| OSMB News Releases |
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| For Immediate Release |
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From Skiing and Tubing to Casting and Shooting
Fall is now upon us, and winter hangs on the horizon. As the air becomes brisk, the waters, once crowded with water skiers and jet skis, become serene and tranquil. Boaters of a different kind are beginning to enjoy the many fishing and hunting opportunities that Oregon offers during this time of the year.
Although there are numerous locations statewide for fishing and hunting, there are a few specific regions worth noting. Fishing in the Lower Rogue River, for example, you could catch fall-run chinook salmon that can top 40 pounds. People have been known to travel great distances to take advantage of the Rogue fishery. Other locations worth a venture include the middle Columbia River (also known for salmon) and various reservoirs that offer year-round trout fishing. For waterfowl hunting, the Marine Board’s policy analyst and avid outdoorsman, Randy Henry, suggests going to coastal bays, main-stem rivers (Willamette and Columbia) and even central Oregon lakes.
Whether you plan to hunt or fish, the Marine Board wants to remind boaters of a few safety tips for the coldest months of the year:
- Don’t fish or hunt alone. It may be the perfect opportunity to spend time with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while, the co-worker that you’ve wanted to get to know better, or maybe a young relative who’s wanted to learn how to fish or hunt. Boating with a fishing or hunting partner gives you support in case of an emergency.
- File a float plan with a friend, your spouse or anyone who is willing to call authorities if you haven’t checked in at a predetermined time.
- Avoid alcohol. Drink coffee or hot cocoa to stay alert to keep warm. Save the alcohol for at home, when you can kick back by the fire and argue about who caught the bigger fish.
- The water in the winter is freezing…sometimes literally. Dress warm and wear a comfortable lifejacket. A PFD will keep your head above the water and provide insulation. So far in 2007, 90% of Oregon’s boating victims were not wearing a PFD.
- Make sure you have a method to get back in the boat, such as a built-in boarding ladder or a short length of rope with loops for footholds that is firmly attached to a cleat or other fixed object. Bringing a throwable PFD is always a good idea.
- Don’t overload the boat with hunting/fishing gear.
- Use proper navigation lights for excursions that begin before sunrise or last beyond sunset.
- Have fun fishing and hunting!
For more information, visit www.boatoregon.com and www.BoatUS.com
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