Ice out precautions!

[tunrevir]

Ice is leaving a lot of lakes around the metro right now and I just wanted to say, "be careful out there." You have a lot of floating debris on area lakes from fishhouse blocking and I'd hate to see someone wreck a boat or lower unit due to hitting something floating.

That being said, the water temps are running probably the coldest that they have for an opener in these parts in years. Make sure your boat is fit and ready to hit the water, batteries are charged and ready to go. Make sure your trailer lights are working and you have all the needed safety equipment in your rig for the open water season. A quick splash right now by anyone in the boat puts them at risk for drowning so make sure you have the proper PFD's and wear them while on the water. Try to do all the necessary maintenance on the boat while you have it home. Check wheel bearings and grease or repack if necessary, check trailer lights and connections. Check to have all the equipment you will need for a day on the water. Does your bilgepump work properly? Are your battery terminals free of gunk, full of water and fully charged? Is the fire extinguisher charged and ready to rock if needed? Do you have the required throwable device attached to a rope for bigger boats? Do you have current registration on the boat and trailer? Is your insurance coverage adequate for the boat and the equipment you are hauling? Does the motor run at idle and above or does it need that tuneup you have put off?

Can you drive to the launch and put in in short order or do you need a second person to assist. Do you have all the equipment you need for a day on the water? I know a lot of you have checklists and go through your boats before you ever get close to a landing but make sure your ready to rock when the time comes to drop in. Do you have adequate PFD's and do you know where they are stored? Are they in good condition and if you have an auto inflate PFD does the c02 cartridge need to be replaced? Tires on the trailer pumped up and a spare readily available with lug wrench in case of failure? Anchors in the boat with anchor line that is not frayed or weak? Trailer lights and connections all working? Lots of questions and prep time involved before you hit the landing if you want things to go smoothly on the water. How about the winch strap and winch in good working order or frayed and in need of replacement? Extra fuses for the boat electronics and trolling motor? Just a friendly reminder to be safe, check your equipment well and hopefully, you will have the best season ever! Anyone want to add to the list, help out the rest of us! Have a safe and happy open water season!

Tunrevir~

p.s. Oh yeah one last item, remember to put the plug in and take it out when you leave and don't neglect to unhook the transom straps when you drop in.(Yes, I have done that:)

[CaptainMusky]

Opener morning is going to be considerably worse than a "normal" year because no one has had their boat out yet or at least very few.

Those that have are not the ones who clog up the landing.

Please made sure your motor starts before even going to the landing. Put your gear IN your boat and remove your cover BEFORE you are next in line to launch.

I may take a few days off midweek to have my opener to avoid all the headaches.

[magnum mike]

If only everyone took the time to do these simple things. It is for your safety and the consideration of others. History tells me that I will see several of these things at the landing next Saturday.

[Alagnak]

If only everyone took the time to do these simple things. It is for your safety and the consideration of others. History tells me that I will see several of these things at the landing next Saturday.

Come one now guys! Don't give away all of the secrets! Some of us like going to lake landings on opening morning JUST TO WATCH the circus/rookie day take place! It's a great time!

If that's the fist time someone has had their boat out or backed up a trailer for that matter. They deserve a good air horn/heckling/and video camera in their face. :-)

[Jarrid Houston]

Electronics, GPS in working order. Not cool when it is foggy or you can't see. That's when the gPS is crucial! Also lines restrung, hate to loose a fish because of old line. How about tools on the boat in case engine problems occur or tow rope in case? Cell phone charged in case need a emergency call. And sunscreen, warm cloths, sun glasses, hat and towels? Plenty more items to think about.. Good luck all!!!

[magnum mike]

So you're the joker that is augering down the lake in the fog?

I had a gps when they first came out. I thought this would be the cat's meow for those foggy mornings duck hunting. After one close call with another boat that didn't have ANY lights on their boat, we re-thought that whole process. Don't EVER drive faster than you can see ahead of you and have time to react.

[fishnowworknever]

So you're the joker that is augering down the lake in the fog?

I had a gps when they first came out. I thought this would be the cat's meow for those foggy mornings duck hunting. After one close call with another boat that didn't have ANY lights on their boat, we re-thought that whole process. Don't EVER drive faster than you can see ahead of you and have time to react.

A couple years ago up in Alex, I was in a 14' at the time and the fog started rolling in real thick. I couldn't see a few yards around me. There were boats around and I could hear them but couldn't see them. This one guy comes flying through the fog about 10 yards from my boat...had my lights on and everything but he didn't see me until the last second. I about jumped out when i saw those bow lights heading right at me. Luckily had my handheld with and found my way back to the cabin after that...fish weren't biting anyways

Man that was something else and you're right, never travel faster than you can see in front of you!

[gulllakeguy]

yep