Non-Boaters

[dogwatch]

Hello all: Most of my fishing comes from the back of a boat. How do you prep for a tourney? and do you have any suggestions for equipment storage/carrying? I currently carry a tackle bag: 4lg and 4sml plano boxes, a "dry" box: camera, gps, first-aid, ect... and 4-5 rods. I'm always looking to improve. Always, John... ;D

[basshammer]

Hey John
I fish alot of tourneys from the back. First of all I try to do my own research on the lake/season and get my own game plan going. I will decide what baits I want to use and have them already rigged up. Many people think it is useless to plan like this as a non since you're at your boaters mercy. Not true...by knowing whats happening on the lake you are way better prepared to react to what he is doing......that is the name of the game to being successful from the back.
As far as gear goes I make sure I can get it all into the compartment in the rear. Most of the guys I have fished with haven't cared but to me I want to be as tidy, clean, and profesional as I can. Besides I want all my stuff near by. As I am changing baits I put all my cut off line and used soft plastics in my pocket. Basically respect the ride.
As far as the GPS goes I wouldn't bring it unless you talk with your boater first. Everyone works hard for their spots and do not want us non-boaters passing them around. It happens.
4-5 rods are usually what I take...no more though.
Lastly, I will always help strap the boat down, wipe the sides, whatever he would normally do and then help out with gas money.
Hope this helps.
Bob

[Mike Bucca]

Hey John, Couple of things to ponder.. Once you get paired up with your boater feel him out for what kind of pattern he will be hitting so that you can have the proper baits tied on to fish behind him. If he's fishing grass then you know you'll need some weedless type baits and probably some frogs. If he's fishing deep then you need to be thinking spoons or dropshot or cough carolina rig. Lots of scenarios here. Also be sure to ask your boater how you want to handle boating fish. Does he want your assistance to help land a fish or does he want to land his own fish. As for baits. I would pack a little bit of everything. Actually I would bring my whole arsenal to the tournament and once you talk to your boater you can customize a box based on his feedback. I think the key thing here is to communicate with your boater to get an idea of what he is doing. Thats what I would do. Granted I like fishing in the back of the boat. All I have to worry about is catching fish. No boat driving, area picking, trolling motor maneuvering etc etc. The above is what I would do based on my limited tournament knowledge.

Mike

[dogwatch]

Hello Mike, basshammer: Thanks for the input, I try to do much of what you both suggested. As far as the GPS and the boaters honey-holes goes, if they specifically ask me not to share I will repsect that. I am also happy to share and take my boating partners to places that I know or have learned through several seasons in the backs of various boats at many of Georgia's and Alabama's lakes. Once again thanks, Always, John...