04-03-2011, 05:08 PM
We fished Friday, and I have never seen so many inconsiderate people in my life. The ramp was a lesson in how NOT to launch and recover a boat. People pulling down in the launch area then BEGINNING to get their boat ready. Launching and tying their boat to the launch dock (or having their kid hold it) while they park their truck, blocking the ramp for 15 minutes. There are slips on the back side of the launch dock for a reason... It was insane. We had people trolling around my friends and my boat and when they saw my wife catching fish, anchoring up close enough that I had to pull rods in so they didn't get broken. I guess it was the first great weather day combined with spring break that brought out the crazies. We did find fish that were cooperative, away from the crowds and that made the day. Ended up keeping enough to feed the family and my friend (about 35). I did see a lot of my friends out enjoying the sun as well, and witnessed some folks doing the right thing as well. I thanked 3 guys that I saw pull their boat out and drove 1/4 mile up the hill to stow gear and make things road ready. Nice example guys!
Yesterday was a different story. My other buddy wanted to chase sturgeon. We launched 3 boats (mine, his and his buddies big jet boat) We went to the bait hole and caught a couple perch for bait. RThen the wind hit. We raced back to the ramp but lost the race, and ended up running the last 4 mile in 4 to 5 foot whitecaps. My 22' sled was taking on water even though I was running downwind. I saw several bass tourney guys trying to beat against the wind, but they ended up turning around and hiding in the islands upriver from Loveridge Bridge. I saw one bass boat nose up on a wave then crash down and take a wave over the front deck. I thought they sunk for a minute. I would have gone to aid them but I was in no kidding eminent danger, and there was a big river jet boat following me that had a hard top and was built for those kind of conditions. It turns out they didn't sink anyway. With as many boats that were out Saturday, I hope everyone made it back safe to the dock. That storm hit fast and hard. No fish is worth losing your boat/life...
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Yesterday was a different story. My other buddy wanted to chase sturgeon. We launched 3 boats (mine, his and his buddies big jet boat) We went to the bait hole and caught a couple perch for bait. RThen the wind hit. We raced back to the ramp but lost the race, and ended up running the last 4 mile in 4 to 5 foot whitecaps. My 22' sled was taking on water even though I was running downwind. I saw several bass tourney guys trying to beat against the wind, but they ended up turning around and hiding in the islands upriver from Loveridge Bridge. I saw one bass boat nose up on a wave then crash down and take a wave over the front deck. I thought they sunk for a minute. I would have gone to aid them but I was in no kidding eminent danger, and there was a big river jet boat following me that had a hard top and was built for those kind of conditions. It turns out they didn't sink anyway. With as many boats that were out Saturday, I hope everyone made it back safe to the dock. That storm hit fast and hard. No fish is worth losing your boat/life...
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