Co-Angler Etiquette
Alrighty, lets dig into this. There have been many articles posted on this topic. However, I swear 50% of co-anglers still don't get it. If you are a non-boat, fishing out of the back of someone else's bass boat this is a must read. Shoot maybe even print it out and keep a copy in your back pocket.
Lets start off by reminding all co-anglers/non-boaters that you are stepping aboard someone's boat. A boat is a funny thing. Most boaters are extremely particular about their boat. For one everything has it's place in the boat. Second, bass fishing and owning a bass boat is a very expensive endeavor. It's important to treat every boat you step into better than you would treat your own. Ok, now lets really get started on the details you need to know and follow.
Be on Time
One of the worst things you could do as a co-angler is not show up to the ramp or designated meeting area. Actually scratch that. Never be on time. ALWAYS be 15 minutes early. Be ready to go the moment your boater arrives.
Boat Rules
Ask your boater if there is anything you need to be aware of in regards to the boat, boat rules etc. For example in my boat co-anglers seem to like to brace their selves by putting their foot against the front rod locker gel coat. This is a big no no. Over time the grit caught on the bottom of your shoes or if theres a rock stuck it will scratch. It's the equivalent of keying some ones Porsche. Don't do it. Don't step on the gunnel either! You will scratch it. Just make sure you ask, ok.
$$$
Your boater is not there to pay your way and drive you around the lake to catch fish for free. Not compensating your boater can and will quickly earn you a bad reputation. How much should you give your boater? Well that's up to you. $40 is generally considered the minimum to contribute. However, lets take a closer look at this. Most 20'+ bass boats are going to take at least $100-$175 to fill the tank. Then you have oil being burned. Not so much of a big deal with todays 4 strokes but theres still a lot of 2-stroke motors out there and they burn up expensive oil. So lets say your boater makes a short run and burns 5 gallons of gas all day. You should still give them $40. If your boater decides to run 100+ miles your $40 is not going to cut it. You are going to be in that $50-$90 range. I know it's not your responsibility to cover your boaters choices to make far runs but you should heavily consider contributing more that $40.
Tobacco
Don't do it. Don't smoke, spit, chew, vape etc. It has no place in a bass boat, and is even banned in many tournaments.
Always keep aware and be ready to go
Keep your tackle neat and tidy. Never have more than 1-2 rods out, tackle boxes all over and so forth. Your boater will usually give you a last cast notice but not always and you need to be in your seat ready to go before that boater steps off the back deck. This tidiness will also help you as a co-angler. As a co-angler you should always be the first to sit down and the last to stand up.
Tackle
6 rods. That's it. If you can manage less then that's even better. It will make you more efficient, help you focus and keep the boat uncluttered. Most tournament trails limit you to 6 rods max anyways.
Pack lite. Do not bring the biggest tackle box you can buy, do not bring anything you do not absolutely need. If there is something you run out of or may need your boater is likely to have it in the boat anyways and will most likely share if you are respectful. You should be able to fit all of your tackle in the boats rear compartment. Not at your feet. This is to keep the floor clear for ease of landing fish and limiting accidents.
Netting
Always as your boater about netting fish. Theres is nothing worse than a poor net person that knocks off your kicker fish for the day. Just make sure you are clear on this, net operation (each is different) and how to net. I personally will tell my co-anglers when to put the net in the water and then have them hold it still. I will put the fish in the net. If I can't and it gets off it's my fault. A lot better than it being yours.
Livewell
Keep it closed. If your boater wants it open they will tell you. Opening your side all you want. Never open the boaters side. Fish jump. Some times out of the boat and back into the drink. Always make sure you have your own cull tags, scale, beam etc. It is not your boaters responsibility to stop fishing and show you where everything is kept.
Do you need a seat?
If you can not stand for 8+ hours make sure you ask your boater to bring you a seat. If you can manage without then do not ask for a seat. Even in the roughest of water I have never felt the need for a seat in the back of the boat. Seats get in the way, fall out and in general cause more issues than they solve. Again, if you need a seat, ask and it will be provided.
Drinks/Food
Don't bring cans of soda and other sticky drinks. Don't bring messy food. Don't bring giant water bottles. Make sure you bring enough water for yourself and offering to bring a few bottles for your boater doesn't hurt.
Misc.
Do not forget any of these items: Fishing license. Some times multiple are needed and it is your responsibility to be aware of regulations. Hat, sunglasses, sun protection, your own scissors and needle nose pliers, snacks, rain suit and life vest. If you show up to my boat without your own life vest you don't fish. Do not forget it.
Keep it Clean
You must keep your space clean, dont leave discarded lures all over, water bottles, food wrappers etc. And, make sure your feet are clean before getting in the boat. A quick dip in the water goes a long way if you just stepped in sand or mud.
Seats
Stepping on the seats may get you thrown in the lake. If not, it will at least get you on your boaters S$%* list. This includes kneeling on the seats. Don't do it. This can and will eventually tear the vinyl.
Special Needs
If you have any let your boater know the day before.
Use your eyeballs
If you see a log floating a kayaker, swimmer etc. point it out to your boater. No need to yell because they won't hear you and it will only become confusing just point it out silently unless you see an eminent danger.
Dock Talk
Where did you fish the day before? What did you hear at the tournament meeting? What's the hot lure? What did you read online etc. Keep it all to yourself. NEVER repeat this information to your boater. Not only can this disqualify you from the tournament but is disrespectful, disruptive and unsportsmanlike.
Backing in and Parking
If you are not comfortable doing this say so! Damaging your boaters trailer or truck is absolutely not an option on the menu for the day. You boater may not like having to do it their self but they can put their big boy/lady pants on and get it done like they do any other day of the week.
Last but not Least. Casting.
We will keep this simple because there is not much to understand. NEVER cast forwards unless you ask and your boater ok's it for that one cast. At times its ok to cast forward on the opposite side of the boat but not always. As a co-angler you need to learn to fish with what you have. From the console back is fare game. You can get yourself disqualified by casting to the front of the boat. Don't do it.
Thats it! Fish on & Keep Dreaming!