Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

ADVERTISING

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard

Shop now »

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10A (5A/Bank) Smart Marine Battery Charger

Shop now »

RHINO USA Boat Trailer Transom Straps (2PK)

Shop now »

LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder

Shop now »

Seaview 180 V3 Full Face Snorkel Mask

Shop now »

Most popular comments
for Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

Live comments
Comments on YouTube

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Don't forget to check out the Salt Strong Insider Fishing Club: https://secure.saltstrong.com/insider-fishing-club-details

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Very impressive!

HyLight - 6 years ago

Salt Strong me and my dad I feel like hold the fastest time for get a boat on the trailer (30 seconds)

J 20 - 5 years ago

Who else was waiting to see what that Jeep Wrangler was pulling ?

DJ Allen - 5 years ago

You can even practice just backing in an empty parking lot...

Keith Hernandez - 5 years ago

You should do a shallow water boating vid

Salt Strong - 5 years ago

We have a lot of videos about shallow water boating... is there a particular area of interest that you have?

kenneth crossley - 5 years ago

You missed the number 1 mistake, twats who drive 4x4s , think they are the dogs bollocks, reverse too far into the water, the weight of the boat takes over, next thing ya know, the 4x4 thinks it is a boat as well, never get this in the UK

Ray Kenyon - 5 years ago

I've said it a million times, been boating 50 yrs.,always put the plug in the boat before you leave home because it's so busy at the prep area it's so easy to overlook the plug when you're trying to remember all the other things you've got to do.

ralph spoerl - 6 years ago

dark or dusk turn your headlights off

JAMES GATLIN - 6 years ago

The best thing to do at a boat ramp is on a,Saturday when trying to get out and load boat is to go up to dock and let driver out. Then you sit there until he gets truck. Be prepared to hear cussing and threats. But it's a grand ole time

BassBreath100 - 5 years ago

I always drop the driver off, and go float out on open water til The trailer is in water...

brian jensen - 6 years ago

great video, i am 63 years old and want to go fishing more. i have a bow mount trolling motor and a electric anchor. your solo launch is great but climbing over bow when getting back on trailer would be hard. any help please, thank you, also i have seen a 3 step rial that mounts to the trailer

BassBreath100 - 5 years ago

Get a power pole, you won't regret it.

10. comment for Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

L&S OUTDOORS - 6 years ago

Great tips thanks very helpful to me IAM a new boat owner

Tropical Polar bear - 6 years ago

Boaters I don't have a issue with for the most part it's always been jet ski's seems like there the ones who want to camp out on the ramps

Jason C - 6 years ago

I've literally just got a boat. Launched it my boat only twice. Nobody told me any of these "rules" it's just common sense. Only one I wouldn't have thought of was #5. Thanks for the vid.

Jason C - 6 years ago

Thank you. Just read my original reply and it sounded pretty rude. Didn’t mean for that at all. Just meant that I’d hope more people would use common sense and decency when dealing with others. Thanks again for the vid. I’m always looking to learn more.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Very glad to see that you were blessed with common sense and that at least one of these tips still proved to be helpful to you. Fish On!

Ray Kenyon - 6 years ago

been boating for 50 yrs. and I always tell all boaters (mostly beginners) to put your plug in at home when you're loading your boat simply because it's a ratrace at the launch with so many things to do quickly, it's easy to forget about the plug.

Matthew Boucher - 5 years ago

Craig Nelson that's not a law here in Florida. I pull the plug on the way out. I just make sure the plug is in before I hit the road. While doing research on this drain plug law, I also learned that it's illegal to drive away from the ramp with vegetation on the trailer. Again, not in Florida, but it's good to know that some states do have such laws. Thanks for the info

Craig Nelson - 5 years ago

Sorry but now with so many problems with invasive species a lot of states laws have changed. You have to pull your plug when you pull your boat out of the body of water and keep it out when transporting to hopefully let the boat dry out and kill any organisms that could be in it and not contaminate other lakes. In minnesota you can be ticketed and fined for transporting a boat with the plug still in it. Including livewells.

Matthew Boucher - 5 years ago

Just started boating last year. That is something I started doing from the beginning. Plug in before i even leave. Put everything in the boat while I'm at home. Also make sure the battery isnt dead. Bad place to figure out its dead is at the ramp.

Chris M - 6 years ago

When someone gets a new boat, especially the ones getting their first boat: Go to the boat ramp that you intend on using on a Monday or Tue when ramps are slow, practice, practice, practice backing down the ramp, launching and loading. I leave out very early in the mornings so the guys I encounter at the ramp are fishermen and usually as efficient with launching as I am. But when I come back in mid-day, oh my! I have seen too many people that had to just arrived at the lake straight from dealership with their new boat for first outing, what a disaster at the ramp.

CRJ Olmos - 6 years ago

Be patient and not rude, treat people like your family. If someone is having a hard time don’t judge them we have all been there, forgot plugs, left the ears on whatever!

topryder4ever forceariders - 5 years ago

I bought a used jetski a yr ago and tried it first time, boaters/fisherman told me i should not ski there coz they are fishing. Is there a no ski area where boats are allowed to? And yes, i forgot the plug on my jetski. Haha. Also, i bought a 19ft open bow boat a month ago, dont have the slightest idea what im about to do. Hence, im watching all these you tube vids. Good luck to me!

Nomad damoN - 6 years ago

From the other side of things, rule 1...it is a boat ramp first and foremost. not a fishing area. Sure it's fine to fish there (most places). But I've pulled up to ramps locally to see families having a fishing party mid ramp. Beach chairs, rod holders set up, 10 people with lines in the water. And you know what they do when trailered boats arrive? Stare and continue doing what they were doing. No one moves. Well for a couple mins anyway...

Reds Holsters - 6 years ago

Maybe keep the party music down till you leave the dock also. Tends to be a bit distracting.

Florida Keys Wooden Boat Fishing - 6 years ago

Great video, good tips. In my opinion, the best way to avoid boat ramp conflict is a kayak!!!!! Works great for me, check out my channel to see my boats.

Clarence Cremeans - 6 years ago

Should bring up turning headlights off while backing in or leaving the lake at night. Can’t see to back in with headlights in your face.

20. comment for Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

Bass Flats & Beyond - 6 years ago

Number 6. When a guy politely asks you if you need help backing up, he’s not insulting your manhood, just let him help you.

Richard Howe - 6 years ago

I've seen people hogging the dock because their boat won't start of just because they like to talk. I've seen kids swimming from The dock. I've seen people sitting on the dock with their feet in the water. The dock is used for tieing up your boat to go get your truck. Or to park your truck after you've unloaded your boat. Some of us have to load and unload by ourselves.

BassBreath100 - 5 years ago

I like to stand on the ramp in my speedo and drink a Zima ...

Christopher Nubel - 6 years ago

When I was a kid, my gang of friends and I would go fish near the boat ramp just to watch people screw up and get into fights. I've watched cars go in the water, I've seen boats get away from people and drift down the inlet with no one on them. I've seen boats damaged, cars damaged, fights. When you're a 12 year old kid, this is no end of entertainment. Just an extra note for the trolls, I said we fished "Near" the boat ramp, not "At" the boat ramp. Even as kids we knew better than to do that.

Kitten Slapper - 6 years ago

blocking the business lane loading/unloading, you politely ask them to pull away and get a response like, “relax pal, this is a 70k dollar boat”. It’s hard to keep cool.

Weekend Pirate - 6 years ago

That first topic is so important I’ve seen so many people stop right in-front of the ramps then take 15mins to get their boat ready. Blocking everyone from accessing the other ramps.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Yes, that seems to be the issue that causes the most problems.

Brandon Owens - 6 years ago

Also, if the ramp is divided by lanes that are painted on ramp. Stay in the lane so the entire ramp can be utilized to reduce wait time

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Good tip Brandon!

Big eye Tuna - 6 years ago

As he stands in the middle of the ramp babbling, keep the area clear, especially when filming a “ I know everything video “ for utube

Jayy Tee - 5 years ago

+Big eye Tuna
What a loud mouth arrogant Ck head you are!

Kevin HeyMan - 5 years ago

+Big eye Tuna -
I've been doing this for over FOURTY FIVE years (that's a "4" and a "5" put together, just in case your head is as thick as you make it sound), and I can tell you this - I have FAR more patience with a newbie trying several times to back into the ramp straight, or blocking the ramp for 1 or 2 minutes than I do with a smarta$$ loudmouth like you.

I'm shocked that you've lived long enough to be doing this for 30 years, with your tough-guy attitude.
Public boat ramps are stressful enough for many people... A-holes with your attitude don't help any, okay?

Richie O'Donnell - 6 years ago

Big eye Tuna If you don't need to be taught than why were you watching it? If it's not for you then close out the video. Not everyone is seasoned in backing a trailer and boat etiquette. Wouldn't you rather people that are new to it watch a video like this rather than make all the mistakes that were said in the video?

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

We completely agree with you that it would be very dumb for anyone to film a video like this while standing in the middle of the ramp blocking traffic. Although the camera angle can be deceiving, please know that we all were completely off to the side of the ramp and at no point got in the way of anyone who was there. Everyone we talked with there was very friendly and was having fun. For example, the guy at the 3:08 mark who was pulling his trailer out on the lane closest to us who was smiling for the camera and clearly having a good time. And given that he was in the lane closest to our location off to the side of the ramps, we were not blocking anyone from getting their boats in or out.
If any of the highlighted mistakes were off-base or if you have any others to add, please do not hesitate to share your impressive 30 years of experience with others who will be reading these comments.

Big eye Tuna - 6 years ago

Man Cub I don’t need to be taught boat ramp how to use a boat ramp, been doing it for 30yrs, if you are uneducated and need a video to teach you that’s fine but don’t stand in the middle of the ramp while making it, it’s completely self serving for this guy, he just wants viewers, kinda like noobs like you, come to my local ramp and stand there so you can make a video and post it on utube we are gonna have a pretty big problem

Man Cub - 6 years ago

Big eye Tuna and others with not so humorous comments, please be considerate and label that your comment as a joke so myself and others don't confuse you with a total ass whipe. Salt Strong had some very useful and well presented information. Keep up the great work.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

I can see how you thought that we were blocking the ramp, but we were off on the grass to the side of the ramp when filming this video... the jeep at the beginning behind us was launching on the closest lane, and there was plenty of room.

Sorry if this video came off as we know everything... it was merely about highlighting some issues that we see happen at ramps in hopes that some viewers learn from some of them. If any of the tips are off base, or if there are others that we missed, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Melvin Lankford - 6 years ago

Thank you. Common sense isn't common. Neither is consideration for others.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Thanks Melvin!

Frank Lee - 6 years ago

I have had two incidents with ignorant people tying up the state pier at Westport, MA, by cleaning fish. First time was three guys cleaning a day's worth of fish on a HOLIDAY while I and six other boats waited in the rocks for half an hour to land our boats (The Westort launch has plenty of rocks.). The three guys tied up one of the two docks and the other was in constant use by the holiday crowd launching. The second time at this same public launch was a charter guy with three customers. This guy tied up and cleaned fish for more than half an hour, while another boat launching at the opposite dock tied up and waited for people to arrive. The jerk in the charter boat also caused a delay on his launch by launching before his clients arrived and waiting for them while he stayed tied up at the dock - that's twice in the same day that this RI charter guy screwed other people. In both cases of cleaning fish, the jerks just threw their garbage into the water at the dock. Both times the Westport Harbor Master was called but wasn't able to get to the docks before the jerks made their mess, screwed the rest us, and left.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Sorry to hear that.

Gary Friedman - 6 years ago

Also, maybe some assistance from people at the ramp. If you see some one having trouble, offer your assistance that way the ramp lines can move quicker and keep launching accidents to a minimum.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Absolutely! It's all about courtesy, and helping those in need is a great thing to do.

steve fuhrman - 6 years ago

Amen brother !!!!!!!

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Thanks Steve!

30. comment for Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

richard cline - 6 years ago

people with kayaks always blocking the ramp

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

That is a valid issue too... kayakers should not be taking up room at boat ramps unless they have a very heavy one that is on a boat-like trailer.

Guatever Mmto - 6 years ago

What about when you are returning from your fishing trip and there are few boats wanting to get in to the ramp ?

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Great question... the priority goes to whoever has their trailer and boat ready (in that order).

Mike G - 6 years ago

Good video of Luke. Always good to remind people of proper etiquette.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Thanks Mike.

Alexander Team Billy Wynn - 6 years ago

Here in California half the launch ramp is taken by idiots with brand new 100,000$ boat’s that don’t know how to launch them or drive/fish.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

That issue is definitely not isolated to California:)

david white - 6 years ago

When fishing alone I have to back the boat in secure to be he dock then park the car and trailer and walk back to the boat, I end up jogging

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Sounds like it's a good cardio workout.

PRACERZ - 6 years ago

DAM WELL SAID !

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment.

Today's Situation - Rich Walker - 6 years ago

I wished we had the kind of room at our ramps they have there.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Yes, this ramp is a very nice one... I wish they all were that size.

David Miller - 6 years ago

My pet peeve is when the guy launching has fishing buddies going along who park their cars where the trailer parking is and then there is not enough parking for cars with trailers. Tell your fishing buddies to park their cars in car parking spots not trailer parking spots.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Very true!

derek and stefanie radtke - 6 years ago

Luke, this is an excellent video. What salt strong is doing is amazing. Maybe a follow up on this video is something along the lines of proper boating etiquette on the flats? Not tearing up the grass when coming on and leaving the flat something like that. Thanks! And you a Joe keep up the good work!

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment and offer the helpful suggestion. I have a shallow flats tip high up on the priority list to highlight the importance of keeping the motor well above the seagrass when in the shallows (trimming motor up and having everyone move up to the front of the boat to elevate the motor).

TMB Fishing - 6 years ago

Luckily I don’t worry about this I fish week days and everybody knows etiquette!

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Weekdays are certainly more relaxed at the boat ramps.

Rod Royal - 6 years ago

I try to hit the trailer with just enough speed to not have to power the boat on. If you have to, yes, tilt your motor up. Cannot tell you how important a step plate and non slip strips on your trailer can be. Launch alone and slip, you could hit your head and drown in a foot of water. For various reasons, fishing has more deaths than almost all sports per person.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Good suggestions Rod.

Chris Gonzalez - 6 years ago

I think a big one should be, know how to back up a trailer...... if you don't know how to back up a trailer, come to the ramp on a Monday were it's not packed. I've seen people somehow jack knife a trailer going into the widest slot

Ron Lee - 5 years ago

Great point. When I first started boating I took my rig to an empty parking lot and practiced a lot using the parking space lines. I got so I could back my boat and truck all the way around the lot. Practice backing in from different angles so you can have confidence at any ramp.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

That is another important topic... detailed video coming soon.

Catherine B - 6 years ago

I agree needs to be talked about its why I got rid of my little bass boat..I loved it... because I had to back up two or three times because I never done it before or it take me three times to line up but there was never a line if there was I'd go to end of line..I had men get in my face and curse me out..some even take some of my gear off my boat and throw it to the ground...there was no excuse in that.especially when I am the only one there and they can use the lane right beside me. I say I'm sorry I'm new I'm trying ..and that make me even more upset...Some called me everything but a child of God...that's why I kayak now..I don't need the ramp...and I don't need to be anywhere near these people...

tendertears2001 - 6 years ago

I hear ya. There is no excuse for someone acting like that, he should have been reported to the police, I'm sure they would have listen to you. If you left it undone, people like that will only make things worst for everyone !!!!!!! You could always try a different fishing dock if available or trying to dock when things settle down. Or better yet, hook your trailer up and practice backing in a parking lot as if you were backing into a dock and sooner or later you will get the hang of it and have more fun boating. Please don't stop enjoying the things in your life because of some A**hole.

Christopher Nubel - 6 years ago

That type of behavior is inexcusable. Where I live, nobody would do that. We have concealed carry in my state.

Fishing Mojados - 6 years ago

People get shot for less

Catherine B - 6 years ago

AFORWW lol yes I have some but I like wasp spray it shoots further and also blinds ..I guess I just was in a state of shock ..thanks

SaltwaterRook - 6 years ago

Catherine B pepper spray. Lol

Catherine B - 6 years ago

Cerus98 also when someone is 6' 2" to your 5'6" and is in your face screaming you stupid c word get the f out my way when he has another whole ramp your not dealing with a rational person and threatening you..its best to leaving quiet

Catherine B - 6 years ago

I appreciate the advice but people that act that way are just not nice you can't change them just my word against him..so I just picked up my stuff he threw and left.ya can't fix stupid as my granny use to say...I found a safer happier way to fish kayaking so its all gpod ..again thank you for your kindness

Cerus98 - 6 years ago

Catherine B - Grow thicker skin and call the authorities. Getting rid of a boat because someone did something illegal is childish.

Allyson Clark - 6 years ago

Another one for Boaters to honor is to heed the No Wake Signs/Buoys along the launch/takeout area because wakes make it dangerous when boats are launched or taken out

Christopher Nubel - 6 years ago

It's the "Aretha Franklin" rule. It's called RESPECT !! No wakes zones are there for a reason. It's either because you'll be screwing up a boat ramp, or damaging someone's dock. I'm usually out on weekdays as a general rule. The Coast Guard, the State Dept. of Natural Resources, and the local Police all have their boats out and they have very little to do. They're looking for any excuse to give you a ticket. Being respectful of no wake zones also saves you a lot of money. I can't tell you the number of people I've seen pulled over.

Catherine B - 6 years ago

Also about the No wakes. I've seen so many manatees hit its disgusting..

Catherine B - 6 years ago

Allyson Clark I agree I have been dumped out my kayak and even had my head split open on a boat dock because some boaters think its funny to turn a kayakers into a human surfboard. Once I was dumped out at high bridge by a speeding bayliner who almost hit me despite me using a air horn and whistle and a sweet fellow in a sail boat fished me and my gear out and even made me a cup of coffee..thanks Bill!

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Yes, that's a great topic to add... waves activity at boat ramps certainly can be dangerous.

Ctmrxmas - 6 years ago

No shame in knowing you need help and asking for it. Did you tell him to take his rig to an empty parking lot and practice backing up?

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Haha... I bet that there actually are plenty of people who would gladly pay to have someone else back their boat down. I literally had a guy ask me to do it for him one time while we were in a long line with a lot of traffic at the ramp. He was in the car in front of me and was so terrified to back his trailer down that he asked me (a total stanger) to hop in his jeep and back down the trailer. Funniest part was that his girlfriend was in the passenger seat and told me that the story he made up on why he couldn't do it was bogus... he was just too scared to make a mistake in front of the line of people:)

Roy Montalvan - 6 years ago

Christians ramp rule number uno stay away from the weekend warriors. Reel guys go on Monday through Friday or 3am weekends Lmao

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Yes, timing the launches on week days and early in the morning is a great way to ensure that there are no issues at the ramp when launching.

Userqwerty1234 5 - 6 years ago

I didn't realize #5 caused ramp base erosion. Saw firsthand what that does to trying to get a boat on the trailer at low tide. Thank you for mentioning that.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Yes, the prop was is surely the biggest culprit of ramp erosion (especially is still water locations). The easy fix is to simply trip up the motor knowing that it'll point farther down as the boat goes up the trailer.

Reid Y - 6 years ago

They need to tell the people at Gandy that it’s a Boat Ramp and not a public fishing pier. Lol

Timothy Berlinski - 5 years ago

Used that ramp for the first time, love it

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Haha!

Mark Gstohl - 6 years ago

Great advice! Got my first kayak and didn’t know the rules. Common sense stuff, but I wish everyone would follow your advice.

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Thanks for the kind words, Mark. Fish On!

50. comment for Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

Matthew Stoltzfus - 6 years ago

First view

Salt Strong - 6 years ago

Congrats!

About Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps

The "Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps" video is part of the boating, sailing tipps category, which contains similar videos like this one.