Delta Boat Launches

Post Reply
Kyle46N
Posts: 136
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:55 pm

Delta Boat Launches

Post by Kyle46N »

Hello all. I'm new to the area courtesy of the Air Force and heading out to the Delta for the first time this weekend. I'm looking at launches in the area of Delta loop....B&W, Pirates Lair, etc. I've read a couple reviews on Pirates Lair having a small launch ramp. I have a Ranger 520vx, and was hoping someone can tell me if this is do-able or not. I'm leaning to this area because it gets me closer to where I "think" I want to fish verses Brannan Island state rec launch. Honestly I don't know where I want to fish...lol, just anxious to get out there and play in the grass and hopefully put a few fish in the boat. I'm all ears on any other advice you would give a new Delta boater. Not referring to honey holes (too much fun figuring it out on my own), but more so safety advice running the Delta, launches, etc. Thanks!

Kyle
monte300
Posts: 952
Joined: Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:18 pm
Location: San Ramon

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by monte300 »

I'm not that familiar with the area you mention, but I can say I don't much care for the ramp at Tiki Lagun. It's way too shallow for my liking and lacks a decent drop off.

As far as safety goes common sense always prevails. I would say put the hammer down when visibility is good, but avoid blind turns. There are many of these on the Delta, usually tule points. There's also still a fair amount of floating timber, odd for the month of June, but then we did have that extremely wet winter. Most of all have fun!
Last edited by monte300 on Fri Jun 16, 2017 7:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
cory
Posts: 116
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2017 3:04 pm
Location: Ca delta

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by cory »

B&e is the best place to launch by far plenty of room and parking and they cater to the bass crowd so you'll meet plenty of other bass fisherman good vibe and the launch tamp is a breeze
NG
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:13 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by NG »

Pirates Lair is closest to main SJ river but I almost always launch at B&W. Pirates is not only small, but very steep ramp, your vehicle is almost still on the top of the levee road as your boat heads toward the water at a sharp turn. Even more of a challenge with a bigger boat. Only time I use it is when it's really foggy and don't want to run boat from B&W to the main SJ. For first few times out, I would recommend to launch at B&W and then as you get familiar with Delta, check out Pirates and see what you think.
NG
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:13 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by NG »

Forgot to answer your specific question about Pirates. Yes, it's doable with a 520, my friend has one and he launches there sometimes. I always get nervous when I've launched there, so I avoid it.
Freefall
Posts: 319
Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2016 5:19 am

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Freefall »

I've launched at Pirates Lair for years. It's not the easiest and the skeeters there remind me of Benning but it's doable. I launch there more if I'm fishing until / after dark.

B&W is definitely nicer and only a 5 minute run away. I fish that section more in the fall.

The Delta is an awesome place but be mindful of the tides and depths.

Good luck.
Fear does not prevent death, it prevents life.

You've never lived until you've almost died and for those who have fought for it, life has a whole new flavor that the protected will never know....
Kyle46N
Posts: 136
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:55 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Kyle46N »

Thanks a bunch for the info. I'll take the advice to try B & W's first to get a feel for the Delta. I'll take a look at Pirates at a later date. I have another question. I was reading the article on Bobby B's tourney win, and he mentioned something about grass being pelletized. I gather this is to kill of grass in certain areas? Is this common, or becoming common? Is it pretty easy to tell where this is being done? I would rather stay clear of dead grass.
gabuelhaj
Posts: 507
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 8:21 am
Location: Manteca

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by gabuelhaj »

You can subscribe to weekly updates here:

http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28764

Good luck!
Glenn Abuelhaj
Freefall
Posts: 319
Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2016 5:19 am

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Freefall »

Kyle46N wrote:Thanks a bunch for the info. I'll take the advice to try B & W's first to get a feel for the Delta. I'll take a look at Pirates at a later date. I have another question. I was reading the article on Bobby B's tourney win, and he mentioned something about grass being pelletized. I gather this is to kill of grass in certain areas? Is this common, or becoming common? Is it pretty easy to tell where this is being done? I would rather stay clear of dead grass.
In the past I've seen them spray the hyacinth but this is the first time I've seen them palletize the grass.

It's not always easy to tell or notice. Look for dead small fish or dead floating grass stands. I'm not sure of where it's been done lately as I've been fishing the lakes a lot.

I'll be on the D Monday PM and Wednesday. I'll post up if I come across any.
Fear does not prevent death, it prevents life.

You've never lived until you've almost died and for those who have fought for it, life has a whole new flavor that the protected will never know....
User avatar
Revoke36
Posts: 175
Joined: Mon May 30, 2011 12:41 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Revoke36 »

B&W is decent and a better location IMO. Its relatively close to whites slough and a few others that are excellent areas to fish.
Support 81
Kyle46N
Posts: 136
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:55 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Kyle46N »

Put in at B&W yesterday, and like mentioned it's an excellent ramp. Great location too. Coming from the east coast and the south east....12 bucks per launch is a tough pill to swallow but the beauty of the Delta makes up for it. I even caught a few fish. I'll post a report in another thread. Thanks again for the solid advice.
fishwithron
Posts: 191
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:10 am
Location: sac calif

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by fishwithron »

Think Korth's is still $7.00,
lil nitro
Posts: 59
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 9:38 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by lil nitro »

Korths just raised it to $10 now.
fishwithron
Posts: 191
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 8:10 am
Location: sac calif

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by fishwithron »

They had for $7.00 forat least 20+ years and knew it was going to go up one day. Still probably cheapest ramp around.
Bad thing is only one boat at a time due to that small dock.
Hookset5
Posts: 99
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 8:09 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Hookset5 »

12.00? Just wait until you try the gold country lakes.
Kyle46N
Posts: 136
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:55 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Kyle46N »

Hookset5 wrote:12.00? Just wait until you try the gold country lakes.
Uh oh....it's worse? Being new here, what do you mean by Gold Country lakes? Are these the northern Cali lakes? Berryessa, Clear, etc?
Kyle46N
Posts: 136
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:55 pm

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Kyle46N »

Kyle46N wrote:
Hookset5 wrote:12.00? Just wait until you try the gold country lakes.
Uh oh....it's worse? Being new here, what do you mean by Gold Country lakes? Are these the northern Cali lakes? Berryessa, Clear, etc?
Nevermind...just googled it. That kinda sucks, as I planned on fishing Bullards Bar every once in a while for obvious reasons. You don't have to be from Cali to have heard of Bullards Bar in the past couple years.
Stratos278
Posts: 611
Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2007 8:01 pm
Location: Gun Barrel City TX

Re: Delta Boat Launches

Post by Stratos278 »

Kyle46N wrote:
Hookset5 wrote:12.00? Just wait until you try the gold country lakes.
Uh oh....it's worse? Being new here, what do you mean by Gold Country lakes? Are these the northern Cali lakes? Berryessa, Clear, etc?
Capell Cove ramp at Berryessa is free, other ramps charge $18-23, the last time I was there (couple of years ago)
Numerous free ramps all around Clear lake, including Red Bud, Clearlake Oaks, County Park, and several Lakeport ramps (5th St, Library Park are a couple of them). Not sure, but think the Konocti Vista Casino charges a nominal fee now. maybe someone else can chime in on this
Jim C.
"Rip Some Lips!!!!"
Post Reply