Pro and Co-angler Perspectives Are Equally Beneficial

Tournament anglers around the country at all levels have a variety of options when choosing their preferred competition format. Beginning very generally, there are boat tournaments and kayak tournaments. Drilling down into boat tournaments, anglers can pair up for team competition. Or, anglers can compete solo. Breaking it down a bit more, an angler who chooses the solo route can compete in the front of the boat or as a co-angler. For many years, I competed in a variety of team circuits and open events in the Southern Illinois region. Good partners were available, and if you were serious about competing, this was the format to be involved in. In recent years, I have found the solo circuits to be much more to my liking. I compete in BFL events as both a pro and a co-angler; I find many benefits competing in both formats of solo competition. It goes without saying that there are many benefits to fishing on the pro side of an FLW BFL event. While the competition might be a bit stiffer with higher entry fees, the payout for a good day on the water is more lucrative compared to the co-angler payout. Also, fishing from the pro side, an angler is in total control. Boat control as well as decisions on fishing locations, fishing style, and fishing speed all belong to the angler in the front of the boat. In addition, an angler on the pro side is not limited on the amount tackle or number of rods that he or she can carry on a given tournament day. Although I enjoy competing from the front of a bass boat as much as anyone, I readily admit that competing as a BFL co-angler has a lengthy list of benefits of its own. For starters, it is a great way to fish and learn unfamiliar water. It is a great way to fish styles other than what an angler is use to. For example, recently at Lake Cumberland, I had the opportunity to fish for spawning smallmouth bass in 12 - 20 feet of water. It was a way of fishing I had not previously been exposed to; it was fun and I learned a few things along the way. Also, fishing as a co-angler is a great way to meet and fish with new anglers exposing oneself to new tactics, techniques, fishing philosophies, and ideas. In my opinion, a good angler is always hungry to learn. For me, this next concept is perhaps the most significant benefit. As a co-angler, I am much less burdened with boat control, decision making, effects of the weather, etc. This provides me with a feeling of relaxed concentration, if there is such a thing. I am able to focus 100% on maximizing each cast and presentation for the entire event. If you are wondering which avenue of competition is the best to pursue, I encourage you to experience multiple tournament formats. Over time, the one that fits you best will make itself known. The list of "pluses" for competing as a pro and co-angler are both compelling. And, this discussion did not even compare and contrast team versus solo, boat versus kayak, or type of event such a big bass versus limit. Do not let anyone tell you that one avenue is far superior to all of the others. It is mostly a matter of perspective, with your own point of view being most important.