Questions for first timers in the boat

[Pete]

I like to introduce folks to boat fishing, both in my drift boat and in my sled. Before we leave the launch I have the same questions/instructions each time. Here they are, what are yours?
1) Do you know how to swim?
2) There may be times when I issue orders. Please accept that there may be situations when I don't have time to explain, but need you to do something. Just do what I ask. I'll explain when the danger has passed.
3) We are here to have fun. Are you ready to have fun or do you want to get out of the boat now?

[Mr. Fisherman]

Pete,

You crack me up [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img].

I'd add "If you were 20 minutes late you would have had to swim to hear that [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img].

Maybe something about it being customary to offer gas/launch money and ask what he brought to share for lunch [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img].

Seriously though, I would ask if they had clothing to handle changing conditions. Usually anybody heading out with me will have had that most of these conversations well before we met to go fishing in my boat.

Good topic, this should be interesting....

[Spooled]

Pete, I just added one last week. I took 2 clients fishing in the drift boat. After asking your standard questions, I proceeded to show them how to let out line on the plug rods. I have Shimano line counter reels, so I just instructed them to free spool with their thumb on the line until the counters read 20, lock the spool and set them in the rod holders. One of the guys was from Romania, and had not fished at all. All went well on getting the lines out at the first hole. About 10 minutes later, FISH ON! We hand the rod with the fish to George, the guy from Romania, as we reel in the other 2 rods. When we get them in, I notice that George has made no progress on the fish. Well, I did a good job of explaining how to get the lines out O.K., but never thought to show him how to reel in! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Just assumed everybody knew to turn the handle to reel in. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Obviously fish off, after a minute or so, but we were laughing so hard at George, that we didn't care. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Later, we hooked a fish, and George did a great job in getting it to the boat. As it got to the boat, I saw that it was a native. I grabbed the plug with the pliers and released it, without removing it from the water. Well George didn't know anything about native fish having to released unharmed. I am still trying to figure out what the Romanian words were he said when I released it. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] The look on his face was priceless though. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

I will now ask if people know how to reel in as well as let out line.

[OneLastCast]

I think your second point is really important. I always tell people, especially the kids, that I am the skipper and if I say jump, move or reel you better do it now and as you say it will be explained later. Things can get sticky real fast in the jaws and you have to react fast.
I usually don't ask if they can swim but upon thinking about it seems pretty stupid not asking.
Good post.

OneLastCast

[boater]

i show them how to operate my boat, vhf radio, show them how to use the throw rope, life jackets are a must and how to use my cell phone if they dont have one. and also how to drop the anchor. i figure you never know what can happen and atleast in a panic situation they can be of some help.

[Steelheader69]

Well, I rarely ask questions at the ramp. Usually I have all questions/suggestions given well before the trip.

I ALWAYS tell passengers to dress for the sun, but be prepared for a storm. This way they're covered all the way around. As for taking someone new fishing, I ask what they know fishingwise, then teach them the rest of the way (all the way down to how to cast if need be). YES, YES, YES, I always tell others how to operate my boat in case I am incapacitated. In fact, I remember telling my girlfriend how to run the oxbow first time, just in case I pass out. She told me "You told me you could row it in your sleep so you better do what you say". No way she was gonna run that shoot with no paddle time experience.

Oh yeah, I forgot, one questions I always ask at the take out...... "Now who's buying me lunch????" [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[HOGTIDE]

? If the ocassion arises, are you, or are you 'not', willing to dive between my boat and that dock, to act as a human bumper?


...making sure that all zippers, rivets and buttons are facing 'the dock'??

[KarenLee]

I generally don't ask to many questions at the ramp. I tell them not to go in the water as it's cold and hypothermia hits fast in oregon waters. Stay out of my way when I am trying to manuver the boat or get to the rod, ancor line or net. and keep your stuff picked up and tidey. I did kick a guys coffee mug out of the boat one day after I had kicked it across the boat three times. I think he finally got my point, but I haven't taken him out since. I always point out the life jackets, throwable flotation and throw rope.I do explian how to hold the boat at the ramp until I get the truck parked, especially if there is a stong wind or current trying to push you away from the ramp. I give them a heads up about approaching wakes as this is probably the most important for rookies in my boat on the Columbia. I haven't lost one yet but I've had them all over the floor because they didn't sit down or hold on when the rollers come. It only takes once and they start watching too.

[Phish_on]

1) Get in the boat!