C0-ANGLER ETIQUETTE
Co-Angler Tips...all, hopefully, common sense
If you are not advised by the angler/boater before hand, ask him if he has any special guidance or "rules," whether it's how far forward you can cast, getting ready to move to another spot, number of rods you may pack on board, etc. (And Anglers should brief the co-angler of any particular concerns up front.)
When we are "standing or sitting in the back" of the angler's boat, it's similar to visiting one's home. Most fishermen know that a boat can be a very highly valued, personal possession representing the fruits of a life time of labor. Take care to leave it as clean and serviceable as ...or, in very few cases, no dirtier than... when you first boarded. Whether that is scrap fishing line, bass blood (or yours!), cracker crumbs, scrap fishing line, etc, etc, please clean it up.
Co-anglers should always be tuned to when the Angler is going to move and be ready. Likewise, anglers should give their partners adequate warning. Some of us move slower that others, so adjust your timing accordingly.
We all know it is not as easy fishing from the rear especially with shallow water anchors, boat motors, navigational lights, boat positioning and speed, etc. So, remain alert with your back casts to avoid hitting expensive motor cowlings, power poles, cockpit windshields (and fishfinders!!), as well as seats. Dents and scratches cannot usually be simply removed, as well as hook tears in the seats.
If you do accidently hit or snag something please let the boater know! Don't pretend that nothing happened. It happens. At least apologize.
Fishing as a co-angler can and should be a positive experience. If you follow these basic rules, it should be...and you may get invited to come out again!
If you are not advised by the angler/boater before hand, ask him if he has any special guidance or "rules," whether it's how far forward you can cast, getting ready to move to another spot, number of rods you may pack on board, etc. (And Anglers should brief the co-angler of any particular concerns up front.)
When we are "standing or sitting in the back" of the angler's boat, it's similar to visiting one's home. Most fishermen know that a boat can be a very highly valued, personal possession representing the fruits of a life time of labor. Take care to leave it as clean and serviceable as ...or, in very few cases, no dirtier than... when you first boarded. Whether that is scrap fishing line, bass blood (or yours!), cracker crumbs, scrap fishing line, etc, etc, please clean it up.
Co-anglers should always be tuned to when the Angler is going to move and be ready. Likewise, anglers should give their partners adequate warning. Some of us move slower that others, so adjust your timing accordingly.
We all know it is not as easy fishing from the rear especially with shallow water anchors, boat motors, navigational lights, boat positioning and speed, etc. So, remain alert with your back casts to avoid hitting expensive motor cowlings, power poles, cockpit windshields (and fishfinders!!), as well as seats. Dents and scratches cannot usually be simply removed, as well as hook tears in the seats.
If you do accidently hit or snag something please let the boater know! Don't pretend that nothing happened. It happens. At least apologize.
Fishing as a co-angler can and should be a positive experience. If you follow these basic rules, it should be...and you may get invited to come out again!
