I recently fished from the back of the boat, caught fish, relaxed and had a totally enjoyable time.

No, my partner did not run the boat the same way I would have. I had to adjust to his style of moving the boat. Fortunately we had fished together before and we both knew what to expect.

When we started out, we discussed our 'game plan' in the truck on the way to the lake. We agreed to fish spots and patterns each of us had hoped to fish. In the process we were able to find fish during practice and that let us put together a plan on tournament day.

Of course it never fails, if you find fish in practice everything will change on tournament day, and it did. However we stuck with what had worked in practice and were able to have a respectable finish.

When fishing from the back you have to adjust to the speed, pace and style of the person operating the boat. Most boaters are easy to fish with and want the back seater to catch fish. Often the challenge is the adjustment that makes the trip either a great one or a disappointment.

We were fishing mostly open water with standing timber. That was a great benefit to me because it gave me plenty of water to fish. I also knew the area better and was able to hit drops, ledges, and humps, as they were available. I was always conscious of were I thought he was going and made it a point to stay out of his way if I cast behind him. I chose baits that would be compatible with the way he was moving the boat. I changed baits and styles as we changed from open structure to shoreline.

I found the weekend to be enjoyable and relaxing. Especially on the ride home, I could totally relax and not worry about fighting the traffic for a change. No, I did not go to sleep. That would have been unforgivable in my opinion.

Next time you end up in the back of the boat make the best of it, relax, let it happen and you and your partner will both have a great trip.

Keep your line wet.

Fred