I have been using the rope to the trailer idea for years it is brilliant especially for flat ramps that require you to back your tow vehicle back until the tires are in the water. then you can pull up and get to the rope without walking in the water. I am glad someone else is doing this.
Roland your contributions to fishing are countless, I knew you designed baits but the minn kota props and all the other things I didn't. Thanks buddy and keep the lines tight
Great stuff Mr. Martin. I wish I watched this before I launched a boat for the first time many moons ago. EVERY boater needs to watch this just so you know and don't miss a thing.
Hey Roiland , I am from Sydney Australia mate and a mad keen fisherman , I want to say , I really love your videos man and my 2 kids do also. Love the way you explain things in so much detail that is easy to understand , your a great teacher of the craft , your stories are awesome too. Keep the "how to video's coming" allot of the techniques you teach work well here in Australia as well.. Your a legend and inspiration to all fisho's out there.. all the best Niko
Roland. Your channel is the best. Thanks for taking the time to actually teach us instead of the usual youtube yahoo's out there. You're a legend of the sport and a true talent.
I don’t get how anyone disliked this video. It’s just a video on how to get you’re boat in the water. From a legend at that. Blows my mind. And it’s family friendly.
Roland I have watched you and Jimmy Houston my entire life. The majority basis of my fishing knowledge is from learning from you and Jimmy. Keep sharing that knowledge. You're making the making the fishing world a better place with it.
Just got my first boat today. A 1993 bass tracker pro 16. My grandpa had the same boat growing up. I'm beyond excited to give it a go and this video was super useful. Thanks for the information Roland.
Thank you Roland, my fishing journey has just begun. I'm retired from the Navy due to an injury I experienced during my Afghanistan tour however I purchased a Tracker boat from BPS. Yesterday was the first day she was in the water as we broke the engine in. I'm up in Clay County just south of Jacksonville so maybe I'll have the opportunity to meet you. Be safe my friend
Roland, Great tips for newbies. I have been launching boats exactly like you have shown for over forty years. Like it has already been commented on, I think you missed checking to make sure the drain plug is in. By the time someone parked their vehicle and trailer, a considerable amount of water could be in their boat, especially if they haven't checked their bilge pump, if so equipped, and it doesn't work. This is the second item I would recommend checking (bilge pump). Also, if there is a possibility I may be on the water after dark, if the fish are biting good, the possibility of motor problems, etc. comes the third item, which is the navigation lights. I also have stowed away, a modest array of tools (common wrenches, screw driver and pliers). Another item already mentioned is a sounding device. I would also recommend, which you probably already have in your boat, is a good flash light (I personally have a flash light and a spot light). Just food for thought. I enjoy your videos.
Great Vid of how to launch on your own... A great follow up to this one would be how to load your boat back on the trailer, on your own... Thanks Roland Martin!
I’m glad you mentioned about ramp courtesy. It’s unbelievable the lack of consideration for others some people have at the launch. I do my best to have the boat ready and take no more than 5 minutes to launch and maybe 10 to trailer. I use a slightly longer rope and tie it to my truck rack. Also I’ve found if it’s tied to one of the boat cleats it makes it easier to pull sideways towards the dock. Another great video, thanks! As a follow up could you show how to trailer the boat by yourself too. I’ve found that to be a bit more challenging than launching. Thanks!
Great video Roland. Good information to know and practice. I've seen more people end up in trouble because they just don't have a checklist of what's important
Thanks Roland My first boat I did the same thing for cold weather. It works especially if there are no courtesy docks. When Loading, walk the Plank step over tail gate. Slide over side the truck Exit launch. Strap her down. Then hey guys!! Oh you should have saw the one that got off☺
Mr.martin I'm 66 years old..I've been watching you fish for a long time and I think you are the strongest man in the world..I know u older than me and you are stronger than me. You a heck of a man...thank u sir
I'm really glad you did this series, Roland. I love to fish but have never owned a boat and don't have the first idea of how to take care of one. Launching by myself at retirement age is one the the things that has been keeping me just a lookie lou. This was so helpful to alleviate my fears of purchasing a boat.
Go for it. It will open up an entire new world of fun for you. Just make sure that the rope can't get tangled on anything first. And, as someone above said, always make sure the drain plug is in. I think we've all left it out at some point. :) Enjoy your retirement. I've got about 10 more years to go.
Dont' forget the drain plug! As well as, before submerging your trailer, it is always a good idea to disconnect your power source (lights) from your vehicle. In case of cracks or leaks in your lighting system, there will be no issues if the power is disconnected. Having a checklist is a great idea, and no matter how many times you have done this over decades... good video. cheers.
Thank You, for the videos! Safety First, well No.. Coffee First, Safety is more like a top five priority of most my fishing mornings. Knowledge is Power.
Don't forget the drain plug and make sure it is tight. Thanks for the walk around. I going to make a checklist so I want forget something. Getting old and always excited about launching my boat.
yes drain plug AND A SPARE PLUG, a can of fog horn, and for extreme safety, a flare gun, in case you have a electrical breakdown and no lights at night....last year in Austin a guy died and his buddy lost a leg, because a larger boat with the nose up , never saw them....now I keep a flare gun. Thanks for safety tips and all your other great videos.
Thank you Mr. Martin for taking the time to film this very poignant video! I found it highly informative! I hope you caught some toads! Tight lines my friend!
Mr Martin, I watched you as a young man back in the late 1980's. On TNN in CANADA. You and Bill Dance always had my attention when it came to catching Bass...
I had a guy pass me going fishing, when I got to the ramp he had everyone waiting. He didn't have his plug in, his boat was off the trailer sinking. He ran around asking people if anyone had one, no luck.I decided to go some where else to fish. Your way is how my Dad did it for years.
Thank you for the tips. I have my first boat with a trailer, a 19ft. center console. After getting a quote for $1500 to keep it at the marina I'm going to try launching it off the trailer instead. We have a place 1 mile from our house I can put it in.
All comments were mostly good. Yes, don't run engine out of water. I know a fellow who for 10 years tested his motor out of the water and has had the same impeller for 10 years. Go figure! Yes, unplug the trailer lights before backing in. Most everyone I know just backs in and somehow never blow a fuse or bulb. Go figure! Yes, always check drain plug. Yes, I have forgotten too and thank God for a bilge pump. Oh, and I've let the boat get away, dammit. So, everyone thanks for reminding me of what not to forget. Let's hope I'll remember when I have to. And Roland, thanks for the video and "Thanks for the Memories" and keep up the good work and fish on!
You may want to include a good hand held radio (VHF marine ) with weather scanner and capability to reach out and get assistance if your cell phone coverage doesn't work. Also, don't forget a good first aid kit. For the boat make sure you check (not only the battery and fuel) oil levels.
You should always back the engine into the warter deep enough to start it to test. Never turn an outboard on without a way for the impeller to get warter.
Great video, personally, I do not release the winch line until the boat just hits the water, had a go fast boat, that I just tuned the bottom and put some really slippery coating on, at the ramp, started to undo the winch line and it started to slide back.....
I appreciate the tips. I tried something similar however and had a problem. On the ramp, my winch was still hooked to the boat but the safety or locking switch was off. At a standstill, the boat slid halfway off of the trailer. I was right there and grabbed the winch handle , stopping the boat. No real damage, just some chipping of the skeg. Now I leave the boat secured 'till it's at least partly in the water.
Honestly the first time i lauched and loaded i had no trouble. The second time i had crosswinds and had to try multiple times to load it back. Luckily no one was waiting on me to get out of their way
I own a Classic XL, what's nice about it is you can just pull it straight on with the rope instead of drive on which makes it really easy. It's also so light that if it's slightly off on the trailer you can usually just muscle it into place.
Thank you for the boat launch video and all the upgrades you did on your boat. I’ve always wanted a boat to fish from. I’m retired now at 74 and want to do some serious fishing Can you suggest any spots in California around LA?
This is fine if the boat trailer just has pads (like yours) which have quite a bit of friction but try this on a steepish ramp and a trailer with rollers and you will likely have your boat rocketing off the trailer and sitting on the concrete above the water. Best to back down to the water first before disconnecting the winch.
Hey Roland I love your videos! I have an awesome idea for a video you could make: try to catch a bass on 10 different senko colors in 1 hour, or however long you think it would take. I think it would be very fun and entertaining to watch🐟
