Fisherman wants improved access
The only problem is, he has trouble navigating the short hill for fishing access.
To the right of the Coos Bay Boardwalk and above the tidegate, a small platform with a dilapidated metal railing offers great salmon fishing, Hynes said, but the steep slope to get to the platform is difficult for him to navigate.
“The young guys don’t have any trouble,” Hynes said.
Hynes uses a nearby flagpole to aid his short descent, but he said this is especially troubling when he has fishing equipment in tow.
He brought this to the attention of the City Parks department, asking Jim Hossley if they could put in some simple stairs for easier access. Hynes said he showed the area in question to Hossley, and he agreed the fishing spot needs updating.
But Hossley had to turn Hynes down, because the money needed for the project isn’t in the current budget. Hynes asked Hossley if he could raise the money independently if other people could pitch in with supplies and labor, and Hossley supported his plan.
Although the city doesn’t have the money to build it now, Hossley has pitched the idea to the Parks Commission, and officials seem to be on board.
“They liked the idea,” Hossley said. “But if he finds some volunteers, we would be willing to entertain that.”
Hossley said he thinks this project could be worked into budget talks starting next April.
“I don’t expect it to be very expensive,” he said, adding that he thinks the project wouldn’t take too long to complete.
Hossley said the area would need a few repairs beyond the addition of stairs, with a railing in disarray that could be a safety hazard. Hossley wants the spot to be safe for fishermen of all ages, and said he would like a licensed contractor to take charge, or at least oversee, any updates.
He said if Hynes gathers volunteers to create a plan, they would have to run everything past the city to ensure safety, though a building permit wouldn’t be required.
Hossley said it’s quite feasible this project could be finished by next fall’s salmon season, no matter if volunteers step forward to help Hynes.
And considering it already is a popular spot, Hynes thinks the area deserves to have better access. Fishermen’s attempts at stairs carved out of the dirt slope are evident, though not a permanent solution. With heavy use during the fall salmon season, Hynes doesn’t think the muddy stairs will hold up to constant traffic.
“They stand here, elbow to elbow,” Hynes said of the fishermen.
“In season, I come here,” he said. “This is a good spot.”
He’s been known to fish every day for six months, he said with a smile on his face. He’s been fishing since he was 3 or 4 years old, and doesn’t plan to stop now.
“I’ve been here probably a dozen times,” said Hynes, alluding to this past fall season.
Hynes is confident other fishermen will support his idea, pointing out the camaraderie among the anglers he’s run into while fishing in Coos Bay.
“I’m very impressed with the attitude of fishermen here,” he said.
Those interested in helping can call Hynes at 267-5310. He said he has no attachment to being in charge, and would love for a contractor to take over. He said he doesn’t have much money to contribute, but “give me a shovel” and he’ll put in the labor.
People can also call Hossley at the City Parks department at 269-8918.
Fishing needs to be available to people of all ages, just because they get old does not mean that something they love to do should be taken away, they should build those stairs!