Was looking to fish the upper Wando for some trout and redfish. I have an 18ft Alumacraft bay boat. Is Paradise Island ramp usable for my boat? Didn’t want to get beat up leaving from Remley’s if I didn’t have to. Also has anyone fished up there? Is it worth my time? Thanks for everyone’s help ahead of time.
2016 Alumacraft 186 Bay
I’ve launched up there before and I have an Xpress H20B (20’ aluminum bay boat). Low tide can be a bit sketchy for sure. I haven’t fished up there yet this year but I’ve heard some mixed reports.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
Thanks Bangstick
2016 Alumacraft 186 Bay
Paradise Island ramp is the one I primarily use year round. Low tide can be a little tough to maneuver. For a first timer I would recommend putting in high tide or a rising tide until you learn the terrain. I put in a 17 ft flats boat no issues at all different tides, but it wasn’t always easy in when I was first doing it. If you put in a dead low, and want to head down the Wando towards hwy 41 bridge stay to the left side until you get to the 1st dock, then move toward the middle of the river, don’t go far right to the other docks until you pass the 10th one, there is a huge flat in front of the 1st 5 or so docks on the right. Go slow, the 1st time, pay attention to your electronics, you should be fine.
2014 Spyder FX Redfisher
The biggest issue is the ramp itself at lo tide…it drops off pretty bad at a lower tide…as long as you know where it drops off you can just go real slow when backing down. I put my 18ft cc in there without any worry about the tide.
The problem now is the 30 micro SUV’s parked and yaks freaking everywhere, of which none of them have a clue about boat ramp etiquette.
Avoid on weekends!!!
Good luck.
Nauticstar 1900XS w/ suzuki DF140
No kidding…one weekend they had a kayak tournament…which evidently meant they owned the entire ramp and parking lot (tents, etc)…couldn’t loop around to back the boat down with all the crap in the way
Thanks for your help guys.
2016 Alumacraft 186 Bay
I just wanted to chime in and say that a large percentage of us kayak fisherman are motor boat owners as well or former boat owners. It is more of the non fishing recreational paddlers that do not have boat landing manners.
quote:
Originally posted by Slim ShadyI just wanted to chime in and say that a large percentage of us kayak fisherman are motor boat owners as well or former boat owners. It is more of the non fishing recreational paddlers that do not have boat landing manners.
"SECTION 50-21-148. Prohibition against obstruction of pier, dock, wharf, boat ramp, or access areas; erection of signs; penalties for violation.
It is unlawful to obstruct any pier, dock, wharf, boat ramp, or the access area to the facilities. Any vessel, vehicle, or other object left unattended which obstructs any of the facilities or the access to them may be removed entirely at the risk and expense of the owner."
I would say it is a little more than just “boat landing manners.” Put your stuff in the water or take it out of the water and get the hell out of the way. Some folks need to practice backing a trailer before trying to do it at the landing for the first time too. I’m with tennispro24, Kayakers have got on my nerves on too many occasions. If not at the landing, they do it in the most remote areas miles away from anything…instead of turning around and leaving a fisherman alone, they just paddle on through like they own the entire river with complete disregard for other people.
2012 Skeeter ZX22 Bay
Yamaha 250 hp SHO
Minnkota Riptide 101
As anything else, I’m sure a few give the rest a bad name…I was fishing with my younger sister a while back, fishing an oyster bed near paradise…we’re probably 25 yards from the bank, actively fishing equalizers near the bank…yakker comes between my boat and the bank…even though he had 100 yards between me and the far bank to go around…I had some words, he just smiled. That being said, I’ve met some cool pple at the landing, even helped a few launch their yaks. I just wished they’d be more courteous with parking as a group…so many times I’ve seen a group come back and each of them walk to their individual parking spots…maybe pull in behind your buddy knowing you’re both gonna be back at the same time instead of taking up extra spots…it’s already a small lot.
my 2 cents.
the individual yak fishers are polite and quick
it’s the group outings that seem to clog things. I blame the outfitters and leaders, not that it’s easy herding 10 couples on their first yak trip