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GBM Tournament Communications And Etiquette

Gilroy Bassmasters

Tournament Communications and Etiquette

February 2, 2006

In the past few years our club has had the privilege of welcoming many new members both boaters and co-anglers. It is wonderful to see these new fishermen eager to compete and learn from each other. Whether as a boater or co-anglers typically whenever new members join there is some measure of uncertainty. There are always questions on etiquette, process, rules and technique. There is always the age-old question like how many rods to bring, what types of baits, tournament process and etiquette, launching/recovering a bass boat and even familiarity of waters and how to travel to lakes.

I know when I joined the club I had been bass fishing for many years and I still had numerous questions. Some of which I felt I would just gain as I went along and did not want to look too un-informed. The really great thing about our club then and now is our members are always willing to help. There were positive suggestions and quick answers to questions, even the encouraging comments to help those who seemed lost. Below are a few questions and thoughts that I had when I first joined Gilroy Bassmasters and I guess others may have today. Over the months things have become clearer and easier for me and will so for you.

Etiquette and Communication

• Read the entire club by-laws and understand them thoroughly.
• Both members should always show courtesy to each other, help each other succeed, make your partner feel good and have fun. Although you are competing against others in the tournament, there is an unwritten rule of cooperation and partnership between boater and co-angler. Be understanding and patient with each other, taking the time to explain process and techniques. Help your partner have a great experience.
• Talk to each other and plan the day/weekend activity. Share information with each other about the lake and technique. Talk to each other about how to net fish and the day's strategy and plans.
• Discuss the shared expense amounts and come to an agreement.
• Respect fishing space, boat position and casting locations.
• Fishing locations are a shared decision and to be discussed before getting on the water. If the boater feels comfortable then he might share the control of the trolling motor with co-angler.
• Co-anglers let your boater know your level of experience with boats and tow vehicles. It is not the time to tell the boater that you have never backed up a trailer before as the two of you are pulling onto the ramp .
• Boaters show your co-angler some tips and recommendations you have learned as a boater. Especially the uniqueness of your boat or truck.
• Both should know fishing and boating laws and regulations, get a copy of the DFG 2006 Regulations and Guidebook.
• If you have a cellular phone always have the numbers of the club members programmed into it.

Some things to keep in mind

• Both boater and co-angler should communicate at least a day or two before leaving for the lake. Always a good idea to make contact again the night before the trip.
• Never keep the hottest baits, successful techniques or locations a secret, always share and teach.
• Never loose your patience or be disrespectful of each other.
• Never talk down to your partner whether boater or co-angler.
• Never use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during tournament or pre-fishing
• Always be early at a meeting place or launch ramp.
• Never show up with 1 rod and no terminal tackle and without life jacket or proper attire.
• Never show up with 9 poles, three large bags & a tackle store.
• Never drive the boat in a careless or reckless manner.
• Both partners always observe the course and look for debris and obstacles in route.
• Never delay the take off with gear or baits when it is time to run (always be organized).
• Never, see an obvious flaw in co-angler's technique & say nothing, help to make it easier.
• Never position the boat where your co-angler can't fish (Back seating & against rules)
• Always know where the fishing lines are and respect the space.
• Never cast forward past the boater's ear from the back deck.
• You have never netted a fish with this partner before ? Ask how each other should do it.
• Never cast your 12” swim bait overhand into the honey hole like an atomic bomb, killing the bite.
• Always show how to make a presentation in the quietest way possible.
• Never just arrive at the lake and decide how to fish it? Have a plan and discuss it with your partner.
• Discuss the presentation strategy with each other in advance. Throw the same speed baits, such as jigs and Texas rig, crank baits and blade. If boater is fishing slowly then try to match the speed or technique.
• Always know the half way mark in the boat when casting to waters.
• Boater and co-angler share the uniqueness about the boat, waters, patterns, baits and past experiences.
• The boater and co-angler should discuss the share of expenses a couple of days prior to departure, the Boater or co-angler should never be surprised.
• If you've never backed a boat onto a launch ramp before, this is your first attempt but you hope you can do it. Let the boater know of your lack of experience.
• Boaters you will want to give your co-angler a quick overview of boat operation in case of emergency . He should never fail to explain the boats features and idiosyncrasies. (Not all of us are familiar with a 21' bass boat with a 250 Mercury Verado, Hotfoot, with a 10” hydraulic jack plate).
• Always know who the aluminum boat on the Delta with the blue light is and what to do if you see it.
• Know how to use a Cull M rite system
• Know the difference between a flat board and wilEgo, 13” versus 12-3/4
• Know the various fish deflating techniques.
• Know how far to back the boat trailer during recovery.
• Always remove trash and other discarded items from the boat and help clean the hull.