AndAlusiA MArine’s BoAt rAMp etiquette

By Capt. Josh Anderson

1. Have a pL an! - Before you get to the ramp; discuss who has what responsibility once you reach the ramp. Splitting the pre launch chores amongst the capable crew members will speed up your launch process and help ensure nothing is forgotten.

2. pre Load tHe boat! - It always amazes me that lots of folks wait until they are in line to launch their boat before they load the days worth of supplies into the boat. Make use of those storage hatches and put as much of the needed supplies and equipment in the boat as possible BEFORE leaving home.

3. Move! - Probably the most important piece of advice you can be given when it comes to retrieving a boat is......Move!! Once the boat is loaded onto the trailer; immediately pull forward and clear the ramp and the immediate area needed by people who are launching their boat. This is one thing that causes more temper flare ups than anything else at boat ramps. Be aware of other people trying to use the ramp and help expedite their process by getting out of the way.

4. pr actice! - As silly as it may sound; there is no harm in practicing your launch and retrieval skills. Whether at a quiet, out of the way, boat ramp or just at home in the driveway, practicing pre launch and post retrieval actions and sequences can make all the difference in the world!

Launching and retrieving a boat off of and onto a trailer can be a stressful, and at times-even dangerous, task. Like everything else in life, practicing will improve your skills and help you remain stress free at even the busiest boat ramps. Nothing ruins a day of fun like a rough time at the beginning or end of the trip when it comes time to "put in" or "take out". Do everyone (yourself included) a favor and be courteous and prepared at your local boat ramp this season!

Let’s grow with Florida together.

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.

20 Sacks Weighed Heavier than 30 Pounds at One Tourney

Catch a 30-pound ve- sh sack of bass, and you’re pretty much a lock to win whatever tournament you’re shing, right?

Imagine that glorious moment when you’ve been culling 5-pounders and pull into the docks to unload your livewell. With a grin on your face, you haul that huge bag of sh up to the scales…only to nd out your 30-pound sack barely put you in the top 20! at was the reality at a May 6 Roland Martin Marine Center Bass Series event on Lake Okeechobee. e shing was so good that anglers weighed 20 ve-bass limits that were heavier than 30 pounds. It took 36.82 pounds to win. We’re not sure who keeps track of such things, but that’s more 30-pound sacks in one tournament than we’ve ever heard of.

A father-son team of Preston and 11-year-old Tavyn Heisler won the 177-team tournament and a $6,500 big check.

“It was an amazing day,” Preston told a RMMCBS reporter a er the tournament. “I’m still shaking and I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Tavyn said he was the net man early in the tournament, but he caught his own 8-pounder late in the day. His favorite lure was a black and blue charterbait.

To read a full report on the event, visit: rolandmartinmarinecenterseries.com.