BigBendFishing.Net

Ok solo launching is the lion's share of how i have to do it. Most places with a walkway or sand ramp its no issue. I have a 25 foot rope that I tie to the boat and has an over-sixed d ring clip that I hook to a cargo hook on the truck. Boat floats off, unhook the line and tie her off to the dock. Back down and out of the way in a hurry. I hate blocking the ramp, goes back to the bass boat days and multiple boats waiting on your to get out of the way I guess.

I have only launched with a partner at the lighthouse. They back me down and I pick em up at the dock. Any solo lauchers here have any tips on how to launch and get out of the way at the lighthouse ramp?

I have seen most just beach it right next to ramp on bank, only smaller boats though. I have a 16ft CC. I'm not sure about bigger boats, that is still the only ramp I have yet to launch solo as well. If it wasn't busy, I would just dock it and run back around to ramp.

Topheavy is right. You only have two choices. You can use a long rope and pull your boat over to the side of the ramp, or you can climb in when you launch, drive over to the dock, then walk back to get your truck. Most of the time other folks launching will offer a hand if they see you by your self.

The ground on each side of the ramp has some gravel, rocks and shell in it, so if your hull is in pristine condition, you may not want to ground it there. Also, at Winter time low tides, most folks can not make it out of that ramp.

- Steve Stinson

I'm usually the first one there when I solo launch. I show up about 30 mins before sunrise. I hate being rushed ESPECIALLY when it comes to loading/unloading the boat. It's easy to make mistakes when 5 people are impatiently waiting on you. My advice...show up early.

How does that saying go? THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!

i do mine the same as topheavy too i launch mine all the time by myself and generally can get it unloaded and loaded faster than most with help just from doing it so many times.i do it the way you said at the aucilla ramp cause you don't have much choice there with the crappy ramp.

I launch and walk. I didn't design it, I just do the best I can with what I have to work with.

I HAVE BEEN LAUNCHING FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE POOL FOR YEARS. HAVE NO PROBLEM LAUNCHING , IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO LOAD IT BACK UP, I HAVE FOUND THAT IF THERE IS ANYONE AROUND THEY HAVE ALWAYS HELPED, MIGHT BE CAUSE THE OLD MAN IS SO OLD AND DECREPED , THEY WOULD RATHER HELP ME LOAD MY BOAT THAN TO TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL. HA HA HA
PA
SEMPER FI

2nd mouse gets the cheese

been twice by myself since my post. Found on higher tide to use the left ramp and my launching rope and pull it to the side. Lower tide back it off walk around from the dock and park the truck. Thanks for others advice and being first at the gate or the landing makes it easier. Tincan taught me the meaning of being early at the ramp, just wish the gate opened earlier. Exbass boat guys like being on the water going 70 before you can see.

I hate it has come to this in this world, but I don't ask and don't pull out vehicles for others cause of liability, unless I know them. I'll hold a rope for someone at the dock but that's about it anymore.

Ah, to heck with the lawyers fireant. lend folks a hand and accept it. We have helped many a lone launcher over the years, duck hunting and fishing. Some will accept and some say no thanks. It is really fun when you are helping someone with 6-7 boats in line and the boats are frozen to the trailers. Everyone pitches in then or we all miss first shooting light! Someone smarter than me had the idea to pull the boats up next to the exhausts of other trucks to thaw out the running boards. Worked well too.

My favorite declined offer of assistance was at a tally area ramp. We pulled up (running late) but with time to make it to our spot duck hunting before daylight. As we pull up it takes us a minute to realize what is happening, but there is an SUV with trailer still attached sitting mid window deep in the water at the ramp! We bail out and are thinking Oh ****. We are trying to offer the guy assistance and he very calmly says "Don't worry about it, I called AAA and they are sending a tow truck, just launch next to me and go hunting-I don't want to ruin ya'lls day too". We pushed off his truck roof to launch our boat. He was as cool as the other side of the pillow. I would have been ****ing kittens at that point. Oh yeah, we limited in fairly short order with me killing a triple (3 ducks, 3 shots!) out of one flock. Memorable day.

I hear you one fish, but after being seriously threatened three times (not physically) for offering assistance last summer at Punta Rassa and Centennial Park in Sarasota, I am done offering.