BULL SHOALS BASS

[FRENZEL]

Tony and I went out Bassing for a few hours this afternoon. We did have some luck. We caught 7 bass from 12"-15". The only problem is that they were only really biting back behind K-dock. We have always had luck there but ever since captain overalls has bought it you get harassed and cussed up and down. I mean if he didn't stomp out of the office like a 5 year old and yell about us being inconsiderate without us even casting in the direction of his dock......we may have considered leaving. After the tongue lashing though I am glad to report that I caught a 13 incher as he watched with steam coming from his chemically unbalanced head.. Well if you want to catch a Bass go ahead just beware of the tantrum coming your way.

How do you get business acting like that. ???

[Sam]

It's too bad the guy acted like that. It kind of matches up with the experiences I've had in asking for fishing reports from K Dock. They have no information and don't care. I don't understand why anyone would expect to run a business with that attitude.

This brings up a question I've had for some time. Most marinas have signs up saying "No Fishing Within 50 Feet", or something like that. I noticed such a sign at Cricket Creek Marina on TR the other day.

Is that the law, or is it just their policy? You don't have the right to stand on or touch private property, such as a dock, when fishing - of course. But the lake is PUBLIC water, and unless there's a law to that effect I don't think any private company or person has the right to restrict any part of it from fishing.

Does anyone here know?

[powerdive]

Sam, I don't know the answer, but I'm not real happy about the Hwy K Marina either. Not only did they take away my walleye/bass Rogue hole when they built that new dock extension out to the edge of the flat, but they absolutely won't open until 9:30 a.m. even on weekends!

[gonefishin]

Those 50 ft rules have always bothered me too. I can understand where they could keep you from fishing from their property (their dock) if they wanted but how do they keep you from fishing anywhere you want on the lake once you are on the water? Of course it goes without saying that a person would have to be courteous of boaters going in and out of the dock........

[Sam]

Sam, I don't know the answer, but I'm not real happy about the Hwy K Marina either. Not only did they take away my walleye/bass Rogue hole when they built that new dock extension out to the edge of the flat, but they absolutely won't open until 9:30 a.m. even on weekends!

Well, that lets you know you can fish the tar out of that walleye/bass Rogue hole every morning up until 9:30!

When Highway K Marina went up for sale a few years ago, I thought about buying it (very briefly). They were asking $400,000., but I don't know what it actually sold for.

I never got serious enough about buying it to get into the books, but I don't see how in the WORLD the slip fees, the gas they pump, the stuff they sell in the store, and the boats they rent could justify anywhere near that price. I don't understand how they can make it as a business - and I'm sure their crappy attitude toward fishermen isn't helping sales any.

[FRENZEL]

We had not encountered a soul near the dock. We made no wake when we approachd and let the wind blow us down the bank. We never so much as casted towards it. As we neared the ramp we could hear the stomping coming and then the yelling of HOW ABOUT SOME COURTESY. YOUR FISHING RIGHT OVER MY UTILITIES. We asked what we did wrong . Then was the-- CANT YOU READ! YOU GUYS TEAR UP MY DOCK! Among other choice phrases.. Well believe me when I say up till then we were more than courteous. After that though we decided to go ahead and continue under the ramp and down the bank to the flat. Catching two more as he watched................Still a good rogue hole!

[catman70]

Fellas,

Other than a "no wake zone" I wouldn't think there is anyway he could keep you from fishing around his dock. This does bring up another question, though. It is my understanding that land up to the high water makr is considered public property on a navigable body of water in the state of Missouri. However, it would seem that some landowners (I'm thinking specifically of the upper Black River) insist that you can't camp or occupy spave on "their" gravel bars. I imagine local law enforcement would side with the landowners everytime as a typical road officer probably doesnt have an understanding of marine law. Anyone have any input?

[rainbow]

This was on the cafeoutdoors site this morning:

http://www.lakesunleader.com/articles/2004.../news/news2.txt

[Sam]

It is my understanding that land up to the high water makr is considered public property on a navigable body of water in the state of Missouri.

I don't think so.

That's not a problem on Corps lakes because of the "offset line". The water, banks, and lake bottom belong to the public.

I've heard that streams are a different matter, though. The WATER belongs to the public, so you have a right to float through private property. The banks and even the river bottom belong to the landowner, so being on the bank or even wading is trespassing if you don't have permission.

That's what I believe, but I'd be glad to hear from someone who knows for sure.

[Forsythian]

I guess I'll pile on as well... it's been my consistent experience (renting a pontoon boat, visiting at boat shows, etc.) that the owners of that dock are about the most disagreeable people you'll ever come across in a service-oriented business!