For those who don't own a boat or don't have the time and money to compete in the Pro division of a tournament trail, there is always the option of being a co-angler. However, just because you are a co-angler doesn't mean you should leave your manners at home. I've heard stories from the Pro anglers I have fished with on the BassMaster Weekend Series how some of their previous co-anglers showed little or no respect for them. After listening to their stories, I thought about how I could become an even better co-angler for the next season, although I think I did leave a good impression on my Pro anglers.
As the partners are being paired, pay close attention to the names being called. When your name is called go meet your partner and introduce yourself. You will need to get information on the make, model, and color of the boat your partner will be using. This will help you locate them at the ramp. This is also a good time to ask your partner what patterns and locations you will be fishing during the tournament. That will give you a better idea of which lures to tie on in advanced. Another piece of information that you need to get is where your partner is lodging and a phone number in case of an emergency or if you can't find them in the morning of the tournament. Confirm the meeting place and time and be on time. I recommend getting to the meeting place fifteen to twenty minutes early.
When you meet your partner at the launch ramp, try to help them as much as possible. If you know how to back a trailer into the water, it's a good idea to ask the Pro if you can assist. If not, most Pros will understand and won't hold it against you. There's a lot of other things that need to be done before the boat is launched. Assist with taking the tie-downs and the transom saver off, unlatching the trailer strap and getting your gear stowed in the right place are some of the things that can save the Pro some time.
After the boat is in the water and the gear is loaded continue to treat your partner's boat with respect. Do not walk all over the seats and try to keep objects such as fishing tackle from banging on the hull creating scratches. Make sure that all attractants are closed tightly to prevent an accidental spill and a stained carpet. Remember that a boat is a huge investment and something that most anglers take pride in owning. Treat the boat as if it was your own. Then go the extra mile in taking care of the boat.
Something that I have not done or have had a pro do in the past is talk about safety equipment. I think that it's a good idea to ask your partner where they have their safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and throwable life preservers. You never know if the boat will start on fire or if your partner will accidentally fall overboard.
Sometime before take-off you may want to ask whether or not your Pro wants you to net their fish. If they want you to help, get a clear explanation of what signal they'll give when they need the net. Most of the time the Pro will simply yell "net". Once all the necessary information has been explained feel free to loosen up a bit and just talk. Your Pro is a person just like you and we all know how fishing can get boring quickly if the fish aren't biting. However, be aware that some angler's really like to concentrate on their fishing so in this case, the less words the better! This is each person's preference. One you should respect.
The most common complaint I've heard from Pro's is that some co-anglers try to cast in front of them. Unless you have been given permission, never cast in front of them! You have to understand that the Pro usually has a lot of time and money invested and should have the first chance at the fish. I like to picture an imaginary line that goes through the middle of the boat and I never cast over it. This will help keep you from getting into an argument with the Pro angler. The other complaint most Pros have is that some co-anglers will cast at a fish that the they have missed on the hookset. Once again think of the expense that a Pro goes through in order to compete. Think of how you would feel if you missed a strike and your co-angler cast at it and it turned out to be a six pounder. Unless they tell you to throw at it, don't even think about placing a cast anywhere near the spot. There is one more issue that is not common but I've heard about it. In the event that you and your partner are not catching fish, do not continuously tell your partner that they should try your secret spot that is full of big fish. It may be acceptable to mention a spot you know about one time but when you do, be sure that you don't exaggerate the size and number of fish you caught. Your Pro has probably spent a lot of time prefishing the lake and has a good idea of what they want to do. Remember, they have more time and money invested and most are not willing to gamble on something that they don't have confidence in. If your partner chooses not to go to your spot, that's their choice and you should respect it.
Getting snagged or hung up is something that is bound to happen during the day for most of us. In the event of a snag, tell your partner that you are hung up. Most of the time the Pro will turn the boat around and go in to retrieve your lure. However, most of the time I just break off and retie. Some of the Pros I have fished with have asked me why I do this. I explain to them that a $4 crankbait or a twenty cent worm rig is not worth jeopardizing a $35,000 boat that could get scratched up or jab at the hung bait with a $100 to $300 rod and risk loosing a guide or breaking a tip. The bait is easily replaceable and usually saves time for both anglers. I'm sure that most Pros will appreciate the thoughtfulness and may even brag about how good a partner you where to the other Pros.
After the weigh-in is completed and the boat is loaded on the trailer don't just grab your gear and take off. Stick around and make sure that you have removed all trash that you might have left in the boat. Most people don't appreciate a floor full of torn up soft plastics. If your partner is wiping down the outside of the boat ask if they have an extra towel so you can help them. Make yourself as helpful as you possible can.
Most Pro/Am tournaments and most people's idea of common courtesy is the co-angler should help pay for the gas used during the day. Gas is not as cheap as it once was and outboards simply don't get the kind of gas mileage that cars get. Generally twenty dollars is the norm. However, I will adjust this according to how much the outboard was used and whether or not the outboard is a Carb, EFI, DFI, or Fourstroke. Carb and EFI motors get less gas mileage than DFI or Fourstrokes so it's a good idea to take this into consideration.
Lastly, do not share information about how and where you and your Pro caught fish. Pro's work hard in finding what they think may be the winning area or pattern and you should respect that fact. Also, it's common courtesy that when you start fishing in the Pro division you don't go to the spots you learned from your previous Pro Anglers. Find some of your own. That's part of the challenge of becoming a Pro.
David Bromenshenkel
classicbass.com Field Staff
