Some fishing trips fall apart before the first cast. The boat is still at home, the bait shop is closed, and the lake is a long drive away.
On the southern Oregon coast, one small lake town has a fix for all three problems in a single stop. You can rent a 17-foot bass boat with a fish finder, buy live bait in the same store, grab a snack, and launch onto a lake system known as the Tenmile Lakes.
It works for first-time boaters and seasoned anglers alike. Keep reading to learn which boats are on the dock, what the shop stocks, when the doors open, and the small habits that make a day here go smoothly from the first knot to the last ice cream.
A Marina Tucked Into Lakeside, Oregon
Small towns often hide their best stops in plain sight, and Lakeside is no exception. Lakeside Marina sits at 325 S 8th St, Lakeside, OR 97449, in the United States, right on the edge of the water.
The business is a marina at heart, but it wears several hats. It rents boats, runs a store stocked with fishing gear and live bait, and offers access to a boat launch.
Lakeside itself is a quiet community on the southern Oregon coast. The marina serves as its doorway to the Tenmile Lakes, a connected system of lakes and canals that draws anglers and families each season.
That mix of rentals and supplies is what sets the place apart. Instead of stopping at three different businesses, a fishing crew can sort out boat, bait, and snacks at one counter.
Many people also know the operation by a friendlier nickname. Longtime fans call it Ringo’s, after the family behind the business, and that name pops up again and again among regulars.
The marina holds a 4.6-star standing across more than a hundred opinions, which says a lot for a small-town shop. So what makes so many people come back year after year?
The answer starts with the family running the docks.
The Family Behind Ringo’s
Behind every good marina is someone who answers the same question a hundred times a day without losing patience. Here, that job belongs to a family-owned crew.
Ringo and his family are the names most closely tied to the business. Guests mention the owners warmly, along with a pair of family dogs that seem to have their own fan club.
The family-run feel shows up in small ways. Staff greet people as they arrive, explain the boats carefully, and offer advice on the water ahead.
Names like Misty come up too, praised for a sharp sense of humor and a whole lot of patience with customers. Holiday weekends can bring big crowds, and the team keeps information flowing.
That said, no business is perfect. A few guests have felt the staff was too blunt when handling large pontoons in tight dock spaces, so it helps to ask for guidance early if you feel rusty behind the wheel.
Most people walk away with a different story, though. Many first-timers arrive nervous and leave planning a return trip, which is a strong sign that the family vibe is doing its job.
Tenmile Lakes Right at the Dock
A marina is only as good as its water, and this one has a lot of it. The docks open onto the Tenmile Lakes, a sprawling system with access to many lakes and canals.
That layout gives boaters room to roam. A single rental day can include quiet coves, narrow channels, and wider stretches of open water.
The lake earns frequent praise for being both pretty and clean. Families mention a relaxed atmosphere on the water, with other boaters acting responsibly and respectfully.
Wildlife is part of the deal as well. Ducks, frogs, and tadpoles are common near the shoreline, which keeps kids busy spotting critters between casts.
The size of the system matters for planning. With so many arms and canals, it pays to ask staff for directions before heading out, so the return trip does not turn into a guessing game.
One fan summed up the appeal simply: take a break from the heat, escape to the coast, and spend a day on the water. Small-town fun, it turns out, comes with a lot of shoreline.
The Bass Boat With a Fish Finder
Here is the headline act. Anglers can rent a 17-foot bass boat, and it comes equipped with a fish finder.
That electronic helper is a big deal on a lake system this large. Instead of guessing where the fish are hiding, you get a screen showing what is happening below the hull.
Renters who have used it call the fish finder a great addition to the boat. It turns an ordinary day of casting into a more focused hunt.
The bass boat suits small fishing crews who care more about lines in the water than lounging space. It is built for moving between spots, not for hosting a party.
Bringing your own rods is fine, but you do not have to. The store next to the docks covers the gaps, which we will get to shortly.
For anyone who has ever hauled a trailer across the state just to fish for a day, renting here removes a lot of hassle. You show up, load up, and leave the towing worries behind.
Not a bad catch before you even make a cast.
Pontoons for the Whole Crew
Not everyone in the family wants to fish all day. That is where the pontoon boats come in, and they are the most talked-about rentals at the marina.
Pontoons offer room to spread out. Grandparents, parents, and kids can all fit aboard, which makes them a favorite for reunions and holiday outings.
One family turned a Father’s Day weekend into a full day on a pontoon with the grandkids. Others have marked anniversaries out on the water.
The boats are described as being in nice shape, and the rates are called reasonable for the time you get. Pickup and drop-off are known to be easy.
A few tips help things go smoothly:
Ask staff to walk you through leaving the dock, since spaces can be tight. Treat the canopy top gently, because adjustments can lead to damage questions at return.
Weather also deserves attention. Coastal conditions can shift, and a rental does not automatically come with a refund if you head back early, so check the forecast first.
Plan well, and a pontoon becomes a floating living room for the day.
Small Dinghies, Big Adventures
Sometimes the smallest boat on the dock gives the biggest grin. The marina also rents dinghies, a simpler and lighter option for couples or solo explorers.
Price is part of the charm. One couple paid roughly 110 dollars for a full day and called it well worth it.
First-time operators are not left to figure it out alone. Staff give a quick lesson before departure, and even total beginners report feeling comfortable by the end of the day.
A dinghy is a smart pick for poking around the canals and smaller corners of the lake system. Its size makes it easy to handle once you get the basics down.
It also suits people who want to explore more than fish. Couples have spent whole days just cruising and seeing what is around the next bend.
Prices can change over time, so it is wise to confirm current rates on the marina website before arriving. Still, for a budget-friendly day on the water, the little dinghy punches well above its weight class.
Bait, Tackle, and Ice Cream Under One Roof
Forgot your hooks? No problem.
The marina store carries a solid range of fishing items, from basic tackle to live bait.
That second part is the real time saver. Picking up live bait a few steps from your rental boat means no early detours across town.
The shop also covers general lake recreation needs, so families can grab the odds and ends they left at home.
Snacks and ice cream round out the shelves. Kids tend to remember that last item more than any fish they catch.
Staff are happy to share fishing advice along with your purchase. Asking where things are biting costs nothing and can save hours of trial and error.
There is a practical bonus too. The marina has a clean restroom on site, which is a welcome detail before a long stretch on the water.
For anglers, this one-stop setup is the whole point of the trip. Rent the boat, buy the bait, and hit the lake before the coffee wears off.
Launch Ramps and Dock Logistics
Own a boat already? The marina still has something for you.
It offers access to boat launching, with multiple ramps leading onto the lake system.
Fans of the launch call it a great place to put in. The ramps open onto many lakes and canals, so owners can explore at their own pace.
Parking is where planning matters. Some describe a big lot, while others call parking limited, which likely depends on the day and season.
Arriving early on weekends is the safe move. It gives you time to find a spot, unload calmly, and get on the water before the busy hours.
Renters get some logistical help too. Carts are available for hauling gear from the car to the dock, and boats are often ready on arrival.
That matters for longer trips. One group loaded plenty of gear for a two-day rental, and the carts kept the process simple.
Smooth logistics may not be glamorous, but they decide whether a day starts relaxed or rushed.
Repairs, Service, and a Word of Caution
Engines do not care about vacation plans. Lakeside Marina offers boat and personal watercraft service, which can rescue a weekend when something stops running.
Some owners have had good results. One mechanic named Harry has drawn high praise for outboard know-how, fair dealing, and fitting jobs into a busy schedule.
Typical work has included checking fuel for water, draining and replacing fuel, and changing oil. Quick turnaround of a couple of days has been noted.
Experiences with service are not uniform, however. Some customers have reported costly wiring work that did not meet marine standards and engine repairs that did not solve the problem.
The takeaway is simple. Ask who will handle your job, request a clear estimate, and confirm what parts will be replaced before work begins.
It is also wise to keep your own records. A list of past repairs helps any mechanic diagnose issues faster and keeps costs in check.
A careful approach here keeps your boat, and your budget, afloat.
Hours, Booking, and Getting There
Timing is everything on a fishing trip, and the marina keeps a specific schedule.
It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed, so plan midweek trips accordingly.
That 4 PM closing time is worth remembering. Rentals and store purchases need to fit within those hours, so an early start gives you the most lake time.
Booking ahead is a smart idea, especially for holiday weekends. Staff have been known to help fix date mix-ups, which takes some stress out of planning.
Details on rentals and services are listed at lakesidemarinainc.com. Checking there before you go helps confirm boat availability and current rates.
Pets may be welcome on some rentals. One guest brought a dog along on a boat outing, though it is best to ask first.
Getting there means heading to the town of Lakeside on the southern Oregon coast, then following S 8th St toward the water. A little planning turns the drive into the easy part of the day.
Worth the Trip to the Coast
So, does this small-town marina live up to the promise in its name? For anglers and families looking for an easy day on the water, the answer leans toward yes.
The combination is hard to beat. You get a bass boat with a fish finder, pontoons and dinghies for every group size, and a store with live bait and ice cream.
The lake system adds the scenery and space. Many miles of water and canals mean every outing can feel a little different.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Book early, check the weather, go slow when leaving the dock, and ask detailed questions about any repair work.
Beginners will find patient help, while seasoned boaters will appreciate the launch access and gear on hand.
Many guests leave already planning their next visit, and some make it a yearly tradition. In a town built around a lake, it makes sense that the marina has become a favorite starting line.
Bring your patience, your sunscreen, and your best fish story.
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