how is fishing in buffalo

[captainjoe]

Talking about marinas and lunch ramps - I drove past a few launch ramps yesterday. I was traveling from Orlando to Clearwater on the Causeway in the Clearwater area. What a beautiful area. There were several launch ramps along the Causeway with boats, trailers etc. around them. But do you want to know what I didn't see? Toll booths for launching. No signs on how much to pay to launch. No body there with their hands out looking for money. What a concept. People are actually getting something for their tax money. I did see a few shore fisherman carrying what looked to be snook.

[lineman49]

CaptainJoe, I agree what a concept letting people use OUR natural resources for nothing & they probably have access to them when ever they want to use them year round all for nothing. I feel with the taxes sportsmen pay for hunting & fishing supplies our part is paid for! jmo. I wonder when the Erie basin launch will be opened, all they need to do is move 2 barricades & let us at it.

[milt]

im pretty sure ohio is all free launching also erie basin opens either may 1 or the 15th capt joe i hope u r enjoying the south it got cold up here

[lineman49]

Is anyone doing any smelt on the lower river ? I heard that it should be starting.

[captainjoe]

Milt -- it's great down here. Sunny low 80's. 70's at night. I'll bring the warm weather back when I leave on Sat. I have one more gripe about the launching situation around Buffalo. I hate to bring politics up on a fishing site but it's kinda relevant. Back in the late 90's where Gallagher's Beach is now and was then. You were able to drive on the beach, launch a small boat or jetski free of charge when ever you wanted. There were all kinds of people enjoying the facility. Yes, it wasn't like it is now. But when you got out of work and had a few minutes you could put in -my zip around for a short time and leave. Hut this was in the shadows of the NFTA and the Small Boat Harbor. Then all concerned got together with our "politicians " and decided "Hay we can improve this site and then CHARGE people to launch there". Now it's good looking, beautiful if you want to go walking by it. Thank you our local politicians!!!!

[Alaskan Joe]

Well, I called the SP Marina today. They said that they had a ton of dredging to do, and that they will not allow boats to go out until May 15th. Despite what I was told, I have to believe that boats will be able to launch again well before May 15th. If anyone happens to hear that boats are going back out of Sturgeon Point, please put up a post - or send me a PM. Thanks - Joe

[Alaskan Joe]

I have heard that the main entrance to the SBH is blocked off, but that people are entering through the opening by Dug's Dive. Is it OK (legal) to launch and park at the SBH prior to the official opening? Basically, I wondering if there is any risk for getting a ticket- or for getting towed!
Thanks,
Joe