What makes a good draw partner? I was fortunate over the 17 years I fished as a co-angler to be paired with some excellent pro-anglers (boaters). I have fished more draw tournaments with men than women and I never knew what personality type to expect unless it was someone I have fished with previously. Sometimes you have to adjust to the angler as much as you have to adjust to the fishing patterns for the day.

You can find out several things about your draw partner the night before the tournament that will make the day much more enjoyable for both of you. First and foremost is to decide on a meeting time and place to transfer the co-angler’s tackle before launching.  You should always allow extra time for any unforeseen circumstances. The co-angler usually has to help launch the boat and park the vehicle and trailer. If you are not comfortable doing this let the boater know ahead of time so they can make arrangements at the ramp for help.

For the co-angler, how much tackle to bring on board is usually the biggest challenge.  It is hard to downsize if you are use to fishing out of your own boat. I have learned over the years that 4 or 5 rods and reels are more than adequate. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, they always seem to get tangled at the worst possible moment. Your tackle bag should be large enough to hold everything you need to fish with, but also remember you may have to tote it at some point and if it is heavy it will wear you down. The boater should have an empty storage space for the non-boater’s tackle and a cooler with ice for their drinks and snacks. Be courteous to the boater and don’t litter the boat or the lake and be extremely careful if you use lure dyes or spray scents so as not to spill them on the boat carpet or seats. You should also be careful not to get dangling fish hooks caught in the seat upholstery or carpet. Make sure your lures are hooked properly on your rod so they aren’t laying against the seat or your clothing when moving from one fishing spot to another. Having to apologize for causing a tear in the seat of an expensive bass boat because of your carelessness is no fun.

 You should both let each other know if there are any special medical needs. I know an angler who is disabled, fished a tournament  and the boater did not provide a seat on the rear deck. This angler did not notice it until they arrived at their first fishing spot. Needless to say, she had a miserable day of fishing because she was not able to stand for long periods of time and had to set with her feet dangling over the side of the boat most of the day. She asked the boater to return to the dock to get the seat from her truck, but the boater refused. I don’t know if they were allowed to do so according to the tournament rules, but for whatever reason, the boater did not make an effort to help her.

At the top of my list of a good day on the water is boating safety. As a co-angler, your life is in the hands of the boat operator and if they don’t use common sense when operating the boat, the results can leave you scared, angry and in some cases, injured. I know time and distance to a fishing spot are critical, but not at the expense of safety. The boater should give the co-angler a few instructions on how to operate their boat in case of an emergency. The boater should always have the kill switch attached to their body when the big engine is running. If you are a co-angler, make sure the boater is following all safety rules of the water and don’t be afraid to speak up if they are being careless. You could be saving both of your lives in the process.

If the co-angler smokes, they should ask the boater if it is ok to smoke on the boat. Always discuss if either of you want the fish netted. Most anglers will yell for a net if they hook a fish and want the net in the water so they can lead the fish to the net. It is very important to stay focused when netting the other angler’s fish. Causing an angler to lose a fish because of improper netting skills can ruin the day for both of you.

The main complaint I hear from most anglers fishing from the back of the boat is being “front ended”. Front-ended is when the angler on the front of the boat is purposely operating the trolling motor in such a way as to keep you from casting to specific structure on the lake and leaving you at a disadvantage. You should always speak up if you think this is happening. Sometimes, wind direction and boat control will make it necessary to position the boat a certain way. You have to adjust accordingly and use your common sense to determine if you are purposely being front-ended.

Last but certainly not least, work together even though you are competing against each other. It can give you both the advantage you need to put fish in the live well. Thoughtfulness, courtesy, and positive attitudes go a long way. Fishing all day with a chip on your shoulder will affect your concentration and test your patience as an angler and human being. Remember that you are there because you love the sport. Leave your troubles on shore and enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory.

The luck of the draw can put you on fish or send you home in tears. Learn from the experience and be a good draw partner so that whomever you were paired with for the day will go home feeling lucky to have shared the boat and the day with a real “pro”.