Offshore Team Tips

In advance, contact each other to discuss the following:

Time and location to meet prior to launch. Don’t be late!-Share cost of gas, etc.
Determine PFD/Life vest needs.
How much gear/tackle each person can bring. There is limited room on the boat. (not a bad idea to make sure someone is bringing cold waters to drink).
Determine if anyone is bringing ice to keep fish cool.
Discuss boat operation (trolling motor, electronics, launching, trailer).
If distance and hotel are involved, discuss lodging, transportation costs.
Determine if Captain needs help get the boat ready before and after the day is over.
Guests should always offer to help wipe down the boat afterwards.

While on the boat/water:

Keep gear organized and stowed when not in use as often as possible.
Don't be careless with lure dyes, drinks, food, stepping in the boat with muddy feet, banging crankbaits off the motor or boat and a reckless style hook set that is hard to control.
Manage trash throughout the day and pick up your trash at the end of the day.
Make sure you are capable of handling a net, nothing will make a partner more upset than having a co-angler knock a few fish off at the boat.
When it's time to move make sure you have your rods strapped down and your life jacket/PFD on before the boater is ready to fire up the motor.
Do your best not to cast on top of or over your boater. Accidents will happen and the wind has a way of picking up in the middle of a cast and taking your cast a little wide right, but just don't cut him off so you can hit a target before he does, unless he tells you to.
If catching fish on a certain bait and the partner doesn't have one; offer to loan them one if you have enough. You are a team.
-Try not to front end them with the trolling motor. If the wind is out of a direction that just doesn't allow a position for a good angle then offer them a spot on the front deck.
When you get to a spot where it isn't obvious what we are fishing make sure and fill them in on what it is that you are fishing (for instance if it's a ledge or brush pile, make sure they know that so they can fish accordingly rather than just letting them unknowingly cast out in the middle of nowhere).
Ask for advice or assistance if needed (line snag) and try to keep unnecessary noise to a minimum.

Captains are the final word on safety, navigation, and pretty much everything. Please respect your captain and their decisions.