Boating Tips & Tricks

To make your boating experience a little easier, McCrystal Insurance shares some of their quick tidbits of boating wisdom to make sure you get the most out of your time on the water.

Every fisherman has a trick or two up his sleeve, and over the years I have compiled a few that I think are worth remembering: 1. After a long trailer to the boat ramp, give your trailer bearings about five minutes to cool. Take the time to get your boat ready for the water. Hot bearings and cold water don’t make for a good combination.

2. When putting your boat in the water, unplug your trailer lights. Besides, ‘prevention is better than cure’, if the seal breaks or if there’s a crack, ‘POP’ goes the bulb.

3. Always keep a pair of clear safety glasses on board to keep wind and bugs out of your eyes. Sunglasses will do during the day but evening/night boaters may want to opt for yellow tint glasses to enhance the available light along the water.

4. When fishing gets tough and you think your presentation is slow, slow it down even more. People tend to lose focus of their aim when it isn’t going their way.

5. When fishing with other people, no matter what their fishing ability, pay attention to what they are doing. Even subtle little variations in methods can be the difference between catching fish and not catching any. There is something to be learned from everyone you fish with. Whether they have been fishing for three months or 30 years – watch and learn.

6. Don’t be afraid of fishing new spots. I try to do this every time I am out. Tell yourself to fish one new spot or area every time you go out. It can pay off in a big way.

7. Put as much of the trailer in the water when launching; if you don’t back up far enough it might cause trouble. The boat might catch on the trailer and follow you half way up the ramp before slipping off! Check the ramp before you launch for algae and slippery patches even though the trailer will be lighter once the boat is launched.