Shrimping Rules

There is an issue I would like to bring up which is courtesy for your neighbor shrimpers. Those generators and clamp-on lights are very annoying , noisy, the lights beaming on everything but the water, blinding the guy that was there first and then he needs to get his shades on or move on. I believe the vibration from the generator keeps them down and out of site. If you have a generator go where all the generator shrimpers are and leave us battery users to our quietness. I found an underwater light at WalMart "StarfireII" that works excellent for around $12. A deep cycle battery will power two of them all night. Anchoring is another thing I've seen happen. if you don't know how to anchor your boat in strong current don't try anchoring in the crowd. you will ruin yours and everyone else's boat and day you collide with as it creates the domino effect. I find it more productive in a secluded quiet spot. the shrimp cover all areas, so there is no one and only spot that is the best.(3' -6' is ideal depth with a good current)

Ramp Courtesy

1. Turn OFF your headlights when backing down the ramp or launching your boat so others are not BLINDED by your lights. Some of the newer vehicles have sensors that automatically turn there lights on and there is two ways to do this: Some use the parking brake, just step on the brake one click or so and should turn off the lights and the other is to turn on the parking lights. (some call this the running lights)
2. Your boat should be ready to launch in the water when you are on the ramp. The only thing you should have to do is to unhook the front of the boat and then back it in the water. You should not be loading the boat while your on the ramp. This takes up way too much time and holds up the launching process for others.
3. When removing your boat from the water simply put it on the trailer and secure it with the winch or hook and then pull off the ramp and out of the way. IF your at River Breeze pull off the ramp and go down by the restrooms or to another parking slot and fix whatever you have to do there. Other wise you tie up the ramp so others can't use it.
4. When launching/removing your boat from the water should take no longer than 2-3 minutes at the most. IF you take any longer than that you are wasting your time and others and basically blocking the ramp. Have your stuff ready BEFORE you launch/remove the boat.
5. If you notice someone launching their boat by themselves offer to help them, this will speed up the ramp faster for everyone and maybe someday that individual will help someone else.
6. Remember to be courteous to all boaters as much as possible and to offer assistance when you can. There is nothing that changes things better than LEADING by EXAMPLE!!!!!!
7. People that do not do the above mentioned items are simply NOT EDUCATED in BOATING!!!! Lets set the examples and teach others how it should be done. Lead by example and they will follow eventually. It does work. People do pay attention to things. Not only will you benefit from this but so will everyone else that uses the ramps around.

I have noticed the Brinkman company has discontinued the StarfireII® lights so I called them and found that there has been some injuries to people with them and removed them from the shelves. I have used these lights for a few years and got attached to their quality of light. I now have benn able to get parts for the ones that broke and wanted to share this info with you. I had to sign a waiver protecting them from liability of injury for the repairs to them and they will be sending me the globes and bulbs free in the mail. If you still have your damaged lights and wish to receive the bulbs and globes you can contact them @ 1-816-753-7343