Great news! At least 93 boats now entered in Burt/Mullett!

[smbassman]

Two years ago, I gave $30 at each tournament.  Some probably could have got more based on amount of travel, I didn't use anything to figure out how much the boater should get, I just handed the money over right after I introduced myself at the pairings.  It gets it out of the way.  I would say, give as much as you can.  With gas prices $40 is not unreasonable but just offer something and please do not base it on how many fish you catch.  Also, it is very polite to pack an extra sandwich or pop/water/gatoraid for the boater just in case and offer to get a bag of ice for the morning. 

[NEOFISH]

I ask all my non-boaters for $40 for expenses.? I think it's very fair.
With gas around $3 a gallon we no longer live in the $20 world.? The type of day you have is not a factor in charging a gas fee.? The only exception I make is if my boat has a mechanical problem that ruins the day.? I feel it's my duty to have a boat ready to go just as if I were a guide.? I've been getting tough on non-boaters as far as gas fees go.? Some non-boaters think boaters are all millionares and that's just not the case.? Last year I showed my non-boater partner who complained about the $40 demand the credit card slip of $161 that it cost to fuel my boat for the long run out into lake erie.? He was then happy to pay the $40 I had asked.? I think if you educate your non-boater about the cost they understand completely

[smbassman]

I understand your desire to have the non-boater pay, but I really think I would be offended by a demand for a certain amount of money and I wouldn't want that kind of tension to start off with from either side.  Hopefully that demand only comes after it looks like you may get stiffed but either way, I hope it works alright for you.  I really think most boaters are there to fish anyways, they are fishing their own spots and having a co-angler is just a necessary thing to compete in these tournaments.  Any money offered is better than nothing, but really try to think about the amount of money involved on the boaters side and offer as much as you can.

Now in "share the boat" type tournaments where you get equal time controlling the boat or a say in where you go is when there definitely needs to be a set amount.

[NEOFISH]

I have never felt any tension with a co-angler partner.? Co-anglers are far more than just observers.? They compete in there own division.
Many with ambitions of becoming a boater.? I applaud there ambition.
They enter into the tournament knowing the rules about boat control.? I don't see this as a factor when sharing expenses.

I know some boaters view co-anglers as a necessary evil.? But I think that's a mistake.? I have learned much from my co-angler partners over the years.? Many have local knowledge and skills I don't have.?