Launching a boat.

[ROBZILLA]

Steps

1
Step One

Find a ramp in a traffic-free area. You'll launch the boat from there.

2
Step Two

Tilt the boat engine to give you enough clearance to get down the ramp. If the ramp is steep, keep the bow rope attached until the boat is close to the water.

3
Step Three

Make sure you have good visibility before launching, and check again that the area is free of traffic.

4
Step Four

Slowly back the boat down the ramp. Have someone stand nearby to tell you immediately if another boat or person gets in the way.

5
Step Five

Continue to back the boat down the ramp until the stern begins to float. Have your assistant push the boat off the trailer. Remove the bow rope if it is still attached.

6
Step Six

When the whole boat is afloat, move your car to the parking area and move the boat to a docking area or safe stretch of shoreline. If you’re doing this alone, secure your boat with a line before you move your car; otherwise, have a friend stay with the boat.

7
Step Seven

Get your equipment and anyone else who’s accompanying you on board.


Tips & Warnings

• <LI class=lstTip>Practice backing your boat and trailer in and out of your driveway—this will give you a feel for how sharply you need to turn the wheel and how the trailer will respond.
• Make sure your safety equipment, including life jackets, is on board before you head out.
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Using Your Boat to Align With Structures

Steps

1
Step One

Position your boat directly over structures that are deep and fully submerged, and then fish vertically.

2
Step Two

Position the boat so you can slice-cast toward the bank if it’s flat, or at an angle of up to 45 degrees.

3
Step Three

Position the boat for parallel fishing off structures that are steep or vertical.

4
Step Four

In heavy currents, use both the front and rear anchors to hold the boat in the area you want to fish. Cast your line upstream and let the bait and lures flow with the current.


Tips & Warnings

• Bass tend to congregate in or near underwater structures such as depressions, sandbars and ledges. These fish are predators, so you often find them waiting for their prey.