Welcome "hound",

Everybody here on TFF has something extraordinary to share & assist in many ways.

I 110% agree with '"EL" NITRO' as to know your boat limitations. Do not become a statistic! Even some of us who have been at it for years haver our bad days & errors. For instance when I went to pull the boat (14' MonArk alum flat bottom) out from the Thanksgiving 4 day trip, I failed to notioce that I had never slid the slider clamp over the main section of the tilt trailer (to prevent tilts when not needed) before I left the house for the trip. Naturally, I did not get up all the way on the trailer & tied it to hold until I could face downhill & pull it up the rest of the way. Long story made short, I eased up the ramp, heard a boom, hit the brakes, put the truck in park, and got out to investigate. Boat pointed up to the sky, motor tail on concrete ramp in water. Too much weight beyond leverage point broke the rope & without the clamp, it was in "Dump" mode. One guy came to help me try to "fix" the problem (mishap). Luckily no damage to motor, but my pride just got tossed out for sure. Will be checking clamp much more often after that, for sure. Had it happened while on the road, it could have been a major disaster. I always secure it for the road by the main rope, plus the winch rope, but you never know, as driving shifts weights & with the tilt "on", anything could occur.

Not only do you need to be aware of your boat & trailer & how they handle, as well as noted in different conditions, but know your safe max & do not exceed it.

And when you have a partner, assign certain things each & do not assume that the other did it, unless they know they "must" do it, for both of your sakes. Always be aware of weather, especially incoming. I & 3 others learned the hard way. Luckily one did not have to go to hospital for hypothermia. But I am sure we had some heads turning, as we were seated dripping wet a few hours later at Crossroads drinking coffee & hot chocolate & getting a hot meal. We survived to remember never ever cut it that close to a storm. So maybe, just maybe, your wife loves you & holds you dearer more than you can imagine. Thank her for it!

And when you fish, always be prepared for that really big one who can take you sailing over the side & once in his/her domain you are at their mercy. A Big Op can take you out of the boat in a few split seconds if not mentally & physically prepared to prevent that. Your life could depend on that split second decision, as to what can stop or prevent it.

Anyway, Good Luck!

Lynn my wife says to think you and that is the way to go and were do you fish.I think you were saing something about a cat fishing calendar that you have are you sailing that if so how much