Disregard for "No Fishing" signs at Warmies

Terence Barrett writes:
People will still continue to fish off the pier near the Warmies boat ramp despite a sign which states "No Fishing from Pier", it might as well be not there. Getting the boat out of the water can be a dangerous exercise, you end up with some idiot's hook flying over your boat or worse.
(11 March 2003)

GB replies:
Hi, in response to the recent email regarding the launching ramp at the Warmies at Willamstown. Our club boat recently rescued a runabout with 4 on board on PPB. Flat battery apparently. We towed her back to the Warmies ramp which is where they wanted to go. Or at least that's where their trailer was.

Getting close to the ramp we asked our tow if they didn't mind a short paddle to the ramp as we have a 27ft displacement boat and have a fair amount of depth in the hull. They were obviously fine with that. They offered us some cash for the tow but all I said was get yourself a new battery!

Point being, everyone should look after themselves and others on the water. I love fishing from piers also and we should all respect our common interest.

Everyone has a right to boating and/or fishing, regardless of the logistics. Boat ramps are hard places with the wind or tide, I agree that these places are not easy on PPB at the end of a trip.

Try Carrum - people pull up deck chairs and laugh their heads off while you're trying to retrieve your boat. They don't help either. Some boaties do help.

Coming in with fishing lines all over is a matter of (polite) communication. All they have to do is reel in and all you have to do is ask. Of course, there is always the dickhead factor. But you don't want their lines wrapped around your prop.

Our club has recently changed the mooring for our boat from Willy to Mordy. Apart from the high tide which will smash the cabin going under the bridge, we take a 100-metre course away from the Mordy pier in and out, to avoid the fishing lines. Depth sounder yells a lot, but remember we are all fishing the same water.

May your rods be bent. GB.
(17 March 2003)


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