COURTESY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF BOATERS & NOBOATERS
BOATERS
1. Support the noboater's right to his half-day determining the fishing location and position in the boat.
2. Ensure that the boat is tournament-ready and reliable.
A. Livewells should be fully operational and capable of keeping two limits alive.
B. The fuel tank(s) should be full or at least contain enough fuel to reach any potential fishing location.
C. Trolling motor batteries should be serviceable and fully charged.
3. Save some dry storage for the noboater's usage.
4. Operate the boat in a safe and sane manner. Remember that the passenger side of the boat appears to move 15 mph faster than the driver's side.
5. Arrive early enough at the tournament site to coordinate with the noboater, load the noboater's gear and have the boat in the water at take-off.
6. Coordinate with the noboater on life jackets, ice chests, probable fishing techniques and gear, etc. before the date of the tournament.
7. Don't allow your noboater to violate tournament rules. Remember that many violations result in the disqualification of both boater and noboater.
8. Discuss fishing techniques and locations with the noboater. The boater and noboater should help each other as much as possible.
9. Allow the noboater a fair chance to cast to likely spots. Invite the noboater to the front of the boat in situations where he is at a disadvantage in the back.
1. Limit the amount of gear you take so that there is sufficient room in the boat to move around and fish.
2. Pay your fair share of the expenses without being asked. Have your money ready on tournament day.
3. Arrive early enough at the tournament site to coordinate with the boater, load your gear and have the boat in the water at take-off.
4. Be available to help the boater launch the boat and load the boat after the tournament.
5. Tell the boater if you are uncomfortable with his handling of the boat.
6. Don't allow your boater to violate tournament rules. Remember that many violations result in the disqualification of both boater and noboater.
7. Coordinate with the boater on life jackets, ice chests, etc. before the date of the tournament.
8. Help the boater maintain the boat. Don't track mud in the boat. Don't step in the seats. Don't scratch the gelcoat surfaces. Wear appropriate shoes that will not scratch boat surfaces. Don't spray fish attractants on the boat. Ask the boater's permission before smoking in the boat and be careful with cigarettes or other tobacco products. Remove your trash from the boat at the end of the day. Use common sense and courtesy.
9. Discuss fishing techniques and locations with the boater. The boater and noboater should help each other as much as possible.