Coast Guard Irks Local Crabbers
Boaters are complaining that Coast Guard is unfairly restricting boating in the lower Winchester Bay from the entrance to the West Basin seaward when they close the bar. Boaters assert that the closure is unnecessary and they should be able to crab in the upper portion of the jetty channel and in Half Moon Bay. What is your opinion?
Sure, complain about the Coast Guard restrictions on the Bar but who do you call for help when you are in trouble? I’m sure this bar is much like the bar at Yaquina Bay, everyone thinks that the bar restrictions start at the jetty tips – that’s just where the impact zone is. The CFR states the geographic area where the restriction applies. The Coasties take everything into consideration when imposing a restriction on the bar: tidal conditions (ebb/flood) and velocity, current wx and forecasted conditions, wind, visibility, and also the length of your boat. Give them a break and take some responsibility for saving your own life. Wear your PFD. R
William
Trying to gather more information on the restricted area. For example today and yesterday the bar was closed. The restricted area was the one that is listed at the boat ramp, back to a line running from the East end of the Coast Guard Dock “bay” to across the river. Asked them questions yesterday and the person in charge indicated that he had made the decision and that Half Moon Bay was dangerous and that was the reason that the closure was at that point. I had visited Half Moon Bay three times yesterday and would disagree with him.
If there is some discretion on the part of the Coast Guard and yesterday and today are examples, then the bar closure will always extend back to where there is no left turn out of the West Boat basin. When I asked them how a boater might find out if the closure was at the new restricted area or at the old, it was suggested that the Coast Guard be called.
I am trying to meet with frequent Crabbers (and fisherman) to gauge the concern level.
I estimate that the new area is about 60% of the area running from the old restricted area (which is not included in the percentages) to a short distance up river from the Cost Guard Station.
Also do you know where the body of water the Coast Guard refers to as Windy Cove is located. thanks
Joe Coyne theatercello@yahoo.com 271-2103
Trying to gain information on the bar restricted areas is hardly complaining. It is not a criticism of the US Coast Guard, who are there to assist boaters and others, and everyone is pleased that they are there. Discussing matters is possible and as the Federal Register suggests, required. If you would like information on the bar closing in Winchester Bay I will be glad to send it to you, so you can see for yourself based on the information at hand and form an opinion. You could also go to ifish.net and see some comments.
Winchester Bay has a very difficult bar and no one I know believes that the restricted area is limited to the jetty tips. But what if the NEW restricted area declared on December 20th incorporates bays 8/10 of a mile from the bar, what if it includes another bay that is 1 1/4 mile from the bar. What if it incorporates areas further away. (it does)
The press release issued by the Coast Guard says they will use the old restriction line unless they determine that the new restriction area is dangerous. They have not done so per their own words. Give the Coast Guard credit, but perhaps let some fisherman and crabbers that are familiar with the area have an opinion.
If you want the information 541-271-2103
It all concerns the Ebb current. I talked to the Coastguard guys. Normally, only when the Bar is to dangerous for even them to cross do they restrict it at aid 8. They are concerned that a boat will break down and get sucked out before they have the chance to respond.