Upcoming Events (DiscoverVermilion)
Worship By The Water
May - August - Worship by the Water begins Sunday, May 25th at Sherod Park and continues through August 31st. A contemporary Summer Worship service, held on the shores of Lake Erie. Sherod is located at the corner of Coen & West Lake Roads (Rt. 6) one mile west of Vermilion. Worship takes place from 9:00 am to 9:45 am. Family friendly, all ages welcome, open to all. The events feature a Praise Band. Informal - bring lawn chairs or blankets. Questions, please call 967-5206. Park in the lot nearest the lake.
Relay For Life
May 31 - Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate cancer survivorship and raise money for research and programs. The Annual Vermilion Relay For Life is held at Sailorway Stadium, 1250 Sanford Street, Vermilion, OH 44089. Throughout the night team members take turns walking or running around the track. The public is welcome to enjoy the event Friday night. It is a great family outing with special activities for children, food for sale and a very moving luminary ceremony at sundown.
Fly Casting & Tying
May 31 - 9 am - 12 Noon & 1 pm - 4 pm - Chuck Stattler, experienced fly fisherman, will be teaching the basics of casting, tying, proper equipment, and use of terminology. We will be doing hands-on activities so you will leave ready to fish for bluegill, trout, and bass! All supplies included. PR by 5/26 and pay $8 at the door. Vermilion River Reservation offers a variety of classes, workshops and activities at 51211 North Ridge Road, Vermilion, OH 44089. Call (440) 967-7310 for more information.
To see the entire event calendar click here
Weekly Fishing Report (ODNR)
Walleye have been caught trolling nearshore from Huron to Lorain in 28 to 36’ of water, and in 35-45’ off Eastlake to Cleveland. Trollers are using stick baits, spoons and worm harnesses off planer boards and also flatline trolling. Fishing is picking up on the piers at Eastlake and Cleveland. The best times for shore fishing are in the early morning and evening with anglers using surface rapalas.
Yellow perch fishing has been best off of the condos east of Vermilion, off of the Lorain lighthouse, in 40-50’ off Fairport to Conneaut, and 35-40’ off Cleveland. Perch spreaders with shiners fished near the bottom produce the most fish. Fish have ranged from 8 to 12 inches. Shore anglers are catching fish off the long pier in Grand River and also the short pier in Fairport Harbor.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been good in 15 to 25’ around harbor areas in Conneaut, Ashtabula, Geneva and Fairport Harbor. Fish are being caught on jigs tipped with minnows, leeches, tube jigs, and by trolling crankbaits.
Based on the nearshore forecast the water temperature is 58 off of Toledo and 56 off of Cleveland.
Anglers are encouraged to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while boating.
To view the predicted weather forecast for Lake Erie visit: http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/fmtbltn.pl?file=/raw/fz/fzus61.kcle.glf.le.txt
To view Lake Erie boating information, safety tips, and launch ramps visit: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/default/tabid/2062/Default.aspx
Ready to Hit the Water? Visit America’s Top Boating Hot Spots (Yahoo! News)
Discover Boating Names Top U.S. Destinations to Enjoy Boating Activities. Lake Erie named 4th on the list of the best fishing locations in the nation.
-- Dale Hollow Lake - Celina, Tenn.
-- Davidson River - Charlotte, N.C.
-- Florida Keys - Key Largo, Fla.
-- Lake Erie - Cleveland, Ohio
-- Long Island Sound - Long Island, N.Y.
-- Orange Beach - Gulf Shores, Ala.
-- Paradise Cove- Malibu, Calif.
-- Rainy Lake - International Falls, Minn.
-- Snake River - Baker City, Ore.
-- South Platte River - Denver, Colo.
Ready to Hit the Water? Visit America’s Top Boating Hot Spots (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)
Memorial Day Weekend Arrives with Sunshine!
The official kickoff to the boating season is finally here. Even with gas prices hitting an all-time high, there are plenty of local events to make your weekend fun filled and affordable. Some of the highlights this weekend.
- The Har-Bar opens at Valley Harbor Marina this weekend. A main staple for river travelers, especially the dingy crowd, is the Har-Bar located at the front entrance of Valley Harbor Marina just up the river on right from the public ramp.
- Join the Vermilion Yacht Club Memorial Day Service as they honor our Servicemen at the 75th annual Memorial Day Service. The service will begin at 12:30 pm on Monday, May 26th at the Club on Anchorage Way. They will have two F-10 Warthog's (weather permitting) fly over following the Star Spangled Banner.
- The Red Clay ont the River Restaurant is offering it's new spring menu featuring fresh Lake Erie Perch, Atlantic Salmon, Pecan Crusted Trout, Roasted Duck, Key Lime Pie and much, much more.
- Laser District 18 Championships May 24 - 25 - A premier sailing event held at Vermilion Boat Club. John Shockey, a Vermilion youth sail camp graduate, now sailing for Old Dominion University (John is ranked 36th in US) has invited VBC to host the Laser District 18 Championships. The Laser is a one person one design boat that is the world most popular one design class. As well it is an Olympic Class. Come down to VBC the weekend of May 24th and 25th and check out these premier sailors!
- Memorial Day -May 26 - Parade begins downtown at 11 am followed by a Ceremony at the Gazebo in Victory Park. Speakers, guests, ceremonies. The Vermilion Veteran's Council will begin Memorial Day events with flags placed at Maple Grove and Rugby cemeteries on Friday at 6 pm. On Sunday, Color Guards will hold services at Volunteer Bay at 2 pm. Services will follow at 3 pm at the Inn at Chapel Creek. Veterans will form at Exchange Park at 8 am to raise and lower the flag to half-staff and place the wreath. At 9 am the flag at Maple Grove will be raised and lowered to half-staff and the wreath placed. Veterans will form at Ferry Street at 10 am for the parade. Memorial Day Services will begin at at Victory Park at 11 am.
- You can always take a scenic river boat tour with the Mystic Belle paddle boat, Captained By Don Parsons and crew. The Mystic Belle is a throw back to simpler times and gives a historical accounting of the development of the Vermilion River as you tour the various lagoons and visit locations along the river (440) 315-1907.
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- There is much more going on in town so Visit Vermilion this weekend and find out that fun is never all that far from home.
GO FISH OHIO THIS WEEKEND!(ODNR)
Lose the flatscreen, the Wii and the PC: It's "in" to be out!
COLUMBUS, OH - Warm weather may be arriving a bit late in most areas of Ohio, but this weekend the Buckeye State offers a wide variety of amazing spring fishing.
From the north shores of Lake Erie to the hundreds of inland lakes and thousands of miles of streams, opportunities are plentiful to catch "the big one." Everyone from the most avid angler to the child who is fishing for the first time will find Ohio has a waterway nearby that offers fishing fun!
It's not necessary to buy fancy, expensive fishing equipment. This time of year, with fish hanging out in the shallows and preparing to spawn, a simple setup will do. An inexpensive rod and reel combo with tackle can be purchased at a local outdoor store for as little as $20.
Live baits work very well, including nightcrawlers for catfish, perch, sunfish and bass or minnows for saugeye, walleye and crappie. Maggots and wax worms are good choices for panfish. Artificial baits will work just fine too! Visit wildohio.com and click on fishing for more details about choosing the right bait, places to fish, fish identification, and even how to fillet and cook the fish you take home! Recipes are also available at www.wildohiocookbook.com
Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, and at wildohio.com. An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreational bargains available, costing state residents only $19 a year.
Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938 are eligible to obtain a reduced-cost senior fishing license for $10. A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that can be applied toward the cost of an annual license.
For more information on places to fish, go to wildohio.com and click on fishing. The Division of Wildlife can also be contacted at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
25 Secret Fishing Tips
From the experts who never tell
The tension backstage was intense during the weigh-in at the 2006 Bassmaster Classic, and it wasn’t because of the number of fish in each contestant’s bag. The nerves had more to do with fear that another bag might be opened: the one holding a personal fail-proof tactic.
“You try to keep stuff as secret as possible,” says Dean Rojas, who finished 12th at last year’s Classic. “Maybe it’s a color that worked in a certain situation or a certain way to cast your lure, anything to give you an edge over the next guy. That’s why you never see the older guys talking.”
Or as Pat McIntire, CEO of fishing tackle manufacturer Pure Fishing, told us, “We talk to anglers so we can create new products, but they won’t give full disclosure in front of each other. Alone, one on one, that’s when the really good stuff comes out.”
So rather than bring groups of anglers to your home, we did the next best thing. We took them aside, one by one, and got their best tips. Try them out the next time you hit the water, and when you start pulling fish in your boat, please do us a favor: Keep the secret to yourself.
10 All-Purpose Tips
1. Glue your bait
When I’m flipping in real heavy grass, I like to dab a little crazy glue on the hook and slide my worm up on it. It anchors the worm in place so you won’t lose it. I’ve won tournaments with that technique.
Steve Kennedy, 2005 Wal-Mart FLW Tour winner, Kentucky Lake
2. Downgrade for bigger fish
If the fish suddenly stop biting, but you know they’re around, downgrade your bait and change your retrieval speed. Go from a seven-inch worm to a four-inch worm, and slow down your presentation. A lot of times you have to slow it down for the bigger fish.
Eric Naig, Crestliner Boats team angler
3. Drag your line to the honey hole
For spinning tackle, spool your line off the reel and drag it about 50 yards behind your boat on the way to your spot. Then reel it all in. You won’t have any kinks or twists the rest of the day.
Larry Nixon, two-time BASS Angler of the Year
4. Pack a Sharpie
I carry 25 different color Sharpie pens to customize my crank baits. If you put a little red line where the gills would be it mimics bleeding. To mimic a perch, I’ll paint the fins orange. To mimic a shad I’ll paint a black dot behind the eye toward the tail.
Brent Ehrler, 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship winner
5. Tune your crank baits
Cast your lure and reel it back in. Watch it all the way to the boat. It should come back straight. If it runs to the right, tweak the eyelet to the left with some needle nose pliers or vice versa if it runs to the left. An untuned lure won’t present properly and won’t catch fish.
Walt Ermanson, owner of Trophy Charters on Lake Erie
6. When all else fails, use a grub
I’ve used plastic grubs to catch everything from bass to perch to saltwater species when nothing else worked. It’s a subtle lure, so fish don’t have to swim as fast to catch it.
Jay Kumar, CEO of Bassfan.com
7. Handle fish with care
I try to not be rough handling the fish. Hold it at the bottom of the lip, and don’t remove its slime. Fish can get diseases if they don’t have the slime, which protects them.
Violette Sesco, BASS’ oldest active angler (80) and a competitor on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour
8. Mimic animals
Different animals hatch in the lake, depending on the time of the month, and that’s usually what the fish are keying on. Try different stuff — lures that mimic shad or frogs or grubs, that sort of thing. One will be sure to catch fish.
Mark Sexton, bait analyst at Berkley Fishing
9. Let your bait hit bottom
After you cast, watch your line fall limp before reeling it in. It means your bait’s on the bottom, in the strike zone. Then, when you’re slowly reeling it back in, lightly shake the rod with your other hand. It mimics a live worm better.
Gerald Swindel, 2004 BASS Angler of the Year
10. Find the food, find the fish
I look out for great blue herons because they’re hunting for the same food my fish are hunting for. When I find the herons, I know there must be fish nearby.
Ken Penrod, Hall of Fame fishing guide
10 Bass Tips
1. Save shredded worms
When your plastic worms get torn up, save ’em. Bass like to ambush wounded prey, so a beat-up worm is perfect to use, especially in shallow water.
Anthony Gagliardi, 2006 FLW Tour Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year
2. Red fools the fish
In shallow cover — wood, stumps, clumps of grass — I like to use a spinner bait with a red or pink head, and a crank bait with red hooks. The red makes the fish think the bait’s injured, and they’ll bite at it.
George Cochran, 2005 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship winner
3. Skip your bait
When you cast, stop halfway instead of following through, similar to a check swing in baseball. This makes the lure hit the surface of the water a few feet before your target, so the lure skitters over the water. It’s a good way to get under docks and other structures.
Mike Iaconelli, 2004 CITGO Bassmaster Classic champion
4. Keep your hooks sharp
I use a file to sharpen my hooks every time I catch a fish and before every trip. It takes 30 seconds. Bass have boney jaws, so a sharp hook is more apt to penetrate the fish.
Mark Zona, host of ESPN Outdoors
5. Look at your livewell water
When you put a bass in the livewell, they’re notorious for spitting up what they were feeding on. From there you can tell what color lure or kind of lure to throw the rest of the day.
Matt Herren, No. 2 ranked angler, 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Tour
6. Face the wind
Sacrifice some distance in your casts and fish with the wind in your face. Bass always swim with the current, so it’s better for them to find your bait before they find your boat. Plus, the noise of water slapping your hull will carry away from the spot you’re fishing, which is good.
Ish Monroe, winner of the 2006 Battle on the Border
7. Fish shallow in the spring
In the spring bass hang out in spawning beds. Concentrate on shallow areas, especially in pockets and coves protected from the wind because this is where they like to guard their eggs. They’ll bite as much out of irritation with the lure as they will out of hunger.
Jay Yelas, 2003 Bassmaster Angler of the Year
8. Make your bait seasonal
Bass eat different bait depending on the time of year. The general rule is early in the year they like crawfish, so use peach-colored patterns. In the summer and fall they like shad, so use chrome or silver baits.
Mike Hawkes, 2006 Wal-Mart FLW Series event winner, Lake Cumberland
9. Fish before the storm
The best time to fish bass is before a front comes through, and the worst time to fish them is after. The pressure makes the bass more active, so watch for a wall of clouds moving in. When it’s too pretty out, bass aren’t likely to bite.
Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats founder and namesake of FLW Outdoors
10. Bug those bass
Bass is an ornery fish. You have to keep tapping at it to upset it into biting your hook. Bass position themselves in cover, and like the lure presented to them at different angles. I’ve tossed lures a hundred times onto the same location until finally getting a bite.
Ray Scott, bass fishing legend and founder of BASS
5 Tips for Fishing with Kids
Kevin Van Dam became bass fishing’s first $2 million man in 2006. But the moments he enjoys the most are those spent with his 10-year-old twin boys, Jackson and Nicholas. That’s what he was doing when we caught up with him on a rare tournament-free Saturday morning in Lawton, Michigan. Within two minutes of our arrival, Jackson had a fish on. For Kevin, it was no less exciting than catching another lunker during the Bassmaster Classic. Here are his five top tips for keeping kids tuned into fishing.
1. Start with equipment that fits the child’s size
A fishing rod should be no bigger than six inches longer than a child’s height. Push-button reels are entry-level models and perfect for kids.
2. Go to a small pond instead of using a boat
That way the kids can run around if they get bored.
3. Coach as much as possible, but physically help them as little as possible
They need to do it on their own because the excitement is in the struggle. Fighting a fish of any size turns into a huge event for kids.
4. Even if it’s hot, pack a pair of pants and a sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt
It’s cooler by the water, and if the bugs start biting, kids can put on the pants.
5. Start kids with live bait instead of lures
Worms are perfect. They catch fish well and are fun to play with. After they get the hang of it and are ready for lures, use lures with exposed hooks like crank baits and spinner baits. They’re easier to use, and they catch numbers.
Courtesy of: www.boatinglife.com
Article By Darren Wendroff
House committee approves Clean Boating Act (Soundings Magazine)
House committee approves Clean Boating Act
The National Marine Manufacturers Association applauded the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee this week for approving the Clean Boating Act, paving the way for consideration by the House of Representatives.
“What’s pretty significant is that in a Congress that’s been so partisan, we have bipartisan support for boating," Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of government relations, said this morning.
The Clean Boating Act of 2008, H.R. 5949, would fully and permanently restore a longstanding regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships. This exemption was overturned by a federal court in 2006 in a case focused exclusively on ballast water from commercial vessels.
Gudes says the legislation is a “good government solution to a looming administrative and legal crisis for boaters across America.”
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, chaired by U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., approved H.R. 5949 this week by voice vote. The bill will now go before the full House for a vote.
“Congress’ work is far from over,” said Gudes. “We now strongly urge the full House and the United States Senate — where identical legislation has 33 bipartisan sponsors — to quickly pass this legislation and send it to the President for signature into law well in advance of the September 2008 permitting deadline.”
H.R. 5949 is identical to S. 2766, Senate legislation introduced by Senators Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. S. 2766 is pending before the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, chaired by Boxer.
Gudes said the House intends to wait for the Senate to move forward with its version of the bill; it’s hoped the Senate committee will take up S. 2766 next week.
Gudes said the industry needs to keep up the pressure to get the bill through Congress and signed by the president before September.
“We have to get them to understand we’re up against a ticking clock,” he said.
Full article here at Soundings Trade-Only Today
Harsh winter helps lake levels (MLive.com)
The harsh winter of 2008 should lead to a better summer for Great Lakes boaters and shipping companies. Above average snowfall and prolonged ice cover on the lakes this past winter caused Lake Michigan's water level to rise six inches in April, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.The surging water levels are welcome news for recreational boaters, shipping companies and marinas hampered last year by near-record low levels on the Great Lakes and its connecting waters.
Harsh winter helps lake levels (MLive.com)
Quiet Zone takes a step closer to reality
Vermilion City Council voted to close Perry Street which was a requirement under state law to get assistance from the Ohio Railway Commission in implementing a Quiet Zone. By closing Perry St Council allowed for state funding to help establish the "Quiet Zone" from Adams St through Vermilion rd. The river community would benefit from the inclusion of Vermilion rd in a horn free district. Trains traveling on the north set of tracks sound their horns over the Vermilion River tressel which can be heard a good distance up and down the river valley. There are many steps and hurdles to overcome before the zone can be implemented Vermilion City Council took the first and possibly the most important last night.
Vermilion Yacht Club Live Web Cam
Vermilion Yacht Club Live Web Cam
The Vermilion Yacht Club is pleased to introduce a Live Web Cam of the Vermilion River. To view a live picture, log on to www.VYC.us. A special thank you to bumboat (www.bumboat.com) and RoviSys (www.rovisys.com) for making this possible for the club and the Vermilion boating community.
Don't miss Vermilion Yacht Club Memorial Day Service
Vermilion Yacht Club 75th Anniversary Memorial Day Service
Join the Vermilion Yacht Club as we honor our Servicemen at the 75th annual Memorial Day Service.
The service will begin at ~12:30 on Monday May 26th at the Club on Anchorage Way. Following the traditional introduction of the Bridge, VYC Officers and Past Commodores, the Memorial Service will begin. We will introduce those that have or currently serve in the military. We are honored once again to have the Vermilion High School Band perform. Also scheduled is a very special fly-over by the United States Air Force. We will have two F-10 Warthog's (weather permitting) fly over following the Star Spangled Banner. The event is open to all Vermilion residents. Drive, walk or come by boat to attend.
For more information or you can check out our new web cam @ www.VYC.us!
Red Clay offers new menu
WE HAVE JUST STARTED OFFERING OUR NEW SPRING MENU !!
WE WILL HAVE THE COMPLETE MENU ON OUR WEB VERY SOON!!
BUT JUST TO GIVE YOU A SAMPLE,
**VEGETABLE PININI,GRILLED REUBEN, MARGARITA CHICKEN SANDWICH
**GREEK SALD, CAESAR SALAD, SPINACH SALAD AND OUR FAMOUS COBB SALAD
**FRESH LAKE ERIE PERCH, ATLANTIC SALMON, PECAN CRUSTED TROUT, ROASTED
DUCK, BABY BACK RIBS, STEAKS, GEORGIAN CHICKEN.
** KEY LIME PIE, CHOCOLATE CAKE AND THE WORLDS HOTTEST ( DIPPIN' DOTS)
********************
EVERY FRIDAY AT 9PM
DJ'S TJ'S ( TOMMY JACKSON) PLAYING YOUR FAVORITES
AND
ALLOWING YOU TO SHOW OFF YOUR KARAOKE SKILLS
*********************
MAY 17TH SAT
COLIN DUSSAULT 9PM
RSVP 440-967-031
HOWTO: Reducing Fuel Usage
With Gas hitting all time highs here are some tips to help you save money this summer.
• Slower speeds and lower RPM on the water will reduce fuel usage.
• Proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds.
• Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock
• Minimize the use of onboard generators.
• Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.
• Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going.
• Make sure the hull is clean. Bottom Paint helps reduce buildup on your hull which helps your boats fuel performance.
• Don’t overload your boat. It’s important you have enough motor to handle the weight. Boaters often carry alot of unessarcy weight in unneeded or excessive gear.
• Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.
• A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
Safe Fishing Tips
Follow these tips to enjoy a safe fishing experience:
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
- If using a boat to fish, wear your life jacket and make sure that your passengers wear theirs, too.
- Inspect waterfronts daily – the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to fishing to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety. When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
- Weather is always a factor. Set up a weather committee or rotate weather forecasting responsibilities.
- Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio.
- Always wear footgear appropriate to the conditions.
- Stay dry, warm, and protected from the elements.Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.Wear thin layers of clothing, and progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
- Use appropriate insect protection measures, including dressing properly and using repellents.
- Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use safety glasses (sunglasses will do) at all times when casting.
REAR ADMIRAL CROWLEY LETTER TO GREAT LAKES BOATERS (USCG)
This boating season, "Boat Responsibly"
To the Great Lakes boating community:
This year, May 17th marks the 50th Anniversary of National Safe Boating Week, a week-long observance designed to raise awareness of safe boating practices among power and sail boaters, paddlers and anglers. In recognition of this important week, I want to share a few of my thoughts about how boaters can "Boat Responsibly" and help make the 2008 boating season safe for themselves, their families and those who share our waterways.
The Great Lakes region is home to more registered recreational boats than any other part of the country. Within the region's eight states, there are approximately 4.6 million registered boats, 800,000 in our 86 shoreline counties, alone. In addition, there are about another 1.2 million registered boats within the Province of Ontario.
Despite the number of boats, the good news is that recreational boating on the Great Lakes is a very safe activity. Annual recreational boating statistics support this positive note. And it's the U.S. Coast Guard's responsibility, as well as that of our state and local boating safety partners, to ensure the continued safety of all waterways users. It's a big job, to be sure, but one made far easier by boaters who choose to "Boat Responsibly."
So, what are some of the ways boaters can "Boat Responsibly" this year?
First, before heading out on the water, brush up on boating safety regulations, as well as the Rules of the Road. If there are no traditional boating classes being offered in the area, explore free basic boating courses available online. Make a visit to the local library to check-out books on boating and boat handling. These can be a great refresher.
Next, time should be set aside to inspect the boat, top to bottom, stem to stern. Are the lifejackets in good condition? Are visual distress signals on board? Where are all the controls? Where is the emergency shut-off valve for the fuel supply? As an added measure of safety, a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is an excellent way to get reacquainted with a vessel and its gear following a seasonal lay-up. During a VSC, an examiner from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or local U.S. Power Squadron goes over a check-list of safety equipment required under federal and state law. The boater accompanies and assists the examiner, laying hands on every item indicated on the check-list. If there are any deficiencies, there is no penalty. The boater merely corrects whatever is wrong before being issued a VSC sticker and getting underway. To find out more about the VSC program or locate a local VSC examiner, visit the web at: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/.
Once a boater launches for the first time in a season, it's time for a shake-down cruise. Unlike boating in warmer climates, Great Lakes boaters are limited to a three to five month season. During the off-season, boaters' skills get rusty. Although one may not forget how to drive a boat, proficiency is degraded until there's an opportunity to exercise those skills again.
Upon launching for the first time, a boater should take it slowly. Rediscover the handling characteristics of the vessel and how it reacts to changing sea conditions. How quickly does the vessel react when changing course? How quickly does the vessel come about, should someone fall over board? These are things which must be exercised each and every season to ensure one is truly in command of their vessel.
Practice docking. It sounds simple. However, docking a vessel is, perhaps, one of the most difficult evolutions one will ever experience while boating. Docking occurs in a relatively confined area and is influenced by the handling characteristics of the vessel, the direction of the wind, existing current, and the tidal action created by other vessels in the vicinity. Again, take it slowly. There is no prize for docking quickly. The key is to dock the vessel as safely as possible.
Another preventive measure boaters can take is ensuring they are sober when operating a vessel. Drinking has long been a part of the boating culture. Vessel names such as "Last Call," "Happy Hour," "High Ball," "Booze Cruise" are still common and reinforce an acceptance of this cultural behavior. Unlike driving an automobile, drinking and boating is not illegal. However, operating a vessel under the influence is illegal. Each year, hundreds of boating accidents result in serious injury and death, due to impairment by alcohol. Simply don't drink if you are operating a vessel. And remember, boating is a team sport - a conscientious mariner watches out for those aboard their vessel, as well.
The Coast Guard, as well as our marine patrol partners, are often criticized for cracking down on those who boat under the influence. In these boaters' minds, we're taking the fun out of the sport. Owners of waterfront establishments sometimes complain too, fearful business will be driven away. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our job is to ensure safety, period. Boaters under the influence are not safe. They present a risk to everyone on the water and our job is to eliminate that risk.
Lastly, boaters can help themselves by helping us protect our Nation through America's Waterways Watch (AWW). Managed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and in partnership with the U.S. Power Squadrons and state boating programs, AWW is similar to a neighborhood watch program. Since the Coast Guard and local law enforcement cannot be everywhere, we rely on the boating public to report any activity on the water that they feel may be suspicious or illegal.
During this 50th National Safe Boating Week local Coast Guard units and Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas will be hosting boating safety open house events. Many of these events are listed on the web at: http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/events/events.htm. The Coast Guard is committed to making the Great Lakes as safe as possible for the boating public. I ask the boating public to share that commitment by pledging, now and always, to "Boat Responsibly."
Sincerely,
JOHN E. CROWLEY, JR.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District
Lake Erie Shipwrecks Web Site To Attract Divers (News Channel 5 Cleveland)
"The state is trying to educate people about tales behind the many shipwreck remains at the bottom of Lake Erie, in part to attract more divers. Ohio officials are using photographs, newspaper articles and underwater video taken from records at the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center in Vermilion. The material, along with firsthand accounts of the wrecks, are being displayed on a state-run Web site: ohioshipwrecks.org.
There are an estimated 1,700 sunken ships in Lake Erie, but just 277 have been found and identified. The project details 28 of the lake's known shipwrecks.
Lake Erie Shipwrecks Web Site To Attract Divers (News Channel 5 Cleveland)
ODNR CHALLENGES OHIO YOUTH TO GET OUTSIDE AND “EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS” THIS SUMMER
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and many of its recreational partners are challenging the state’s young people to turn off their computers, televisions and PlayStations and “Explore the Outdoors” this summer.
The challenge is aimed at reuniting children, especially those in elementary school, with the natural world in order to improve their physical and emotional health and make them better environmental stewards in the future.
“We want this campaign to ignite interest in the outdoors and help children experience the benefits of being connected with nature,” said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. “These activities will help them grow into healthy adults with an appreciation and love of their natural surroundings.”
National studies show the average elementary-age child spends more than six hours a day playing video games, watching television and operating computers. In Ohio, a 2007 study showed 34.3 percent of the state’s third graders were either obese or overweight. Sedentary activities and weight gain have long-term developmental and social impacts on children. However, additional studies document that children who are in touch with their natural world are healthier, perform better in school and have better self-images.
"Wear It, Ohio!" emphasizes the proper use of life jackets (ODNR)
COLUMBUS, OH - In an effort to better educate the state's recreational boaters about the importance of wearing life jackets, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft today announced its "Wear It, Ohio!" campaign.
The eight-week campaign kicks off May 17 in connection with National Safe Boating Week.
"Our goal is to conduct an awareness campaign that will increase the voluntary wearing of life jackets by adults in open motorboats on these four inland lakes," said Emily King, manager of the division's Public Information and Education Section.
Wear It, Ohio! invites boaters to visit with Division of Watercraft staff and volunteers at selected boat ramps on the four targeted lakes for a chance to answer boating safety education questions and win promotional prizes.
The campaign also features a life jacket loaner program. Boaters age 18 and older, who sign a life jacket wear pledge card and follow its rules, will receive a new inflatable life jacket for use this summer. The pledge promises that the life jacket be returned to the division by October 31.
While most adults comply with state law that requires lifejackets for those riding jet-propelled personal watercraft or those being towed by a boat, fewer than one in seven adult Ohio boaters voluntarily wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while riding in a boat, according to observations made by state watercraft officers. Wear it, Ohio! aims at changing attitudes toward life jackets.
Wear It, Ohio! was developed in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council. The council reports approximately 90 percent of all boating-related fatalities result from drowning and that 70 percent of these drowning victims were not properly wearing an approved life jacket or other personal flotation device. In Ohio, 14 persons died last year in boating-related incidents. Twelve of those 14 victims were not wearing life jackets.
Additional information about the campaign is available at ohiodnr.com
Vermilion Helping State Promote Diving (VON)
Ohio is trying to educate people about tales behind the many shipwreck remains at the bottom of Lake Erie, in part to attract more divers.
Ohio officials are using photographs, newspaper articles and underwater video taken from records at the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center in Vermilion.
The material, along with firsthand accounts of the wrecks, is being displayed on a state-run Web site: www.ohioshipwrecks.org.
The state also hopes to build interactive kiosks at the Great Lakes Historical Society in Vermilion, the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum in Cleveland and other places along the lake.
Roadside signs highlighting and explaining nearby shipwrecks will be raised along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, a national scenic byway.
The Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center (PLESRC) is located on the grounds of The Great Lakes Historical Society, in the annex building behind the Inland Seas Maritime Museum. It is a user-friendly facility where researchers, students, and individuals with an avocational interest in shipwrecks and other maritime topics can use the resources within PLESRC for research purposes. Included within the Research Center is the leading-edge technology of an ArcView GIS system. Simply put, ArcView takes latitude and longitude positions and displays the ship location. It is the first time this process has been used to chart ship locations in Lake Erie. Linking with the traditional materials in PLESRC is the Clarence S. Metcalf Great Lakes Maritime Research Library.
The Center also serves as a focal point of organizing maritime archaeology workshops, documenting Lake Erie shipwrecks, and disseminating shipwreck information to the general public and specific user groups. In addition, the PLESRC serves as the headquarters for MAST, the Maritime Archaeological Survey Team, Inc., which is an avocational group dedicated to the documentation of Ohio's underwater historic resources. Since its start, the PLESRC has added to its immense collection of Lake Erie shipwreck information. Features include individual folders for over 2200 wrecks in Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair River containing government documents, newspaper clippings, photographs, personal accounts, maps, and secondary sources, a library of over 300 publications relative to Lake Erie shipwrecks; and side-scan sonar images of shipwrecks in Lake Erie.
Estimates of shipwrecks in Lake Erie range from 1,400 to 8,000, while confirmed shipwreck locations only number around 277.
A project brochure will be available at maritime museums and visitor bureaus along the lake by the Memorial Day holiday.
Ohio's coastal management office contributed $4,500, and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission donated $10,000 to the project.
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GE Money exiting marine consumer lending business (Soundings Trade-only)
In a sign of the times for the Marine industry GE Money has left the boat lending industry. Consumers now have less choices to attain capital for boat purchases.
“GE Money seeks to invest in markets where it can provide a unique and competitive value to partners and where it will have the strongest long-term growth,” according to the company. “Based on the current economic environment, GE Money has been challenged to continue to deliver a strong level of return in the marine space.”