FLW Question

[buddstools]

I am going to fish as a co-angler for the first time at the FLW Lake Erie tournament. What would be a reasonable amount of money to offer to the pros I fish with to assist in fuel costs? Also, do I need to bring anything other than rain gear and a lunch? Thanks.

[JOE WALLEYE]

you should not offer any money on tournament days. If you pre-fish with someone it is reasonalble to offer some gas money on pre-fish days, but the co-angler should not be expected to offer any money, bait, or gas during tournament days.

As a courtesy, what ever you feel comfortable offering would probably be accepted by most Pros.

[walleyebry]

When I was fishing the FLW as a co-angler, I would offer 25-30.00 to the Pro to help pay for gas, etc. But keep in mind thats when gas was the 2.00 per gallon range. I gave them what I could afford. That is also when you fished for 3 and possibly 4 days. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by JOE WALLEYE

you should not offer any money on tournament days. If you pre-fish with someone it is reasonalble to offer some gas money on pre-fish days, but the co-angler should not be expected to offer any money, bait, or gas during tournament days.

Just out of curiosity, why not?

If I was to fish as a co-angler, or amateur, I would offer up $40. Some 'pros' may not accept it, but I'm sure they would appreciate the thought.

I would not show up with anything more than a very small cooler with a sandwich, snacks, and a few drinks in it, and rain gear.

[MNwalleyehunter]

the amount depends on alot of different things, it is up to you to make the decision that is best for you. Don't base your amount on how well you did. Base it on how well prepared and how hard he worked to find fish for your "team" for the day. Personally, when I was fishing I expected the pro to show up prepared and ready for a great day of fishing. You will find that you will have a great day on the water and if you feel it appropiate, by all means offer to help out with some gas money.

As far as what to bring.
(1) Rain gear
(2) Lunch, I always packed a extra sandwich or 2, most pros are up late getting ready for the day of fishing to even think about lunch, when I ate, I always offered a sandwich to the pro, most times he took it.
(3) Something to drink. Don't bring any cans of pop, they are too easy to spill. The little bottles of pop/gatorade is what I always use to bring.
(4) Sunglasses.......Long days with sunny weather are not good for your eyes. And they help seeing boards.
(5) I always wore a lanyard around my neck with a line cutter on it. If you pro lets you tie lines or knots, at least then you wont have to ask him for a line clipper all the time.
(6) If it is cold: a pair of gloves and goggles. Goggles are life savers even if it is raining...Taking eye drops to the eyes going 50+ miles a hour hurts like H%$$!!
(7) Last but not least is a great attitude, show up on time, ready to fish and ready to learn!

Hope this helps, I know you will have a great time!

Wish I was going to be there competing against you,
MNwalleyehunter

[cmonky]

Originally Posted by JOE WALLEYE

you should not offer any money on tournament days. If you pre-fish with someone it is reasonalble to offer some gas money on pre-fish days, but the co-angler should not be expected to offer any money, bait, or gas during tournament days.

i would never fish in anyone elses boat tourny or not and not give money for gas, that is cheap!
do you own a boat? not everyone who fishes these tournaments have "deep pockets" every little bit helps!
what is the difference between a prefishing day and a tournament day...is gas cheaper on the tournament day?

MN hit it pretty good. I always brought my own life vest as I am a little larger than most.
I offer based on how my pro treated me for the day. Some treated me like a boat bi@#h and other like a team mate. The better they treated me the more I gave to them. I based it on a $0 to $50 scale.
The best pro I have ever fished with was one of the oldest and newest at the time. We had a wonderfull day on Erie and we worked like a well oiled machine together. At the end of the day I tried to give him $50 and he refused. After, the weigh-in I put it in his cup holder in the truck. The next tournament he tried to give it back. I told him to go out and have a nice meal with it.
Another tournament I had a guy that was a jerk to me and other competators on the water. Needless to say I did not offer anything.

[rnj express]

MNwalleyehunter nailed it. Pretty much what I did as a CO. The only other thing I would add is be on time if not early.

[I Walleye]

I fish as a co and I keep a $20 in one pocket and two $10s in the other, If we have had a great day and had some fun, I go home with empty pockets, but I have had guys refuse my money and I've also given less than that based on how I was treated.