You can tell a lot about a person by how they handle the boat ramp. Some folks show up prepared, glide in like they’ve done it since birth, and are halfway across the lake before you’ve even unhooked your straps.
Others? Well, they’re the reason we pack an extra thermos of coffee.
Launching your boat sets the tone for the whole day. Nail it, and you’re already ahead of half the crowd. Botch it, and you’ll be playing catch-up all morning with an audience.
Keep reading to learn how to get it right, every time, with some old-man wisdom and a few top-shelf tools from Angling Sports to make the job easier.
Start With a Walkaround
Give your rig a once-over before you even think about backing down the ramp. Check your straps, plugs, electronics, accessories, and any loose gear. I’ve seen more boats float away from the dock without a drain plug than I care to admit.
Pro tip: Ensure your marine electronics are powered and positioned before hitting the water. That means your Humminbird Power Cables are snug and your transducer, like the Humminbird CHIRP Transom Mount, is secure.
Have a Pre-Launch Checklist
Even seasoned anglers forget stuff. A simple checklist keeps you sharp. Battery connected? Check. Keys in the ignition? Double check. Livewell set? Trolling motor locked? Trailer lights off before you submerge? Check, check, and check again.
Marine Electronics Reminder: If you’re running something high-tech like the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with LiveScope, ensure it’s booted and synced before launching. Nothing worse than trying to troubleshoot sonar while drifting into the reeds.
Don’t Be That Guy at the Ramp
You know the one. Backing down at an angle, the trailer jackknifed, yelling at their partner while the line grows behind them. Respect the ramp and the folks waiting.
Ramp Etiquette 101:
- Prep your boat off to the side
- Don’t linger on the dock
- Offer help if someone looks stuck (especially new anglers).
- Practice your backing up before the weekend rush (nobody wants to watch you zigzag for 10 minutes).
Use the Right Gear
Want to move quickly and clean? Then you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear. That includes everything from your rod holders to the mount on your trolling motor. The right accessories keep you prepared and make launching safer and faster.
Check out these must-haves:
- Scotty 405 ORCA Rod Holder: Quick, solid, and holds like a vice when a big one hits.
- Minn Kota Quick Release Bracket (MKA-16-03): Makes launching and stowing the motor faster and easier.
- Custom Fishing Solutions Track End Caps: Finish your boat setup with pro-level polish and protection.
Map It Before You Move It
New to the lake? Don’t just trust your gut, trust your graph.
Spend less time guessing and more time fishing with high-end electronics like the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 with LiveScope Plus, which gives you real-time sonar and mapping.
Pro tip: You don’t need to be fancy, just smart. Having tools that show fish in real time is like having night vision for bass.
Pick the Right Spot on the Water
Ontario’s loaded with boat launches, from Lake Erie to the Ottawa River. Some ramps are steep. Some are slick. Some have you launching into chop. Know your ramp, and plan your approach.
Top Ontario boat ramps for anglers:
- Port Bruce on Lake Erie: Easy access and deep water fast
- Launch near Belleville on the Bay of Quinte: Legendary walleye and smallmouth
- Long Point Provincial Park: Good ramp and access to serious weed beds
- French River Access Point (off Hwy 69): A solid launch into one of Ontario’s most scenic and productive fisheries
- Lake Nipissing, Callander Bay Launch: Plenty of parking, quick access to walleye, pike, and bass territory
- Rideau Ferry (Big Rideau Lake): Smooth launch, deep water, and great structure for early-season bass
- Rice Lake, Bewdley Launch: Gets busy, but it’s a bass hotspot for a reason. Be early, and be ready
Pack the Right Tackle for the Launch
Got a little waiting to do? Make use of it. Once you’re floating, be ready to cast.
- CrushCity soft plastics are killer around launch areas, especially where there’s cover
- Trolling spoons and trolling reels should be rigged and ready in case you’re launching into deeper water
- Don’t forget your Simms Wading Boots if the dock’s crowded and you need to get wet. They grip like a bear paw and are built to last
The Quiet Art of Reading the Ramp Crowd
If you fish long enough, you start reading the ramps like the weather. You know who’s got it together, and who’s about to clog things up for 20 minutes. You don’t say much, you just wait, maybe offer a line or two of help if they look like they’ll take it.
That’s part of the rhythm. Don’t rush, honk, or huff. You were once there, too. Just prep your gear, tie off your CrushCity soft plastics, get your electronics humming, and slide in when it’s your turn.
The ones who know? They’ll see you, nod, and know you’re one of the good ones.
Launch Like a Pro, Fish Like a Legend
Once you’re on the water, you’ve already done half the work. Your gear’s ready and your mind’s on the fish. But before you hit full throttle:
- Run your sonar to check depth, bait balls, and fish arches
- Check your mapping for structure, contours, and safe lanes
- Make a plan based on wind, water temperature, and seasonal patterns
- Test your trolling motor and make sure the Minn Kota bracket is locked down
- Zoom in on your LiveScope or CHIRP transducer readings and mark promising targets
- Get your rods rigged: topwater, crankbait, finesse, and a backup ready to go
- Double-check your drag on trolling reels and spinning setups
- Tie on a fresh CrushCity bait or swap out dull hooks
- Secure all loose gear before making your first run
- Put on your Simms boots or deck shoes — slipping ain’t part of the plan
Pre-Season Prep: Don’t Wait for Trouble to Find You
Here’s something the young bucks don’t always get — problems love unprepared boats. Before the season even starts, take a full weekend to walk through your whole rig. Inspect your batteries, trailer tires, transducer cables, mounts, and other components.
Make sure your marine electronics are wired right. A frayed power cable in May becomes a day-ruiner in July. I always keep an extra Humminbird Power Cable in the boat.
Don’t forget your mounts and brackets. If your Minn Kota Quick Release Bracket feels loose, tighten it or replace it. The ramp’s no place to play mechanic.
Troubleshooting at the Ramp: Old Tricks for New Problems
Things go sideways. They always do. The trick is to stay calm and work your way through it. Your motor won’t start? Check the kill switch. No sonar reading? Check the transducer for weeds or a kicked-up mount.
Pro tip: Bring a basic electronics toolkit in the boat, including zip ties, marine fuses, electrical tape, and a spare fuse for your Garmin or Humminbird. It ain’t fancy, but it’ll get you through most on-the-water emergencies.
And if your rod holder’s not staying put? Grab a Scotty 405 ORCA and mount it right. When the hit comes, you want confidence, not chaos.
Why a Good Launch Partner Beats Going Solo
A seasoned partner can make a boat launch resemble a NASCAR pit stop. One of you backs in, the other handles lines, electronics, and engine startup. Done in two minutes flat.
If you’re training someone new, teach them the checklist. Let ‘em make mistakes, but in quiet water, not Saturday morning at a busy Ontario ramp.
And if you’re solo? Practice. Find an empty launch on a Tuesday evening and do dry runs. The smoother you are alone, the easier it is when eyes are on you.
After the Launch: Clean-Up, Cool-Down, and Boat Care
You caught fish. You didn’t back into anyone. Good day. But don’t wrap it up before you:
- Flush the motor if you hit brackish water
- Rinse your electronics, especially the transducer
- Dry your reels, even your trolling ones
- Pack your rods back into holders
- Disconnect your LiveScope Plus if you’re using one
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Cover everything up tight. I’ve seen too many good graphs fade out from sun exposure and rain splash. Having a Humming Unit Cover is a must for all anglers.
Pro tip: Use a little marine protectant on mounts, screens, and grips. Keep ‘em clean and running smooth.
Keep Learning and Stay Humble
No matter how many seasons you’ve logged, there’s always something new to pick up.
Electronics evolve. Lakes change. Fish behave differently. The best anglers never stop learning, asking questions, or tweaking their setup.
Sign up for the Angling Sports newsletter to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll get fishing tips, product drops, and stories from anglers who’ve learned their lessons the hard way, so you don’t have to.
