What do I need?

[CMIDD]

Fishing the BFL this year as a co-angler, first time might I add. What all do I need, as far as scales? Weigh in bag? Culling system(assuming I catch some!). Just need a general idea of what all I need.

Thanks,
Craig

[Col Forbin]

The BFL/FLW provides weigh in bags. I would have a few tags for culling - cheapies, I like the metal clips with the rubber tubing. I like the culling beams better than scales. But none of those are real important. If you are culling fish as a co-angler, you are doing pretty good. Most boaters will have some beams if you need them.
As a co-angler I really tried to minimize what I brought along with me. A few rods (3-5), a medium sized tackle bag, and a RAINSUIT. One of those fish hedz/save phace masks is the best purchase I made as a co-angler. Using it on one long run in a single console boat when it is 34 degrees and raining will make it well worth the money.

The single most important thing you can bring is a possitive, easy-going attitude.

[stevec]

. One of those fish hedz/save phace masks is the best purchase I made as a co-angler. Using it on one long run in a single console boat when it is 34 degrees and raining will make it well worth the money.

The single most important thing you can bring is a possitive, easy-going attitude.

....agreed....chaulk it up as a learning experience...dont go in with the attitude that your fishing for money...even though its nice..that can cause major friction in your own head..always ask the boater if he wants you to net his fish..and always be ready to do so...Ive become quite the net man in my 6 years of fishing the BFL's..always offer gas money....and most important...have fun

[CMIDD]

Totally going into this as a learning experience. Money would be nice, but knowledge is much more valuable.

[Trophyhunter8]

If you want to learn to fish better, I would suggest hiring a guide. You will learn more in an hour with Dave Stewart than you will learn in a whole season in the bfl. I fished it last year finished top 40 and went too regional. Out of 7 boaters there were 3 that were very good fisherman. I learned a few things and even won some money.

This is my opinion and will aggravate some if not a lot. I believe 60% if not more boaters, have more money than sense. They spend 200$ not counting gas, lodging and food. And then they go in blind not pre-fishing or anything.

I think a lot of boaters like too hang around with the big boys at the weigh ins.

[artcarney_agr]

Being a BFL co-angler is like paying your dues in any sport - you have to crawl before you can walk. I talked to Marty Stone one day for a good half hour or more about how a man is to get started in the sport of bass tournament fishing, and his response was amazing. He said that co-angling is the first step on the ladder. Nearly all the pros have done it, and like it or not, you really shouldn't bypass it if you wan't to be a complete angler. It's how you learn the basics, develop confidence in different techniques, and create a firm foundation on which to stand on when it does come time to be a boater. You start off focusing on the fishing alone. You remove so many factors by simply going as a co-angler. You develop a different mentality throughout the season and are continually refining your skills, and picking up a few new ones along the way. Sometimes being a co-angler forces you to fish a certain way you normally wouldn't in order to catch fish, and it's those times in which you find yourself growing as an angler. You learn from both the good boaters and the bad boaters. Usually bad boaters are the ones you learn the most from...mainly from their mistakes or poor choices or attitudes. And to clear something up, most times a bad boater isn't all that bad...most times he's just misguided and probably should be a co-angler instead...he probably just skipped that co-angler step and it's now showing

Keeping a positive attitude all day is harder than it seems on most days, but being able to do so greatly enhances your fishing ability...ask Rick Clunn about that, in fact I think might even have a book about it. Your attitude, whatever it may be, is what determines whether you've had a good day or not...for me, just being on the water is worthy of a daylong smile, and with that attiude it means I've never had a bad tournament!


I've fished co-angler for four years now in BFL, and I pretty well know how to fish now. For me, the hard part is coming up as I transition into the boater role, and that hard part is now finding fish! I reckon it won't be too much longer before I give Dave a call and see what he can teach me about finding the fish...which, from what I've gathered from the message boards, is his specialty.

Here's my breakdown of tournament roles:
Co-angler : learning to catch the fish
Boater : learning to find the fish
Pro : combo of boater/co-angler roles and refining them to his own style

Good luck with the BFL this year and I hope you have fun with it. I met some great people along the way and bet you will too. There's nothing like starting off being total strangers at 5:00 a.m. and then being able to consider each other a friend by the end of the day...it's a really cool thing and I think you'll enjoy it!

[Trophyhunter8]

I agree art, that's what it is too many boaters should have stayed co-anglers for a few more years. Don't get me wrong out of the 7 boaters, I had 3 good ones. learned a lot.

[CMIDD]

Thanks for the info and insight Guys. I have fished with Dave, and he is excellent at what he does. Art, if what you say is true, then this is exactly what I am looking for. Mainly to become a more versatile angler. To try new techniques, hone my skills on the ones I already know, and just learn. As I said, the money would be great, but just being out, away from the day to day grind, with nothing to focus on except catching fish. That is a wonderful day no matter how you slice it.

[stevec]

well put scott...I really enjoy the aspect of meeting new fisherman and learning new techniques..made lots of new friends ..and as far as bad boaters go Ive had 1 in six years..luck of the draw..maybe..but even with the 1 bad one I still learned something...good luck this year..cant wait..oh and trophy hunter..good call on dave..Ive been out with him every year for the last 4 years...he's a great teacher and all around great guy

[Rangerman]

Lots of good articles on the FLW web site regarding this subject. Just do a search and you should be able to come up with some good info. Let me know if you can't find them and I will see if I can get you the exact link. I fished a BASS Elite Series event as a co-angler (with Shaw Grisby...Great guy!) and found them very informative.

As for my two cents worth you would be better off hiring someone like Dave Stewart and having him teach you a few things over several sessions. Then sign up in a local bass club and put that information to use. I don't really see that much benefit in the co-angler deal when you consider it over the majority of the boaters. I'm sure others will disagree but that was my take.