I'm getting my first boat soon anyone have any tips on how to use it most effectively and what lakes to take it onto.

The best tip I can give is find an experienced angler. One that fishes as often as possible and puts his heart and sole into it. Ask him to go and share his knowledge. This is the best way to learn on the fast track. If that cannot be done; just take your time pick small lakes at first. Go on very calm days. Make sure there is a great dock to tie the boat up to as you have unloaded. Watch the weather and pick ramps with the wind blocked. The wind is not your friend as of yet. That will come later. Be as safe as possible and carry extra clothes in the boat as well as towels.

Congrats! Post what type of boat and maybe someone can go out with you. Preferably someone with one or similar, they can then show you the ropes. I'm in Plano and would help if I can.
Good luck.

Just curious, what were you fishing Squaw Creek out of ?

I was with someone else and im not sure what boat yet i'm still looking.

Find someone you can trust and has some common sense, boating knowledge and experience. Let them give you a course in the basics of boat operations, loading and unloading, driving your boat (trim operation, safe speeds in conditions you have, etc etc). Study up on boating courtesy as well as the laws that govern boating in Texas or whatever state you plan on operating your boat. Take a boater safety course as well.

Next get out and learn your boat, there is no substitute for experience when operating a vessel.


Good Luck

Make sure to have the required boat items to start, you can find them here:

http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/vessel_requirements/

I always keep a strong flashlight, first aid kit, tool kit, and jumper cables on the boat as well.

Wear your life jacket with kill cord connected when using the big motor.

Take it slow and be safe.

I think the millenials are required to take boat safety classes, right?

As suggested above, make sure you read the tpwd requirements and have all the items.

If you haven't spent time trailering, please also consider those safety aspects. Make sure you have the right size ball, your lights/blinkers work, safety chains are connected, etc. Make yourself a checklist and get in the routine of using it every time you hook the boat up. Inevitably, you will be excited to go fishing and forget something important one day.

If the hitch doesn't come with a pin, you can put a lock on it to ensure it cannot disengage from the ball while under way.

and to answer your actual question about how to effectively use your boat...

Buy a lake map. Study the map. I would suggest some type of electronics because you'll always want to know depth. But, a map is easy to look at and you don't have to be in the boat. Think about where fish are likely to be depending on the time of year. Have an idea of the areas you want to target. Then you'll have an idea where to launch and a more efficient route.

ShinerInTx, yes a boat safety course is required. Also never hurts to idle when unsure of hazards/stumps in water! Life jacket and kill switch is a must when on the big motor. I think learning to load and unload by yourself is also a must, makes doing it with someone else a walk in the park. Also like the above have said, the best way to learn is to take someone who can show you!