A little forethought will save pain at the boat ramp

Courtesy at the boat ramp is no different than the considerations given others while going through a serving line.

Simple things like waiting your turn, being thoughtful of those ahead and behind and executing the unloading or loading process quickly will go a long way toward making everyone’s day enjoyable. For those new to boating, the following considerations will help make your next trip to the boat ramp less traumatic.

First and foremost, prepare the boat for launching in the designated staging area. Do not block the ramp. Duties such as loading ice chests, fishing tackle and equipment, removing tie-downs, detaching trailer lights, inserting the drain plug and attaching bumpers and dock lines should be completed before getting in line to launch the boat.

Once at the ramp, the time spent launching should be kept to a minimum. In the event of motor problems or issues that might cause delays, pull the boat from the water or float it to a position away from the launch site.

Among the most frustrating things to watch at a ramp is a novice attempting to back the trailer into the water for the first time. Everyone has seen the drill. The trailer moves slowly backwards until it runs off course and has to be pulled forward to begin the process all over again.

While this might seem funny to some, it’s frustrating to the driver and an aggravation to those waiting in line. Backing a trailer is no different than other new ventures. To become efficient, it takes coaching and practice. If you want to save the embarrassment and scorn of fellow boaters, practice in a field or empty parking lot before going to the ramp.

If you think launching a boat with the help of others is difficult, try launching it alone. Even the most experienced boater might like assistance on a hectic weekend day at the ramp. Be a Good Samaritan and lend a helping hand, even if it’s only to hold a dock line during the launching process.

At the end of the day, be aware that there will be a line of boats waiting for their trailers to be backed into the water. Again, it is important to be courteous and not cut ahead in the line. Once loaded on the trailer, move your rig to the staging area to the right of the ramp. It is usually in the same general area away from the ramp where the boat trash containers are located.

Tips from Capt. Gus

When backing a trailer into the water, don’t rush it or become annoyed or frustrated. When all else fails, seek help from fellow boaters at the ramp or wait until the crowd subsides to try again.

Upcoming Events

Free Safe Boating Class: How to Navigate Lake Norman Day or Night will held 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 12 at North Point Watersports, Exit 36, Mooresville. Topics for discussion will include Understanding LKN’s Channel Marker and Buoy System, Identifying and Learning How to Avoid the Ten Most Dangerous Spots, and Interpreting Lake Maps. 704-617-6812; Gus@LakeNoman.com.

Free Fishing Seminar: How to Catch Fall and Winter Catfish will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Gander Mountain, Exit 36. This session will be conducted by Lake Norman catfish guide, Mac Byrum and local fishing authority and author Jake Bussollini. 704- 658-0822.

Festival: The public is invited to the annual Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists Oyster and Shrimp Festival, 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at All Seasons Marina, 827 Langtree Road, Mooresville. Tickets are $40 for individuals and $75 per couple. www.lakenormanwildlife.org. Advanced reservations are required.

Hot Spots of the Week

Surface feeding bass can be found around islands and on points of land on both sides of the N.C. 150 Bridge. Top-water lures are producing limits of 14-inch spotted bass. Anglers casting bottom-bumping soft plastic lures around submerged brush and deep docks are claiming less fish but larger bass. Cat fishing continues to be very good for those slow drifting fresh cut bream and perch. Best bets are back coves in water less than twenty-feet deep. Larger than normal white perch are schooling along deep drops and feeding on small minnows and jigs.

Lake Norman’s lake level is about 3.2 feet below full pond and 2.5 feet below full on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the mid-80s in water not affected by power generation.