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Scott
Yellow Perch
Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 49
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 Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 12:43 pm Post subject: "Private Marina" on the St. Joe |
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Posting this for everyone's info, yesterday I was fishing the river and went in to the new condo's on the south side just before the piers. I went up the narrow strip where they have the big garage doors to pull boats in and I had some gentlemen inform me that I was on "Private Property" and needed to leave. I informed him that I was doing nothing wrong as I wasn't mooring or impeading boat traffic and he still said I needed to leave so I told him to call the cops. The St. Joe police showed up and talked with him and then came and talked to me. The officer was very kind and professional but asked me to leave until he could get some clarification. I left after giving him my info so I could be contacted with the resolution, besides I was already running late to pick up my son for our afternoon trip to Paw Paw. Well, before I even made it off the river I had been called and informed, as I thought, I was perfectly legal fishing there and they went back and informed the complainants of such so if these guys keep telling people they can't fish there that should be viewed as harrassment. This is an issue we should all be very sensitive to as you read magazines about all the water that is put off limits to fishermen in other states we need to make sure it doesn't happen here.
Scott.
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bronzeback6
Site Admin
Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 612
Location: Bridgman, MI
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| Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 12:54 pm Post subject: |
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Scott,
I've had that happen to me in the same marina, they think they own the whole river. Nobody owns public water like the joe. You would only be trespassing if you jumped on their boat, dock, or sidewalk. As long as you can navigate on water to the marina and if your boat can float, your OK.
I've also had people tell me that I couldn't fish by their docks.  They are just people that need something to complain about.
Justin |
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1javelin
GIANT SMALLIE!!!!
Joined: 20 Mar 2007
Posts: 150
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canvsbk
GIANT SMALLIE!!!!
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 103
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 1:21 am Post subject: |
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| The statement that always gets 'em is to tell them you can't imagine why they would build a marina on your river. Works every time.
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bronzeback6
Site Admin
Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 612
Location: Bridgman, MI
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| Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 11:27 am Post subject: |
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 That's right  It is my river....
Justin |
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Squad Minnow
GIANT SMALLIE!!!!
Joined: 22 Mar 2007
Posts: 149
Location: St. Joseph, Michigan
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:28 am Post subject: |
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According to USCG Michigan rules and regulations that all water may be traversed as long as it is attached to the public waterway, basically once you open the marina to the water you can fish in it. Remember do not damage any property inside as this is trespassing. Another note, the only people who can write you a ticket on the water are.
1. Michigan DNR
2. USCG
3. Sheriff Dept. Marine Division
to clarify no city or twp. police officer has the authority to write a ticket while you are on public water ways. Now remember if you get off your boat to get a lure off the dock your in violation of trespassing ordinances. |
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skeeterman190
Yellow Perch
Joined: 14 Feb 2008
Posts: 49
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| Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:56 am Post subject: |
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I read an article maybe a year ago in Bassmasters where a woman was practicing for a tournament and was harassed like this and took the deal to court. At this time I can't recall all the info on it but I know she won the case. I think that its rediculous that these people think that they OWN the water.I know that the pay a huge amount of money to keep there boats in these slips but Im sure in there contract nowhere does it say they own the water. I have been very impressed with the people in the Whitehall and Muskegon area on this,I fish marinas up there regularly and have never had one problem and most want to know how Im doing. Ive even help a few kids on the docks there catch some fish(giving them baits and all) We have a marina here in Michigan City,IN on the lake that im curious about. Ive talked to a few COs on this deal and it seems that a few bad seeds(guys getting lures caught in sails??and ripping them) have casued some problems. I told the CO if I hit a sail, you prolly better throw me in the lake too,casue Im throwing at a tea cup.If I hit a sail Ive obviously lost it and I need major help.  He told me to just be cautious and not start any problems,if someone says something just mind your own and keep moving on. I guess that having all that money makes them king?? Not in my book, I pay taxes just like everyone else.-skeeterman- |
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1javelin
GIANT SMALLIE!!!!
Joined: 20 Mar 2007
Posts: 150
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fishman01
GIANT SMALLIE!!!!
Joined: 14 Feb 2007
Posts: 133
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| Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 3:05 am Post subject: |
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| Yeah probably. On the subject, I know marinas are allowed to be posted in some states, as well as under docks, so check the rules when you do go some place else to fish. |
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