How safe is it to launch at the St Jeans ramp by yourself? I have heard mixed opinions. Also, how far is that from the Belle river hump? I only have a forty horse, and I cant get anywhere fast. Thanks.
Just a bit over 15 miles from St. Jeans: http://marinecruiser.com/chart.html
Askins Point isn't too far, might try that. Last year I went out with plans to head to the hump but never made it past Askins, too many good fish there to leave!
As far as the ramp, I never had a problem down there but I've only been out of there a few times and it only takes once for bad things to happen, but that is the same anywhere. I feel safer at St. Jeans than a lot of other ramps though.
Is the attendant there all the time now?
I haven't heard of any problems at St Jeans this year...Other than I think that is where the Drunk ran over someone in the parking lot....
Chris and I went there during the "fish for Walleye cause Bass ain't open" Season earlier this year. There were several attendants there then. I thought it looked like a pretty good, safe, and secure launch. I believe that it is totally fenced in. There were only two problems I could see.
Parking: If they run out of space on the paved lot, you have to park in a grassy area. Beware of debris.
The launch: Although deep enough, it is narrow when you back your boat away from the dock. Just be careful. The other thing is, if you are alone, and have to leave your boat while you go park, I'm not sure how secure the stuff on your boat is. Most anglers are very honest, but it only takes one.
Based on this free press article - I don't think the drunk was at St. Jeans
http://www.freep.com/article/20090625/NEWS05/90625050/1118/rss (http://www.freep.com/article/20090625/NEWS05/90625050/1118/rss)
I've used St. Jean's a couple times every year and have never had problems. The nearby area is being developed and cleaned up. Nice houses and my guess is that has helped with the access roads being put into better shape and positive improvements in general appearance.
My mistake......
It is too bad that guy got hurt, but if more citizens would get involved like these guys tried to do it would save alot of lives.....
I will be launching out of St Jeans next week...It is good to hear that everything is going well there...
I have been going to St. Jeans for years. I have heard of some problems but have never encountered any myself. There is an attendant there. There have been more than two on the grounds. I have always given them any walleye I have caught and they keep an extra good eye on your vehicle as they remember who you are when you are a "frequent flyer". It is $10 to launch. May see you there Sunday. I will be fishing with Mojo. We may go down to Erie weather permitting. Especially since the south shore has been reported as being muddy.
BD ;D
Can you launch out of there as early as 5:00AM?
I have been there earlier than 6 and it was open
My first experience with St Jeans was a little scary years ago. No attendant. Burned out houses coming in (all gone now). Piles of window glass and empty cans of fix-a-flat. Then finding out the person who recommended I launch there was broken into there the day before!!!
I've only launched there during the NBAA open the past few years. Seems like they are cleaning it up some. Seems like an attendant is there most or all of the time now.
Very steep ramp with tiny docks. But it works if you want to fish in that area. $10 is a little steep, but many ramps are heading that way and some are more. I guess I'd launch there now as long as the attendant was in when I came in. I'd definitely be nice to him and hope he likes me ;D
Years ago, I watched a buy run Andy Nowyorkas over with his tandem trailer at a boat ramp. No drinking involved just a combination of tournament fever and too early in the morning. Thank goodness he had just launched the boat rather than have that additional weight on him.
I launched there yesterday. No problems. Attendant was on duty. Launch opens at 0500 hours. It is still $10 to launch. I was the third one there. Launch is getting busy again. Most burned out houses are gone. They have really cleaned up the area even since last year. There more scary part is driving there and driving home through that old east side neighborhood. Still in the shadow of Chryslers Jefferson Assembly Plant. That has now reopened since the bankruptcy. They are again building Jeep Grand Cherokees there.
When I returned to the launch at about 1400 there were about 20 other vehicles with trailers there. Some were bass boats. There were three boats launching when I returned. I felt better about going there after seeing the improvements even since last year. I would advise passing on this weekend as the boat races make for a lot of river traffic. Not too bad going out but terrible going back to the launch from fishing. Last year it was crazy. Lots and lots of boats. I will be fishing Erie this week as an alternative.
BD ;D