Getting started as a co-angler
Fishing as a co-angler is an exciting opportunity. When you start tournament fishing as a co-angler, you will be paired with a pro-boater that you may or may not know. If you are feeling really adventurous, you may even choose to fish a lake you have never fished before as well. Then it’s time for take off. Once you are out on the water and get to your first spot, you can relax and just fish. In most of our interviews with the pro’s, their best advise is usually, “Do something different than what your boater (Pro) is doing.” Remember, you are not competing against him or her. Good communication with your Pro is important while you are on the water. They will be in charge of the boat and will make all of the decisions for the day. Fishing as a co-angler is a great way to make friends, learn new lakes and hone your skill. If you’re lucky, you may even win some money along the way.
Good manners go a long way
After meeting your Pro at the ramp, the first order of business may be to help him put the boat in the water (Check out our article on how to launch a boat for more tips).
Once you arrive at your first fishing spot, one of the most important things for a Pro is that you respect his or her fishing water. Never cast over the Pro’s line. Let us stress this again, NEVER cast over your Pro’s line. If you are in doubt about where to cast, ask the Pro if he minds where you want to cast. Even though as a co-angler you are fishing from the back deck of the boat, the fish don’t know which way the front of the boat is.
Do your homework even if you’re not the Pro
As you prepare for the tournament, do some research online. If you have some friends that have fished that lake, talk to them. Find out what weight it has taken to win. Learn what baits and setups have been successful on that lake.
Try setting up for both shallow and deep water fishing. You will most likely not know where the Pro is going to take you until the night before or the morning of the tournament. For instance, suppose your Pro is fishing isolated tules. This will not work for the jerk bait that you practiced with. Don’t be afraid to do something different like throw a fluke that will be weedless, but will have a similar action and might catch those fish. Have a go-to bait or two, but adapt based on where your Pro takes you.
Key takeaways are respect your Pro, be confident in your preparedness, have a few go-to baits, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Let us know about your experiences as a co-angler. Comment below or connect with us on Facebook.
