As a co angler with a top ten finish at the 2022 all American this is a very informative video! Definitely a must watch for any co angler. Thank you Bradley!
Have fished for years as a non-boater is what we called it, drew boater out of one hat, non-boater out of another hat. Totally agree with everything that was said, it’s tough, be prepared and have the mindset that you are going to have a good time, help as much as possible, and enjoy your day, will help tremendously with your fish catching .
It’s definitely scary flying down the lake at 70 mph in the fog with a stranger. There’s been a few times I’ve wanted to ask the boater to pull over and let me out on the bank... Lots of these lakes have stumps and trees that aren’t exposed and my worst fear is getting matched with the guy that’s starting at his GPS units the whole time during a run
I say a prayer every time I step foot in a boat that I/WE return in the same condition as we started. Catching fish is just a bonus. I have said extra prayers during those early morning rides also.
If you scared stay home you wouldn’t ride with me bout 2 minutes befriend daylight with no light just driving off memory and or GPS 😂🤣 trimmed out rolling
I don't tournament fish but this same approach I take when getting invited onto anyone's boat. I usually try to pay for gas, launch fee and have BBQ sandwiches for lunch in a small cooler. I consider it a blessing to just have the opportunity to fish from a deck of a boat and enjoy the day on the lake. Catching a fish is just bonus.
This is great stuff man. I have had coanglers that was afraid to ask me to go to the bathroom. Also learn to read the temperament of the boat owner, some talk,some dont, some joke around and some dont. You see him getting ready to move you get ready to move. Everyone listen to Brad he is dead on in what he is saying. Another great topic!
Brad let me add this to your thoughts. I have a bass boat and still like being a co. In the opens and such. I live in the N.E. and I look as the experience as a cheapest guide trip. On some of the famous lakes I have always read about and dreamed about fishing. The winning some money will be a bonus!
ONE OF THE BEST videos I've seen on co-anglers. Bradley i fished the Central Opens for 4 years as a co-angler and it was quite the experience. Every scenario you mentioned i had happen. I drew Kelly Jordan at Grand and he was crowding me up next to the bank to wear i couldn't cast. I waited until he cast then made a 45 degree cast and he stopped the boat and said that breaking his concentration. We had a few words then went back to fishing, and had a good day. I ended up back at where he and Timmy Horton was staying and drinking a cold beer with them. Another time on the Red River in Louisiana Terry Butcher was running rip rap so I decided to put a heavier weight on my brush hog ,chucked it out of the back and started popping it out of the rocks and caught my limit in a short time. 50 dollars is what I always gave for gas. I usually tried to help hitch the boat up, help with tie downs, or whatever it took to make it easier on the owner. I seen you at the tournaments but had the pleasure of drawing out with you. I'm a 59 year old angler from Nowata, OK and I hope to get to fishing the Opens. Hope to see you there. Good luck on the upcoming season.
Appreciate you boys that have been around the block dropping y’all’s feedback on my channel! It’s almost like we ain’t even on TH-cam with all you veteran hammers on here in one place!
Great comments on backing a trailer. I’m always considerate of my boaters investment. I alway ask the boater to line me up at the ramp than I takeover and back into the water. Never had a boater that disagreed with my request.
@@tadkramer7034 I even do this when fun fishing with buddies, except I’m the boater, I’ve had my dad curb two wheels on my 2020 Phoenix, one of my friends jack knifed the trailer backing down the ramp to load up and smashed my bow step into the bumper. I now back nearly all the way down and sometimes even do the fishing by myself technique and tell them to just sit still
@@Glide114 It takes team work. It may not be my boat, but it still my obligation to help the boater have a safe and successful day of fishing. I love tournament fishing and I’m great-full to the boaters that take me along.
I fished in the back of Dee Thomas’s boat for eight years. I was his team partner but he gave me nothing, in fact he would tighten up even more if I started catching fish. I learned more than anyone can imagine. Those fish back there 100 feet that might have been spooked usually move up pretty quickly. It’s an art and a grind, that you for addressing all these issues!
I am a boater but I found this video very informative. I have watched several videos on this subject and this is by far the very best. Your channel keeps getting better and better Brad.
As a co-angler for the first time last year in the BFLs, I was able to communicate well with my boater and was praised for being the best they had in 35 years of doing tournaments. Communication is key to this relationship. Thanks for the advice. I greatly appreciate it this video from an outstanding pro angler. Good luck this year to you and the boys!!!
Had the pleasure of being a coangler with you Brad at Muskogee Open in 2020. What you described in this video is the exact approach I have learned to take as a coangler, and it is how I wish more coanglers acted when I fish as a boater. Great video. I have sent it to a buddy who is fishing his first BFL as a co because it reinforces everything I have tried to teach him about fishing from the back of the boat. Hope all is well and thanks for the great video.
I stumbled across this one last night, well done sir. I fished the Cowboy division of the BFL's for two years as a co, met some great people, even got asked how long I'd been doing it in my first two! I treat my boater and his boat how I want to be treated, never had an issue. I switched over to the front of the boat for a couple of years, took a year off and am back as a co this year. I won't share my horror stories of a couple of co's I had while running my boat! (Well one anyway, don't sit back there and tell me half the day we should go somewhere else, true story.) I always give them gas money first thing in the morning, bring them a coffee and a biscuit if they'd like. I do ask them what they plan to do, but I am ready to go where ever. If I get hung up fishing a worm, I break it off and re-tie. I don't fish many treble hook baits, I can do well with plastics. And one thing you did not cover, netting the fish. I always ask how they want me to net their fish, I was surprised that there were different thoughts on this. Good luck to you and thanks again for sharing.
I've fished as a Co for years up here in MN in a club and never really thought much about securing myself during the run. I will be sure to do that from now on.
Great video with a lot of truth. The one thing I would challenge is the conversation about how the pro intends to fish. For the most part, yes, be prepared for everything but for example, if we are on Rayburn and the pro says we are fishing brush piles offshore all day, I'm leaving my punching rod with 65lb braid at the hotel. Don't expect a lot of information from the pro as Bradley points out but I think it's a fair question of deep or shallow or both because that can impact what you put in the boat the next day and how you mentally prepare for your approach to get bit.
This is hands down the best video I have ever seen for co-anglers. As a boater, I have won a couple of tournaments and several top 10s, but I have never once gotten a check as a co-angler and I have tried it many times. It seems like my co-angling experiences have just been nightmares one after another, but honestly I have to say I always learn a lot! One thing you never mentioned- and this happened to me and Ill never forget it- I was in a BFL on the Potomac, and in the 1st 10 minutes I hooked a really solid fish on a senko- At the time I thought it was like a 2 pounder. My boater immediately offered to net the fish, and I was like "Nah, Ill just swing him in the boat..." but when I got that fish to the side of the boat I saw it was every bit of 5 pounds. I very stupidly still tried to swing it in the boat, I just totally choked... My flourocarbon snapped and that fish just swam away. The boater said "Dang! I wish I had had that one! She was a hawg!" So I would say this- when in doubt, if your boater offers to net a fish- get them to net the fish!!!! It wont hurt, especially if you aren't going to get many bites all day- You need to make them count! Thanks for a great video- You can tell when someone has real experience!
Been a coangler my entire life. Never have fished a tournament as a boater. With well over 100 tournaments under my belt, I've seen a lot. Bradley describes it perfectly. Good job and I'm definitely subscribing.
Man Mr. HAMILTON YOU ARE Speaking the truth. I started Co Angler last year and I go in with a positive attitude no matter if I zero its my fault not the boats. Had one boat we just didn't hit it off but we managed and I still had fun. I try to give gas money some don't want it but this is why I have decided to push my way to Toyota series central and other even. Keep it coming with the truth
Fantastic video!! Love the no such thing as a bad draw concept, mental toughness, confidence and patience. I was fishing as a Co on the Cal Delta, knew sight fishing was in play. My pro polled down on a big girl locked on for nearly two hours. Was able to fan cast a swim worm through mats and pick up two nice fish. Opportunities are always present if you're prepared. Great stuff.
For anyone wanting to be a co-angler, this is by far the best info on TH-cam! Guys, your mainly just along for the ride, so be nice, fish strengths, and have fun!
Thanks for the tips. When an angler takes the time to educate co-anglers it's greatly appreciated. This helps the sport in so many positive ways. Keep up the great videos. If you're ever in West Michigan and need a camera man, drone pilot, video editor, etc message me, I would love to help as a way to say thank you for helping me become a better angler/co-angler. Wishing you all the luck in 2021 🎣
I'll be starting to fish tournaments this year and found this video very reassuring to just relax, also learned a few things I haven't thought of I appreciate the tips
Yes..yes,yes,yes,yes YESSSSSS!!!! This video should be a Tell all for all co-anglers, n I know if even HALF the boaters had the frame of mind you do, it'd make the co-anglers feel so much more comfortable and more likely to have a good day regardless of what they catch! Awesome, awesome video man!!
I am the back seater making "excuses". The first part of your video sure opened my eyes that I need to STOP making excuses and to better adjust my mindset. Thank you!!!
This is a great video. I've not had a bad experience yet with my boater. I always make it a point to be friendly with the boater because that's my mentality, I just think it makes for a good day on the water, whether I catch a fish or not. I wait until the end of the day to settle on an offer for gas. Ninety percent of the time the boaters I've had absolutely refuses any money for gas. But I will say this, if my boater treats me like a piece of crap then there is no offer for gas.
Dang Bradley, as a co-angler from back in the day you knocked this one out of the ballpark. I fished Central Pro-Am (Ernie Dougherty days), Old Everstarts, Bassmaster Elite's (when they still allowed Co-Anglers) and FLW Tours (again when they allowed Co-Anglers) all out of the back of the boat. You could not have made a better video, period. The Co-Angler has to change his mind set to a different way of thinking. As to what boater/pro I wanted to draw... the older salty gentleman that has been fishing forever but wasn't as aggressive as the young studs 👌. Everything you said was spot on!
Great tips! I really liked the tip about grabbing ahold to something to keep yourself in the boat. A lot of guys seriously do take sitting in a boat choppin down the lake for granted. The other tip I really really liked was "you are not competing with the guy in the front of the boat". This tip alone would be one that all co's should focus on, because whenever you do encounter those tough situations 9 times out of 10 other co's are dealing with the same thing.
When the boater says we are leaving in 2, 3 cast,,,,be in the seat with the life jacket buttoned and ready to move before he pulls the t/m up. He will appreciate it.
That's when I stand up and say I'm the superior , we will leave when I say we will leave ! 😂 I'm just kidding . Cause if someone said that to me they would know what it feels like to get hit in the head with an 8 oz saltwater fishing weight lol
If I had to describe myself, I'd say I'm a very experienced, passionate angler who has never had any interest in tournament fishing. That being said, even guys like me can learn from this video! Good stuff Hallman!
Good stuff Bradley. Couple things you may want to add if you have a follow up co angler video. Some guys have very specific way they want you to net a fish, make sure you ask. Ask if you can turn the console sonar to 2D, big help in back knowing depth, structure or any marks ( have your drop shot ready for a mark), know how to remove rear running light, don’t spend first couple hours trying to fish around light pole
One of the best Co-Anglers Gary Haraguchi and my dad are friends and sometimes practice for tournaments together. After a tournament on Oneida Lake Gary said his guy had 0 idea what he was doing because the whole day he set his boat in the middle of choked up grass on the very top of a shoal and Gary managed to fill his 3 fish limit and cash a check. That’s good Co-Angling.
I can't stand the concept of competitive fishing, but if I had to fish with someone, this guy would be a top choice. I watched this out of curiosity and found him to make a lot of sense. Thumbs up!
Awesome video.Used to fish co-angler in a bass club.Most guys were great but a lot acted like the co- angler was an aggravation.These guys eventually started a club where everyone fished by themselves.
Great content! As a co-angler veteran of a few Top 100’s and multiple other trails, I always found that no matter who’s boat I was in, there was always water 360 degrees around that boat. If I didn’t catch them, it was because of what I was/wasn’t doing myself. No excuses.
Straight-up great info! I fish BFL level as boater and a co. Your tips are spot on. As a co, prepare ahead of time and be as organized as you can. Don't depend on the boater for what to fish. Boater and co, be patient and communicate. Don't get frustrated. Co's be prepared to maximize limited opportunities. It's going to be tough.
Thank you. When I was fishing as the co angler, this information would have gone a long way to have made me a better co angler. I can't wait to try now
I’m fishing the BASS northern opens this year and you’ve answered a lot of my questions as well as a lot of great pointers. Much appreciated. I can’t wait to check out you’re other videos. I subscribed!!! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the honest comments. I'm very interested in co-angling and this has given me a lot to think about. It sounds like communication is the biggest thing we can do with the boater and bring an extra $50(doesn't hurt either)😎.
Awesome episode, Brad! Definitely something people should consider and the mental portion definitely helped me! Looking forward to my first Opens as a Co this year.
As a 2nd year co angler in a local bass club this is pretty dead on as to what i learned last year! Respect goes a long way! Thanks for the awesome video! Conversation and questions are the best way to find out what your boater expects out of you as a co angler on HIS boat.
This is what I needed to hear. As usual your honesty makes it even more enticing to try some co angler tourneys. Interesting information Brad. Awesome.
This is great advice. I've fished as a co-angler for the last 5 years and wish I understood some of the things you mentioned when I started out. As far as running in the fog, I recently fished a tournament where a guy beached a boat on the rocks in the fog after takeoff. Takeoff was delayed due to fog, the fog eventually lifted where we were at but once you got out to the main lake it was so thick you couldn't see the trolling motor. The boater in this case slowed down to avoid running off course and another boat came within a rod-length of hitting him which spun him around and ended up on shore. Luckily nobody got hurt, but it could have ended up much worse.
Thank you for making this video. Last year was my first time Co-angling the BASS Open. This year I'm fishing the whole Central Division Opens. This is great information! Thanks, Mr Hallman.
My first time as a co angler was a great experience thanks to videos like these.. I do wish I saw this one though so I was prepared for that ride lol hard to find something to grab onto when you’re going 70 in rough water.
I fished a couple bfls last yr and I told my boaters if we fish together we can win together. If I got something that's working and they dont I'm more the happy to give them baits I'm sure they all dont feel that way but these 2 gentlemen were all about it
This is a great video, I've not heard much about this in any you tube vids, would great if all pros were like you, I've never co-angled in a professional tournament, but I am a co-angler in my brothers boat most of time, and I do pretty good, I've educated myself watching videos like yours & many others wanted to say a big thank you!
This is very informative. I had a tournament director tell me one that you should never give the boater anything for fuel up front. That you should pay afterwards then you pay as to whether you got back boated all day lol.
That was Excellent. I fished with a very good Angler in Canada years ago. He started the first day racing through spots. We would be trophy muskie fishing together for seven days! My blood pressure was screaming. Then I thought: This guy knows more than me! I said to myself: “Shut Up, Sit Down and Hang On!” I asked him, “Brian, what do you recommend I throw? Was a successful trip after that. That was a good Life Lesson. Be well.
Thank you I fished Co Angler events in the 90’s and early 2000s ... and was very hesitant of doing again until I came across this video! Thank you ... and maybe see you out on the schedule somewhere !
Good information here! Biggest piece of advice is don’t be scared to ask questions or for help learning! I’ve been a coangler for a few years and a Boater for a few years. It wasn’t my time as a boater so I’m dropping back down to the coangler status this season in the BFL division. Hope to be a coangler on the larger circuits soon before trying the Boater again!
Excellent information. Totally enjoyed fishing Lewis Smith Lake with you as a co-angler. Was a great learning experience and all your shared knowledge was greatly appreciated and will make me a better fisherman in the future. Any co-angler who gets you is a lucky guy.
My first CO experience will be next week at Toho in the Toyota Series. This video answered some questions I still had and I really appreciate the mental pep talk!
Your a good dude . I like your realness and no show. A true fisherman and not a showman . A damn good stick for sure. Wish you the best in 21 . May God bless
The info you gave me on this subject two years ago before my 1st season on the Toyota Series was perfect! I have not had a bad day on the water yet. Still keep in touch with most of my boater and have made some great friends. Keep’em coming. They will help co’s on how to act and make it better on the boater having co’s that know how to act. I’ve had some tell me some stories that blew my mind! I’m fish the Central Opens this year so hope I get to spend the day with ya!
I know you done this 2 years ago but this is my 1st time to see you on here. 😁👍🏻You done a great job. I am the CO fisherman on my buddy's boat and fish the ABT. I told him I was going to buy me a shirt that said Net Man. Lol!!
Thank you. I'm always in the back of the boat. I kayak fish but often go with friends in their boat. In addition to my gear I also take a small cooler with water and cookies to share. I make sure I don't intrude on his space. I like you videos and I subscribed.
Awesome video Brad! Probably the best detailed cool angler video I’ve ever seen. Good job brother! I don’t fish tournaments much, and normally fish by myself. Really good content. God bless!
I once drew a legend Marshal Deacons on Guntersville and was so excited. My buddies had fished with Randal Tharp in the past so they would always go talk with him and he was always with Marshal. He told me he wasn't on anything so we were just going fishing. That morning he said it would be tough on me at first because he was going to be on the riprap bank like you said. it was early February and freezing. I drug a Carolina rig out deep and just watched him and looked for how it did things. I look at it as a $150 guided trip with a chance for prizes. He really wasn't on them but I learned a ton, because he was checking a lot of spots and trying different baits. I didn't weigh in a fish that day but would not have traded my seat for another. He explained a lot of what he was doing and told me about a lot of his past tournaments there.
I never been a Co-angler but this video was so well put together and puts things in perfect perspective. Put things in your own hands and control your own destiny. If it goes bad look in the mirror first.
I’m fishing my first Co Angler event this week on Rayburn so this is timely. And would definitely welcome your opinion on what Co Anglers can do to be effective, stay out of the pros way, and have a good experience. Based on your video, I think I’m approaching this the right way. Be there to learn and soak it all up. But, as you said, read the water and do your own thing. Thanks! This is a great topic.
Good luck. I agree with everything he said. One additional point of importance that he didn't really touch on is adaptability. Be prepared for anything. Just because your boater says he's going to one thing, or that he's been catching them by doing x,y,and z doesn't mean that that is how the day will pan out. Conditions can change literally overnight.
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As a co angler with a top ten finish at the 2022 all American this is a very informative video! Definitely a must watch for any co angler. Thank you Bradley!
👊 Appreciate ya buba! Strong finish man!
@@BradleyHallmanFishing thanks man! Was a blast!
This is probably the most informative, excellently explained, video for a new co-angler to watch. Very well done!!
Thank you for the knowledge! Looking into fishing Okie Division co-angler first time ever this year if it works out snd this video was a huge help.
I agree with Jason.
Thanks. A real eye opener.
Have fished for years as a non-boater is what we called it, drew boater out of one hat, non-boater out of another hat. Totally agree with everything that was said, it’s tough, be prepared and have the mindset that you are going to have a good time, help as much as possible, and enjoy your day, will help tremendously with your fish catching .
this is all B.S....... trying to get clicks on junk site....
It’s definitely scary flying down the lake at 70 mph in the fog with a stranger. There’s been a few times I’ve wanted to ask the boater to pull over and let me out on the bank... Lots of these lakes have stumps and trees that aren’t exposed and my worst fear is getting matched with the guy that’s starting at his GPS units the whole time during a run
I say a prayer every time I step foot in a boat that I/WE return in the same condition as we started. Catching fish is just a bonus. I have said extra prayers during those early morning rides also.
If you scared stay home you wouldn’t ride with me bout 2 minutes befriend daylight with no light just driving off memory and or GPS 😂🤣 trimmed out rolling
Almost died in Florida with a run n gunning wanna be who clearly couldn't and shouldn't be driving 65 mph
I don't tournament fish but this same approach I take when getting invited onto anyone's boat. I usually try to pay for gas, launch fee and have BBQ sandwiches for lunch in a small cooler.
I consider it a blessing to just have the opportunity to fish from a deck of a boat and enjoy the day on the lake. Catching a fish is just bonus.
This is great stuff man. I have had coanglers that was afraid to ask me to go to the bathroom. Also learn to read the temperament of the boat owner, some talk,some dont, some joke around and some dont. You see him getting ready to move you get ready to move. Everyone listen to Brad he is dead on in what he is saying. Another great topic!
Brad let me add this to your thoughts. I have a bass boat and still like being a co. In the opens and such. I live in the N.E. and I look as the experience as a cheapest guide trip. On some of the famous lakes I have always read about and dreamed about fishing. The winning some money will be a bonus!
ONE OF THE BEST videos I've seen on co-anglers. Bradley i fished the Central Opens for 4 years as a co-angler and it was quite the experience. Every scenario you mentioned i had happen. I drew Kelly Jordan at Grand and he was crowding me up next to the bank to wear i couldn't cast. I waited until he cast then made a 45 degree cast and he stopped the boat and said that breaking his concentration. We had a few words then went back to fishing, and had a good day. I ended up back at where he and Timmy Horton was staying and drinking a cold beer with them. Another time on the Red River in Louisiana Terry Butcher was running rip rap so I decided to put a heavier weight on my brush hog ,chucked it out of the back and started popping it out of the rocks and caught my limit in a short time.
50 dollars is what I always gave for gas. I usually tried to help hitch the boat up, help with tie downs, or whatever it took to make it easier on the owner. I seen you at the tournaments but had the pleasure of drawing out with you. I'm a 59 year old angler from Nowata, OK and I hope to get to fishing the Opens. Hope to see you there. Good luck on the upcoming season.
Appreciate you boys that have been around the block dropping y’all’s feedback on my channel! It’s almost like we ain’t even on TH-cam with all you veteran hammers on here in one place!
I love how you always tell it how it is. Some people may not like it. But the ones that will intake it will gain knowledge
Just wait for the next one! Some are really not going to like it.
Great comments on backing a trailer. I’m always considerate of my boaters investment. I alway ask the boater to line me up at the ramp than I takeover and back into the water. Never had a boater that disagreed with my request.
@@BradleyHallmanFishing I can’t wait for the next one. When’s it coming out.
@@tadkramer7034 I even do this when fun fishing with buddies, except I’m the boater, I’ve had my dad curb two wheels on my 2020 Phoenix, one of my friends jack knifed the trailer backing down the ramp to load up and smashed my bow step into the bumper. I now back nearly all the way down and sometimes even do the fishing by myself technique and tell them to just sit still
@@Glide114 It takes team work. It may not be my boat, but it still my obligation to help the boater have a safe and successful day of fishing. I love tournament fishing and I’m great-full to the boaters that take me along.
I fished in the back of Dee Thomas’s boat for eight years. I was his team partner but he gave me nothing, in fact he would tighten up even more if I started catching fish. I learned more than anyone can imagine. Those fish back there 100 feet that might have been spooked usually move up pretty quickly. It’s an art and a grind, that you for addressing all these issues!
As a Co for over 30 years I really enjoy seeing videos like this. Please do a series of videos.
Could not imagine a more educational video for co-anglers... Thank you
I am a boater but I found this video very informative. I have watched several videos on this subject and this is by far the very best. Your channel keeps getting better and better Brad.
Appreciated Mike we work hard to make the content
As a co angler in a local bass club, this is extremely helpful. Thank you
As a co-angler for the first time last year in the BFLs, I was able to communicate well with my boater and was praised for being the best they had in 35 years of doing tournaments. Communication is key to this relationship. Thanks for the advice. I greatly appreciate it this video from an outstanding pro angler. Good luck this year to you and the boys!!!
Had the pleasure of being a coangler with you Brad at Muskogee Open in 2020. What you described in this video is the exact approach I have learned to take as a coangler, and it is how I wish more coanglers acted when I fish as a boater. Great video. I have sent it to a buddy who is fishing his first BFL as a co because it reinforces everything I have tried to teach him about fishing from the back of the boat. Hope all is well and thanks for the great video.
Thanks 🙏 for the feedback Eric! You are the perfect co by the way. Attitude and all you got it
@@BradleyHallmanFishing thanks for the great video. Really reinforced so many of the things Eric had been teaching me.
I stumbled across this one last night, well done sir. I fished the Cowboy division of the BFL's for two years as a co, met some great people, even got asked how long I'd been doing it in my first two! I treat my boater and his boat how I want to be treated, never had an issue. I switched over to the front of the boat for a couple of years, took a year off and am back as a co this year. I won't share my horror stories of a couple of co's I had while running my boat! (Well one anyway, don't sit back there and tell me half the day we should go somewhere else, true story.)
I always give them gas money first thing in the morning, bring them a coffee and a biscuit if they'd like. I do ask them what they plan to do, but I am ready to go where ever. If I get hung up fishing a worm, I break it off and re-tie. I don't fish many treble hook baits, I can do well with plastics.
And one thing you did not cover, netting the fish. I always ask how they want me to net their fish, I was surprised that there were different thoughts on this.
Good luck to you and thanks again for sharing.
Appreciate all your honesty and feedback it is solid!
I've fished as a Co for years up here in MN in a club and never really thought much about securing myself during the run. I will be sure to do that from now on.
Great video with a lot of truth. The one thing I would challenge is the conversation about how the pro intends to fish. For the most part, yes, be prepared for everything but for example, if we are on Rayburn and the pro says we are fishing brush piles offshore all day, I'm leaving my punching rod with 65lb braid at the hotel. Don't expect a lot of information from the pro as Bradley points out but I think it's a fair question of deep or shallow or both because that can impact what you put in the boat the next day and how you mentally prepare for your approach to get bit.
This is hands down the best video I have ever seen for co-anglers. As a boater, I have won a couple of tournaments and several top 10s, but I have never once gotten a check as a co-angler and I have tried it many times. It seems like my co-angling experiences have just been nightmares one after another, but honestly I have to say I always learn a lot!
One thing you never mentioned- and this happened to me and Ill never forget it- I was in a BFL on the Potomac, and in the 1st 10 minutes I hooked a really solid fish on a senko- At the time I thought it was like a 2 pounder. My boater immediately offered to net the fish, and I was like "Nah, Ill just swing him in the boat..." but when I got that fish to the side of the boat I saw it was every bit of 5 pounds. I very stupidly still tried to swing it in the boat, I just totally choked... My flourocarbon snapped and that fish just swam away. The boater said "Dang! I wish I had had that one! She was a hawg!" So I would say this- when in doubt, if your boater offers to net a fish- get them to net the fish!!!! It wont hurt, especially if you aren't going to get many bites all day- You need to make them count!
Thanks for a great video- You can tell when someone has real experience!
Heartbreaking Story but thanks for sharing so everyone can learn!
Been a coangler my entire life. Never have fished a tournament as a boater. With well over 100 tournaments under my belt, I've seen a lot. Bradley describes it perfectly. Good job and I'm definitely subscribing.
Appreciate the feedback
Man you have one of the best TH-cam channels I follow. I love the content and the education I get from your videos. Thanks and keep it up please.
Man Mr. HAMILTON YOU ARE Speaking the truth. I started Co Angler last year and I go in with a positive attitude no matter if I zero its my fault not the boats. Had one boat we just didn't hit it off but we managed and I still had fun. I try to give gas money some don't want it but this is why I have decided to push my way to Toyota series central and other even. Keep it coming with the truth
Cant thank you enough for this video man. This has finally convinved me to give coangling a shot.
Fantastic video!! Love the no such thing as a bad draw concept, mental toughness, confidence and patience. I was fishing as a Co on the Cal Delta, knew sight fishing was in play. My pro polled down on a big girl locked on for nearly two hours. Was able to fan cast a swim worm through mats and pick up two nice fish. Opportunities are always present if you're prepared. Great stuff.
Great feedback! Thanks
I hope new co-anglers watch this information they can really improve their experience fishing as a Co.
For anyone wanting to be a co-angler, this is by far the best info on TH-cam! Guys, your mainly just along for the ride, so be nice, fish strengths, and have fun!
Thanks for the tips. When an angler takes the time to educate co-anglers it's greatly appreciated. This helps the sport in so many positive ways. Keep up the great videos. If you're ever in West Michigan and need a camera man, drone pilot, video editor, etc message me, I would love to help as a way to say thank you for helping me become a better angler/co-angler. Wishing you all the luck in 2021 🎣
I'll be starting to fish tournaments this year and found this video very reassuring to just relax, also learned a few things I haven't thought of I appreciate the tips
I will have Have more on this subject throughout the year.
Yes..yes,yes,yes,yes YESSSSSS!!!! This video should be a Tell all for all co-anglers, n I know if even HALF the boaters had the frame of mind you do, it'd make the co-anglers feel so much more comfortable and more likely to have a good day regardless of what they catch! Awesome, awesome video man!!
A zoom video with Billygottabass breaking down tackle he brings, rods reels and line etc.
I am the back seater making "excuses". The first part of your video sure opened my eyes that I need to STOP making excuses and to better adjust my mindset. Thank you!!!
You got this
This is a great video. I've not had a bad experience yet with my boater. I always make it a point to be friendly with the boater because that's my mentality, I just think it makes for a good day on the water, whether I catch a fish or not. I wait until the end of the day to settle on an offer for gas. Ninety percent of the time the boaters I've had absolutely refuses any money for gas. But I will say this, if my boater treats me like a piece of crap then there is no offer for gas.
Dang Bradley, as a co-angler from back in the day you knocked this one out of the ballpark. I fished Central Pro-Am (Ernie Dougherty days), Old Everstarts, Bassmaster Elite's (when they still allowed Co-Anglers) and FLW Tours (again when they allowed Co-Anglers) all out of the back of the boat. You could not have made a better video, period. The Co-Angler has to change his mind set to a different way of thinking. As to what boater/pro I wanted to draw... the older salty gentleman that has been fishing forever but wasn't as aggressive as the young studs 👌. Everything you said was spot on!
Appreciate you man!
Great tips! I really liked the tip about grabbing ahold to something to keep yourself in the boat. A lot of guys seriously do take sitting in a boat choppin down the lake for granted. The other tip I really really liked was "you are not competing with the guy in the front of the boat". This tip alone would be one that all co's should focus on, because whenever you do encounter those tough situations 9 times out of 10 other co's are dealing with the same thing.
When the boater says we are leaving in 2, 3 cast,,,,be in the seat with the life jacket buttoned and ready to move before he pulls the t/m up. He will appreciate it.
That's right. My former partner always lagged behind. This annoyed me.
One time I abided by this rule and my Pro got mad at me and said “I said we had 3 more casts, I want you to catch some fish” 😂😂
That's when I stand up and say I'm the superior , we will leave when I say we will leave ! 😂 I'm just kidding . Cause if someone said that to me they would know what it feels like to get hit in the head with an 8 oz saltwater fishing weight lol
If I had to describe myself, I'd say I'm a very experienced, passionate angler who has never had any interest in tournament fishing. That being said, even guys like me can learn from this video! Good stuff Hallman!
Good stuff Bradley. Couple things you may want to add if you have a follow up co angler video. Some guys have very specific way they want you to net a fish, make sure you ask. Ask if you can turn the console sonar to 2D, big help in back knowing depth, structure or any marks ( have your drop shot ready for a mark), know how to remove rear running light, don’t spend first couple hours trying to fish around light pole
Great points you make!
This is exactly what I was looking for when I started fishing as a co this year. This is great!!
Great info. I really want to try being a Co, but just haven't had the opportunity to live that dream out. I'm ready for this to be a series for sure.
Speaking of Brian New............... Crushed it!
Yes he did! Lots of what he knows he learned from years as a co angler.
Best 24 minute informative video I've ever watched. You are a class act sir.
Thank You Rodney
From a co-angler for the past 20 years. This is a great video!!👍🏻
One of the best Co-Anglers Gary Haraguchi and my dad are friends and sometimes practice for tournaments together. After a tournament on Oneida Lake Gary said his guy had 0 idea what he was doing because the whole day he set his boat in the middle of choked up grass on the very top of a shoal and Gary managed to fill his 3 fish limit and cash a check. That’s good Co-Angling.
I can't stand the concept of competitive fishing, but if I had to fish with someone, this guy would be a top choice. I watched this out of curiosity and found him to make a lot of sense. Thumbs up!
Awesome video.Used to fish co-angler in a bass club.Most guys were great but a lot acted like the co- angler was an aggravation.These guys eventually started a club where everyone fished by themselves.
Great content! As a co-angler veteran of a few Top 100’s and multiple other trails, I always found that no matter who’s boat I was in, there was always water 360 degrees around that boat. If I didn’t catch them, it was because of what I was/wasn’t doing myself. No excuses.
Absolutely you have the right idea and attitude Keith!
@@BradleyHallmanFishing
Thanks Brad. Best of luck in your next derby. You just got a new fan with this video.
Thanks for being honest, your time, experience for telling the truth.
God Bless 🙌 Timothy
Straight-up great info! I fish BFL level as boater and a co. Your tips are spot on. As a co, prepare ahead of time and be as organized as you can. Don't depend on the boater for what to fish. Boater and co, be patient and communicate. Don't get frustrated. Co's be prepared to maximize limited opportunities. It's going to be tough.
Thank you. When I was fishing as the co angler, this information would have gone a long way to have made me a better co angler. I can't wait to try now
Awesome video, signed up for the BFLs as a co this year and this video answered a bunch of my questions, thanks for the content!
I’m fishing the BASS northern opens this year and you’ve answered a lot of my questions as well as a lot of great pointers. Much appreciated. I can’t wait to check out you’re other videos. I subscribed!!! Thank you!!!
Really good video Brad. I liked how you threw in the recommended baits in situations.
Great information!👍🏻
Thanks for the honest comments. I'm very interested in co-angling and this has given me a lot to think about. It sounds like communication is the biggest thing we can do with the boater and bring an extra $50(doesn't hurt either)😎.
I love this video. I have thought about signing up as a co-angler and this is thw most informative video I have seen so far. Thanks
A lot of great advice. "Stay with your confidence baits".
Awesome episode, Brad! Definitely something people should consider and the mental portion definitely helped me! Looking forward to my first Opens as a Co this year.
Awesome 😎
As a 2nd year co angler in a local bass club this is pretty dead on as to what i learned last year! Respect goes a long way! Thanks for the awesome video! Conversation and questions are the best way to find out what your boater expects out of you as a co angler on HIS boat.
Great series and info! Thank you!!
I've fished as a "non boater" and this is a great video bud. I get most of it but this really informative. Excellent. Thanks for sharing.
This is what I needed to hear. As usual your honesty makes it even more enticing to try some co angler tourneys. Interesting information Brad. Awesome.
As CO, this is spot on information! Thank you!
Great video. Very informative. Nice to hear a boaters opinion.
Appreciate it!
Great watch fella. I agree fish your strengths and .. stay safe and speak up ..never know till you ask
This is great idea for a video series. Will help a ton of people out.
I’m halfway through this video and it’s the best advice I’ve heard for any co angler... 100%. Great video Hallman.
Thanks Cal
Excellent info even for for fun fishers to live by
The best video i have seen on co-angling. Thank you. Looking forward to more.
Appreciate your feedback more to come
This is great advice. I've fished as a co-angler for the last 5 years and wish I understood some of the things you mentioned when I started out. As far as running in the fog, I recently fished a tournament where a guy beached a boat on the rocks in the fog after takeoff. Takeoff was delayed due to fog, the fog eventually lifted where we were at but once you got out to the main lake it was so thick you couldn't see the trolling motor. The boater in this case slowed down to avoid running off course and another boat came within a rod-length of hitting him which spun him around and ended up on shore. Luckily nobody got hurt, but it could have ended up much worse.
Thank you for making this video. Last year was my first time Co-angling the BASS Open. This year I'm fishing the whole Central Division Opens. This is great information! Thanks, Mr Hallman.
My first time as a co angler was a great experience thanks to videos like these.. I do wish I saw this one though so I was prepared for that ride lol hard to find something to grab onto when you’re going 70 in rough water.
I fished a couple bfls last yr and I told my boaters if we fish together we can win together. If I got something that's working and they dont I'm more the happy to give them baits I'm sure they all dont feel that way but these 2 gentlemen were all about it
This is a great video, I've not heard much about this in any you tube vids, would great if all pros were like you, I've never co-angled in a professional tournament, but I am a co-angler in my brothers boat most of time, and I do pretty good, I've educated myself watching videos like yours & many others wanted to say a big thank you!
Staying up late and dropping videos. That work ethic 💪💪🎣
Thank you for this video! Im fishing the U.S. Open as a co-angler for the first time this year and you answered a lot of my questions!
The US Open is really a different deal because of the format makes it more like a team tournament each day. Best co angler circuit going!
This is very informative. I had a tournament director tell me one that you should never give the boater anything for fuel up front. That you should pay afterwards then you pay as to whether you got back boated all day lol.
Good stuff. Not fishing for a living out of the back of boat so have fun and fish with no stress.
Awesome video for co-anglers! Thanks Bradley!
That was Excellent. I fished with a very good Angler in Canada years ago. He started the first day racing through spots. We would be trophy muskie fishing together for seven days! My blood pressure was screaming. Then I thought: This guy knows more than me! I said to myself: “Shut Up, Sit Down and Hang On!” I asked him, “Brian, what do you recommend I throw? Was a successful trip after that. That was a good Life Lesson.
Be well.
Thank you I fished Co Angler events in the 90’s and early 2000s ... and was very hesitant of doing again until I came across this video! Thank you ... and maybe see you out on the schedule somewhere !
Good information here! Biggest piece of advice is don’t be scared to ask questions or for help learning! I’ve been a coangler for a few years and a Boater for a few years. It wasn’t my time as a boater so I’m dropping back down to the coangler status this season in the BFL division. Hope to be a coangler on the larger circuits soon before trying the Boater again!
Thanks for your feedback and good luck 🍀 this year!
One of the most informative videos on this subject I've ever seen, well done man. 👍
Excellent information. Totally enjoyed fishing Lewis Smith Lake with you as a co-angler. Was a great learning experience and all your shared knowledge was greatly appreciated and will make me a better fisherman in the future. Any co-angler who gets you is a lucky guy.
Appreciated Mike!!
My first CO experience will be next week at Toho in the Toyota Series. This video answered some questions I still had and I really appreciate the mental pep talk!
Your a good dude . I like your realness and no show. A true fisherman and not a showman . A damn good stick for sure. Wish you the best in 21 . May God bless
The info you gave me on this subject two years ago before my 1st season on the Toyota Series was perfect! I have not had a bad day on the water yet. Still keep in touch with most of my boater and have made some great friends. Keep’em coming. They will help co’s on how to act and make it better on the boater having co’s that know how to act. I’ve had some tell me some stories that blew my mind! I’m fish the Central Opens this year so hope I get to spend the day with ya!
Appreciate the feedback! That’s awesome 😎
Very helpful. thank you
This the type of content we need! Thanks Bradley!
Thanks
I know you done this 2 years ago but this is my 1st time to see you on here. 😁👍🏻You done a great job. I am the CO fisherman on my buddy's boat and fish the ABT. I told him I was going to buy me a shirt that said Net Man. Lol!!
Thank you for this. I’m considering trying this next year! So this was great info
Thank you. I'm always in the back of the boat. I kayak fish but often go with friends in their boat. In addition to my gear I also take a small cooler with water and cookies to share. I make sure I don't intrude on his space. I like you videos and I subscribed.
Thanks
Just saw this for the first time, very well spelled out. Thank you!
THANKS alot Brad, I truly appreciated this video, I WILL be ready for this 2021 season, stay blessed and stay safe.
Awesome video Brad! Probably the best detailed cool angler video I’ve ever seen. Good job brother! I don’t fish tournaments much, and normally fish by myself. Really good content. God bless!
I once drew a legend Marshal Deacons on Guntersville and was so excited. My buddies had fished with Randal Tharp in the past so they would always go talk with him and he was always with Marshal. He told me he wasn't on anything so we were just going fishing. That morning he said it would be tough on me at first because he was going to be on the riprap bank like you said. it was early February and freezing. I drug a Carolina rig out deep and just watched him and looked for how it did things. I look at it as a $150 guided trip with a chance for prizes. He really wasn't on them but I learned a ton, because he was checking a lot of spots and trying different baits. I didn't weigh in a fish that day but would not have traded my seat for another. He explained a lot of what he was doing and told me about a lot of his past tournaments there.
I never been a Co-angler but this video was so well put together and puts things in perfect perspective. Put things in your own hands and control your own destiny. If it goes bad look in the mirror first.
Amen!
fantastic information on this on BH... great work
I’m fishing my first Co Angler event this week on Rayburn so this is timely. And would definitely welcome your opinion on what Co Anglers can do to be effective, stay out of the pros way, and have a good experience. Based on your video, I think I’m approaching this the right way. Be there to learn and soak it all up. But, as you said, read the water and do your own thing. Thanks! This is a great topic.
Good luck. I agree with everything he said. One additional point of importance that he didn't really touch on is adaptability. Be prepared for anything. Just because your boater says he's going to one thing, or that he's been catching them by doing x,y,and z doesn't mean that that is how the day will pan out. Conditions can change literally overnight.
Great video as always thanks
Thanks Bradley Hallman. Nice job. I appreciate the insight! Keep up the good work