How to Launch a Boat by Yourself! Beginner Tips From Realistic Fishing

Looking for beginner tips on how to launch a fishing boat by yourself? Here are a few tips from Realistic Fishing. In todays video I go over the steps I take to prepare and launch my boat. Starting with the drain plug and talking my way through the launch, I hope these tips help your boat launch go more smoothly. Not only do I explain the launch, I also go over how I trailer the boat at the end of the trip. The approach, and trailer position are just a couple of the things I talk about. If a beginner boat fishermen like me can launch a boat by myself, so can you.
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[@TheFishingMommy]

I’m a year late to this party, but I’m about to buy my first-ever boat (at age 50!). Imagine my delight when I found this video, featuring your no-bs approach to explaining everything. Thanks Alex.

[@lophloph07]

Im about to get my first boat too at age 45. Hopefully there are people at the boat ramp that will help me when i mess up loading it.

[@ne0n3yez59]

Just got my first boat ever at age 44. Extremely excited and very happy I came across this video with like minded individuals.

[@Jamesbull46]

Thank you been a while since I've been out when my father takes the lead u would think we were preparing to storm the beaches of Normandy lol

[@ClarkdeBear]

Your boat registration is "No BS". Perfect!

[@RealisticFishing]

😉

[@BrandonX444X]

My kind of a guy right here folks. A old aluminum boat and a old ford ranger. Stay with it my man

[@RealisticFishing]

Keeping it Realistic 👍

[@andrewholub2055]

I was in the middle of watching fishing with flair. And you posted so I'm watching you now. Thanks bud

[@RealisticFishing]

👊

[@camaroglory]

Did flairs video start by him being excited as he got out of his truck. Not realistic enough for me.

[@bobbypena4619]

Googoogagas are the Kardashians of fishing lol

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎 Killer photo bomb by the paddle fish! 🤘🏻

[@nextgenclassiccarsofIL]

literally telling my parents how i need a fishing boat to go out by myself and you post this video lol thanks for backing me up on my reasoning for being able to do this on my own :)

[@iinside22]

Good video, that’s pretty much how I do it as well. Sometimes I’ll attach a long rope to the boat and truck then back up until the boat floats. Then grab the rope from the truck and pull the boat to the dock and tie off. The docks are a little closer on the lakes up here though.

[@lisatwitchell403]

With my last trailered boat, I took a two-week vacation and fished spots all the way from Long Island to the Florida's Gulf Coast and back. Set up my boat batteries so that they could easily be connected to my truck's electrical system and my batteries were always fully charged ⚡ by the time I got from one spot to another. 😉🤗

[@hamilton5071]

Nice truck. I have a Ranger myself. They are great trucks.

[@pavanturpin1050]

hamilton5071 amen brotha me too they are good reliable trucks

[@matthewbegley40]

I was watching another fishing video then saw the notification for this, i watched it even tho i dont have a boat. Lol

[@anthonygray6367]

I've owned quite a few boats. Buying my dream boat in 1 month. I have no problem launching by hand getting my feet wet. But this next boat I want to drive on trailer. This was perfect. Best video I've seen yet on launching and retrieving. Great job!

[@HopskysLounge]

great advice that was sweet seeing the paddle fish jump

[@QuesadillaPadilla]

Don't have a boat yet but now I know what to do once I get one, thanks for keeping it realistic

[@paulustarsus]

Love the logo at the start 'No Bullshit', and there certainly is no bullshit with the simplicity of this video. Well-kept and lovely boat btw. Many thanks. PS:The only thing I'd change is 'Coke' to 'Rum and Coke' 🤣

[@RealisticFishing]

No DUI for me 😉

[@paulustarsus]

@@RealisticFishing Thats good. Means youre not a pirate, ....like me, 🤪

[@rodneymosley1626]

Just purchased my first boat also, and this hit right on time. Even though I recently finished the boaters training for my state, this was still great to actually see. Thanks for the great info

[@jrcustomupholstery8620]

Nice slow smooth instructional video. Everything covered to do it the right way, good job !

[@cscheatum]

Just bought my first boat. This is extremely helpful! Thanks!

[@jessemedinajr1485]

Thanks for showing us your way. I don't own a boat yet but will definitely be coming back to your video for pointers once I do. 👍

[@silcar5224]

Great video! You took a lot of the intimidation out of boating.

[@dahutful]

I like that you didn't prep for launch while sitting on the ramp. If you have a step platform fitted to the trailer tongue - it makes unhooking and winching a lot easier, and a little safer.

[@RealisticFishing]

Oh man, launch preppers in the way 😅

[@jordanfootball17]

You and 1r1r have the best fishing channels on KZbin!

[@RealisticFishing]

Thanks!

[@lisatwitchell403]

You have a fantastic place to launch. Great video how to launch in perfect conditions. There are lots of tricks on how to launch it places where you don't have a ramp or good ramp and there is no dock. Hope you get to show them someday. It can be a pain but bass are often where it's hard to launch a boat. Had a boat like yours for years I could tell you some horror stories. Now, I have a baby bass boat and can launch it almost anywhere.

[@joshlawson8603]

I've never been on, or in a boat before...whichever the correct way to say it is. You're very informative and understandable...almost like it's the Realistic way to launch a boat alone.

[@RealisticFishing]

If you give it a try, remember this video 👍

[@joshlawson8603]

@@RealisticFishing will do, learn a lot from you.

[@lisatwitchell403]

It's easy to go to an auto parts store and get a battery connector so you can plug and unplug the battery without having to remove the wires from the terminals. 😉 I find using a boat regularly make sure you constantly think of new ways to modify things show that anything you do on the boat becomes easier.

[@EDMOilers]

My parents bought me a Jon boat for my 20th, needed a lot of work but just got her sea worthy. Thanks for the tips!!

[@RealisticFishing]

Have fun out there!

[@littlefella7763]

Love those stickers on your boat

[@RealisticFishing]

Me too! Gives it character

[@johndeno1071]

Yep, the paddlefish made me jump too. A nice video just got me a trailer for my Jon Boat cannot wait to get her loaded up using it.

[@stonenickerson9257]

Title should of been realistic ninja moves, cause I would of ate it walking the trailer hitch area. Great video!

[@RealisticFishing]

Ninja!

[@ronr4024]

I can't believe you figured out how to train that paddlefish. You are the fish whisperer. :) That was cool!

[@RealisticFishing]

Right on cue!

[@FishingWithBIGD]

Good instructional video man , always wondered how people launch boats when fishing alone

[@dylant4737]

Fishing_With_BIG-D my old boat would just lay in my truck bed and it was a hell of a job to get it out and in with one person. Always recommend a trailer for a boat 10FT+

[@johndrx165]

I just got a Sea Nymph TX-150. It is decked out with electronics and a 70 pound thrust trolling motor. I usually fish a shallow river with shallow ramps with no dock. My trailer does not have guide bunks and trailering is a real pain. I also do not have a truck, but a SUV. You have yours set up pretty good.

[@BassGeek]

Nice breakdown and great order of operation.

[@RealisticFishing]

Still learning, but it works for me 👍

[@BassGeek]

@@RealisticFishing Looks like ya got a process and that's what it's about.

[@bigdaddykane4239]

Just bought a boat. Was kinda worried about this part of it. Thanks for the awesome video. Subscribed

[@tentonfishing3908]

This dude has inspired me to start my own youtube fishing channel! Cannot wait for my gopro and gear to come in the mail and start filming! BTW Cheers from northern Ontario. Also last time I launched my boat alone I forgot to put the plug in and also dented the tailgate on my 18 f150...

[@RealisticFishing]

Sounds realistic to me 😅

[@tentonfishing3908]

@@RealisticFishing read that in your voice hahah thanks for the reply!

[@U812GREEN]

Great video! Most beginners back their trailer to deep when loading the boat on the trailer and the guide boards can't work right. Wind is never your friend at the boat ramp. Way to keep it realistic!

[@jpboy1399]

Thanks Alex!! I appreciate you taking the time to give a DIY video on boating. Awesome paddlefish cameo! KIR!

[@travispinkerton9916]

The big tip don’t forget your parking brake

[@lupiaan2021]

Realistic knowledge = Realistic power !! cool vid, thanks!

[@josephnywayfarer1345]

Nice instructional vid. You made it look easy. That nice empty boat launch must be heaven. The ones around here are a zoo on Googan Saturdays

[@OutsidewithTom]

I never understood why a step side truck bed would be useful, until now. Thanks!

[@lisatwitchell403]

Noticed there were a lot of hints [a couple of them mine]. I'm glad you didn't put all that stuff in your video. Too much stuff in an instructional video defeats the learning purpose by confusing the main issues. Great teaching technique! Never do like the comments that say you should. Never do that in my comments. You SHOULD do what works best for you. 😉 Hints are just ideas you might consider.

[@erikfrankfurt4650]

I have a Red Ranger as well, sir. Very nice.

[@lone_wolf_lifestyle]

Thanks for the tips I'll have to keep this in mind when I purchase a boat for my channel.. always keeping it realistic !!

[@Do0msday]

I loved this vid. What's more realistic than prepping the boat and launching it? I wouldn't even mind if you did a video of scouting potential future spots you plan to hit up. This video was a good way to keep the channel feeling fresh. Fishing is great, don't get me wrong, but every now and then it's also nice to have a change of pace and this one did a good job. Plus we got to see that awesome paddlefish photobomb at 7:45 haha

[@RealisticFishing]

Right on cue!

[@habanahemingwaycafe2241]

NICE TIPS good infor thanks for the video

[@RealisticFishing]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@jonnyhogarty]

I wrote down the “sip of cokes” on my note pad. Crucial step lol

[@HappyPayne]

I was cracking up when the paddlefish jumped straight up! That's a good place for them.

[@RealisticFishing]

I see them jump every so often, sometimes it startles me. 😅

[@HappyPayne]

@@RealisticFishing Me too, but not usually straight up. I have to give him a 10 on his execution.

[@toddtheeagle8574]

Another excellent video Sir. 👍

[@christianhadsall7046]

Hey realistic fishing I I have a request of you doing your fishing room setup to get some ideas for my room

[@RealisticFishing]

how about being original and doing it however you want? 😉

[@TheJuggaloFishingPosse]

I figured youd be doing a "how to" boat launch vid sometime soon. Awesome stuff homie.

[@cleslie00cd]

I am launching a boat for the first time this weekend. This video made me a lot less nervous. Thank you!

[@Clones2011]

How did it go?

[@osvaldoumana4494]

Nice realistic video....I'm sooo jealous..... One day I'll be launching my boat alone too..... I'll let you know when that day comes.....

[@RealisticFishing]

Hopefully soon

[@Nicksta177]

Nice Alex, you made it easier looking then I thought it would be.

[@davecrane6749]

Another well done instructional video Brother. You never let me down and i appreciate that about your video's. One of these days i would like to sit down with you and partake in gaining some of your wisdom while wetting a line! As always keep up the good work and "Keep it Realistic Brother"!!

[@fishingwithvance]

Always a good time launching and loading a boat by yourself good video fish on

[@_theusedchaos]

This is very helpful and makes me less weary about getting a boat.

[@alberteller7286]

That was perfect I really enjoyed that it’s been along time since I’ve had my boat out and I was kind of going over that stuff in my mind and I saw your KZbin great job thank you very much

[@jorgerivero9460]

That was a nice paddle fish thank you for the video it was informative like always tight lines man👍😁

[@supremenanner524]

Dude, 7:50 is fricking cool as hell. Thats amazing.

[@RealisticFishing]

👍👍

[@rheidtech]

Great job man. No 🐂💩 boat launching... i like that little ranger. Perfect for that.

[@nashguy207]

Yep that's the way i used to do it i used to go to the lake by myself all the time. That paddle fish brought back some memories we used to catch them all the time on trot lines in stones river you thought you had a big fish till you cut the head off and it was half the it was. LOL

[@chadclemmons6177]

Great video. Check out those step plates that mount to your transom. You won't have to do the balancing act everytime.

[@hitnmiss49]

Thanks for this very informative video. I bet a lot of people didn't know exactly how to launch a boat and put it back on the trailer by themselves.

[@Clones2011]

this must be what Ford had in mind when naming the Splash. What a perfect little truck for launching little boats and jetskis

[@dramticimpact777]

Really enjoy your videos! Keep 'em coming

[@RealisticFishing]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@ThomasHardenFishing]

If you want to save a little time and not have to worry about the straps, you should consider retractable transom tie-downs. I finally put some on my boat after 12 years of owning it. I should have got them 12 years ago! LOL! I really like them because they stay attached to the trailer, they attach to the trailer with one bolt.

[@blueboy1183]

Great Video!! Very informative!! Enjoyed

[@Mr_Man_7803]

Thanks for the tips!

[@northforklures275]

Dude love your boat thanks for sharing

[@1_of_4]

Excellent video. I have never done this before and it’s really informational. Thank you.

[@lisatwitchell403]

Another hint from someone who has found out the hard way. Make sure that all the spools on your reels are locked, if you're going to leave your rods on the boat. It's a real mess, if the wind catches your line and you get a giant loop of monofilament slapping down the side of the boat and along the road.

[@JohnUschold]

Great video....Thanks!

[@NCGojira]

Nice little how to video for solo boaters. Have you ever done a spinning vs baitcasting video and your thoughts on the pros and cons of each?

[@RealisticFishing]

No, not yet. Maybe in the future

[@rossbowman202]

Thanks for the great information Alex. Hope you catch some big ones.

[@jayfritz7390]

Good vid ....one little clue for you ...ya might want to tilt that motor up some before your bring it out of the water not all ramps are that nice you might hit your skeg on the concrete pulling it out my man ....I know I did it and cracked my skeg on my mercury....

[@RealisticFishing]

without power tilt and trim, I am gonna have to take my chances

[@vinceabarca]

Let's hear it for Alex! The only man left on this planet that can rock the white tube socks with shorts, and still look like an absolute "bossanova"!!!!!

[@RealisticFishing]

😎

[@joebuck66]

Great information and great video my friend.

[@Jmmy-gt5eu]

You are the coolest, bro. Love the content. Keep ul the good work.

[@lisatwitchell403]

Another hint. If you're moving from one lake to another, make sure to drain your live well and anything else that holds water to be sure you're not moving a foreign species into the new lake. That also goes for any weeds that maybe I hung up on your boat or trailer.

[@lisatwitchell403]

We really need to be careful about introducing invasive species from one body of water to another. That has caused serious problems in some lakes. It is a real problem with invasive weeds.

[@jw_610]

Some grip tape on the trailer where you step up to unhook the bow makes a heck of a difference.

[@jimcrowley1709]

This is why I own a van. It makes it so easy

[@alexxx16344]

Great video, very helpful

[@Ratlstrap]

Realistic: "Have a sip of Coke." Me: "Damn it, that's what I've been doing wrong"

[@charliewerchan7252]

Have a coke and a smile

[@CHUNKYCATSFISHING]

Absolutely fantastic video thank you very much for sharing this is my biggest fear and why I don’t use my boat The fear of unloading and loading the boat this video is going to help me👊

[@touchofsmoke]

Very helpful. Great video as always, Alex.

[@rippinglipsadventures]

Nice video, man! First I've seen of your stuff. I'll be perusing the other videos you've made now. FYI, in North Dakota, where I fish, those inflatable life vests don't count as PFD unless you are wearing it. I just found out recently.

[@grantb8840]

You might want to consider a Drotto boat latch for the trailer. I'm not affiliated with the company, but had one on my last boat and it was the first accessory I bought for my current one, before I had even launched it the first time. Makes it so much easier to launch and load by yourself, and no more climbing around on the trailer with risk of slip and fall.

[@RealisticFishing]

Thats costs 1/3rd of my boats total cost. I dont think so

[@gerardreed613]

Great tutorial. That's how it's done. Thanks.

[@melvinsavage3369]

Hey realistic great video as always but I would like to see u do a video fishing for catfish

[@BeardsAndBowsOutdoors]

Keep on keeping it realistic broski

[@gilbertquante1948]

I studied your review mirror for a good minute, wondering what the heck is floating in the air in the background. Looked like a water tower. But on a lake? ... Then you to a drink of coke. It became Realistic. LOL

[@FishBerry90]

Very informative. Thanks for the tips 👍🎣

[@Moonfish85]

Dude... I’ve been wanting to know this.... thanks bud! Keep it realistic!!!🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@Tater78HD]

Nice set up my friend

[@ifishcatfish]

Love the truck! The most important question here is : how many timed did u put the boat IN without the plug! : )

[@RealisticFishing]

Once in a different boat.

[@mountaintime4276]

What the hell!! That paddle fish was nuts!

[@mariochingon3842]

Keeping it real and classy as always brother! Great video!!

[@sober265]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@RushVoorhisOutdoors]

I'm gonna make one of these videos for the river with a jet boat once I get mine fixed LOL

[@RealisticFishing]

Jet Boat!