I guarantee that the fellow that just bought a new $30,000 boat won't be worried about you catching fish after you just pulled a hook out of his boat seat and left a tear. While I'm on this subject, leave the dipping die at home. If you spill a bottle of chartreuse on the back deck, you might just go for a swim. Likewise for you smokers, please ask before you light up. Many boaters would prefer not having ashes or burns in their carpet.

Tackle: Consider investing in a small, soft sided tackle bag. Use this bag as your tournament bag. It should hold about six plastic boxes for tackle. You should have a good idea before you head out what you will use and what you won't. It doesn't make much sense dragging around a collection of crankbaits and spinnerbaits that you haven't used in three years. Use one box for worms in several colors and sizes that are your confidence baits. Do the same with crankbaits, topwater, ripbaits, spinnerbaits and such. Have one box with hooks, darter heads, brass & glass, lead, etc. Take what you need but leave the kitchen sink at home.

I always carry one box with my first aid / tool kit. In this box I have a small adjustable wrench, a set of precision screwdrivers. A large flat blade and Phillips screwdriver, a set of side cutters, a retractable razor knife, reel lube, super glue, needle for releasing air from fish, band aids, aspirin, chewable heartburn tablets, sunscreen, lip balm and a couple other items. This box can be a lifesaver for both you and your partner. Try to find downsized items for this box and keep it light.

You should also carry several other related items such as a bottle of live well chemicals, (don't expect your partner to supply it) a small digital scale, a set of culling rings and a small bottle of scent. Another good thing to carry is a spare spool of line. Try to pick one that is somewhere in the middle of all the sizes you have rigged your reels with. It may be heavy for some or light for others but it could keep you going and finish the day.

Clothing: Dress for the conditions, but always err on the side of caution. You should wear layered clothing and be ready for change. Bring a rain suit if there is any chance of rain. If you aren't used to riding in a bass boat, talk with someone who is and make sure you have adequate clothing for the ride first thing in the morning. Try to imagine sitting on the hood of your car at dawn and having your wife drive you to work. If you have dressed for that, you will survive the run from blast off to your first spot. Have sunglasses and a hat and make sure that they are secure when you are running. Always have your own life jacket that fits properly. I carry a wad of tissue paper or paper towels in the pockets for whatever needs may come up during the day. It's a good idea to write your name and phone number in the jacket with a laundry marker. If you forget and leave it in someone's boat or tow vehicle, you will probably get it back.

Other Essentials: Talk with your new partner about things like food and water and where you will store it. Most boats have built in coolers and they will have plenty of room for your provisions too. If not, you will need to bring a small cooler. Again bring what you need but try not to make it lunch for a family of four. Bottles of water that have been frozen are great during the summer months. They can keep your food cool, you can drink the water as they melt, and during the hot summer months you can toss one in the live well to keep the temperature of the water down.

Also talk about how things should go during the day prior to starting. When you're running, does the boater want you to point at something floating in the water or in the direction he needs to go to take evasive action? Does your partner want you to net his fish or does he prefer to swing them? Discuss where and how the two of you will fish, especially if you have pre-fished and have a good bite going. One other thing you need to do during the day is be ready when the boater wants to move. Nothing is as frustrating, for a boater, as telling your partner to "roll it up and get ready to move" and then have to wait five minutes with the motor running while he gets ready.

Try to watch where the guy in the front is casting and hit the spots or holes that he missed. When you're working crankbaits or spinnerbaits, leapfrog your casts so that one of you has their lure half way back to the boat as the other angler casts. Nobody likes dodging a crankbait or being hit in the head with a 1/2 ounce jig, so take your time and be careful with your casts. If the boater is culling his fish or retying and asks you to run the front of the boat, for a few minutes, use caution. Don't step on his rods, reels or tackle. Make control of the boat your first priority over your casting.

Be sure that you understand what your responsibilities are for sharing expenses. If the tournament format requires you to split expenses, then you should take into account fuel for the tow vehicle, launch fees, and fuel and oil for the day at a minimum. It's not your place to make this month's boat payment, but you should pay your share. If your boater asks for a fee that is obviously not enough then give him what you feel is fair. Last, but not least be respectful of the fishing locations that the boater shows you. If you would like to fish it again later, ask. You'll have to respect their wishes if you're told no. If they say okay, use good judgment; don't spread the location to all of your friends. If you're fishing the first day of a two-day tournament . . . don't even think about it.