To All Back Seaters,

Although this topic has come up in the past and will most likely come up again I thought I would reitterate not only the etiquette but the responsibilities of a non-boater.

First and foremost the boater takes great pains in making payments on his rig, washing/waxing, maintaining both his boat and trailer and fueling his vessel, as well as spending countless hours on the water getting to know the lakes we fish in Washington.

As a responsible non-boater you should be honored and greatful to do the following:

A) Pay for atleast half of the boaters gas/oil for each days use.
B) Help him wipe the boat down after he exits the water.
C) Help him or her load and unload the boat.
D) Offer to help run the boat.
E) Clean up after yourself-If you spill blood on his seats, soda, etc.

These are just some of the responsibilities that you as a non-boater should partake in if you want and appreciate being in a backseat.

And just another word of advice if Item 1 is not taken care of you could be either left to walk home or stranded on a dune.

As a sticker I read somewhere quotes, " This boat does not run on Thanks" , Make darn sure that you take care of your boater and you will allways find a ride.

Russ

Thank you so much Russ for posting this.  I'm glad someone had the kahoones to.  I would like to just say that Item A is the most important for sure  
Saying thanks for the boat ride doesn't always cut it.  Had a great time at Silver  

As a boater, I whole heartedly agree.  If you are a non-boater and would like to get invited out to fun fish, tourney fish, have the opportunity learn new area's and water, or be a back seater during a tourney, how you treat your boater will have a direct impact on weather you get invited out again.  It doens't take long to develope a good or bad reputation.  If you get a bad rap, it's because most likely you earned it.  I personally enjoy having backseaters and have always had backseat partners thru my years as a member of Western Bass.  I never have a problem finding someone who would like to fish out of the back of my boat.  As a boater I feel it's my responsibility to,

A.  Have a boat that is in good mechanical condition
B.  That I operate safely and in a manner that doesn't destroy my partners gear.
C.  Have enough gas and oil to get us there and back again
D.  Have my partner feel comfortable to fish anywhere on the boat.  "Please come up to my front deck if we are pitching and flipping".
E.  Talk with my partner thru out the day and explain what I am doing and why I am doing it in trying to catch fish.  Also, taking input from my partner and working with him or her on our next area's or techniques we might try.
F.  Making sure I am where I say I will be, and being there on time for my partner.  I hate to wait on others.  It's the golden rule, "treat others how you would like to be treated."

All in all we have great members.  Boaters and non boaters alike.  Its a pleasure and honor to be a members of this great club.  Lets all remember to keep it this way.

Mark

Carlos, I really appreciate you promising to make that first boat payment for me, that will ease the monthly expenditures.

Bump