Introduction: The Forgotten Art of Getting There
There’s a moment, halfway up the A9, when you glance in the rearview mirror and think; *“Did I actually tighten that strap?”* That’s the pike angler’s version of religion: faith, doubt, and a prayer that everything stays attached. The truth is, towing a boat isn’t glamorous. It’s part logistics, part leap of faith, and entirely your responsibility when things go sideways (literally).
I once watched a friend lose a wheel arch on the way to Loch Maree. It overtook him. Nobody’s ever laughed and sworn so much in one breath. Lesson learned: preparation beats panic every time.
Background: Why Towing Trips Go Wrong
Most towing mishaps don’t come from bad luck - they come from forgetfulness. A missing pin. A soft tyre. A cable that worked fine last summer. We focus so much on rods and reels that the trailer becomes an afterthought, until it’s the only thing anyone’s talking about at the next petrol stop.
So, before the next road north, here’s a checklist that saves your gear, your nerves, and your reputation at the slipway.
The Core Checklist: What to Check Before You Pull Away
1. Hitch & Security; Sounds obvious, but it’s the one everyone forgets at least once. Double-check the coupling, safety pin, and breakaway cable. Make sure the hitch locks tight, then test by gently lifting the tow bar. If it moves, fix it; now, not later.
2. Lights & Electrics: Plug in, check, repeat. Get a mate to walk behind whilst you test brake lights, indicators, and tail lamps. No friend? Reverse near a window and improvise. If they’re flickering like a disco, clean the contacts - or better yet, replace that battered 7-pin plug.
3. Tyres & Pressure: Trailer tyres are the unsung heroes of every fishing trip. Check tread, sidewalls, and pressure (including the spare, which everyone forgets). Underinflated tyres are heat magnets: and trust me, a blowout halfway through Glencoe isn’t character-building, it’s terrifying.
4. Straps & Load - Tighten the ratchets, then tighten them again. Secure the bow, stern, and sides. If your boat shifts when you push it, so will your mood. Loose straps slap in the wind like angry wasps, good for no one’s nerves.
5. Number Plate & Visibility, Legal but overlooked. The plate must match your car, and yes, police do check. Clean off the road grime, make sure the trailer board sits square, and don’t let that £5 plastic bracket decide your weekend.
6. Safety Kit, Keep a basic set of very, very importants: torch, gloves, reflective vest, wheel chocks, spare bulbs, and cable ties (the universal fix for everything). If it can’t be repaired with a cable tie, it’s probably beyond hope anyway.
Human Experience: Real Life in the Lay-by
I once spent an hour on the side of the road outside Pitlochry, kneeling in the drizzle, trying to reconnect a snapped light cable with frozen fingers. A passing local stopped, handed me electrical tape, and said, “You’re no’ the first, pal.” Then drove off. That’s the thing about towing in Scotland; it humbles you. Quickly.
By the time you reach the loch, though, the stress fades. The moment you unclip the boat, push it into the water, and hear that first hollow splash - you remember why you bother.
Why Anglers Care: Because You Can’t Catch from the Hard Shoulder
It’s easy to romanticise the fishing part and forget the getting-there part. But if your gear never makes it north, your weekend’s already over. A quick once-over in the driveway saves hours of swearing in a lay-by - and it’s cheaper than replacing a shredded tyre at the only garage for 40 miles.
Let’s be honest, nothing kills the mood faster than arriving late, wet, and one strap short of your dignity.
Legacy: From Chaos to Competence
Every experienced towing angler started as a mess. We’ve all forgotten a light board or reversed into something solid. But over time, it becomes a ritual: a quiet dance of bolts, cables, and confidence. You stop rushing. You start checking. You learn that preparation is just another form of patience: same as fishing.
Conclusion: Check Twice, Launch Once
Scotland’s roads are long, narrow, and occasionally unkind. But with a solid checklist, a calm head, and maybe a strong coffee, you’ll get there in one piece: boat, trailer, and pride intact. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than a smooth tow and a smooth launch.