Alternating Fish

[Slade]

When I am out fishing with my buddy (or buddies) we rotate rods; thus, if we hook and land one (or the guy gives it the sausage hands), then the other guy is basically fishing two rods after that. I was wondering how other people work that because I routinely see reports on this board where one guy gets two or even three fish and the other guy(s) gets none. This question is not meant to address splitting the bounty as was previously discussed a couple days ago. Just wondering what you guys think.

Jim

[The Overfishin Condition]

Well, Reeltrouble and I have a deal that if one person catches three fish in a row, the fourth one is a pity passoff, but so far we haven't had a problem, the closest I've got I guess was two. If it was a real reel screamer we decided we might not actually pass off on a prospective 40 lber or something. If someone has the hot rod, chances are someone else will have it another day. Tight lines to ALL!

[A-Boss]

I tend to go with the theory that if you're trolling or pulling plugs, its the boat thats fishing not the individual fisher. So I rotate who gets the action. With my buddy I fish with a lot this carries over from trip to trip, season to season. For other people I usually start the trip off by everyone picking a rod and going from there.

This also allows us to keep more rods in the water. Because legally (at least in Washington) once one person catches their limit they can't fish anymore. So you're down a rod. (I think a lot of people ignore this rule however).

However, if we're casting its everyman for himself.

[BrionLutz]

Slade,

I use a "the boat fishes" vs individual rods.

Usually do a "pick a number" bit (I always go last) and then wait for the rods to go down with everyone taking a turn.

Depends on the crew. This is best when the kids are fishing. The debate that develops there is if one of them hooks a fish and doesn't bring it to the boat does that count as his "turn". I come down on the bring-it-to-the-boat as the key.

If you have a "pro" fishing crew, folks who want a particular presentation, then I go with the individual rods. My neighbor is an "original" fishermen and likes to try some stuff that worked years ago (brass FST for example) vs. the new stuff (Kwikfish or wobblers).

Brion

[ 03-28-2003, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: BrionLutz ]

[F F Jack]

Real men catch and land their own fish

[A-Boss]

FF Jack,

So if your in a DB pulling plugs the rower gets all the fish, since he's the one who's really doing the fishing. You can be my front seater anytime. :smile:

[norms gone fishing too]

we will all have our own rods for the first fish than rotate so evry one has a good time if only one rod is hot if i fish with a some one else in ther baot its boat rules

[fish_on]

If I have a 1st timer or a guest from out of town they get to play all my fish. I use to pass my wife alot of fish but now she is getting to the point where she can out fish me. If everyone is a regular and has caught lots of fish everyone fishs their own rod unless 1 is just smokning hot.

[Bobby Ray]

Slade,

I never excepted a hand off and proud of it, everyone I fish with won't except a hand off also. I think it's a matter of putting in your own time and proving something.

I know there's certain circumstances, like taking a newbie or maybe getting your girl into her first salmon.

Good post Slade, I'm curious about the responses........Bobby

[V. Green]

I have handed off my rod and been handed a rod. There is no shame in everyone having a good time.
The way I see it if your in a boat the boat is doing the fishing not the individual.
When I was a teenager my uncle and older brother would catch 2-4 fish for everyone my other uncle or I did and they would always hand off the rod so that we could participate in the fun.
If you are fishing for yourself you should go alone.

[fishnxtc]

Never take hand offs but always fish my rod for rookies or people that are here visiting me cause I know I that some day I may able to catch a fish or two..................chris

[cannonball]

Its very simple, my wife gets her limit, then I get to fish. :wink:

[crabbait]

Differs with the type of fishing. If you are fishing a method that requires that the rod be hand held, such as drift fishing or bobber fishing, then it is up to the individual holding the rod when the fish hits as to whether he/she lands the fish or hands off the rod. All bets are off if an individual decides to try techniques that are "not on the regular menu". Fish your special handmade experimental sturgeon fly or Ford Fender followed by a K-16 and you are on your own.

Fall hogs in tidewater, for example: It would be pretty frustrating if the person with the most experience in a stretch of water was catch-and-releasing all day or limited out and put his rod away in the first hour while his buddies worked to touch a fish. In this case I would hand-off a rod immediately after the hook set unless buddies were hardcore hook-my-own-or-forget-it guys.

When the rods are in the holder, I believe in rotating the bite so that everyone gets a chance at the fish. We usually start with folks fishing the rod which is next to them and letting the fish decide who gets first fish. After that, we rotate opportunities so that all rods keep fishing until everyone has one fish on their tag, then back to letting the fish decide who gets tagged out.

In my opinion, real men are more concerned with everyone having an opportunity at catching fish and having fun rather than with individual "scores" or trying to prove something.

[dawhunt]

I always hand the pole off to whoever is with me
if I've already caught one.Most of the guys I take with me understand that.So yes I pass the rods around.That way we both get a fish.I've only had one guy that wouldn't do it or even offer to help with gas.He doesn't go with me anymore !!
Bob