Co-Anglers...The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly!

Randy share some stories of his experiences with the Co-Anglers over the years on Tour..#coanglers #bassmasters #fishthemoment

[@theamateurangler6273]

As a former co-angler I could tell you some nightmare stories about more than a few D-Bag so called Pro/boaters. Granted, I get it there's going to be those guys on both ends of the boat. But The terms "couldn't wait to get back to the ramp" would be a huge understatement when thinking back to some of the pro's I fished with. I came into co angling with a mindset of getting familiar with the tournament series format and that is the only reason. I knew I was only going to co for the first season and then jump into my own boat. I already knew the lakes, I grew up fishing the lakes that tournaments were being held on. A plus is, I did learn a few unsolicited tournament prep tricks from a few decent pro's that I am thankful for and that helped me tremendously. Sadly the most important thing I learned from 80% of the Pro/boaters that I've fished with is how NOT to talk to or treat co anglers or people in general. When a fisherman starts to think that the co angler in the back of the boat is not worthy enough to be graced by your presence simply because you're a Professional and he is a co angler with a day job who is taking up precious space in your wrapped boat is the moment that a smile comes to my face when I watch you weigh in 5 pounds on day 1 and 8 pounds on day 2 and then spending day 3 driving home. Another point to make......the co anglers and people like him are the ones who are actually buying the baits and products that your sponsors are trying to market! Public relations goes along way!

[@jyronnmoody9455]

I see where you coming from. I’m just getting into tournament fishing and it’s hard trying to learn new things when you a co angler with a friend who’s the boater. You don’t wanna ruin a friendship but you wanna get fair chances as well

[@garrettparker7885]

Well said

[@robertpatterson3406]

Sounds like you have the same mentality as me , I am a Pipefitter and a welder for 46 years and through the years someone would come along who was a mister know it all and I wouldn't teach him anything ,I just let that kind go on thinking that they had it going on, on the other hand when one would come along who was humble and willing to learn I would go out of my way to teach them anything that I could so in my opinion those bad players just lost out on some great advice from a really great angler I wish that I had the opportunity to fish with someone like you I would be all ears. Good luck going forward .

[@georgeadcock2347]

Randy: I agree 100%with you about over aggressive co anglers but I can tell you about the 10% of pro anglers I have had trouble with. Larry Nixon, David Fritts, Ricky Green, were absolutely fantastic. Ricky Clunn was not in a good mood and told me so.Roland M a nightmare. Or the time out of Venetian Gardens we came around Browns point speared a wave and I was up to my elbows in water soaked at 6:30 am with check in at 3: 00 pm. Pro had change of clothes which he didn't share. Or behind Pro that smoked 3 packs of cigarettes and I had to breathe his second hand smoke. Or when I fished with a known pro out of River Ranch Lake Kissimmee. We ran through rollers all the way to North end of Lake Toho. We slammed a wave my right leg went numb with horrific pain. MRI showed acute herniated disk at L3L4. I had to have back surgery and was off from work for 3 months. I could go on but Im sure I've said enough. It goes both ways.

[@jhenningfish9831]

I have fished as a CO with some Top PROs in BFLs(!) ; Fishing a “working mans” tournament. The bigger the PRO the crappier the day in my experience. Pro/Ams are just that- says it in the name. Even had some ask to use my rods or if I had extra terminal tackle/baits they could get from me. Millionaire asking a landscaper for weights/hooks. Let alone splitting gas to run 1 3/4hrs one way and get front ended all day. My money isn’t worth anything because I have regular job? I am one of the best COs you could get, however I am there to catch fish, and compete in my class. I have not been a boater because of cost, inability to practice for a week for each event like the Pros who show up, and I will not gamble with another man’s hard earned money by only prefishing 1 day. Must be because I have that 40hr job, I guess. Communication is key. Should start from the first meet/contact, and follow thru all the way to the weigh-in. There is no reason 2 grown men cant work together to have a good day. Shading someone because they aren’t a PRO is unsportsmanlike and unprofessional. Blessed people should not look down others. Rant over.

[@swimschool4195]

@@jhenningfish9831 100% J

[@PCAPastorTrav]

A buddy of mine was fishing as a co-angler when the pro hit a huge roller at 60+ and vaulted him high in the air. He landed in a great deal of pain and it got worse and worse. Going in ended the tx for the pro so he kept arguing with my buddy about it, “Can’t you just lay down for a few hours?” When he took him in they found out my friend had a broken back. True story.

[@arewethebadies]

@@PCAPastorTrav This is why they should not have co anglers. It is bad for both people. If you want to fish get a boat.

[@johncoyote6755]

Ouch. I’ve heard a few stories about ole Roland M.

[@kendalllunsford775]

Really enjoyed this Randy........ Every co-angler should watch this video.....With your years of experience you have seen just about everything..... Been a co-angler and as long as you go into it with a positive attitude with the pro....... it is / will be the time of your life........ You can learn so much from each and every angler you have the opportunity to be with....... I feel it really helped me become a much more rounded angler in the front of the boat..... Thanks for sharing......

[@rogerglasco5941]

Randy, great video. Been there done that. I drew a new member to our club and he wanted to use his boat. Okay, I agreed. Got out onto the river that day and he started eating. This guy weighted about 300. He got out what looked like a huge tackle box but it was of 12 sandwiches. He ate all day and didn't know the area like I did. Needless to say it was a bad time for me. I didn't say anything and sorta wrote it off as a bad day on the water. I was polite to him all the time but I never drew him again. Boy did I learn a lot. I stayed in the top 5 in our club so I could qualify for the Federation Tournaments. I have seen both types of fisherman you talked about. It can be a challenge. When I was a co-angler I made it clear that I was there to learn and watch. Had a great time. I have found that I could never learn anything with my mouth open. I just can't say enough how good this video was. You nailed it brother.

[@tablerockkid8237]

Great story and I see a couple of the 3%'ers made their comments already. 😁 Be sure and post us a photo or two of the new wrap. BTW ... I tried some Bridgeford summer sausage just because of you and they now have a new customer. That stuff is good. 😊

[@stevesteve4350]

Great stuff man. I'd been in heaven throwing that C.rig behind you on that bank. Good luck at Hartwell.

[@kevingonyea]

Good video Randy, I am going to be a first time co angler the end of October. Been waiting 35 years to cross this off my bucket list. I have no intention of being a 3% er.

[@rorybray7487]

Tight paralleling the bank and casting directly off of the back of the boat is a dream scenario for a co angler.

[@aaronsnatic2446]

I fished one Top 150 as a Co-angler back in 2001. I tried to make all my casts from mid-boat back, which I think was the understood rule. Yes I wanted to catch some fish, but I knew the pro had way more on the line than I did. I was there to learn more about actual tournament fishing. It was a great learning experience, and I hope anyone that is going to do it treats it as such. I might try my hand again at an open, if one falls in to fit my schedule.

[@joshuaguidry8332]

Loving the content, Randy. Keep em coming!

[@ricktreon167]

Thanks for putting these out. I’m 57 yrs old and started bass fishing a couple years ago, lucky enough to have a good job and supportive wife. Planning to try marshaling or co angler next year.

[@davidwareham706]

Ive been fishing as a co angler on and off since getting into tournamnet fishing in 2000 . ive spent time in the front of the boat as much as ive spent in the back. The 3 instances you described , grant it i agree with the fact that there actions were not conducive with proper edicate for that of a co-angler BUT your completely missing the boat if you think im going too pay 550 dollars in entry fees PLUS travel expenses and tackle cost just too sit in the back of your boat and admire you. Im not there , nor are the co anglers i know , to sit back and learn lessons from the so called pro in front of me . In fact id say 70 percent of the time , i out fish the boater i draw BUT i do so without interfering in his day. The reason i fish from the back is i dont have 70,000 dollars under my pillow to go out and blow on a bass boat loaded with the proper equpment too properly compete on the pro level PLUS double what co angler entry fees are. That being said , ive drawn several boaters who UNDERSTAND that i pay hefty tournament fees and am also competing for money and points . Most recently this past summer i drew Matt Becker in a FLW TOYOTA SERIES event on day 2 ..... after a tough day of fishing for both of us he realized I was in a better position from a standings point too make day 3 then he was , not having said a word, he took it opon himself too take me too a place where he was confident i would be able too fill out my limit and make the top 10 ....... hmmmm thats my defenition of not only a true professional but a really nice guy and as a result Matt has a fan for life. So the next time you have a co-angler in your boat Randy remember the only difference between you and him is you have been blessed with the ability too own a 70,000 bass boat because chances are hes traveled hundreds of miles spent thousands of dollars and PROBABLY taken off at least 4-5 days of work not too learn how too throw a jig from you BUT TO WIN ...........one thing you have deterred me from is fishing anything that B.A.S.S sponsors

[@arewethebadies]

Not needed.

[@brianbochow]

In Australia they now run shared weight tournaments whereby the co-anglers and pro's work together as a team to put a bag limit of fish into the boat...In this manner it stopped all of this negativity between the boaters(pro's) and the non boaters( co-anglers)...Also don't forget boating etiquette goes both ways and many years of co angling in my experience has revealed to me that 95% of pro's are great people to share a boat with...5% can make a good day into a stressful day...I think it all boils down to respecting each other period...

[@cummingsboys3467]

Always wanted to try co angling.. I always thought if I was ever in the back of the boat with a pro it was against all etiquette to cast anywhere towards the front of the boat.. it just common decency. It doesn’t surprise me though that you had some trouble with co anglers in the past.. thanks for the video

[@deckmonkey1459]

@Bennybass Bro, if they knew where to fish instead of the pro, they wouldn't be a co-angler. Do you expect to play in a NFL game as a qb and call plays because you bought the Gatorade for the team? People pay a lot of money for courses and private instruction for all sorts of things. Imagine paying one of the best guys in the country to learn secrets and tips you may never learn. Never mind he said he multiple guys win the co-angler tournament by shutting the fuck up and listening. And why exactly do you think you should be allowed to do it for free? They are in a tournament as well and probably win money, too.

[@swimschool4195]

@@deckmonkey1459 you're not on a guide trip. the pro isn't likely to say anything except "pipe down" and "don't throw up here by me". guess you are learning "etiquette"

[@earlgarcia6106]

First of all, most of the ‘pros’ are guys with boats and paid a higher entrance fees. There are very few Pro’s.. Second, just like service in a restaurant, I’ll tip on your actions. If you completely back boat me, you get nothing. Thirdly, a lot of guys don’t fish as a boater are really good they just don’t have the time or $ to

[@shinsgarage]

Probably the best co angler information/advice video I've ever seen. Awesome job breaking down how to have a better experience as a co angler Randy! 🤙🤙🤙

[@danielcostley7157]

I am really blown away at this video. Basically Randy doesn't want the co-angler to fish hard and try to catch fish. Just cast to the middle of nowhere. I have fished my share of events as co angler and most pros go above and beyond to help. Of course be respectful to the pro and give them their space, but yes try and catch fish. A good way of looking at this if two buddies go fishing each one just trying to have a good day on the water. It should be no different in a tournament. The pro is naturally going to hit the best spots first. Its called being front ended. If the co-angler can cast behind you and catch good ones, then all the power to him.

[@jyronnmoody9455]

Thank you that’s what I’m learning. You don’t get to hit the spots first, most times trolling too fast to hit a spot multiple times, co angling just sucks when you get the gist of it 🤷🏾‍♂️ but it’s a learning experience.

[@arewethebadies]

You don't know how to listen if you came away with that opinion.

[@jyronnmoody9455]

@@arewethebadies how when it’s factual ?

[@PCAPastorTrav]

@@arewethebadies Ken, you’re blowing up the comment stream pretty good on this one. I didn’t find you listed with BASS or MLF. What’s your dog in this hunt?

[@johnpogorzelski4870]

1500 to 2000 lucky people out there that got to fish for half a day with Randy... I'd be happy to get 20 mins on the water with him 🥺 lol

[@jonbenson42]

I just wanted to say thanks. I am fishing my first “derby” on a local trail in a few weeks and your videos the last few months have been super helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge. I hope you run into some good fish on your trails soon. Thanks again. 👍🏻

[@glenncivale6824]

So IMO, there needs to be a 180 rule from mid ship on back for co-angler target casting. Forward casting up to boater targets is like attempting to steal the boater's fish and it is distracting as well. I think I saw a 180 rule once- maybe in Central Pro Am . I rarely fish BFL's or the likes and all the team events I fish, I'm solo. I have no distractions and the occasional win feels twice as nice. Great effort on the big Sam! Good luck on Hartwell!

[@paullyons3232]

Sounds like you need to make the Elites to take the co angler out of the equation. No pressure. 🤯. You can do it!

[@treyferguson2965]

Exactly!

[@robpatterson2441]

Thanks for sharing, Rady! Great lessons for everyone in those stories. Best to you and your family! Good luck at Haetwell.

[@gfour20]

Great advice. I have fished with a pro guide before but not as a co-angler in a tournament. Most of what you explain here is common sense and fishing etiquette in general. I fish with several different people. Sometimes in my boat, sometimes in theirs. We always respect each others space.

[@bradsillasen1972]

I be thrilled to just be on the boat to watch and listen, no rod necessary.

[@danscholes9132]

Randy, did having a good co-angler actually ever help you succeed?

[@davidwiggings6951]

Just the one time he fished with me..I taught him mostly everything he knows about Big Bass Catchin!!!!

[@KrummyProductions]

@@davidwiggings6951 hahahaha awesome

[@bill-qv3er]

Hi Randy, I fished with you as a co-angler at BassMaster Pro am Lake Seminole in 1995. It was cold as hell and we did not catch any fish. Still had a great time and we gave it our best shot. Stay Safe! Bill

[@chadrader5323]

As a co I can say that these pros don't have to let you on their boat. So be nice, respectful,and learn. Y'all aren't competing against each other work together and above all have fun.

[@squarebill]

Randy you know as well as I , no matter tourney or fishin for fun .the guy in back of the boat can come behind the guy in front with a totally different lure , presentation and get bit alot of times . If i were ever a co. that's exactly what i would do , just right the opposite of guy in front .. Keep putting one foot in front of the other AVERAGE DUDE !! Thanks for all the great videos and sharing some of your knowledge .. Your a stand up guy !!!! Best of luck on the next stop !!!

[@mikeharris130]

The pro makes his living at it, I would never interfere with their livelihood. Several times I have been on the same body of water in my boat watching and I just don't fish while they are on the water.

[@SaltySeaCaptain]

I'm not gonna stop fishing because some pro in Nascar clothes is fishing a tourney. If they're pros they should be more than well equipped to avoid the weekend warrior scrubs.

[@teejay9929]

😂...started my journey as a co angler...loved it...thanks !!

[@fishfighter73156]

I think anyone that fishes tournaments by nature is competitive. I’ve never fished as a co-angler but I would look at the experience this way. Being competitive also means knowing the game your competing in. What better way to learn the game than to take advice from someone that does know the game? I don’t know any co-angler that’s made over a million bucks fishing from the back. Strive to be the guy up front!

[@l44va]

I get that the trend is to tell stories of how co-angler's can really be a problem...and I get it....it's true. I fish from the Pro-side now, but I previously fished from the CO-side for a number of years and I probably have just as many horror stories of being paired-up with bad Pro's. The 18-year-old kid that has a 17' Tracker and wants to take on 4 foot swells....the pro that sits on a bed fish for 4 hours of the tournament (and never gets the fish)...the smartass pro that belittles a fishing style...the pro that tells me that he has never been outfished by a CO and isn't going to let that happen now...the pro that tells me he HATES fishing with co's because he feels they catch HIS fish (even through I'm throwing a totally different technique in different areas). Yeah, it definitely goes both ways. So why did I move to the Pro-side? Because the aforementioned 18 year-old kid with the Tracker almost put me in the hospital and I swore I would never let that happen again. Just a different perspective for y'all...

[@ericwright5419]

I fished as aCO angle for the 1st time this year had so many bad experiences just never fish tournaments I've seen 1st hand how the boaters treat the CO anglers But on the other hand the boaters I had that was keeping me for fishing did very bad but the older more experienced boaters I had we bought did very well and was super to fish with and i Also noticed the older boaters would train the younger fisherman to fish like that

[@ogles824]

Good info Randy, I’m just starting out this year in the FLW/BFL as a co angler my goal is to learn what I can so I can coach a high school team. I noticed on my first tournament this year that the competitive side comes out in me and I’ll catch myself casting slightly past the centerline of the boat but like you said that puts me at the wrong angle. I caught all of my fish straight out the back of the boat or straight off the starboard or port sides of the boat from the rear deck. What you stated in this video will just make me work harder to stay with in my confines of the pros boat. It really hadn’t registered on me that I caught all my fish this way.

[@davide.8176]

Remember way back in the Red Man days when you shared a boat and switched places at mid day? That got ugly sometimes.

[@scottbellamy1844]

GREAT VIDEO ,I fished as a co myself and made a lot of friend's doing it. I did hear some stories about bad experiences .

[@ordinaryangler4153]

Randy I have been a co angler and I can tell you I understand what you can say but they spend alot of money also! I go to win and learn but win! Sorry but most people are competitive! I do not cast ahead but cooperating with the pro is required period! Still want to win!

[@jesseforrester2020]

Good stuff. I've seen pro's become turds right off the bat just like some of the co-anglers you mentioned. They are certainly on both sides. Those 3%'s on here that posted need to go fish a different format like a team trail. I wouldn't care if you paid money to fish the tournament, the fact is that you didn't go spend a few days driving around and find the fish. That is the real skill. Almost anyone can cast.

[@joecontinetti6594]

Great stories! Thanks!

[@PCAPastorTrav]

I’m fishing first time as a co angler this coming weekend. This was helpful. I’ve got to admit, it’ll be hard if it’s a situation like you had making the multiple casts to isolated cover.

[@saul78oldrite]

Dear Mr. Blaukat, do us a favour and tell about your vision and appoach to Texas rig please! Thanks a lot.

[@davidcarroll7143]

Really enjoy your stories.

[@Jay-mv5th]

What about pros that don't like having co-anglers. How do the co-angler handle those situations?

[@swimschool4195]

go to sleep on the back deck or try to be excited about throwing that C-rig straight out the back all day. they call it "learning"

[@slabslayer258]

I love fishing like nobody else I do crappie fishing 2 to 3 evenings or days a week if possible if not during deer season then I swap around depending on weather wind if I co angler bass fish in a tournament with a pro I’m happy to learn watch while I fish I bring a extra drink an a extra sandwich or homemade left overs etc I be backing the truck wiping the bot down afterwards giving him some gas money etc it’s not free for the pro either an he’s letting your fish with him to enjoy an learn

[@jameserickson1330]

Thanks for the advice Randy. I would rather do the observing. If you are coangling you are probably missing a lot of what the pro is doing.

[@robertdyer2442]

See that's what I am looking for looking too learn in order to advance being 44 retired Military and just starting out bass fishing being on a boat as a coangler with someone like you would be chance of life time keep up the hard work. Just subscribed and will be looking forward to more

[@matthewbrummett3043]

Good information. Thanks for sharing!

[@calebwarrington597]

Leave a comment if you’re the guy who laid down in the back of the boat. We won’t judge you at all.

[@texoma_outdoors]

These days the guy would kinda have a point with the size of outboards and two powerpoles to have to work around. Not that I fault Randy for running his pattern either

[@swimschool4195]

what, you don't want to throw a C-rig out into 45' of water all day?

[@arewethebadies]

@@swimschool4195 That is what you signed up for get yourself a boat.

[@HowieDewitt7575]

Randy looking foward to your podcast with IKE tonight

[@CarolinaThump]

Man it would mean the world to be a co-angler with you one day

[@pjaydorman8263]

I'm very interested in the Skeeter ZXR20. It is one of the three boats I'm looking into buying. There is very little out there about the boat. I was hoping you could show the boat to us and explain how you organized it. The only thing holding me back from getting it is the front deck layout. I was wanting to know how the layout works for you. Thanks Randy and keep up the great content.

[@travisfitzpatrick1866]

I'm super competitive but I also realize I'm not a pro ....I'm there to win .....that may not be the leader board either .....to learn from a pro on his boat...I consider that a win anyday!!!!! But of course I'd like to win the co angler division at the same time lol

[@bobbycolson1957]

I fished with you in 95 at wheeler on a freezing day with 25 to 30 mile an hour wind...we both about froze...back when it was pro -am...as in amateur...when they became co-anglers was the down fall of it...back then the pros were tickled about pro-am...so they did not have to have another pro in the boat with them...then we got co-anglers ..point championship for co - anglers ...then the patches and competition instead of leaning began...you would never remember me I stayed out of your way

[@terrybueltel8703]

Good info for someone wanting to get involved as a co angler. One question I have that’s kept me from trying is not having much experience backing in a trailer or any of that stuff since I don’t own a boat yet. I don’t want to be a burden with putting boat in and out of water.

[@joshingram8582]

If you tell your boater you are unsure of yourself they'd rather you not back it in. Just be honest, they launch alone often. They may even put you in the boat and let you use trolling motor to launch while they back the boat in and park the truck. Just dont make the mistake of putting the trolling motor down before the boat clears the trailer or your day is done before it starts.

[@leepao6302]

Randy i would like to see video of your takes and opinion on low vs high-end fishing gears, thanks

[@paulmott1584]

Good day sir. Love the informative videos. Could you do a video explaining how much gear(rods,tackle etc..) a co angler should bring? Thanks.

[@Nehringer1]

I can't wait. I'm fishing a BFL division for the first time as a boater next year. I'm getting too old to waste my time as a co-angler for a year before entering as a boater, so I'm going for it. Being new, I don't feel like I have a whole lot to offer in terms of help to co-anglers. I may have to accept some input from co-anglers with more experience on certain lakes than others. It may end up looking more like a team effort to some degree. I'm not a pro, but I will be making a more significant investment than the co-anglers so I understand I will have to be prepared to put my foot down. Is it helpful to brief your co and remind him/her that it's an individual event with the expectation that the boater is the advantaged competitor?

[@swimschool4195]

yes, that would be helpful. it would also be helpful if the BFL just told them they were there as an observer not a competitor. the organization is selling a completely different program than what the pros deliver. they would much prefer to be in the boat alone but they aren't fishing at that level.

[@charlesbowman9783]

I totally agree with you Randy. At the professional level, there is absolutely no room for a co-angler to influence the result of the professional. IMO the professional should not have to also manage the unmanageable in the back. The reality is that the coangler is there to act as a a pseudo rule observer under the guise of a back seat tournament participant. If a person in the back seat wasn’t needed to add legitimacy that a pros catch was caught in compliance with the rules, then there would never have been any coanglers. At the BFL level, I can see where cos and boaters can coexist in a competitive situation, as long as each is respectful and sensible toward each other, but at the BFL level, probably 20% of each is neither. Enjoy your content. Excellent videos.

[@swimschool4195]

exactly. but why take their money and tell them they're in a tournament?

[@arewethebadies]

@@swimschool4195 It should be discontinued. I am sure most want that.

[@areddfishing7473]

As a co angler I’m out there to compete and learn. Now that doesn’t mean fire up past the front deck or if your coming up to a dock I fire up past you under the dock. It’s a mutual respect. As a boater don’t on purpose backboard your co angler. So many times my boater has changed what he is doing because he saw I’m catching fish. Use your co angler to your advantage I’m going to when I’m a boater. I just think some boaters need to understand you both payed to compete so don’t on purpose screw them. Now mind this the story you have of the first co angler. That’s iffy because your fishing a lay down trying to make a fish bite your leaving it open for him. Now I wouldn’t of casted on your bait that’s shame on him. I probably would of waited till your done but here is my question would you waited for me to fish it also or you going to put the trolling motor on high and leave it? Also all your other examples those guys are just being poor sports. The guy laying on the back of the boat I would of just laughed at him. And the guy wanting you file a complaint that’s where he missed a learning experience

[@ricktreon167]

I had a reverse story earlier in the year. Got a guide on Fork and basically he told me which patterns to throw using my own gear cause I fish left handed, not a problem until he wanted me to throw a large swimbait.....all I had was 4” Keitech. After he saw me throw it it dawned on him I had two rods and some hooks and plastics stuck in my lunch box. I really think he was a pro who forgot I gave him $400 to take me out, after that he was rather pleasant to fish with

[@fishingtexassometimes]

Guides on fork are almost all scams, capitalizing on tourist fisherman and always saying "it's a tough lake don't expect to catch much" and you can watch the locals catch 20 while the guide puts you on 2 or 3. Oversaturated with scammers

[@bmacme9938]

As far as a whinny co angler: if you’re crying what’s the baby gonna do? Love the videos brother. I’ll trade you a tandem axle international snow plow for a bass boat, at least a spot on the back.

[@donyarborough4114]

You are 100 percent correct. Mr. Co angler that is better than you (in his mind) hurts your ability to concentrate and perform to the best. Been there you preaching to choir here.

[@bamafan6108]

Question. Are you the be quiet and fish type. Or do you mind carrying on a convo to help pass the time?

[@dannyyork3742]

Randy, I fish Mlf - bfl's., As a co- angler. When my pro calls me the night before, I let them know I understand there the pro, I'm just there have fun help them anyway I can, and even maybe catch a fish or 2. I'm not KVD, or anybody else. I'm there have fun, learn some what you know, and just let the pro do what they want I have no problem fishing out back, if you can fish decent you can catch them outta back. Pros spend alot more money in one tornament than I do all year, I understand that, and think it would be selfish for a co- angler to try out fish the pro, by casting in front of the boat. Like you said if you want be that guy, buy a boat and jump in the pro side. If not chill, and stay in your lane, simple to me.

[@saul78oldrite]

Brilliant!

[@zebur4170]

I just have to ask outside of curiosity For one example where you were targeting very isolated points, If there is nothing else around and you are targeting the cover, what is he supposed to cast at? Off the boat into open water nothingness? I'm not asking to be rude, just curious how he is supposed to catch anything in that case

[@jonahlawrence6204]

Like your story's

[@justaguy1260]

In my experience (30yrs of tournaments and 20yrs as a guide), EGO will ruin a day of fishing. If both of you fish like it was a team tournament, everyone will be happier AND catch more fish. The boater is not in competition with the Co angler. I fish on the Co side now because I enjoy fishing for what it is with a chance to win a little money without having the huge investment of time and money. I might be the most experienced co-angler in the game, lol. Good communication and respect go both ways. I understand what they (boaters) are trying to accomplish and I will give you plenty of space but I also expect to be able to fish, I only really need 3 bites. Most miserable days on the water are created by Ego's and Attitudes...

[@aaronanhalt5088]

Put that truck in tow mode. That thing shifted 400 times in this video.

[@mikewubben2844]

So co-anglers pay a sizeable chunk of money in entry fees (co's have families to feed too) and aren't supposed to compete for the prize money? If it's supposed to be strictly a learning experience, lower the fees, eliminate prize money and you'll eliminate most of the supposed problems with co's being competitive.

[@arewethebadies]

Just eliminate the co anglers and the problem is solved.

[@blindbasser]

I think I drew that third guy you talked about I had the exact same scenario he was going to file a complaint he was not gonna sign my way in Slip I was fishing wrong everything I did was wrong Etc

[@bassfever4234]

Great video thanks

[@jamesmormino7632]

Just curious, if your co in practice caught limits with a c-rig, why did you not do that in the tournament?

[@robpatterson2441]

A limit for a co-angler is usually 3 fish, where the pro has a limit of 5. Those 5 are usually much larger fish, than thise of a co-angler. Randy was simply pointing out that his co-angler in practice had the opportunity to be successful as a "co" and allow the ^pro" yo do the same

[@vrt1032]

@@robpatterson2441 It wasn't too many years ago that all co-angler limits were 5 fish, not 3 fish..... seems like the 3 fish thing came in about 5 years ago.. before that a co-angler would catch 5 and keep 5

[@areddfishing7473]

I was thinking the same thing lol

[@michaelflowers6048]

An angler can make or break your day as a co-anger.Treat them with respect and in turn most anglers will put you on fish

[@hookshot2351]

Randy, you are a better man than me! Haha, I would have taken that dude that laid down in the back of the boat and the hot head and dropped him off at the nearest dock or threw them out the boat along with their gear.

[@chrisgroves255]

I don't think I or anyone paying to fish a tournament pro or co anglers should be ask to not try and win .

[@mistertwister1816]

A positive coangler experience occurred when…

[@sidewaysrain7609]

It is arrogant to think that all co-anglers are amateurs and inexperienced. It is best to be objective, possibility you might learn something from them for a change. Make it clear in the beginning to fish there 180° and you'll fish yours. If the situation presents itself possibly a co angler could back cast you if they were well seasoned and the proper attitudes and rhythm was in place.

[@bobbyswain7049]

I can imagine this same scenario going down with Hackney or Ish or several others that probably wouldnt have been as polite as you lol

[@byronhendrixfishing8393]

I’ll help you film your practice at hartwell if your planning on filming just for the opportunity to learn from you. I learn a lot from your videos.

[@toddweller6527]

100% correct

[@jonathanpatkus7930]

Agree with most everything except the part about co's not fishing to win. If your a co fishing an open your investing a lot of money and time for a chance to compete. Now, how you go about competing matters but to think someone is paying 1000 for an experience and should be content is a little unfair.

[@richardhamilton3163]

3 words... shared weight events.

[@ikashibimauler]

Co anglers seem like a dumb idea. Teams, fine but pro ams never made sense to me.

[@malcolmgreene6861]

I agree..learning is key..why not just be a Marshall..want be any foul feelings and you can just pay attention to style..learn as many styles and build your way up

[@slabslayer258]

The first co angler you drew that you said was known to be a troublesome co anglers Bassmaster should have rules that if you’d turned in for being a terrible co angler to the pro your with you should be allowed a warning of some sort an let them know that next time is automatic DQ from Bass co angler tournaments

[@swimschool4195]

they're terrible because they want to catch fish. they did enter a tournament and did pay an entry fee and gas and lodging. didn't pay for a boat ride.

[@slabslayer258]

Yea I can imagine I take friends to go crappie fish with me on Rayburn an they don’t want to dam learn they say they want to learn so I try an I give up an just catch fish while they watch

[@robertveith2255]

My phone is crazy what I ask you how do you become a co-angular

[@BryanJSmith-ne4kv]

Randy I love your stuff but I have to disagree on some of your points. First for a co-angler to sign up and not have a competitiveness just because he's a CO in my opinion is just absurd. The program is for co's to learn is true but it's also not free for them to participate. I for one fish as co because I don't have the time to practice all week to figure out the fish. But believe me I wanna do well in every event I fish because it's the competition I'm attracted too. And if a co is doing well in the points coming in why shouldn't that be a concern for them. Now I agree there should definitely be some co-angler etiquette but the deal with that from my experience as a co is there is never any boater etiquette. You're saying 3% of co's are bad but 100% of boaters generally don't care at all for the performance of their co angler.

[@johncoyote6755]

As a co angler I would never cast up front. If we are fishing a bank, and you’re gunna front boat me I’ll drag a Carolina rig behind the boat and catch every bass I come across and beat you. Done it a bunch of times. But as a co angler you should never cast past the console in my opinion. The front is the anglers the back is the co anglers.

[@andrewrafferty1670]

You should start posting tip videos please

[@darkside2329]

What's the observer program?

[@raymondbradford4086]

There's always going to be a small percentage of people that are problems.... no matter what you are doing... just as many tournament's if not more was made successful because of the co anglers as there was the other way around... and I'm a boater

[@FishMan-gw2or]

I’ve never seen somehow use soo many ads. 10 min video 3-4 ads, 15-20 mins 6 ads. I like the content but damn too many ads man.

[@minkmink410]

What happens when a co angler is snagged on a log or something does the pro get pissed

[@916wilton]

As a co-angler, I will break my line or if necessary cut my line. I try to never even let the pro know I'm snagged so they can keep full attention on their fishing. If they see I am snagged, most of the time they've let me retrieve my bait. Sometimes, if they see I'm snagged, they have politely asked if I could just break it off, or politely told me to break it off, especially if it's just plastic. Also, a pro already placed first casts into the best and most difficult to get to locations so it's pointless to attempt to try to cast in those same technical spots. I try to fish a totally different pattern (with lures less likely to snag) and cast into locations with less of a chance of snagging. Most important is to not get the pro upset, because they know defensive boat positioning which can keep you from fishing any water that looks fishy. I'm going to start fishing combined weight tournaments because the pro has it in their best interest to get your lure in the good locations and he wants you to catch fish cleaning up the smaller fish he's passing up.

[@swimschool4195]

yes

[@bretmiller21]

I'm done............no co-anglers?

[@frankcouste4785]

You would think that a co angler would be grateful to have the opportunity to be on a boat in a tournament with a pro. That’s not a likely thing to happen for many people learning how to catch bass consecutively. It’s a small majority being a holes. I just got into bass fishing a couple of years and only had a boat less than a year. When I catch 2 or 3 keeper size that’s a great day. Sometimes I don’t get a bite lol. They should get banned for acting that way an make room for people wanting to learn. God Bless

[@Mags120fish1]

Never understood aggressive co-anglers, or the ones that complain afterwards about how their boater fished. If you want to fish your way pay the boater entry and bring your own boat.

[@BryanJSmith-ne4kv]

Not that simple. Some ppl don't have the means or the schedule to make it happen. Doesn't mean they should not partake in a day of competitive fishing if it's what they enjoy. I am that guy and I love tournament fishing but with a full work schedule and family I can't practice all week. I'm no way the 3% but I do expect certain considerations even as a co angler

[@arewethebadies]

@@BryanJSmith-ne4kv Go get a kayak.

[@johnburgess6572]

That 3 to 5 % sound like a nightmare. There is no acceptable reason a co angler should give a pro a second of trouble !!!

[@swimschool4195]

not even if they paid a grand between entry fee, gas, lodging, and food?

[@arewethebadies]

@@swimschool4195 Not even

[@lebleup]

My take on the guy laying in the back “pouting”…… he was in spying mode watching a full on PRO fish learning what he could. Either that or just way out of his element. Way over his head.

[@slabslayer258]

The first co angler you drew that you said was known to be a troublesome co angler should done been knocked off the co angler trail Bassmaster should have rules that if you’d turned in for being a terrible co angler to the pro your with you should be allowed a warning of some sort an let them know that next time is automatic DQ from Bass co angler tournaments

[@swimschool4195]

@J Leicht but pros have to "feed their families" wher co-anglers are all on welfare

[@swimschool4195]

@J Leicht Jim, i was actually kidding about the "feed my family" business. it makes me laugh when you accuse someone of being selfish and they tell you they aren't its just that they have more responsibilities than you do. i 100% agree with you. all these "bad co-anglers" videos are pros complaining about how their co wasn't cool about being asked to stay out of the way and not to pick off any of "my" fish.

[@arewethebadies]

@@swimschool4195 What a child.

[@VisualAFMedia]

😆 man id be so hot at these ppl 😩🤣