Stockton Advice

[darinb]

Hello all!! I'm looking for any friendly advice. I finally got tired of riding along and just purchased my own boat, a Ranger RB190. I have never been to Stockton but can't wait to try. Where are good launch spots? Any places to in particular to avoid? Is this a good boat for this lake? The folks I am buying the boat from highly recommend Stockton.

Thank you!!

[Kramr]

Welcome to the forum. You'll find this a very fisherman friendly forum with lots of good advice. Your boat reminds me of my first boat. Mine was an aluminum Triton very similar to yours. If this is your first time running your own boat, take time to get to know it and learn how to drive it in all kinds of conditions. Stockton can get a little rough at times so be aware of the changing conditions and react accordingly. Be safety conscious, wear your pfd's, connect your kill-switch when running. (Remember to disconnect your kill-switch). Keep all of your safety equipment in good working order. Of course, you probably already know all of this stuff. My wife and I even took the boating safety course when we first started. 

[darinb]

Outstanding advice Kramr!! Thank you! Very safety conscious and I want to set a good example for my 17 year old son. We both love to fish so this has been a long time dream. Finally off of buddy boats!!! LOL I have been warned about the wind on Stockton. I feel like I made a good choice with the RB190. Big, wide, stable boat. I'm looking forward to being a member here too!!! a TON of good information so far!!

[zarraspook]

45 minutes ago, Kramr said:

Welcome to the forum. You'll find this a very fisherman friendly forum with lots of good advice. Your boat reminds me of my first boat. Mine was an aluminum Triton very similar to yours. If this is your first time running your own boat, take time to get to know it and learn how to drive it in all kinds of conditions. Stockton can get a little rough at times so be aware of the changing conditions and react accordingly. Be safety conscious, wear your pfd's, connect your kill-switch when running. (Remember to disconnect your kill-switch). Keep all of your safety equipment in good working order. Of course, you probably already know all of this stuff. My wife and I even took the boating safety course when we first started. 

If you think 4 to 6 foot rollers are a "little rough".... A south 10-20 mph wind will keep me away from mid & north end of the lake and I have a 20 foot DEEP V glass boat...

Like Kramr said watch the weather.. You will enjoy Stockton just don't get in a hurry and follow this thread for some great info..  Welcome aboard....

[darinb]

Great info zarraspook!!! Thank you!!! I'm definitely not going to be in a hurry. I've got time!

[Knot-a-Bite]

darinb - Stockton is a great lake, but like others have mentioned it can go from smooth as glass to whitecaps in a hurry so just be mindful of the conditions.  We primarily launch out of Ruark (that is where we do most of our camping).  Ruark is pretty steep and can be very congested with boats.  When not camping we launch a lot of times out of the north ramp at mutton creek.  If you are not concerned about being in the bigger water we like the Hawker launch as well.  We have camped up there a few times and have always been surprised about the low level of  boat traffic out of that ramp.  I hope you enjoy your boat and your time on the lake.

[MoCarp]

as a note the lake seems to get rougher easier when the water is higher, but keep an eye out to wind reports and learn to fish with the wind at your back, you'll catch more fish that way...also a drift sock is really handy!

[dan hufferd]

Yep what they said. Fishing is a great pass time, as long as you are alive.

Never take the lake for granted. I fish all seasons on Stockton, when in doubt just slow down.

Catch a big one with your son!

[lundone]

That is a nice boat.  Hope you and your son enjoy it.  Ditto to what has been said above and also Stockton has a considerable amount of water with standing timber and depending on water level some of the trees can be just below the surface so until you know the areas very well only go thru them at an idle.  I fish on Stockton a lot and know these areas and I still go thru them at an idle.  There are a lot of ramps and many of them get little use so get a copy of the lake map (or the internet) from the Corp of Eng office to give you their locations.  

[darinb]

Thanks ALL for the valuable info!!! About 2 weeks from having the boat ready. So much good info here it's a huge help!! I plan to pay it forward in the future and this forum is a great place to do that!! 

THANK YOU!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻