How much do you pay your pro for a tip in the pwt as an amateur?

[10 Pound]

I know this has been hammered on but I want to know what the majority do for tips. I have a buddy that wants to fish one but he would like to know how much it will cost him.

[10 Pound]

I know this has been hammered on but I want to know what the majority do for tips. I have a buddy that wants to fish one but he would like to know how much it will cost him.

[Fishchaser]

I have fished 6 events in the pwt and flw and I gave each pro 40/day for lost tackle and gas. Seems pretty cheap for a great day on the water.

[Fishchaser]

I have fished 6 events in the pwt and flw and I gave each pro 40/day for lost tackle and gas. Seems pretty cheap for a great day on the water.

[TrollerMan]

Greetings! I am going on my 10th year fishing PWT and FLW events as a co-angler. Started with $25 contribution and now do $40 - $60 to help offset fuel, operating expense and general pro tourney expenses. Every pro has been thankful and gracious, a couple tried to decline at first based upon a tough day but accepted the funds as a teamwork gesture.

I also offer to contribute when I go out pre-fishing or scouting with the pro anglers; some accept, some don't but they have always been good about appreciating the offer.

Thanks!
TrollerMan
Waconia MN USA

[TrollerMan]

Greetings! I am going on my 10th year fishing PWT and FLW events as a co-angler. Started with $25 contribution and now do $40 - $60 to help offset fuel, operating expense and general pro tourney expenses. Every pro has been thankful and gracious, a couple tried to decline at first based upon a tough day but accepted the funds as a teamwork gesture.

I also offer to contribute when I go out pre-fishing or scouting with the pro anglers; some accept, some don't but they have always been good about appreciating the offer.

Thanks!
TrollerMan
Waconia MN USA

[Fishem before]

I don't think that a person should base there decision on wether to fish the pwt or flw based on having money for the tip. Most if not all pro's want a partner that brings knowledge and good sportsmanship. If the tip becomes part of the overall equation...meaning that it is expected...then the cost should be upfront. It leaves to much to chance and with all the attitudes that come with fishing tipping can lead to unsatisifed pro's and co's that are shunned for not tipping.

[Fishem before]

I don't think that a person should base there decision on wether to fish the pwt or flw based on having money for the tip. Most if not all pro's want a partner that brings knowledge and good sportsmanship. If the tip becomes part of the overall equation...meaning that it is expected...then the cost should be upfront. It leaves to much to chance and with all the attitudes that come with fishing tipping can lead to unsatisifed pro's and co's that are shunned for not tipping.

[AndyR]

Im a college student that is trying to get experience from these pros and when I got a tournament that is 3 to 4 days long it can add up in a hurry. I normally tip my Pro's $20, unless I place in the money or something, it depends on how the day went. But for me its $20, If I had the cash I would like to do $40, but I cant afford it.

[AndyR]

Im a college student that is trying to get experience from these pros and when I got a tournament that is 3 to 4 days long it can add up in a hurry. I normally tip my Pro's $20, unless I place in the money or something, it depends on how the day went. But for me its $20, If I had the cash I would like to do $40, but I cant afford it.

[NDr]

Depends on the pro's attitude. I've always given $50/day. But I do have to admit one time I did not give anything. I had a guy who'd been having a bad tourney. But instead of taking it in stride and and just fishing and having fun, the guy was a complete jerk. So, it cost him. I hope I made his day even a bit worse. He was the exception though. Most of the guys I've had have always been great. I see fishing as an am is not much different than hiring a guide. I alway tip them so, why wouldn't I tip these guys. Especially since these guys are taking me to their best spots and trying their hardest. You rarely get that from a guide.

I've also fished a few on the pro side. But I've never taken any money. The ones I've fished have been on my home waters and I figured that these guys had to spend a lot more than I did to fish those so I thanked them for the offer and turned them down.

[NDr]

Depends on the pro's attitude. I've always given $50/day. But I do have to admit one time I did not give anything. I had a guy who'd been having a bad tourney. But instead of taking it in stride and and just fishing and having fun, the guy was a complete jerk. So, it cost him. I hope I made his day even a bit worse. He was the exception though. Most of the guys I've had have always been great. I see fishing as an am is not much different than hiring a guide. I alway tip them so, why wouldn't I tip these guys. Especially since these guys are taking me to their best spots and trying their hardest. You rarely get that from a guide.

I've also fished a few on the pro side. But I've never taken any money. The ones I've fished have been on my home waters and I figured that these guys had to spend a lot more than I did to fish those so I thanked them for the offer and turned them down.

[Kelly Klemm]

As a co it was always okward on what to give but after turning pro it was the last thing going through my head, thinking what I was goinging to get from my co didnt matter but at the end of the day good or bad it was always apprecited, thanks co-anglers (Teamwork)

[Kelly Klemm]

As a co it was always okward on what to give but after turning pro it was the last thing going through my head, thinking what I was goinging to get from my co didnt matter but at the end of the day good or bad it was always apprecited, thanks co-anglers (Teamwork)

[walleyejim1216]

There is other ways to look at this also! When I fished one I gave 40.00 a day but in my opinion when you are fishing the 3rd day and you catch your fair share of the fish that just won the pro 10 grand I think the pro should be the one tipping when he finished in the money and you didn't! I pre-fished with a great guy had no prob. giving money, then 2 others the next 2 days no problem! But the 3rd guy barley spoke to me all day until I caught the 19and a half incher late in the day that won him a bunch of money! Then he was my best friend! But for the most part 99% of the pro's are great guy's and I can't wait to do it again!

[WAZZZ]

Don't give or take a penny. Pre-fishing absolutely. Tournaments absolutely not. Just my opinion. What do I know. The pro should give the Co trinkets from all his sponsers and autographed copies of his books and videos, maybe discounted copies. Also the pro should get the Co's address and send well wishes and Christmas cards like the great Gary Gray did.

[hgmeyer]

I have to be very honest on this issue. I have never fished a PWT event so I am not speaking in anything more than the hypothetical. With that said, I have to say that unlike the FLW where the Co-Anglers ARE fishing for $$$$, and they feel that their entry fees are being returned to some extent, in the PWT I feel that no part of the CO-Anglers' entry fees are being returned and in fact I feel that those entry fees are being put into the pot for the Pros. That to me is a fair contribution already.

In the FLW I feel like I am "competing" with a partner, so I contribute. I believe I would feel that I was "helping" the Pro in the PWT.

I doubt that I would contribute if I did a PWT event. I might change my mind after a day in the boat. But, regardless of what I did I would do it with an explanation after a discussion. I'm an in your face, not behind your back, kind of person, so I would have a discussion with the Pro and ask his feelings and opinions after expressing mine.

[Raybob]

>I have to be very honest on this issue. I have never fished
>a PWT event so I am not speaking in anything more than the
>hypothetical. With that said, I have to say that unlike the
>FLW where the Co-Anglers ARE fishing for $$$$, and they feel
>that their entry fees are being returned to some extent, in
>the PWT I feel that no part of the CO-Anglers' entry fees are
>being returned and in fact I feel that those entry fees are
>being put into the pot for the Pros. That to me is a fair
>contribution already.

I voted ZERO in tips :)

1) As a matter of fact the pwt pro needs the co-angler in the boat to make it look like like he is on the up and up (in some cases), even though I've read more than one story on how the so-called pro 'brow-beat his Co into submission.

2) I wish I could get a 1st mate to pay for his work on-board my boat, instead of the other way around.

3) If the pwt ever runs out of clue-less rookies to help pay the pros tab w/the pwt payback system in place, well ..........

4) I'd better quit cuz this could go on all day -heheh :)

da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray

[Stacker1]

I have a question for you guys. If I do the math I find that the amatures, thats what they are called in the PWT, the amatures entry fee's do not go into the pot for the payouts. They are playing each tourney for there own cash. Tell me I am wrong.

[Marr]

I don't think that the amateurs get any money at PWT. They get prizes. Some are good (I recall a buddy winning a prokicker), but I believe that most if not all of the am prizes are donated from sponsors. That, of course, begs the question...where do the am entry fees go?

[Stacker1]

You are right. The amatures do not get cash on the PWT. But there entry fee's do not go to the pro's purse either. I am sure the entry fees help to run the PWT. But these guys keep saying that the pro's oughta' kiss there feet because the amatures entry fee's are paying the pro purse. And that simply ain't true. I do not want a few of these nay sayers down playing the experience of the PWT to other potential amatures.

So if I am wrong tell me how.

[DriftSock]

>You are right. The amatures do not get cash on the PWT. But
>there entry fee's do not go to the pro's purse either. I am
>sure the entry fees help to run the PWT. But these guys keep
>saying that the pro's oughta' kiss there feet because the
>amatures entry fee's are paying the pro purse. And that simply
>ain't true. I do not want a few of these nay sayers down
>playing the experience of the PWT to other potential
>amatures.
>
>So if I am wrong tell me how.

Stacker1,
Since you asked;
First of all, don't you find yourself (and the PWT) to be presumptuous in labeling us Co-Anglers as "Amateurs". I find that disrespectful and demeaning. What makes you think that we're amateurs? I've been fishing for walleyes for over 30 years. Before that as a kid, I grew up fishing for pan fish, bass, and trout. I was a fly fisherman for trout at age 10. All I'm saying is that I'm a student of the game. So, please don't label us Co's as "Amateurs". After all, check the FLW website; I don't see any mention of "Amateurs", only "Co-Anglers". You might as well just call us Drift Socks.
Secondly, I believe that the Co-Angler would appreciate a little incentive of winning prizes or even cash awards. I fished with the PWT Super Pro's; 2 out of 3 of them made many rookie mistakes in my book, (e.g., I overheard my Pro talking to the Lowrance Rep. prior to me jumping in his boat for the day, that he only had 2 or 3 spots that he tried during prefishing; the other one left his crawlers out in the sun (in a pan) for over 30-40 minutes before rigging them on the crawler harness. This same Pro was really only interested in getting off the lake to meet with a local gal at the bar that evening; so he kept stating. Now, for $750 I expected professionalism, but only got rookies.
Thirdly, I don't appreciate your interpretation (or is it "translation") of previous post on this topic when you say and believe, "But these guys keep saying that the pro's oughta' kiss there feet because the amatures entry fee's are paying the pro purse. I do not want a few of these nay sayers down playing the experience of the PWT to other potential amatures." My question to you is "Why not, would you rather deceive them?" I want the "Amateurs" to know what they're really paying for when they enter the PWT events. Is it ONLY for the "experience" with fishing with a PWT-labeled Pro that we Co-Anglers ought to be seeking?
.

[Right on the Money]

I couldn't agree more with Driftsock...I too have fished several PWT events both regional and the Superpro. I will never do that again...not on my dime anyway...and then a tip...yeah right. They should treat the so called Amateur with some respect.

The point here is that it is a joke, don't misunderstand me I have been in boats and have learned some things...but for $750.00 only to win nothing and even if you were in the money...what do you get. Also as an Amateur I have been in boat with Pro's that cannot tie there own shoes. I have also witnessed Pro's being totally rude to the Amateur and also cheating being disqualified and then fishing the PWT again. But then again all of us fisherman think we know everything.

[brad b unlogged]

Driftsock -

First off, I have to question your statement that you "only got rookies". Rookies on the PWT Superpro??? By my recollection, there weren't too many rookies in that group. Perhaps you were simply suggesting that your knowledge of walleye fishing is superior to those you drew as partners for the day? Fishing for walleye for 30 years (just as I have done too) might help us learn how to catch fish, but there is a big difference between decisions on how to catch fish and decisions that lead to tournament winnings.

Secondly, your going to have to take a bigger swing than that to get under Stacker's skin. I've seen some real pro's (in that area) go after him and he comes back smiling most of the time. Stacker is a heck of a nice guy and makes a darn fine twice backed potatoe (that he should really bring a few more of back up to GB next May - *hint*...*hint*).

Back to the PWT SuperPro... I for one would have LOVED to had the chance to fish a PWT Superpro. 3 chances in 50 to fish with Gary Parsons for a day? 3 chances in 50 to fish with Keith K.? I don't see how it could get much better than that. I might try a PWT event as an AMATEUR in the next year or two. I'm a "glass is half full" kind of guy and think it would be a fun thing to do.

As far a providing a tip - I would never leave another person's boat without offering to pay for half the gas if they treated me like royalty or acted like a complete jerk. For me, doing the "right" thing isn't conditional. That said, if the shoe was on the other foot, I wouldn't think any less of someone who didn't offer to split costs with me had we fished in my boat.

I hope your next experience with tournament walleye fishing (if there is one) is a more positive experience.

[Quit complaining]

I have been fishing since I could remember and I will be the first to admit that I dont know everything. Everyone has a differnt reason to be a co-angler in these tournys. Some want expience some want a taste of the pro life, and some just love to fish. I find it hard to believe that just because you pay to be part of the tournament you think you deserve to be treated to a great day of fishing. Come on guys you cant find a post on this site that doesnt have some kind of complaining. Some is from expiernce but we all know the majority is from the guys that think everyone should baby them. They got them at all the tournaments.

[Wazzz]

Pwt always used the term amateur. RCL/FLW started the co-angler designation. It appears to be more respectful. There are good and bad in all pro-am tournies both pro's and co's with attitudes. I've been on both sides. It starts with a good positive attitude from both, rested and positive. Clean boat and good gear is a plus but some of the best fisherman are slobs.
The reason tipping became common is that many of these people live from pay day to pay day in order to support their addiction.
I still for the life of me do not understand tipping. If it is something that is expected/required then reduce the pro's entry by 50 bucks and increase the co's entry by $50.
I fished both as a Pro and am/co never felt confortable giving or taking tips. It is especially uncomfortable after a bad experience. Sometimes you want to hug and kiss the guy in the boat with you. Other times you want to throw him overboard. Then you have to tip him. Get real. If you can't afford to tournament fish then don't.