Fishing in the Central Valley: Tips for getting your boat quickly in and out of the water
We are entering that time of the year where there is a huge surge of inexperienced recreational boaters hitting the lakes, creating challenging scenarios at the launching and docking areas. This makes it a good time to review some of the common sense rules of boating etiquette to help expedite boat launching and loading.
At the top of the list is something a lot of people ignore on crowded days: Prepare your boat to launch before you drive down the ramp or get in the launch line.
Everyone is in a hurry at the lake, being completely prepared when you put the trailer in the water to launch your boat is appreciated by everyone waiting for you to clear out.
The quicker, the better. I have watched unprepared boaters back down to the water, get out of their vehicle, then aimlessly spend the next 10 minutes slowly loading up while a long line of people ready to go people fume.Talk about dock rage. It should be a very quick and easy thing to launch the moment you back down.
If someone is waiting on the ramp and you’re not sure if they are ready to back in, ask them. Good communication can surely speed up the process and nip issues in the bud. Bottom line- putting the craft in the water as quickly and safely as you can- then moving out of the way, opens the whole area up and keeps everyone moving. Having a plan in mind to do this makes a big difference for everyone.
Docks are another sticking point. They are primarily used for boaters coming in, and going out. Using the dock as a place to moor your boat for more than a few minutes can clog up the dance for everyone.
Hogging a dock space keeps people who are trying to dock to tend to their rigs, either getting them out of the water or in.
Some folks seem to think it’s first come but you should not leave your boat there until you are ready. Dock space is limited and it is good etiquette to help other folks get on the water as easily as they can.
If you see an issue at the dock and someone is having problems, it is a good practice to ask if they need help. If they need and accept you help, it goes a long way toward breaking up a logjam.
If you want to load up your boat to leave and the docks are busy, then drop off the trailer person at the dock and move your boat away from the crowded area. When your trailer is backed into the water, drive up on the trailer, hook up and pull the boat out to clear the launch zone.
Moving the boat away from the busy launching area once you drop off the driver is a simple game changer and doesn’t tie up a busy dock or ramp area. It sounds simple but few do it.
Finally, when loading up your boat, it’s a good practice to completely pull your boat out of the water, secure it, and then get out of the active launch area as soon as you can.
This is one of the bigger etiquette faux paus I see at the lake. Some people will barely pull their boat out of the water and park right there where it is blocking everyone else. And to top it off, they will begin cleaning the boat right there.
Thinking about what you can do ahead of time to reduce the stress for everyone trying to get on, or off the water, having a good attitude and being helpful goes a long way toward making it a better day for all of us. Remember, etiquette counts.
Be kind, patient and never give up.
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Fishing in the Central Valley: Tips for getting your boat quickly in and out of the water."