I'll throw my 2 cents in. If you have never been through a lock, I would strongly suggest NOT to go Friday nite. TI will be packed with larger and then even larger boats coming from the north and coming from the south, plus possible barge traffic. Then throw darkness and possible boat trouble in, not good. Sunday big boats with be coming out of TI, no big deal. It is a no wake zone entering TI all the way to the docks, I know they will be hailing you on ch. 16 wondering who you are and what your intentions are. They will tell you to switch to ch. 9 so they can talk to you, they are very nice. There is a sandy beach on the down river side of the docks you can pull up on, beware of shallow water. They have a shuttle bus that will take you to the casino. Daylight you be much more safe and more fun.
See you all this weekend.
Mikey