| OSMB News |
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| For Immediate Release |
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3/10/08
Know Your Boating Safety and Spring into Chinook Season from Prime Launch Ramps
With the spring chinook salmon run beginning in mid-March, boaters want to know the fastest, most efficient places to put in without cutting into fishing time. The Marine Board also has important safety reminders for boaters as they head out on the water.
“The fastest way to get the most up-to-date information is to visit our online boating facilities guide,” says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Marine Board. The online boating facilities guide has a full listing of statewide boat launch facilities. “Boaters can search for the closest boat launch to the zone they want to fish. For example, if I want to fish the mainstem of the Columbia above the Willamette River, I would go to the online facilities guide, select the water type (river), fish type (salmon) and ramp type (improved), and a matching list of facilities will come up. Then click on any facility from the list, and a new page opens up that lists the amenities at each ramp and driving directions,” says Massey.
The Marine Board also wants to remind boaters on the Columbia to anchor from the bow, and make sure your anchor line is at least seven to ten times the depth of the water where you are angling. “Keep a sharp knife handy in case your anchor line tangles in the prop. If you anchor from the bow, there’s a slim chance of fouling, but if you do, be sure to turn the motor off before attempting to detangle the anchor line. Remember, it’s also illegal to anchor in the main channel,” Massey adds. Boaters also need to make way for larger commercial traffic. It takes a commercial vessel up to a mile to stop and smaller boats are more difficult to see.
“Boating fatalities are preventable –you need to go prepared and keep a sharp lookout. It’s also important to wear a properly fitting life jacket,” Massey says. “It’s such an easy thing to wear your life jacket. There’s just no time to put one on in an emergency.”
Access the online boating facilities guide or find out more information about salmon fishing safety at www.boatoregon.com.
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