There's really two categories of fishermen: boater and non-boaters. Boaters own, pilot, tow and fuss with their boats. Non-boaters are just along for the ride. However, non-boaters have responsibilities when on and near the water. At the top of the list is that the non-boater should be ready at all times to help the boater.

It seems that boaters are often fussy, bossy and a stubborn lot and try to do everything themselves. But there are usually good reasons for the boaters' requests (orders).

Docking

First of all, when a boater is bringing his craft into a dock, -- remain seated. It might seem like a helpful thing to leap out as the boat nears the dock, and grab a line. But when you jump, the action will push the boat away from the dock, spoiling the approach. It's also not a good idea to jump on a dock from a moving boat because they are often slippery, especially when wet due to fish slime and algae.

So, remain seated, put the bumpers out and make sure all fishing rod tips are back so they don't get snapped by being run into docks, railings, edges of boat houses, etc.

Net Etiquette

First, make sure you have a net in the boat and don't leave it at home or in the vehicle. There is a proper way to handle a net when in someone else's boat and when the boater has a fish on. You go to the fish. Don't say, "Work the fish over to me" just because it's easier.

Get the net in the water and in place so you don't spook the fish by stabbing at it with the net. If you don't have the net in the water when the fish comes in, nine times out of ten the fish will shy and make another run when it sees the net coming form above and into the water. If the boater has a fish on, as soon as he begins the battle, crank your bait in ASAP! Then grab the net.

The boater has to worry about the position of the boat and proximity of the motor to rock, shore or other structure, especially when its windy or in current when fighting fish. So do your best to help, but stay out of the way in case the fish runs around and under the boat and the boater has to run around the bow or stern with his rod.

Confession

Many boats have built-in livewells and with the advent of portable livewells; stringers, whether the snap or the nylon variety are not used as often as they once were. It's helpful to the boater if the non-boater will take the responsibility of hoisting the stringer of fish into the boat when the motor is cranked up and it's time to move to the next hot spot. I don't know how many times I've looked off the stern to see wide-mouthed fish getting beat up on the surface of the wake like first-time skiers who forget to let go of the rope. It's also a good way to lose your hard-won fish.

Matter-of-fact, the biggest large-mouth bass I've ever had the pleasure of netting was lost just that way (And the money was literally on the line). Yes, we were in a buddy tournament and the big fella (probably seven or eight pounds) was put on a plastic stringer and tied to a cleat. The fish was too big for the livewell.

When we cranked up the motor to head for the weigh-in, cash, and ultimate bragging rights; the stringer hit the prop. Pinggg! We looked at each other with the same look of terror. Sure enough, the only thing left was a small piece of plastic on the cleat. The trophy large-mouth of all time had been claimed back by the depths of the lake.

Hint

Having been a non-boater for years, I've helped a lot of guys unload their boats on ramps. (The non-boater's job is to hold a line and keep the boat from hitting the dock or anything else such as other boats when it slides of the trailer.) A boat, even a small one can gain a lot of momentum when it slips off the trailer on a steep ramp and into the water. Check ahead of time for a post you can wrap the line around quickly, especially if it's a short dock.

One time, on Lamoka Lake, I tried to hold a boat back, but instead it yanked me into the channel , much to the amusement of the rest of the guys unloading and standing around after inspection, drinking coffee at the start of bass tournament. My face felt so red that it actually evaporated the water off before my sneakers had a chance to slosh across the parking lot to the truck and a dry shirt.

I've noticed over the years that boaters are usually a very fussy breed of people. They like everything done exactly right (i.e. their way). So, if you think you are helping by fastening a tie-down a certain way or by putting your favorite hitch know around a cleat on a dock and the boater comes round and adjusts it, don't be put off even if his "adjustment" looks just like the one you just did. They just like to check every line and knot, it's just the way boaters do their thing.

Get a boat and you will act the same way and then non-boaters will think you are "different" too.