Cape Fair Coe Public Use Area Questions?

[Quillback]

I'm thinking about fishing something different from where I usually fish and maybe launching out of the Cape Fair COE park. Is there a dock at the ramp? Ramp in good shape?

Looking at the map, since I'll be coming in from the west on HWY 76, it looks like I can take a right on Peebles Point RD off 76, then a left on Batter Sea Park RD which will take me to the park - is that right? Other option would be to drive into Cape Fair and double back on 76-82.

Thanks

[merc1997 Bo]

when you get into cape fair on 76, you will come to a stop sign at the bottom of a hill. turn right staying on 76. at the top of the hill 76 will make a 90 degree turn. at that point, you will go straight. you will go up another steep hill and down the other side, and you will be at cape fair launch. the ramp is adequate, and there is a courtesy dock.

bo

[motoman]

That's the ramp we launched out of this spring. On 1500 shadrack road; you have the right directions, looking at the map. But we came in from the other direction.

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The ramp and parking lot are in good shape, plenty of parking (and there was a local daytime tourney when we arrived, still plenty of parking) and there's a courtesy dock to tie up to if you're unloading yourself.

[Quillback]

Thanks guys.

[powerdive]

QB, if I was catching 15 bass a day and averaging only two legals outta that mess, I'd be switching species, not locations. BWAAAHAHAHAAA!

Really, I think you guys have over-C&Red those panfish cousins.

True story: last week, we came into the ramp at Diamond City. Talked to a couple guys in a glitter sled. When we mentioned we had some walleyes in the livewell, they said they had a 3# bass that they weren't able to release, and would we take it off their hands? It was my turn to keep the fish, and I sure as heck didn't want to eat a bass from these southern waters, but they talked me into taking it. When cleaning the fish, I found that it zippered just as well as the walleyes, and I could NOT tell the difference at dinnertime.

I'm guessing that's the key--zippering your fillets. The bass was quite tasty, to my complete surprise.

[Quillback]

PD, anyone can catch fish trolling and fishing crawlers, it's a shame you have to stoop so low

Just kidding you, I know you have a sense of humor, those wallies are tough to catch on a regular basis, good on you for getting some.

What the heck do you mean by "zippering" your fillets?

[Feathers and Fins]

QB, The zipper is the dark line on the fillet aka blood line. Zippering means getting it out. But starts when you catch a fish and plan to keep it. You slice the fish behind the gills and let it bleed out, some people will also gut it at this time as well. Then keep it in the live well if cool enough or ice it removing the blood before you get home. after you are home ZIPPER IT or cut out the dark line.

[powerdive]

Hey QB, thanks! I love joshing the bass guys, just because they're so...numerous.

I don't bleed out fish, but I do zipper the fillets to remove the lateral line (source of off-flavor) and pin bones. Here's a short video (from my home state) on how it's done--just a quick, simple extra step which makes a big difference on quality. It's amazing how easy it is.

[Quillback]

Cool, thanks for the video.