Bfl Newbie

[skeet88bt]

I am going to fish the co-angler side next month on the BFL. Is there anyone out there that has any insight on do's and do not's, tips on fishing the back of the boat, what to bring, well you get my drift. I don't consider myself to be "green" to bass fishing because I do have a boat and fish quite a bit but I know that this will be a different experience and I am hoping a good one. I just want to learn more about the sport.....

Thanks

[Nolan_Whaley]

This is something I'm looking to do, so I'd be interested in your experience.

I thought this series of articles was very informative: http://www.flwoutdoors.com/fishing-articles/co-angler-clinic/

I've done some tourney fishing from the back of the boat in a team, and I know that is quite a bit different. But, some things i learned: Take as few rods as possible, and this means finding dual purpose equipment rather than specialized. I'd try and get to 4-5 .. and always take a spinning rod just in case. You also have to strip down your baits. I think talking to your boater would be key, to find out if he has a plan, and try and tailor your packing toward that.

One of the harder things is probably going to be matching the speed of your boater fishing. If he is fishing fast throwing crank baits and spinnerbaits or something, flinging a drop shot is probably going to be frustrating. I know, i would for plan on fishing a jig & a worm. I have confidence in those, and can fish them about any speed. Then add to that whatever your boater plan is.

Good luck and let us know how you do, and what the experience is like.

[MOFishwater]

good luck, let us know how your experience goes.

always wanted to give it a try and feel i could hold my own (like most folks I'm sure) but i doubt I'll ever take the plunge.

Catch some hogs!

[RSBreth]

If at all possible pre-fish in your own boat.

When the pairings are announced, really, really, talk to the guy you are going to fish with. Does he have a plan? Did he do really good pre-fishing? Did he even pre-fish?

Ask about any "rules" they have with their boat - no bananas, no chew, no.. whatever. Anything they just can't stand.

Like others already stated - go with rigs you can fish a lot of different stuff on - but stick with what you know. A tournament isn't the time to try to master a technique you've never tried - there's enough pressure.

Don't take an enormous amount of tackle and gear, but take enough stuff to get you through the day - your partner may have a large cooler full of snacks and drinks, but it's not likely. Pack enough for yourself, and maybe throw two water bottles in extra for your partner - you never know.

Have fun. It's a competition, but also an experience, it's still supposed to be fun. If it wasn't why do it?