There are times when we may prefer to fish alone. It gives us a chance to enjoy the solitude and tranquility without interruption. However, fishing with a friend can add to the enjoyment. They provide companionship, someone with whom to share the experience while also adding to safety.
Throughout my life, I have had opportunities to hit the water with lifelong friends as well as people I have never met. Some of those trips have resulted in the creation of lifelong friendships while reinforcing existing ones.
Just last week, I had the opportunity to share my boat with two young men I had never met, Landen Thorpe and Nate Packard. The afternoon was spent bass fishing. Not only were they both good anglers, they were polite and considerate. There is no doubt we will ply area waters again soon.
Fishing with someone we barely know can be one of the best things about fishing — or the worst. Each year I have opportunities to cast lines with people from all walks of life. There is no doubt on a few occasions the wrong partner can ruin a trip.
Being a good partner starts before the trip even begins. The first is to be on time. Like the saying goes, “It’s always better to be 20 minutes early that one minute late.” Being tardy can be viewed as inconsiderate. There is nothing more annoying than having your boat hooked up and ready while you stand around waiting for your partner to show up. Most of us have limited time and try to squeeze in any opportunity we can. So do not waste time, especially when it is someone else’s.
When fishing in a boat, be cognizant of the amount of gear you bring along. Boats aren’t equipped with infinite space and a cluttered boat can sometimes be a safety hazard. I have one friend who insists on bringing almost everything he owns. “You never know what the fish will want,” he explains.
Be respectful and put the phone down when work needs done. Always offer to help with prepping the boat prior to launching and loading the boat. Even a simple reminder about the drain plug, unhooking tie-downs or trailer lights really helps. Even if you are not an experienced boater, your partner really appreciates you being part of the team.
Some may prefer to secure the boat themselves, like me. But there are still things a partner can do like removing any trash that has accumulated in boat or vehicle. You can send texts, photos or make calls when on the water or the ride home.
Another helpful tip is offering to back the boat in the water or pulling it out. If you are uncomfortable backing a trailer, especially when the ramp is small or crowded, let your partner know. They will understand. I have had this happen several times. In most cases, I will go ahead and back the trailer but in other cases, when appropriate, I’ll encourage them to try it. After all, everyone was a beginner at some time in their life.
If someone shows you a new spot, return the favor and show them some of your fish holding areas. Sharing information is what fishing buddies do. It’s what good friends do. Never run back and post the location on the internet. If it’s publicly recognized, that’s a bit different and no big deal. But if your partner found a good area through diligent work and it is relatively unknown, it’s better not to share it with the world. Through the years I have had many special and some private spaces quickly become public knowledge and even over fished by people I took. They never got invited back.
On the drive home after a long day on the water, try hard not to fall asleep. If you feel you must sleep always ask the driver if he is OK to drive. Remember, they may be just as tired as you.
If you would happen to break or lose something, always offer to replace or repair it. Once last year someone stepped on one of my St Croix fishing rods and snapped the tip off. Then, rather than offering a bit of remorse, he just laughed and said “you probably got that for free didn’t you?” Well I didn’t and he never got invited back.
If you are planning on spending more than several hours on the water, offer to bring the food and drinks. I have a good friend, Jim Baker, who is guaranteed to pack things like barbeque ribs, delicious sandwiches and his wife’s famous chewy pecan squares every time we fish together. Needless to say he always gets invited!
Be appreciative and never take trips for granted. Saying thank you and offering kind gestures go a long way. Ask to chip in on fuel, food or other expenses. Even if they refuse your help you should always offer and your partner will appreciate it.
Forgiveness is a great asset on the water. We can all overlook a few things as long as the next time we try to be more considerate and not make the same blunder twice. We are all human and make mistakes but we all have the ability to forgive. This can make our limited days on the water even more enjoyable when fishing with someone who always gets invited back!
TOURNEY RESULTS
• Members of the Kokomo Bass Anglers recently came off a tourney held on Winona Lake. Even though the group battled strong winds, many still carried limits of fish to the scales.
Cory Lorts won the event with five largemouth bass totaling 10 pounds, 10 ounces. Second place ended in a tie between Chance Taskey and Jim Lorts. Both anglers carried their limits of five bass to the scales totaling 9 pounds, 12 ounces. Dave Pross rounded out third place and also had the tourney’s “big fish” with five bass weighing 9 pounds, 9 ounces, with his largest tipping the scales at 2 pounds, 12 ounces.
• Brad Parsons and Kenny Waisner won Monday evening’s Kokomo Reservoir open team bass tourney with four fish dropping the digital scales at 8.30 pounds. Second place went to Stephen Hite and Jacob Wells with four fish weighing 8.06 pounds. Third place went to Ethan Miller and Adam Blankenberger with four fish totaling 7.82 pounds. Phil and Randy Reel took home the tourney’s “big fish” trophy after weighing in a largemouth tipping the scales at just under 5 pounds.
