Ibuprofen.

13 hours ago, Sam said:

Big, we are sitting ducks for those who wish to do us harm or steal our equipment.

 

Ramp encounters can go very bad and as you know, a small number of bass guys have been injured or killed at the ramp. Sometimes on the water you will have an encounter with an angry or frustrated boater who want to challenge you; disturb your fishing; or chase you away from a specific spot.

 

And you never know their mental attitude and if they need mental health help.

 

The weapon is for security. There is no reason to show it other than to let the threat know you have some powerful backup.

 

In all my years fishing I have seen one altercation. Two guys got confused on the Nottoway River regarding the "No Wake Zone" signs, which pepper the river. Instead of slowing down in the "No Wake Zones" they went fast and in the areas that you could go faster they slowed down. They had it backwards.

 

A friend yelled at them to slow down and the guys came back and challenged my friend who was fishing the bank in one of the "No Wake Zones." The two guys running the river were very angry about being told to slow down.

 

At the ramp after the tournament, the two guys in the boat running fast through the "No Wake Zones" approached my friend and wanted to fight. My bass club guys all chimed in that the two guys were running the river backwards and the signs made using the river confusing.

 

No fight, but the two guys never figured it out. They took their boat and left. To this day I doubt they understood they were confused, as many of us can get on the Nottoway River, and had the "No Wake Zones" backwards.

 

So what would have happened if the rest of the club members were not there and it was my friend and these two angry men? My friend would have gotten beat up and the two guys could have damaged his boat and stolen some of his equipment.

 

There are situations where having a weapon for self defense is to your advantage. You have to know the rules of engagement; be licensed to carry; have a concealed carry permit; and never point the weapon at anyone unless you are ready to use it.

 

At this time, I have never encountered a situation where I needed the weapon. But if I do, at least I have an equalizer to help me avoid problems.

 

 

 

 

 

You can never underestimate the stupidly of the next man. 

5 hours ago, Sam said:

Big, if you want to have a fun weekend afternoon, take a lawn chair, your cooler, soft drinks and go to your local ramp, set up in a safe place, and watch what goes on.

 

You are mixing pros who can launch their boat without a hitch while mixing in people who don't know how to back in their boat; walk their dog; load the boat with food, drinks, fishing rods, etc.; yell at family and friends; allow young kids to run the boat back into the ramp area after launching; block the ramp by tying the boat where people launch; seeing the boaters in the water waiting for an open slot to trailer their boat; all while others are in line waiting to launch their boats.

 

And if you say anything to these individuals they get angry.

 

In addition, if you want to take your life in your hands go to your local ramp at 4 AM one morning. Park your car and walk away and see if anyone looks at your car. We all get to the ramps before sunlight and launch in the dark. After putting the boat in the water you could get mugged walking back to the ramp after parking your boat and trailer. We don't think the perks are out there, watching for an easy target. And you are an easy target.

 

 

 

Wow launching a boat seems a lot more stressful than I imagined haha. It might be even harder than catching the fish themsevles. It makes sense though, a bunch of people wanna get their boat in the water etc. and there are a limited number of ramps with inconsiderate people. 

Sam, I carry rags, a small tool kit, sometimes a small cooler, lunch or snacks, and sunscreen. As far as I know, these things are not teqnique specific to bass fishing.

Key components!  A heavy duty garbage bag, for the empty livewell, A roll of of toilet paper, clean wipes for multiple uses, and an empty Mason Jar so I don't need to stand on the edge of the boat any more.  Its as good as the throne at home.  Don't Leave Home without it!

Sunscreen

Bug spray

30' of paracord

Pee cup (18oz Red solo)

Sponge

Towel

Vacuum sealed water bottle filled with ice water

Clif nut-filled bars

Buck Knife multi-tool

whistle

and my newest purchases...paddle and rod leashes

 

 

 

food ,drink, more food, more drink! cooler, iceT.P.wife when she will go, and a camera for the good ones