coast guard performing inspections on the OH

[Duayne]

I thought it was silly to continue to speculate so I called the KFWD. They said that the Coast Guard has the primary Jurisdiction on the Ohio River as it is a commercial waterway first and foremost. The KFWD does patrol there on occasion. The KFWD has primary jurisdiction on Ky lakes, but lakes like Cumberland, Kentucky and Barkley are considered commercial waterways, so the Coast Guard can patrol there. On those lakes, they would only apply full Coast Guard regulations to commercial crafts and larger sea going type vessels. I would think that this would also apply to fishing guides as well.

The key term in my conversation with the nice and helpful gentleman was commercial waterway. In the recreational boating manual, it only mentions the Ohio as being fully Coast Guard regulated. So the bottom line is, if you enter the Ohio and get pulled over, you best be fully Coast Guard prepared.

[PRO V LE]

I've been looking for the lock at Wolf creek dam for years that makes L. Cumberland a navigable/commercial waterway. It was on the river before the Dam was built but they never changed the status after 1951 when the Dam was finished.

[Duayne]

LOL If you find it, let me know. I know bout those river monsters down there and it would be kinda kool to not have to put in down there..

As a side note, the gentleman said the water patrol simply can't keep up with the partying problem when Cumberland was discussed as far as the Coast Guard is concerned. It sounded like a bit of a hint so I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't a joint effort between the water patrol and the coast guard at times this year. I said that at least it was mostly contained and he politely disagreed saying it wouldn't be as big a problem if ppl moored and stayed put.

[lilmule]

On the ohio I was checked every so often by the cg ,water patrol and sometimes at the ramp by the sheriffs dept,seemingly one of the most watched waterways.They generally are nice about it,like visual signal device-wally world plastic orange flag,and often require more gear than say one fishing a lake somewhere.50 ft of rope to lock thru,anchor,attach a whistle on a lanyard to your controls if horn fails it still passes.
Ive had them look to see if it had a bilge pump but never ever had one request I turn it on,ligts check only at the ramp.
Surest way to get really checked is anchor near a bridge and catfish.
Ive been stopped and checked more times on the ohio river than anywhere else.
Next closest would be Bass Island,Erie.

[Lowerider]

Ever heard of the US Power Squadron? That's a first one for me.

They're also out doing "voluntary" checks. Problem is they're all dolled up in CG patches and don't let you know it's voluntary until the inspection is over.

I'm all for safety checks but there is a line I draw when the inspection takes 20+ minutes and they want you to pull batteries and stuff out.

I've been fishing the OH for years and so far (knock on wood) have never been checked other than being at the dam. I got pulled over once for coming out of the Licking on plane but at the time didn't know that was a no wake zone. The guys were cool and let me go with just a warning - however I would have fought a ticket given the only "no wake" sign was spray painted on a bridge pilon that you couldn't even read anymore. I'm sure I would have lost but it's the principle.

Any yes, please show me the secret passage through Wolf Creek dam - I could sure save a lot of gas and time that way...lol.

[Duayne]

Scott,
As much as you are on the Ohio, I would go get a courtesy check if I were you. I think you get a sticker which could save you a bunch of time if you did get checked while fishing. I agree this is way over kill for weekend fishermen but what are ya gonna do other that not fish the Ohio? I'd be a real bummer to have a tank full of good bait only to get sent home with it.

[smashdn]

Any yes, please show me the secret passage through Wolf Creek dam - I could sure save a lot of gas and time that way...lol.

It is not through the dam, it is under the dam. Haven't you heard about the karst tunnels?

[Dave Stewart]

I thought it was silly to continue to speculate so I called the KFWD. They said that the Coast Guard has the primary Jurisdiction on the Ohio River as it is a commercial waterway first and foremost. The KFWD does patrol there on occasion. The KFWD has primary jurisdiction on Ky lakes, but lakes like Cumberland, Kentucky and Barkley are considered commercial waterways, so the Coast Guard can patrol there. On those lakes, they would only apply full Coast Guard regulations to commercial crafts and larger sea going type vessels. I would think that this would also apply to fishing guides as well.

The key term in my conversation with the nice and helpful gentleman was commercial waterway. In the recreational boating manual, it only mentions the Ohio as being fully Coast Guard regulated. So the bottom line is, if you enter the Ohio and get pulled over, you best be fully Coast Guard prepared.

The Coast Guard inspects my guide boat every year...as well as checks my credentials....just a part of the business when you have a legitimate guide service on commercial waterways.

[BASSKING]

I dont mind them inspecting my boat because i have a smaller boat than what you usaully see on the river and I like knowing that I have all of the propper safety equipment and its also good to know someone cares that every one is being safe. after all they are the ones who are more than likely be called on to resue someone if something bad ever does happen.

as far as fishing goes on the Ohio , IMO , its one of the best places around in the state for getting out and catchin speices of all types , got everything from sturgeon to small mouth in it and some of the best cat fishing around. its also IMO really become a lot cleaner body of water than most think it is. the only fish we eat out of there is the sauger but im telling what, if it was as dirty as most think there would be a lot of sick people around cause people haul stringer after stringer of fish out of there and put them on the table

[kygorski]

We were checked several times by the CG, when we fished lake michigan, Wedidn't have the radio stuff, but almost everything else. The rules for charter boats were even more strict.When we were kids, we could even fish at the coast guard station.My cousin was in the CG was stationed for almost 30 months on the west coast. Finished up his enlistment only 5 miles from where he lived. Re-upped and and wound up in nam. Retired and still lives close to the big lakes.When he talked about 15 ft waves being moderate seas, it almost made me sea sick.Any one who has had that pleasure never wants it again. Yep my 10 day all expense paid atlantic cruise taught me that you cant puke up your AH, but close.

[Duayne]

Thanks Dave... I guess that makes sense after I thought about it. As an average (or below) fisherman, I've never really thought about it before but I'm glad I know now.