Coangler imo implies team member where as "non-boater" implies second in the decision making. If you are fishing as a team on the tournament trail, you find a partner that you can discuss a plan with and each is comfortable with fishing with the other. This can be is a much different case for the non-boater drawing a partner at a weekend tournament at a local bass club. So, where is the etiquette lie when you are spliting the trip cost as to where to fish and how to fish? Manytimes the boater becomes the overall decision maker and the non-boater is expected to never suggest otherwise or is seen as a complainer. I think on two-day tournaments, the second day should be what the rear of the boat wants to do as to where and how to fish. This might sound tryte, but I'm not spkg of my personal exp as much as hearing this issue from other nonboaters. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?

coangler and non-boater are the same term to me. They are terms commonly used during a Proam or Draw format for the person fishing from the back of the boat.

Club tournaments may have rules where the draw partner has input about where they may be fishing, but most if not all larger trails have gotten rid of the sharing input or time on the front end, unless there is a boater/boater draw.

well nonboater is just that has no say in operation of boat or where too fish. but in club fishing you just have to agree on the water and share of boat. even if you split expense its still his boat.

I believe as a co-angler I have no input on where to fish unless asked by my boater. It is my duty to be organized and prepared to move on a moments notice. To net the boaters fish if and when asked, this is usually decided before the start of the event.
To try my best to put a pattern together to catch my fish on his water and to have a great time on the water and make the fishing experience as good as possible for both of us.
If I do stumble onto a pattern I do not hesitate to share with my boater both in technique or whatever baits.
At the end of the day to share in the fuel expense to some level. I have my own system on how much I give my boater for fuel, it is partially based on overall compatibility with my boater. His willingness to share his water and knowledge of the water. And how much we had to run to get the job done that day.
The least I will give a boater is $30 even if he front ends me all day or has an ill prepared boat that could not get the job done such as batteries not charged.
Thats My .02

Looks like there may be two different definitions depending on if your fishing a trail or club tournaments.

Co-anglers, non boater, amateur are all the same in Pro/Am(FLW Tour,flw everstart series, BASS Open, etc) style events. The guy in the back has no say so on where they fish. He doesn't have to split cost for the day. He can get front ended by the boater all day and can do nothing about it.

Now if you are a non-boater in an ABA style event. Where the non boater and boater are competing againt each other. You are able to fish your water half the day. The boater can not front end you, he has to give you water you can fish. You also have to split cost with the boater

J C Outdoors that was the best explanation possible except that you left out the fact that this only applies if your boater is respectful of you, courteous and understanding of your position. They don't have to give you water and purposely put you on fish but they must be cool. I fish the boater side and love having a non boater/co angler or what every you want to call your partner for the day. I have made some of my best friends this way. With that said, some boaters don't feel that way. Its not in my spirit to feel any different. Win, lose or draw I have fun every day. IMO that is a win in itself.

Here is a post I made about my take on being a coangler a few years ago

Coangler Ethics

Man, you are so right! I've learned to flex toward the side of enjoying the day.