What do pro's look for in their amatuer partners at the start ?

[wallytap]

What can a am do if your pro for the day is a nasty/grouchy character before you even get in his boat? A FEW pro's seem to assume all amatuers are idiots just along for a boat ride.How can this situation be diffused immediately and tactfully?
'

[Doug Burns]

Doug Burns

Be honest! Tell your pro that you are willing to do whatever it takes
(within the legal confines of the tournament) to help him cash a check. Then level with him/her on your abilities. Try to do this before blast off. If you don't have experience with the technique
or presentation for the day, say so. It is easier for me to explain something to someone when I know the level on which to speak. Do not
be embaressed by your lack of knowledge. My philosophy is two anglers
are better than one. In other words the more you help yourself the more you help me.

Do not mistake quite concentration for grouchy. When we (the pros)
are on the water our focus is very narrow, we watch the depthfinder,
the rod tips, the weather. If the bite is off or the fish have moved
then decisions must be made and that takes focus.It is amazing how much more conversation a limit of fish makes.

If a pro truely treats you poorly and with disrespect, by all means
tell the tournament director and a representative of the NPAA(if said pro is a member). The experience should be enjoyable and educational for both parties.

Come on out and give it a go,maybe we will end up in the boat together.

Doug Burns

[stevefellegy]

Well said Doug. Let me emphasize one point. PLEASE let me or someone with NPAA know if you were treated poorly. As Doug says, understand the focus thing, but that doesn't mean the pro being disrespectful.
Just be on time or early. Talk the night before and make sure you have the program down. Ask more qustions than you can think of, even if you know the answers, just to clarify how your "teammate" thinks. That is a key word...think. Focus. Like Doug said, when the job is done, then maybe talk about hunting or the like. But not until the money is in the boat. Be tough. Over dress. And by all means, HAVE FUN. We're all glad you're willing to come along and be a part of the team. Good luck!!

[Bang n Fish]

Well said mr. Burns, and thats that!!!!

[ETT]

I would add, be prepared for what ever mother nature can dish out. I'm sure that right now ( the first day of the RCL in Detroit) there are pros with co-anglers that are froze out because their rain gear didn't keep them dry on the run out. You don't have to have guide wear, but a 40 dollar rain suit won't cut it. Take some insulated coveralls if need be to change into.

There will likely be pros how have to come in because of hypothermic co-anglers. NOT GOOD!!!!

[muskyhunter]

hi doug,
if you have some time, and feel like helping out a rookie who's starting the circuit next year. drop me a note at muskyhunter@centurytel.net.
thanks, jim

[Gary Gray]

On the PWT, there is a report card.

When I meet my partner for the day, I tell them, #1, is Safety, #2, is to Have Fun, #3, Catch fish. If we get a limit, we had fun!

I would like to take this opportunity, to say Thank You's for helping us do what we all love to do.

Thank You,
Gary Gray,
NPAA #10;-)