Fishing P.W.T. as am???

[IGGY]

Hi there,

I have a couple questions regarding fishing the PWT as an am.

How old do you have to be? I would like to get my son involved when he is old enough.

Is it worth it? I have seen when i watch the in-fish shows that some of the pros only let the am net the fish, and the am doesn't touch a rod all day.

Will the pros treat a younger person (minimum age) the same way they would an older person of equal skill, or will they treat the younger guy like a kid, and not let him do much even if he can fish with the best of em?

Any other tips, regarding etiquette etc ( what the pros expect from you), would be great!

Thanks,
IGGY

[Lund_Dude]

>Hi there,
>
>I have a couple questions regarding
>fishing the PWT as an
>am.

I was there 2X and will do my best to answer...

>How old do you have to
>be? I would like to
>get my son involved when
>he is old enough.

Rules say 18.

>Is it worth it? I have
>seen when i watch the
>in-fish shows that some of
>the pros only let the
>am net the fish, and
>the am doesn't touch a
>rod all day.

Very much worth it! The rules also state that the am has to have an equal opportunity to catch fish. Therefore if trolling, pro and am are supposed to alternate taking fish. I learned more in 1 week with the pros than in 10 years on my own.

>Will the pros treat a younger
>person (minimum age) the same
>way they would an older
>person of equal skill, or
>will they treat the younger
>guy like a kid, and
>not let him do much
>even if he can fish
>with the best of em?

Don't know, I suppose each pro has their own bias in this area...just like anything else.

>Any other tips, regarding etiquette etc
>( what the pros expect
>from you), would be great!

Don't forget to help the pros with expenses and be polite and helpful (needless to say). Remember that you are the pro's guest in his boat. Go on the first day of pre-fishing and try to get out every single day. Let me know if you have more specific Q's!

[Rob Ensor]

Iggy
As a PWT Pro I would welcome Your son, just as I would welcome anyone interrested in learning more about walleye fishing. It's a real joy to have someone in the boat that is really interested in learning new things. I Started out as an Am. several years ago and it was the learning experience of a lifetime. Most of the guys really want you to handle the rod and to catch more fish, personally I would prefer to net the fish and let my Am. fight it. I hope to see you at event soon.
Rob Ensor

[IGGY]

Hey,

That's great to know, thanks for the reply!
IGGY