Here are my top three take areas based on contours.

Getting kids from school is it up yet?

Tim I was thinking about it but Saturday might be a Dangerous trip over. If I do it will most likely be Sunday. Weather may affect some vendors making it. But I really do want to make it to the Bizz Baits booth 😢

When I was a COing I’ve always had good luck casting off th opposite side from the bank in the deeper water. 60-80% of the time a Shakey head has served me well. If you aren’t feeling it drag the bottom up your weight so you can maintain bottom contact. I always ask my boater to also turn on side imaging for me, it will help you potentially see structure you’re driving past and give you additional opportunities off the opposite side and dometimes right off the back of the boat. Many good tips already here so go put you some in the well! 💪

Congrats and well deserved! Was rooting for you, since joining you have consistently been positive and supportive. Wish you the best in your division in 2025. Good news is we at least don’t have to fish against each other.

👀My first tournament is here on the 17th. Shooting for a top 3 or W. 13 lbs will win, or some one will have a rare largemouth kicker. Thanks again for the live last night and the abundance of tips to follow and help on any body of water. I’m trusting the process and will be in 20-40 ft of water for the first 1/2 of the day looking for bait.

✅

Awesome! Can’t wait to get some additional tips on Belews. Thank you sir! 🙏

I also have many trips/moments that are memorable, but of recent it would have to be last year when my oldest daughter hoped in a Sunday Afternooner with me… it was her first tournament. She spent most of her time checking on and taking care of the fish 🤣. We didn’t win or even come close, but somehow kids will always make you feel like you did.

Lake Request (Belews Creek NC)

Something that I’ve done as a Co and Like reciving as a boater. Goes a long way.

1. Offer to grab ice from a gas station and to help prep the boat for launch,check plug, straps, uncover graphs, etc. Doing this will make you more familiar with the routine and help you build your own for when you get a boat. Good first impression to the boater. If you have no idea of what to do, even saying I’m new to being a co, do you mind if I watch your launch routine will better prepare you for future outings as a co. The ice offer is a great gesture lots of times they will say no to ice, but some have been at a camp and it will be much easier for you to snag a bag.

2.) Get comfortable with backing and parking a trailer. Start with a friend with a boat. Every time you go out ask if they would mind you dumping them or showing you how. You won’t be a whiz to start, but over time you will get better. This was one of my biggest fears when I first became a CO and got my boat. If you have no idea how to do it be honest with the boater and just ask to watch.

3. Ask how he/she expects netting to go. “Do you want me to put the net in the water and you bring the fish in or me to make the move in the fish”. The safest way to avoid the blame game is net in the water and bringing the fish in. Just laying this out at the beginning shows them that you care about their catches and will be at the ready when they need you. It will also help eliminate the blame game when one shakes of vs you making a swoop and potential error. You will get boaters that won’t even want you involved.

4.) Same with launch offer to prep the boat after its trailered, go get the weigh bags after the tounament. You might be new to it but great way to learn and build your own routine. This is when if you can you can also offer your tip. As a co I always offered 25$-50$ to the boater. Sometimes you get boaters that won’t even except it, but I can’t tell you how many times a boater was shocked because of how many times they don’t get offered anything.

Most of this can be discussed with your boater either at your club meeting or on the call the night before the tournament (BFLs). As a co I would always text my boater introducing myself and letting them know they can call me when they are free. This is also a good first impression, they may be at dinner or on the water when the contact is shared. You are the co-captain so avoid being a stage 5 clinger from the jump.

Ken’s list is awesome above as well, I just wanted to provide my favorite offerings as a co and now from a boaters perspective as well.

Again all of the above is only my opinion, but I promise it will go a long way as you embark on your journey as a CO. Just like when you draw a bad boat you will always remember that guy or the situation you were in. The boater will always remember you. Even when you meet your first certified POS, don’t be, or become one yourself.