Another surf spot closed. - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

JohnR · 08-22-2008, 06:31 AM

I get a lot of people thinking we're too hard on spot talk, but if it causes the loss of ONE spot it is not worth it. Not saying that people talking about Frenchman's was the cause or not but for reasons like the potential loss of a spot, it is never worth the risk.

steve · 08-22-2008, 06:49 AM

John, I have to shoulder some of the blame for the closure of this spot but I think that people going in during daylight hours probably caused the lock. I have been fishing for alot of years and have found fishing areas, even private ones , well after dark usually does not cause problems. Moreover, surf fisherman who think that the same spot will produce at 3 pm on an august afternoon are the ones who bring "heat" on good, semi private spots. By the way, I had permission to traverse that private property for years per the land owner and considered it sacred and never, never went there during the day. But I know guys that did. Furthermore, there has been alot of guy's fishing there as of late because it is good and really consistent. I think it's just one of those places that can handle the volume ala the rock side of the mouth of the Narrow River.

Back Beach · 08-22-2008, 07:01 AM

Same thing also happened not too far from there. A spot I frequented got blocked off after guys were pulling in just after dark and got noticed. I used to fish the place from midnight to 4 am and never had a problem. Too bad.

steve · 08-22-2008, 07:14 AM

BB, it is too bad because guys like me , you and the rest of the people on this site are innocent in what we do and don't cause problems. We just fish and most don't even know we are there.

afterhours · 08-22-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve

BB, it is too bad because guys like me , you and the rest of the people on this site are innocent in what we do and don't cause problems. We just fish and most don't even know we are there.

well said steve.

steve · 08-22-2008, 07:27 AM

For the record, I have no problem talking about spots as you know, but when I speak about private places like Frenchman's , I always, always tell people that it is PRIVATE and they are risking problems if they fish there. Apparently, that didn't deter alot of guy's from going to Frenchman's.

Nebe · 08-22-2008, 07:37 AM

A big issue with frenchmans is the long walk... I know a lot of guys who are to lazy to carry thier fish out and will drive down the private road to pick up thier fish.. THAT is why the gate has been locked..

I want gas at $5 a gallon to keep the riff raff out of my town

shadow · 08-22-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nebe

A big issue with frenchmans is the long walk... I know a lot of guys who are to lazy to carry thier fish out and will drive down the private road to pick up thier fish.. THAT is why the gate has been locked..

I want gas at $5 a gallon to keep the riff raff out of my town

guys need to start using their heads and fillet their fish on the rocks leaving the frame for the crabs and carrying the meat out in a bag.Thats what we do when we take fish out of our spots,If I had to carry a fish out of the spots I fish I would never take a fish.

JohnR · 08-22-2008, 07:39 AM

Steve - understand that I don't have a problem with talking spots, just that it should be done on a one-on-one or smaller group level where you can pass along the important knowledge like keeping it safe.

I know I'm guilty of sometimes thinking all people are as stealthy and respectful of private neighborhoods as I am. I know most of the more serious surffishers will be quiet as possible, but some people - and its easy to underestimate how many - could give a ratt's arse and litter, talk, make noise, cut through people's yards, etc...

I'm also ALARMED at the amount of littering scup fishers showing up in harder to fish & more dangerous spots towing 5-10 year old kids in tow

OK, I'm going to start swearing here as I work myself up

steve · 08-22-2008, 07:47 AM

John, well put. I'm going to be a little more careful about the private places from now on. And believe it or not, the main reason why I am so candid about surf fishing spots is because I want to be helpful to the younger guys. You know, just giving a little "back".

1dozenraw · 08-22-2008, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve

For the record, I have no problem talking about spots as you know, but when I speak about private places like Frenchman's , I always, always tell people that it is PRIVATE and they are risking problems if they fish there. Apparently, that didn't deter alot of guy's from going to Frenchman's.

I took a 40 year sabbatical from fishing... and got back into it about 6-7 years ago. In that short period of time I have seen spots get more crowded, dirtier and have seen an increase in "NO" signs and fences in areas that I really like fishing. I have found myself becoming more and more reluctant to tell folks about spots unless I know them. Not that I know any "secret" places, but I only share info with guys who are similarly concerned about losing access and similarly aware of being respectful of property. I think that folks have to prove their ability to be aware of a lot more than where the fish are before I'll trust them with info that they might use and abuse. That's just me, but it's where I'm at. I generally don't ask spot questions... however, by not asking and being respectful and showing that I am very concerned about trash and access and not screwing things up for others (other fishing folks and beach owners and users), I am amazed at how often very good and very secretive fisherman have volunteered info, because they know I'm not going to abuse the spot or publicize the info.

The other night I walked about a half mile to get to a spot that was only 100 yards away because, in the summer season, too many private beach front owners are around and having my truck parked where it says "No" and walking where it says "Private" just makes them mad. Most recognize my truck and would probably not say anything to me, but parking and walking where they have posted "No" signs attracts others and encourages flaunting of the rules right in their faces. I just am smart enough to know that once the gate is locked, it's locked for everyone, good or bad. To me it's just street smart to keep a low profile, not piss folks off and check guys out before I share info.

But this is an old and frequent discussion. Problem is it seems to come up when a spot gets burned or gets closed. Too late to close the door then folks. Horse is gone.

BigFish · 08-22-2008, 08:07 AM

Another point of access gone....and they want to charge us for the privilege of fishing the ocean?!?!? How are we supposed to get to it if they keep closing all the access by private ownership?? I think that new kayak is gonna come in quite handy!

shadow · 08-22-2008, 07:39 AM

thats to bad. I never did get a chance to fish that spot mostly only because I never wanted to ask anyone how to get in.I knew it was a sensitive spot.I don't understand how some people are so ignorant about this sort of thing it amazes me.One night probably 5 or 6 year ago I went to a spot in soco and the parking lot was block off and the road leading the the light house was also gated shut I remember thinking I can't believe this.But in reality I can't believe that place is still open.