It is said everyone has to start somewhere. I just finished a book: Walleye Tactics, tips & Tales Writen by Mark Strand and published by the North American Fishing Club.
I wish I had read this book 30 years ago. It is not just a fishing book, it covers everything from soup to nuts. Or should I say from looking to buy a boat to setting it up and launching it in the lake and storing it in winter.
It sure would have saved me a ton of money and inbearassment. All the stuff I have broken sunk or missused are covered and how to prevent it.
A freind gave it to me for x-mas and I just now got around to reading it. It should be a library book so you don't need to buy it.
It was published in 1990 so some things are dated. This is a great read for anyone that uses a boat to fish.
Note: Their are people that have left the plug out and then their are the ones that haven't YET

Ive left my plug out, I admit, but two 1000 gpm automatic bilge pumps prevented calamity until I could return to the launch.

Another embarassment I'll admit to here is joining the NAFC.

I fell for a cheap-o pot metal zipper pull and a pack of fishing hooks of a size I'd never use in Western WA.
What I got in return was weekly phone harrasment for two years to become a Life Member for the low, low price of only $500.
They dont have anything to offer that you can't find at Barnes & Noble or Sportco.

I didn't even sugest to buy the book I was thinking anyone could check it out from the local library. It was simple enough for me to understand and thought it might help someone not do a lot of the things I had to learn the HARD way

Learning the hard way is one way not to forget. If you want to learn alot about boating visit any heavy used boat launch and watch, caution stay well back as a large vessel throwing a big wave can throw a boat side ways on a trailer faster than you can get out of the way.