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Doug Lay, Editor and Avid Fisherman

Boat Ramp Etiquette

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boat ramp etiquette
Aspiring Pro Mike Diehl sends us this poignant reminder:

“There is a time and place for everything.”


I don’t know how many times as a child I heard this old saying but boy it sure rings true at the boat ramps. I don’t think I could even count the number of times I have tried to either put my boat in or take my boat out of the water and had to wait up to 25 minutes for someone to quit messing around on the launch ramp.

We are talking about boat ramp etiquette, the often lost art of getting the rig ready before parking the trailer in the middle of the ramp. The simple courtesy to preparing your boat off to the side in the parking lot instead of the middle of the ramp seems to be a thing of the past. This simple courtesy will not only prevent you from making others mad but will insure you yourself are not rushed and forget important things like the old drain plug.

Another problem that is just as bad is pulling your rig three feet from the water line and stopping right there to pack up and go home. If you need to drain the bilge or empty the wells, just simply pull the boat up and out and head for the parking lot.

No one wants to wait in the sun for there turn at the ramp but especially while someone is spending their time on the ramp either prepping there boat or going through all the steps to head home. Not only does this set the mood for a possible confrontation but it’s just plain rude to everyone.

Rest assured at the ramp that we all want the same things, to get the boat wet and the hooks wetter. Lets give each other a break and show each other that the fishermen and boaters are not only the friendliest people on the water but the same goes at the ramp.

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the words of wisdom Mike. And how true they are for everybody. Who knew that being considerate of others will get us on and off the water faster too!?!

Lake Eufaula Bass Report

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OklahomaFishingGuides.com subscriber and avid fisherman John Wolf sends us this report from Lake Eufaula:

The largemouth and spotted bass are hitting smooth spoons with red hooks in the flooded willows and grass patches. Limit reached in keeper bass in 12 minutes. Best time was 10:00AM to 11:AM for 4 mornings in a row.

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the report John! Sounds like you had a great time!! Got any pictures to share with us?

June Readi-Lure Tackle Box Winner

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Readi-Lure tackle box.
Readi-Lure Tackle Boxes, made by Tackle Tech, are the most unique, versatile tackle boxes on the market.

On the first Friday of March, June, September and December, four lucky fishing report subscribers will receive an original Readi-Lure Tackle Box! This quarter’s winner is Cory from Edmond, Oklahoma.

Want a chance to win a new tackle box? Sign up here!

Editor’s Note: Congratulations Cory and good luck with all your fishing adventures this year!

June Free Lures, Tackle & Bait Winner

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Twice a month, OklahomaFishingGuides.com awards free lures, tackle and bait to lucky fishing report subscribers. In addition, once a quarter a lucky subscriber also wins an Original Readi-Lure tackle box from Tackle Tech.

This week’s winner is McGill from Lawton, Oklahoma. McGill will receive an assortment of lures, bait and tackle valued up to $150.00, from:

Want a chance to win free fishing lures, tackle & bait AND a new tackle box? Sign Up Here!

Editor’s Note: Congratulations McGill and good luck with all your fishing adventures this year!

New Keystone Lake Cabins

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Lake Keystone Cabins
Have you procrastinated too long in making your plans for this holiday weekend? If so, you are in luck! Introducing the new Bear’s Glen Cabins at Lake Keystone.

Bear’s Glen Cabins are situated on 15 private acres with lake access via walking trails to Bear’s Glen Cove. Washington Irving South Recreation area is 7/10 mile from the cabins and has boat ramps, swimming beach, playground, camping areas and RV sites.

Amenities Include:

  • Equipped Kitchen with Dinette
  • Queen Bedroom
  • Futon/full bed in Living Area
  • Loft for sleeping or children’s play area
  • Full Bath
  • Heat & Air Conditioning
  • Television
  • Covered Porch
  • Charcoal Grill
  • Picnic Area

Check them out at: www.BearsGlenCabins.com

May Free Lures, Tackle & Bait Winner

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Twice a month, OklahomaFishingGuides.com awards free lures, tackle and bait to lucky fishing report subscribers. In addition, once a quarter a lucky subscriber also wins an Original Readi-Lure tackle box from Tackle Tech.

This week’s winner is James from Enid, Oklahoma. James will receive an assortment of lures, bait and tackle valued up to $150.00, from:

Want a chance to win free fishing lures, tackle & bait AND a new tackle box? Sign Up Here!

Editor’s Note: Congratulations James and good luck with all your fishing adventures this year!

Free Fishing Days, June 2 – 3

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Anglers hoping to introduce someone to the sport of fishing this year have a chance to take them for free June 2-3.

Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days allow people to fish without state fishing licenses or permits (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits).

“These are some of the best days to take a newcomer or youth fishing with you,” said Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “There’s no state fishing license requirements, so someone who has never been before can just wake up in the morning and head out for a fun day of fishing. And someone from out of state can come enjoy what Oklahoma’s waters have to offer without having to worry about license requirements.”

Fishing in Oklahoma normally requires a license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, which are purchased from the Department at its offices or various sporting good vendors across the state. Anglers should also note that certain city permits may apply to specific fishing areas.

“License sales are one of the primary sources of funding for the Department,” said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department. “Sportsmen pay for conservation projects when they buy a license. The Department’s Free Fishing Days can help us introduce new anglers and ensure that great fishing and habitat work will continue for years to come. There’s no excuse not to take someone fishing on June 2 and 3. The weather is great, the fishing is great and, best of all, it’s free.”

Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days 25 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar days.

Anglers should be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma June 2-3. The Texas Free Fishing Day is June 2, so anglers will be able to fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day. On June 3, free fishing will only be allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the lake. Anglers must follow all other fishing regulations.

Story courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Paddlefish just short of a new record

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Monster paddlefish is just shy of setting a new state record in Oklahoma.The best of the year’s paddlefishing may be coming to a close in Oklahoma, but not before Steven McBride of Yukon reeled in a massive 114-pounder May 12 from below Kaw Dam near Ponca City.

“This was a great catch,” said Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage Co. for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“We are entering the time of year that offers some of the very best fishing for black bass, striper, catfish and others, but McBride’s catch shows that getting out there and paddlefishing is still paying off for some anglers.”

McBride’s paddlefish fell slightly short of the state record, a 121-pound fish caught by Shane McCleary out of the Kaw tailwaters in 2003. However, McBride’s fish measured 54 inches in length from the front of the eye to the fork of the tail, about a half-inch longer than McCleary’s state record.

Coming shy of the record didn’t seem to faze McBride. Though he’s only been paddlefishing a few times, he loves to “feel the power” of a paddlefish on the line. “It’s addictive once you hook one,” McBride said.

When McBride first snagged the fish, he thought it was a small one because the monster initially swam toward him. But eventually it turned and gave McBride and his 40 lb. test line a half-hour fight. McBride’s dad steered the boat to shore, where the fishing line linking McBride to his trophy snapped in two. McBride scrambled into the water in time to grip his broken line and was able to bring the fish the rest of the way in by hand without a rod and reel. The fish is being mounted by a taxidermist.

“This is an exciting story – one of those you tell your friends and family for years to come,” Green said.

One of Oklahoma’s largest fish, paddlefish feed on tiny, microscopic insects and are caught during the spring by snagging with a surf rod, heavy test line and large barbless hooks. In Oklahoma, they are found in several river systems and lakes.

To learn more about paddlefish and the extensive management and tagging program for the prehistoric fish, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. Green said that although paddlefishing is slowing down statewide, fishing for other species is just picking up.

“We’ve yet to see the best fishing of the year,” Green said. “When it comes to many of Oklahoma’s most popular and readily available fish, the angling is just now starting to get hot.”

Story courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, www.wildlifedepartment.com.