Stopped by opening day at Shady after work today. Saw a fair number of boats already trolling. I joined the people at the boat launch. Two caught thier limits and one gentleman was skunked. Spoke too a few boats that left. Again, it was mixed results with some limits and others had to work hard for thier fish.
As myself, I could have limited out. Took home 3 and lost a few others. Had a couple of fish break my knots. The Berkely Trilene XL 6pound line is not working out. The line was lubed with spit and the knot was tighted slowly. Lost fish the past two times out. Looks like P Line again for me, except the premium fluarocarbon coated one. Back to the fishing. Use a 5-6 feet leader and cast out as far as you can. Boat ramp fishing can produce fish. With that being said, dont do it and piss off the boaters.
Some rules that I practice when boat launch fishing:
1. Boaters have the right of way at the luanch. Its not a dock, so give them space when they launch and load up thier boats.
2. Offer them help when they load thier boat. The faster they leave, the more time you can focus on fishing.
3. Reel your line in when they are coming in towards your line. Do this especially if your using braid like I am. They cant see your line and fouling thier trolling motors with line isnt fun for anybody.
Ive never gotten into any confrontation with anybody fishing at that boat launch the past few years. Be curteous, fish on and tight lines!!!! Still wishing I was at Reiter or Cascade today though.