Where is the free boat ramp? Is it a dirt launch?
This is a link to where the tackle shop is on 830. I drove by there yesterday and they were in business.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=30.40527,-95.536253&num=1&t=h&sll=30.4051,-95.53623&sspn=0.006662,0.008326&ie=UTF8&ll=30.40498,-95.53623&spn=0.006894,0.008326&z=17
It is a divided two lane concrete ramp. During recreational boater season it is nothing short of a disaster around that ramp. Terribly frustrating to watch the amateurs, with no ramp courtesy, try to launch and retrieve. Wish the TPWD would upgrade the facilities. There is plenty of room for 6-8 launch lanes and better parking and lighting. Too much to ask for some more docks and a breakwater?
In my opinion, if you have the extra $10 to spare, just pay to launch at a marina. Not worth dealing with the idiots at the public ramps.
Here is a google map link to the launch:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=30.413209,-95.571497&num=1&t=h&sll=30.311877,-95.456051&sspn=0.154182,0.256119&ie=UTF8&ll=30.412743,-95.570476&spn=0.006893,0.008326&z=17