Respect the fishing space of other boat fishermen, bank fishermen, kayak or tube fishermen. As a bank fishing person I am amazed how many boats will go right through our fishing lines. Sometimes they hug the bank so close they even cut them with their prop.

You know I have noticed a lot of anglers new to boating are interested in doing things the right way. Most rec boaters just go to the lake without any idea. "we'll figure it out when we get there". I sat and watched 2 of them the other day sit on the ramp dead in front of me in my truck with boat in tow waiting on them to move. They looked right at me and continued to shoot the bull. Man, that burns me up.

I would be happy to donate a lure and 50 feet of line wrapped around a prop shaft to anyone who got close enough.

Remember to cut your lights and just use parking lights when loading/launching in the dark. This keeps from "blinding" those coming down the ramp beside you.

Good luck!

Check out boatus.com They have online boater safety courses. Complete it, show proof to your insurance company and get a discount.

Try practicing backing up and unstrap procedures before you hit the water. That will gain you respect at the ramp.

Don't you unstrap before you hit the ramp? I know I used to in my jon, not sure how thats gonna work with the bigger boat.

Lauching is decided by how busy the ramp is. Once I get in the launch line (if there is one) I unhook the bow strap, take off the tiedowns, take off the transom saver, and put the plug in. It only take a few minutes and will even back down the ramp before doing so if the ramp isn't busy. Everything else is loaded (tackle, drinks, etc.) before I get to the ramp.

ALWAYS turn your lights off. Never turn the motor over before it has a water source. It's bad for the impeller. A lot of people "dry start" their motors before launching to make sure the motor will fire but it's a bad idea.

Always keep your distance when fishing. 50 yards is the general tournament rule and is a good rule of thumb but err to the high side. Always slow to "no wake" speed (5mph) when passing a stationary boat of any type. Sailboats, regardless of size, always have the right of way unless they are under motorized power. Anything smaller than your boat has the right of way too.

That's some basic info. Hope it helps. A boater's education course is always a good idea and readily available as mentioned.

I plan to do the course but you guys have inside info on what to expect. I used to have a 12 foot jon with trolling motor only. 30 seconds to launch, 1 minute to beach it, the moving the truck. i sure hope this ones easy to launch alone, though with an open back seat, and friends in the bank and rough fish sections, I doubt I'll ever be alone.

Learn at a stock Tank- No need to go to the Lake yet.

If you launch alone get a dog lead at a pet store or Home Depot/Lowe's. Clip one end on the bow hook and the other on the tow vehicle. Wear water shoes and you'll be in the game.

I launch alone all the time and beat pleasure boaters and PWCs every time.

Take the transom ties off, let some slack in the winch line, unhook the bow after starting the engine.

Launching solo: winter time, I climb in & out the back of the explorer. Summer, just wear shorts & sandals and wade. Careful the ramps are slick sometimes.

Don't let anybody rush ya, that's how mistakes get made - just don't mess around.

Your good attitude and desire to "do it right" will get you a long long way. Take whatever courses you can sign up for and remember the hints you get here. You'll never be the topic of a P.O'd Tff'er or anyone else.

RRaider i will take you up on that offer some day but i will be working 7 days a week to pay for it so ill get with ya some time thank you and GO TEXAS TECH

fsufan I fish Meredith 2 or 3 times a week. If you ever need any help feel free to contact me. I am not a guide or an expert by any means I just love to fish and I will help out anybody if asked. See you out there Wesley

you fish 2 or 3 times a week if id met you sooner i would'nt have had to buy a boat lol thank you sir i sure will let you know.