Hi all,

Well, I just moved to the area and just wanted to know what time in the morning I have to show up at the marinas to ensure that I get a rental boat, w/ a trolling motor? The reason I ask is because at a lake I used to fish in California I had to show up at 3:30 A.M. or the boats would be gone.( the lake did not open until 6:00 A.M.) Thanks in advance for any replies. By the way, I hope I posted this in the right spot, if not, sorry.

I don't think I've ever had that problem before. I show up around sunrise and am usually able to get a rental

Thanks for the reply A.Do. It is good to know I can get a couple more hours of sleep 

never had that problem either. Have either of those parks started renting though?

Burke doesn't rent during the week until Memorial Day. I think they ARE doing weekends right now, least when I checked last week. If not most places do by April.

fountainhead i have never had an issue renting either.  50$ or so for whole setup, got there early morning

never had that problem either. Have either of those parks started renting though?

Burke starts renting April 3rd (weekends only) until memorial day.

FountainHead is renting weekends only now and then everyday starting April 1st.

Since we are on the subject and I am a newbie to these fisheries, which one should I check out? I am going to go all day next Saturday. Burke or Fountainhead? I will be checking them both out eventually, but which one has the better bass fishing? Thanks

Those rentals are a ripoff if u ask me. By the time you rent 3 or 4 times you could have bought a jon boat on craigslist. I have seen tons of jons for under 300 bux lately. You can get a trolling motor for 50 bux on craigslist all day . Depending on what kinda vehicle you have, like an suv. I could easily strap a ten foot jon boat to the roof of my ford expedition if I wanted to. Also the batteries they give you are usually half charged at best when you rent. Just some food for thought, hope it helps.

No way dude, you definitelyhave to be there at 3 am! Just kidding. From what I've heard, I think fountainhead would be  your better choice. Burke is pretty tough.

Burke will be crowded and noisy, but if you beat the banks this time of year you can always catch some cruisers. Fountainhead can be a bit overwhelming at times. Big amount of water to try and cover with a rental. You can catch fish all the same, but it will be crowded as well. Too many yakers and skullers make this palce a bit crowded on week-ends at times. Very rude and unknowledeable about rules on the water and about the most beligerant people in the world (skullers)....... think they own the place!!

Those rentals are a ripoff if u ask me. By the time you rent 3 or 4 times you could have bought a jon boat on craigslist. I have seen tons of jons for under 300 bux lately. You can get a trolling motor for 50 bux on craigslist all day . Depending on what kinda vehicle you have, like an suv. I could easily strap a ten foot jon boat to the roof of my ford expedition if I wanted to. Also the batteries they give you are usually half charged at best when you rent. Just some food for thought, hope it helps.

Steve I see what you are saying. I plan to get some type of a small boat but for now I just want to get on the water. I have a truck with a tow package. I just got to find a place to store a boat also (d**n HOA) > I will get a boat because I know the rentals are a joke. Thanks for the suggestion.

Those rentals are a ripoff if u ask me. By the time you rent 3 or 4 times you could have bought a jon boat on craigslist. I have seen tons of jons for under 300 bux lately. You can get a trolling motor for 50 bux on craigslist all day . Depending on what kinda vehicle you have, like an suv. I could easily strap a ten foot jon boat to the roof of my ford expedition if I wanted to. Also the batteries they give you are usually half charged at best when you rent. Just some food for thought, hope it helps.

Steve I see what you are saying. I plan to get some type of a small boat but for now I just want to get on the water. I have a truck with a tow package. I just got to find a place to store a boat also (d**n HOA) > I will get a boat because I know the rentals are a joke. Thanks for the suggestion.

The rental price for the jonboat alone is pretty cheap at $11, its the full setup with trolling motor and life jackets that end up costing $50. If you get your own accessories its not too bad. I already had a trolling motor for my canoe, so I lurked on Ebay until I had a chance at a cheap older small 5hp clamp on outboard. Now it just costs me $11 for the full day. If you bring your own jonboat on a trailer, I think the lauch fee is $5, so you're only paying an additional $6. And you don't have to load or trailer the boat.