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Recently I had a brief conversation about being a boater, and a rider. I'm sure you all read articles in magazines, or discussed this once or twice before. The reason I'm writing this article is to remind myself, and to all other boat owners, and riders who will soon be a boat owner a just little about proper boat etiquette during a tournament. I am far from any exception, and often to forget I have someone on the back of my boat. I too make the same mistakes just like any other boater forgetting proper etiquette. I can remember when I was a rider, and I out-fished the guy in front of the boat on occasion with a little luck, and some small knowledge of what I knew, which was nothing. I was very thankful of this boater for putting me on to fish, showing me spots, which of course, would not be possible because of him. Truly I was very grateful for that.
There were some days I did not catch a fish, or get a single bite, but I can tell you, this was no fault of the boater, and only point a finger to me. Maybe being such less skilled or not aggressive enough was a reason. The more time I spent on the water pre-fishing, the better chance I had, and you will have too. The conversation moved on, and as it did, it got to me, to hear someone implying about his rider being back boated, or bringing a pillow for him. I'm hoping that at the end of that conversation this person did not truly mean what he said. I kept silent and just listened, but truly felt I should try to remind myself and all other boat owners that these rider's are the guys who help you pay for gas, tolls, etc... And also share the knowledge of being on a lake that maybe you have never traveled too. I'm not saying, or suggesting that all riders are fun to be with, or riders have the greatest personality, some boat owners are not the friendliest people either.
Give the guy in the back of the boat enough casting space and he probably will not cast over your shoulder or line. The guy in the back of the boat should always try to make an effort of knowing where your partners line is. If one lands a fish, and net is called for, help your fellow member out as fast as you can, because the next time, he will do the same. A simple and brief conversation of the pattern or game plan before a tournament starts can surely save a lot of time re-tyeing, and moments of silence. Call it what you like, boat etiquette, equal fishing time, 101 for Bass Fishermen Behavior. If there is one person who understands, and thinks about what I'm writing, and also takes it seriously, I've accomplished something. I want to be far from trying to give anyone a class in boat etiquette, but just to open there minds with some food of thought. Sometimes I think back to often, to remember I was once fishing in the back of the boat, and I keep reminding myself that.
So “Remember when”, the next time you become a partner with someone, maybe, just maybe you might become friends for life, and share the memories together a long, long time from now. This fishing season has just begun, some of us will remember when, and do very well, and some of us will not. I'm wishing that all of you have a fun and safe season.
By Elliott Liardo
Raritan Valley Bassmaster
Web Master
There were some days I did not catch a fish, or get a single bite, but I can tell you, this was no fault of the boater, and only point a finger to me. Maybe being such less skilled or not aggressive enough was a reason. The more time I spent on the water pre-fishing, the better chance I had, and you will have too. The conversation moved on, and as it did, it got to me, to hear someone implying about his rider being back boated, or bringing a pillow for him. I'm hoping that at the end of that conversation this person did not truly mean what he said. I kept silent and just listened, but truly felt I should try to remind myself and all other boat owners that these rider's are the guys who help you pay for gas, tolls, etc... And also share the knowledge of being on a lake that maybe you have never traveled too. I'm not saying, or suggesting that all riders are fun to be with, or riders have the greatest personality, some boat owners are not the friendliest people either.
Give the guy in the back of the boat enough casting space and he probably will not cast over your shoulder or line. The guy in the back of the boat should always try to make an effort of knowing where your partners line is. If one lands a fish, and net is called for, help your fellow member out as fast as you can, because the next time, he will do the same. A simple and brief conversation of the pattern or game plan before a tournament starts can surely save a lot of time re-tyeing, and moments of silence. Call it what you like, boat etiquette, equal fishing time, 101 for Bass Fishermen Behavior. If there is one person who understands, and thinks about what I'm writing, and also takes it seriously, I've accomplished something. I want to be far from trying to give anyone a class in boat etiquette, but just to open there minds with some food of thought. Sometimes I think back to often, to remember I was once fishing in the back of the boat, and I keep reminding myself that.
So “Remember when”, the next time you become a partner with someone, maybe, just maybe you might become friends for life, and share the memories together a long, long time from now. This fishing season has just begun, some of us will remember when, and do very well, and some of us will not. I'm wishing that all of you have a fun and safe season.
By Elliott Liardo
Raritan Valley Bassmaster
Web Master
“Remember When”