PHOENIX BASS MASTERS

Boater

Co-Angler

Be patient, your co-angler is probably nervous. Explain to them how YOU fish and operate as the Captain.

Start the very first conversation with your boater by expressing your gratitude.

Let your co-angler know what style of fishing they can expect from you. Let them know if you are camping and /or pre-fishing.

Call your Boater before the tournament so you can understand their fishing style and what they expect from their co-angler, space on the boat, pre-fishing, driving together, camping, etc. You are responsible for securing your own camping spots or staying at another members spot.

Plan a meeting spot for the morning of the event. Show the co-angler where they should store their equipment, food and water on the boat.

Plan a meeting spot for the morning of the event. Offer to help the boater launch if you feel comfortable and are proficient at doing so.

Let your co-angler know how you facilitate bathroom breaks.

Show respect when entering the boat. Make sure your shoes are clean and be mindful of where you step and sit. Avoid stepping on the boat seats. If its not carpeted, don't step on it.

Supply an area on the boat for co-anglers cooler or let them use your cooler for food and water. Have the boat cooler full of ice

Bring everything you need for a full day of fishing, including food, water, and sunscreen. Bring extra snacks. Check with boater on this item and ICE!

Have cull clips, fizzing needles, fin clips, scales and a golden ruler.

Bring your own life jacket, rain gear, fishing plyers, etc.

Let the co-angler know how they can help with safety concerns. Show them how to operate the boat in the event of an emergency.

Speak up when there is a safety concern. Don’t assume that they see all boats on the water. If you see something that causes alarm, notify the boater right away.

Do not launch w/o receiving gas $$ from co-angler.

.

Bring cash for gas. Fee amounts are on the fact sheet.

Bring cash or check for Entry Fees and side pots if you have not paid in advance.

Bring cash or check for Entry Fees and side pots if you have not paid in advance.

Inform your co-angler of your fishing strategy, especially if it changes throughout the day.

Stay positive. Sometimes, co-anglers are put into tough spots. The day will come when you’ll find yourself in a situation where the boater is bed fishing all day. When that time comes, fish as much as possible, be patient and accept the fact that it’s part of the game.

Don’t belittle your co-angler if they are not producing. Encourage them to hang in there.

Keep your line wet. Keep fishing, even if it looks like you have nowhere to cast. Hit the middle of the lake if you have to. Fish with the right attitude knowing that you can’t catch fish if your line isn’t in the water.

Help retrieve lures one or two times

Accept the fact that you may lose lures. Asking the boater to return once or twice for a snagged lure is ok, but after that, forget it.

Inform your co-angler when you are getting ready to move.

Be ready to move without much notice. If you see your boater putting rods away, get going fast. Be in your seat with a life jacket on before they even start the motor.

Explain why you are moving to a new spot

When you arrive at a new spot, let the boater get out of their seat before you get out of yours.

Let your co-angle know where to put trash

Clean up throughout the day. Don’t leave junk everywhere.

If you are allowing your co-angler on the front deck, safety is paramount.

Steer clear of the front deck without asking

Avoid criticizing or offering suggestions unless asked.

Avoid criticizing or offering suggestions unless asked. There’s nothing worse than giving an earful, especially if you’re fishing as a co-angler with someone you don’t know.

Don’t be late to meet co-angler  in the morning

Don’t be late to meet Boater in the morning

Explain if your co-angler needs to check on live wells.

Avoid checking on fish in the livewell without being asked

Discuss how you want to net fish in the boat.

Fortunately, netting is allowed, as landing fish otherwise can be downright dangerous. There is no rule, however, that says one person must net the other's fish. This should be discussed before take-off. Do you both want all fish netted or not at all? Will you call for the net for large or lightly hooked fish only? Not everyone nets fish the same way. A little show-and-tell wouldn't hurt here. Also, during the fighting and landing of a fish, talking out instructions is a good idea. Don't assume that everyone knows how to do it or how you like it done. When a fish is missed or knocked off because of the net, it's an uncomfortable time for both anglers. Bad fish-fighting skills can be just as much at fault as bad net jobs. So discuss it ahead of time and come to a clear understanding of this critical issue.

Let your co-angler know where you will be after returning fish to lake so they can help clean boat.

Help clean and wipe down the boat per Boaters instructions. Do not wipe boat down w/o them knowing.

Have your boat ready to launch before getting to the ramp. Don't keep others waiting while you get rods and other equipment out of your tow vehicle or while you do repairs on the motor, etc. Launch quickly, and do not use the headlights on your tow vehicle when backing in. Instead, use parking lights so that you don't blind everyone waiting to launch.

Talk to your Boater about launching and retrieving boat.