Our club is planning on comming to St. Clair the beginning of October. We had heard stories about theft problems at the St. Jeans launch. Have there been any problems there lately? Is there a better ramp to use that is close to the North end of the detroit river?
I launch there all the time. There are no longer the kind of problems you used to hear about at St. Jean's. I guess like anywhere there is always the possibility of your vehicle getting messed with, but no more than any other ramp in my opinion. There is a high priced housing development and a marina flanking the ramp now. The burned out crack houses are gone. Plus there is a guy who keeps watch all day now. So there's nothing to worry about. There is no better ramp to launch at in the North end of the Det. River. The only downside is that the docks are short and in need of repair, but launching there is no problem. Stay away from the ramp by Altar Road. Last time I launched there I had problems. St. Jean is much nicer. BTW- our club will also be fishing the Det. River on the 4th of October. If that's when you'll be there, maybe we'll cross paths.
Quote from: Revtro on September 11, 2008, 09:16:46 AM
there is a guy who keeps watch all day now. So there's nothing to worry about.
That is the only thing I worried about when I was there. :P
It was pretty deserted other than that guy. Just make sure your motor starts up right away or you will be into the wall faster than a stock car with a cut tire.
Last time we were there, we had a couple dead fish come in. We gave them to the guard for looking out for things. He really appriciated it. If we launch there again, I think we will make the same offer in the morning (If we have any dead fish at the end of the day, he can have them if he would like. Just added insentive to keep an eye out.)
Yeah, I gave that guy a Walleye the other day and he really appreciated it. (I think his name is Jerry?) The good news is that there haven't been any problems at St. Jean's in quite a while because the surrounding area is getting so much better.
I dont know if you remember my thread on this a while back. I had heard the same rumors and asked the same questions. I was kind of worried. I've launched there about 6 times since I asked that question and have not had a problem.
My buddy and I got to talking about it one day while we were fishing and came to this conclusion. The guy there charges 10 bucks a vehicle. He's always there. Most times the vehicles are right in his line of site from his office. I dont know if the money goes in his pocket or someone else's but either way it would be in his best interest to make sure vehicles dont get messed with. Everyone knows anglers talk to eachother and can be critical. If he were to mess up and let a vehicle get touched I would think that would be the end of his nice little operation he has going. So I'm pretty confident he keeps an eye on things.
B
Thanks guys
I appreciate the comments. I hate to make the 4hr drive and have problems at the ramp. We love coming to St Clair! The last few times we have launched from the Clinton River cutoff canal an has worked out well, but I know most of the guys will be fishing Canada in the fall. The St. Jeans ramp is a lot closer for us.
I've also heard that the cutoff ramp is closed for the rest of the year. Not 100% sure if this is true or not, but it has something to do with cleaning all the weeds and debris that blew in there. Again, don't quote me on this, call the ramp to be sure.
There are two other launch sites in St. Clair Shores. One is called Bloosom Heath on Blossom Heath and Jefferson just below ten mile and the other is on I think 9 mile and Jefferson. It's said that only residents can launch at these but they will let you launch. The fee is ten dollars.
I launched there Tuesday. It was open an pretty clear or weeds. Sometimes they close it for a half day or so to clean it out, but normally it stays open until they pull the docks out. It should be open all fall. If I go there and see otherwise, I'll make sure to put up a post about it. But as of Tuesday it was open.
Quote from: Bender on September 11, 2008, 03:32:30 PM
I've also heard that the cutoff ramp is closed for the rest of the year. Not 100% sure if this is true or not, but it has something to do with cleaning all the weeds and debris that blew in there. Again, don't quote me on this, call the ramp to be sure.
Can you guys post an address that can be used to google maps to get to these ramps. I would like to have them archived in case I needt them. I've heard of other ramps, but have only used Metro, Macomb County Sherrif ramp whatever that ones called, and Elizabeth Park. Is Selfridge a different ramp than the Macomb County Sheriff ramp?
http://www.lakestclair.net/captcorner/boataccess.pdf.. Dan try this site out , might help CR
I have been launching at St. Jeans for years. Luckily I have never had a problem. There is an attendant as Revtro said. I can't count how many times I have run into Rev there. More than I got fingers and toes. Fee is $10. It used to be $15, but the City of Detroit saw that they were losing business and people were launching at other places for $10.
BD ;D