Captain's corner

By JAY MASTRY

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 2, 2000

Traffic at our already overcrowded public boat ramps is certain to increase during the Fourth of July holiday. Being considerate of others will help keep cool heads even in the hottest conditions.

Do all you can to get in and out quickly.

If you have not started your engine in a while, hook up the flusher and run it in the driveway the night before to ensure a quick getaway. Have coolers packed and gear stowed before you get to the ramp.

Put the plug in. Once launched, pull your boat to the end of the dock. Be warming up the engine while your partner is parking the rig. If launching in the dark, turn your headlights off to avoid blinding the person backing down next to you.

If waiting on guests, pull away from the dock and pick them up when traffic clears. The application of sunscreen, changing of clothes and preparation of food can be done while under way.

Likewise, most everything can be done before you return to the dock: antennas lowered, bait well drained, loose items secured. Have your partner retrieve the rig and be ready to back down and load the boat.

The ramp is no place to scrub the deck or clean your fish.

Though we all have the right to use these facilities, we have an obligation to fellow boaters to make theirs an enjoyable experience.

- Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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