Fellows Lake Marina

[Richline2258]

I fished this morning from the fishing dock on the east end to the marina. Caught several on spinnerbaits and jigs along that bank. When I got to the marina, I continued fishing into the cove where the marina is located on the opposite bank. As I unhooked a bass I had just caught on a spinnerbait, someone yelled "Hey!!!" I turned around and saw a younger guy standing on the end of the dock. He yelled "You can't fish in here!!"

So I ask "why not?" He said "this cove is reserved for handicapped fishing only!" At this point I'm on the defense because he's yelling at me like I'm committing a felony. So I ask "according to whom?" He said the "Missouri conservation department." So I turned my boat around and was just going to fish my way back out (which was only about 50yds.) I made a cast and he screamed at the top of his lungs "that means quit casting your f*#@ing rod and get the f#$@ outta here. At this point I had about enough of his harassment so I said "f@#$ you what are you gonna do about it call the cops?" He stormed off back into the office. Now, they have old worn out buoys out there and I just figured they were for a no wake zone. As I passed the one I had passed earlier, it mearly says "keep" at the top and faded "out" at the bottom. It was a simple mistake on my part folks. This guy flew off the handle and screamed at me for accidentally fishing where you're not supposed to. Needless to say I will NEVER patronize that marina other than to get my stupid yearly sticker. Maybe the conservation department should get some signage out there so this guy doesn't have a brain hemmorage next time someone like myself accidentally cross the imaginary line.

[hknfsh]

Sounds like a "fun" experience rich line. I've talked to other people who have had similar situations at this lake too.Seems like the lake is owned by the people at the marina...last I heard its a water source for Springfield so I figure the city utilities has the jurisdiction on what goes on out there. Nothing like having some loud mouth punkass throw his weight around to ruin your day. I know a lot of guys who don't go fishing there anymore....they're so rude sometimes at that marina. I'd suggest you file a complaint or find out with the city just who this twerp is and what his main function is out at the lake. They need better signage if there are restricted areas too. Just my two cents.

[Dougie]

The same thing happened to me last fall.

Almost identical.

The guy was screaming his head off at me.

I had waited at the marina to get my yak tagged for 2 hours after sunrise because his hungover son overslept.

The kid never explained any rules and then the Dad was the one who was doing the screaming.

I paddled over and informed him of my situation with the hungover son and also shared with him I did not appreciate his tone with me.

I haven't been back and wont unless I need a sticker.

To the marina owner you are Very unprofessional, maybe with better signage you wouldn't have to act like a lunatic and demean your customers.

[Richline2258]

Wow! I thought maybe this was an isolated incident! I guess not! Its a shame people are such butt bags to other people who are simply FISHING!

It was an honest mistake. The people who own lease that should be ashamed. I've never been screamed at that loud ever in my entire life. One things for sure; it'll never happen again. My father always told me to keep my mouth shut because you never know who you're gonna piss off, because some people don't care to stomp a mud hole in your butt. I would offer that advice to the people in that shitty marina.

[Jack Jones]

When the previous owners ran the place they were the nicest folks you could ask for. The new folks took it over a few years back. I've not fished there. When I called to ask a few questions (hours, tags, etc....) they were pretty short on the phone. It just didn't seem welcoming so I figured why drive up there and pay the money when there are enough places to fish for free.

[Richline2258]

I couldn't agree more. The old owners were so much better than these new ones. I wonder how long their lease is for? Hopefully its up soon.

[Muskie Bob]

I've emailed someone in the Conservation Department. Hopefully, the issue with the cove and late opening can be resolved. If not, I will contact someone higher up in the Conservation Department and /or contact the city of Springfield. Sounds like the marina owner/operator needs to be talked to.... or signs, maps, etc. are needed to inform fishermen of the handicapped cove, as well as, making the ramps, docks, or whatever is needed to get handicapped fishermen to the cove.

[Flysmallie]

City Utilities of Springfield controls Fellows.

[Wayne SW/MO]

City Utilities of Springfield controls Fellows.

Yeah I would question that it is the MDC making those rules. They might on a lake they control, but Fellows??? I would start by calling the city and ask if the rule is true, and if it is why it isn't posted as opposed to some asswipe screaming at people.

[Richline2258]

Muskie Bob, please let me know what you find out. I've emailed city utilities and the conservation dept. I'm hopeful someone will contact me this week about my inquiries.