One of the biggest pet peeves of professional anglers is lack of respect for the boat.  I can honestly say that I have fallen into this category at least once when I was starting out.  Hooking a boat seat is a definite NO NO, and I still owe Debra Hengst a little dough to cover the repair.  She was nice enough not to take it at the time, but it still haunts me to this day.  Always hook your baits on the hook holder near the bottom of your rod when not in use.  Never leave your hooks hanging on the first eye of the rod.

Another co-angler mistake comes around getting the net.  The net should always be clear of tackle so don’t leave things laying around the deck which may cause the net to be constrained when you need it.  When landing a fish, the net goes in the bottom of the boat, not on the deck.  I actually had a pro tell me that he had a fish jump back in the water from the net laying on the deck, and luckily it was still stuck so he could bring it back.  You should always be aware of your boater and what he is doing.  That means multi-tasking.  While fishing, you should pay attention to the boater in case he gets a fish and you should be at his feet with the net ready before the fish gets near the boat.  Personally, I have wandered off in my head a few times and literally watched a pro fling the fish over the side before I realized what had happened.  No matter how hard I try to pay attention, sometimes my mind wanders.  I do ask my pro’s each day to please speak loudly when he has a fish on so that I will hear him and can react.  You should leave your bait in the water and get the net.  On more than one occasion I have come back to my rod and had a fish on, so the favor definitely gets returned.  If you are quick with the net, you can generally be sure your boater will be to when you catch the big one.  

A boat is a professional office.  When you walk into your co-workers office, do you leave trash laying around or spill soda on the floor (of coffee in my case…..and yes it has happened)?  Cleaning up after yourself is appreciated.  Take your trash with you when you leave for the day.  That includes old worms from the deck of the boat.  My practice partner, Chris Slopak, still has a coffee stain on his deck compliments of me.  I learned to drink the coffee before getting on the boat and still apologize every time I fish with him.

It happens to the best of us, but you should try to stay cognizant of your actions and be responsible for your actions.  Always offer to fix any damages…better yet, don’t let them happen. 

Co-Angler Note 101:  You are a guest for the day in someone else’s workspace.  Treat it like a neighbor’s house not your own.