If you are talking about just for fishing, it all depends on where you are launching the boat. At the places I fish, I have never needed a 4X4. I have a limited slip differential and it does just fine.
If you are launching at a mud hole, you might need the 4X4

Didn’t you pretty much answer the “4x4 necessity for YOU” question simply in the wording of your question?

Known plenty of guys who didn't have 4x4 and never had issues. With that being said, I would keep a tow strap handy in case you ever need to be pulled up. We've had to use 4wd the last couple times on Amistad but that was due to really slick ramps and my boat is a fat arse.

Again, I was wondering other people's opinions and situations I may not have encountered yet.

4x4 not necessary at any ramps I have used. Go back in time 30 years and more, and think about how few 4x4 vehicles were on the road. In those days only the people that had a real need for them had them. I do not remember seeing any boat launch problems then either. I see some pretty large wake boats successfully being launched and pulled out of the lake by the soccer moms SUV at PK on a regular basis. 4x4 usually never hurts resale, you can always sell a 4x4 to a guy wanting a 2wd, but never the other way.

no. Even though I have always thought the 4x4 was needed the last truck I bought is not. And even with the lake down pulling a huge Tri-toon out on the long way up it has not been a problem.

But I have been on ramps with a little wheel slippage. Just slow down and give the tires a chance to grip.

It all depends on the condition of the ramp on the lake you are going to fish.

Caveat, if your tires are in good shape and you have sufficient tongue wright on the trailer (or ballast in the bed) you can get off all ramps in Texas. I have had situations where 4x4 would have saved my bacon.

1.) Last boat out on Welsh fishing alone one night. 2WD, had to put rocks on the trailer toolbox. Got out, but was concerned.
2.) The hill at Squaw Creek with less than perfect tires. Made it up, but had to get a running start.

These last two required a tow...

3.) Stuck in the mud at night... turn-around for missed turn during the longest rain event following a drought near Lake o the Pines
4.) Stuck in the mud at night (seeing a trend?)... gravel county road that turned to mud and I didn't realize it following a post-drought rain event. Made it within sight of the return to pavement.

Needless to say, my new truck is 4x4 and hopefully I won't have any issues after this drought!

You dont need it till you need it. I always buy 4 x 4. But I hunt alot also.

When Joe Pool first opened the ramp at Lynn Creek was hard on two wheel drive trucks.
Pretty sure they rebuilt it so it wouldn’t be so steep.

I've driven nothing but 4x4 PU trucks since 1979. Im 66 years old. I only used 4 WD once on a boat ramp to pull a Good Times Van and a pontoon boat up a steep slick ramp once. But the tires on my trucks are always semi aggressive treads. I use 4x4 on snow and ice sometimes here in North Central Texas and several times a year checking on cows after a big rain. I like a little more ground clearance than most 2 WD trucks have. My 3/4 ton 4x4 is in the shop. Im driving a 1/2 ton 2WD loaner . It is a lot nicer on the road , gets better milage , handles better and a much smoother ride.

Everything is a compromise.

4wd is not a must, but I do highly recommend a true locking diff on GM trucks the RPO code is G87. Google GM RPO if you don't know what i am talking about LOL.

Burton just mentioned it.....the hill at Squaw Creek is only time I've felt I needed 4 wheel drive. Someone in front either slows way down or stops on their way up the hill and right when you're gaining momentum. That's a real panic moment. Welsh at the end of the day can be a little tough due to angle of the ramp at waterline. Have watched many trucks spin their tires and have issues pulling out there.

No.. I bought my 1st 4WD truck two years ago after hunting, fishing, and pulling boats all over Texas since i was 16.. Have only used 4wd twice and both times was in Snow/Ice in Colorado/Kansas.

Don’t get a suburban just get another tundra they are awesome. I’ve never had 4x4 in 35 years of fishing and have never needed it once.