I've been a non-boater two times. I've also been an observer for KBF State Tourneys twice. All but one were not positive experiences. I've never understood for the life of me why some boaters choose to make a 60 mile run up a lake. Now I know you might say that they went where they were comfortable, and I understand it to some degree. I just sat there thinking to myself that they are passing up miles and miles of great fishing spots. Yes, I dressed for the weather. But when it is 30 degrees and the water is 35 degrees, and the wind is howling at 20-30 mph, and waves are 3-7 feet, why do they have to go 70mph. I was never so scared in all my life. Never again will I put my life in someone's hands I do not know.

Being an observer in KBF, both times I asked to fish, but was turned down. I respect that in every way. That is their right. I just know if I ever am fortunate enough to qualify for KBF finals, I will allow my observer to fish. I will ask him to try different patterns and if he gets on fish with a pattern, I would ask him to sit for a while. Now, if the angler was on fish to begin with, I would certainly understand. But both times the guys caught a few dinks. Granted, fishing conditions were very tough, and I doubt I would have done any better. After all, they did qualify, I did not. But it seems to me if they aren't on fish it would be better to have two rods working different strategies to try to unlock the code.

One more funny story. First day of observing at KBF my guy caught two fish. Second day he zeroed. 1/2 hour before tourney's end he let me wet a line. I grabbed a DD22 and began ripping it. (He fished a jig all day). Caught a keeper smallie on my second cast. I put my pole down. He was not upset at all. As a matter of fact he was happy for me. I felt sorry for him when I dropped that fish back in the water, though. Oh, well...