp onto my windshield bars (a bonus for gambler owners).

I am prepared to remove a hook from her paw or snout or whatever. It has not happened to us yet, but I expect it will sooner or later. I keep water and "dog snacks" for her and a thick blanket to keep her off the deck when it is hot. I also use a blanket to make shade from the sun (clip to console and seat back). It is amazing how she knows when I am getting a bite, I guess she can sense my tension. Anyway, she is a great fishing buddy, always comes with me and loves being in the boat.

I have a 3 month old Jack Russell pup. Gonna give it a try on Fork this weekend.

As before mentioned start them young if you can, but that doesn’t mean an older dog can’t learn it. Initially I use lure wraps for the rods on the deck, especially treble hook baits, until they start to learn what not to step on. Limit number of rods on the deck and always be mindful of where your hooks are when not in use. Instead of just siting that TRig down you may need to dangle the bait over the top cap. Beach it a couple of times during the day and let em swim. This fella is going on 17 months and he’s got it down!

I trained my half lab/half blue tick to stay on the back deck to avoid any hooks on the front. She loves being on my Champ. [img]http://[/img]

Be prepared to have your dog attached to a 5# bass via treble hooks on a crankbait running all over the boat yelping while she drags the fish all around the boat with the treble hook stuck in her mouth. It's not IF it happens it is WHEN.

Ask me how I know.

My Aussie just chills. He gets pumped about the first couple fish every time but after that he just goes back to chillin. I have a water bowl on the boat with me.

I'd also recommend a life jacket for your pup. If they happen to get in the water when its rough out, they might have a hard time staying up.

My suggestion would be to find a nice place to let the dogs get out and splash around and cool off. I like to find a little island or somewhere without people and let them do their thing while i retie baits, drink a beer, etc. Also helps to tucker them out for the rest of the afternoon so you can focus on fishing.




No issues here with starting em young. Both of mine had no fear when it came to the boat. ATVs, cars, etc all spooked them a bit at first. if they fall in just yank em back in, theyll be fine. A leash and your seat posts can also help keep em contained.

My boy when he was 3 months old. Already lookin like a pro.

This is what I'm worried about - pretty sure my dogs would love the opportunity to join the club.

Stella my Blue Lacy is always with me unless it's really hot out. She really loves the water but has stayed in the boat thus far. Love taking her out

Mine started young.


Now she likes to photo bomb.

Great pics guys!!!

I have a eight year old black lab that i never leave home without. I highly recommend your dog once it’s a year old to go through some form of training. Spend as much time with them even it it’s a ride two miles up the road.