BEACH CLOSURES

[Ratsince66]

Having been denied access to beaches on the Cape and Sandy Hook, now it looks like my vacation in Avon will be spoiled without access to the point during prime fishing time, I am glad I've learned to keep my mouth shut. I fish a stretch of Gateway Nat. Seashore that doesn't see much pressure (maybe it does but I'm gone by the time the sun is up). For the last couple of years there have been up to 6 pairs of nesting plovers, up to 8 pairs of skimers and numerous Oyster Catchers. I enjoy watching the birds at sunrise feed in the tidal pool although the Skimers can be a pain when they hit your line while skimming. Anyway, even though both my wife and I are serious birders I have always kept my mouth shut. The NATIONAL PARK SERVICE should take note, even in the background of the NYC skyline, these birds can do just fine without our assistance and may just flourish and adapt to a new enviroment without all the eco fruitcakes and fanatical birders intervening.
tance

[longcaster]

Your in for it now. From now on please advise NPS where you will be so you can be arrested. How dare you be able to fish, when the rest of us can't.
Bailif wack his pee-pee.
longcaster

[Ratsince66]

Anyone with a gateway pass can fish there during the evenings, its open to the public during the day. People walk their dogs, picnic, etc. The point is that the birds don't need anyone fawning over them and making a fuss. They do just fine by themselves. Most of the birds vacate the area during high traffic times but always seem to return for the morning feed.

[derf]

unfortunatly , it's not just about the birds ....
there are people who want the beach closed & are using the birds as a way to get their agenda enacted .
derf

[Mike D]

Staying in Avon 8-27 thru 9-3. How close to the point can you get driving on the beach and walk out? I thought there were sections that are opeend. If that's not an option what about Oregon or Hatteras inlet? Can I get anywhere?

Do the B&T's have any info showing what beaches are off limits and where you can drive?

Sorry to ask so many questions. Just trying to salvage my vacation

Thanks!

[derf]

any & all the tackle shops will know what is open & closed . it's rough trying to keep up with the NPS & their agenda.....
derf

[Ratsince66]

MIKE D, I'll be staying in Avon at ONE the same week, stop by and maybe we can salvage some puppys at the inlet. Called RDT this morning, open from 7am to 10 pm at the point (for now). This wipes out any pre dawn drum fishing, my favorite time. I take very few fish pictures, my wife will disagree but I do have framed pictures of the point at sunrise as I find it one of the most breathtaking places to watch the sun rise. We debated over the weekend and decided to fill the 120 qt. coolers with food instead of bringing an arsenal of gear and tackle. The thinking is that we can deprive the economy of a few grand in lost revenue by cooking at the house, no eating out, no food lion and no breakfast at the shoals. No need for bait, ice, spanish lures etc. No need to browse the tackle shops. I hate to punish those who are not responsible but the money in my pocket is all I have to let my feelings be known. Letter and E-Mail seems to be fruitless. JON

[John M]

hurting the businesses that are supporting our cause wont help.......Im not sure if OBPA listed the business that are supporting our cause or not I know there was talk of them doing that. If you really wanna hurt them, dont rent the house, send a letter to the chamber of commerce telling them why your arnt gonna spend your dollars there.

[Ratsince66]

Unfortunately its too late for that, too many people involved. I've always hated that weekend but many years ago it was done for the Kids as it was the last week before school started. Kids are now grown, mine are in college and are all ready gone by then. My inlaws are into "tradition" despite my request that we move it to the fall. If this continues it will be my last "summer" visit. Don't worry, I visit in the spring and fall and spend enough to make up for the lack of revenue during "closure" season.

[Ratsince66]

Looks like NPS will allow escorted access beginning @ 5am starting today. Sunrise at the point may be a possibility.

[John M]

I still dont get how not spending money at place like Red Drum Tackle or Frank and Frans helps anything. Its guys like bob and frank who are taking the point for us in this battle. I dont always agree with them, but they didnt close the beaches they are fighitng for our acess daily.....of course thier fighting to save thier livelihoods too, so they are motivated. Again not supporting those businesses makes no sense to me what so ever.

[Ratsince66]

OK OK I understand your point of view, however; without access to the point during prime fishing hours, I wouldn't need bait ( usually cast net my own anyway). That point is now moot as they will allow escorted access @ 5am. Wish I could have cancelled but my wife's family is involved and they don't fish. I hate the ramp at the end of avon, watch too many get stuck in the soft sand from the deck. The ride to Oregon or Bodie Isl. is too long, the inlet would have been my only choice. I'm supposed to be on vacation. Economic Impact would be my only recourse to the screwing the fisherman are getting.

[Mike S]

If you aren't a member already, you may consider joining an organization like the OBPA to support them in the fight for access. It is going to be very inmportant in the coming years to support the people on the front line as the ORV plan is developed.

[Mike D]

I will join OBPA when I'm there next week. I go down 2 -3 times a year and will spend money but have to admit the lure of going down will be diminished greatly if I cannot drive out to the point and the inlets to fish.

What's an escourted trip to the point? One truck at a time?

Thanks for the updates.

[derf]

What's an escourted trip to the point? One truck at a time?

haven't heard , but if it's like the inlet , it was every 20 minutes .....

derf