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A while back I started a thread called [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=519457;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;page=unread#unread"]Tubing Regulations question[/url] and got some good feedback. Since then, I've been sending out e-mails and making calls. I'm still waiting for some responses and still have calls to make and e-mails to send out.
Having said that, the response that I received from NJ Div. of Fish & Wildlife is that float tubes have not been given much consideration when it comes to the lakes in NJ - which means each county can set up their own guidelines.
As far as NJDF&W is concerned, they only regulate Wildlife Management Areas. There is an extensive list [url "http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/wmaland.htm"]here[/url] showing all the areas (in alphabetical order) that can be fished from a tube. The only stipulation is that a pfd be worn while using the the tube.
I've also taken the list of [url "http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishplc.htm"]places to fish[/url] listed on the F&G site and put it into an excel sheet to make up a list of lakes that are tube friendly. This is something that I'll be working on for a while (there's 21 counties and a lot of lakes in NJ). So far the only response I've received has been from Monmouth County. Their response was that float tubes are prohibited on all lakes and reservoirs in Monmouth County.
Some of the counties I've contacted via e-mail, some I'll have to call as I get time. I hope to have this list completed eventually. Only 20 more counties to go.
If anyone in NJ has info that they'd like to add or knows of places that are ok to tube, I can add that to the list. If anyone wants a copy of what I have so far (which really isn't much), let me know and I'll get you a copy.
Also, I'm doing this to avoid getting hassled while fishing. I'd rather know I can fish some place than have to worry about someone giving me a hard time. I'm also hoping this info is helpful to other tubers in NJ.
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Good job man. Keep at it. It is better to know then be sorry and get shot at or get a ticket or kicked out.
Peter
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It'll be a sweet day when somebody tries to hassle you and you say, "well according to so-and-so from so-and-so, the float tubing is allowed in... yada-yada-yada..."
Good job on doing your homework.
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It's been my experience that float tubes are not allowed on waters where boating is banned. This is usually indicated by signs on the lake or pond. If there is no sign or notice, I will use my tube.
I'm curious if you (or anyone you know) have ever gotten a ticket for tubing in NJ. I imagine that a warning would be given.
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I know what you mean. I would like to have a copy of the list for reference.
I also checked with the state about Manasquan reservoir and they won't let float tubes there.
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[cool][#0000ff]I have tubed in many states and it is always interesting to find how different states and different lakes look at float tubes. Where there has not been much float tubing everybody seems to treat them as novelties or water toys. They have no concept of the fishing machine aspect of float tubes. On some lakes, when I tried to launch my tube, the rangers told me I had to stay in the swimming area...but that I could not use hooks...to avoid snagging other swimmers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are many other waters that are used as sources of drinking water for municipalities. They are increasingly more restrictive on what they allow in or on their lakes. Good for the downstream water users but tough on fishermen...especially float tubers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the western states there are many lakes that restrict boating...especially those with gas motors. These can be ideal for tubing because of the reduced potential for being run over by the power squadron. I have not encountered many lakes that restrict both boats AND float tubes. Always an individual thing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Too bad it takes so much time and effort to approach and educate the agencies or people who make the rules. Often their attitude is "why change"? Many of them have their own little empires and they would rather not make ANY decision than to risk making a decision that someone else might not like.[/#0000ff]
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I think what TD just said goes for ANY state and most
waters. If you like to float tube any waters you MUST
do your homework first.
The worst thing would be to drive to a lake get all set up
get on the water and then after couple of minutes get
kicked out.[mad]
That would ruin my day for sure.
Peter.
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[cool][#0000ff]Another big issue, that neither one of us mentioned, is the quagga mussels. More and more lakes are closing to all water craft in an effort to delay or eliminate the infestation of those nasty little critters.[/#0000ff]
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ooooooooooh, yeah !!!
there is that little problem for sure. [mad]
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Nice work Jrod.
Will be interesting to see if tubes and toons are treated differently than canoes and kayaks.
TD, some places seem to lump them together when under human power, especially places where there are few tubes and toons around. That was funny about being restricted to the swimming area[ ]. In central Texas, you look around for water places without launch ramps which are more likely to be friendly to human and electric power. These will be places where one can likely escape noise, pollution, and crowds. Also more likely to yield higher quality fish. Curious if the orange flag regulation out in Western states applies to canoes and kayaks also? Also wonder if the mussel threat is unique to the Western areas, as it sounds like trouble if these critters are heading our way...
Pon.
[quote TubeDude][cool] [#0000ff]I have tubed in many states and it is always interesting to find how different states and different lakes look at float tubes. Where there has not been much float tubing everybody seems to treat them as novelties or water toys. They have no concept of the fishing machine aspect of float tubes. On some lakes, when I tried to launch my tube, the rangers told me I had to stay in the swimming area...but that I could not use hooks...to avoid snagging other swimmers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are many other waters that are used as sources of drinking water for municipalities. They are increasingly more restrictive on what they allow in or on their lakes. Good for the downstream water users but tough on fishermen...especially float tubers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the western states there are many lakes that restrict boating...especially those with gas motors. These can be ideal for tubing because of the reduced potential for being run over by the power squadron. I have not encountered many lakes that restrict both boats AND float tubes. Always an individual thing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Too bad it takes so much time and effort to approach and educate the agencies or people who make the rules. Often their attitude is "why change"? Many of them have their own little empires and they would rather not make ANY decision than to risk making a decision that someone else might not like.[/#0000ff][/quote]
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That's a good point, I never have any issues when using my canoe. I never did understand why they treat tubes differently. You still have to clean them the smae as you would a canoe or kayak. [crazy]
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[cool][#0000ff]Sorry, but I do not even try to stay up with all of the quirky laws of all the states, regarding tubes, toons and other non-motorized watercraft. But, to the best of my knowledge, it is usually applied only to the "slow movers". Supposed to be easier to see by boaters, to avoid being hit. But, just as many boaters use the high visibility to spot "targets" and make our fishing day more miserable.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The quagga and zebra mussels are DEFINITELY spreading around the country. The originated in the northeast, after hitching a ride from Europe in the bilges of large ships. Since then they have invaded some of the great lakes and numerous other waters around the country. Bad juju on the ecology and destructive of equipment and pipes wherever they set up in irrigation or water supply facilities.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here in Utah we have established an aggressive program to inspect boats and to have mandatory cleaning for any suspect vessel. Still, there are mindless idiots who don't seem to care and they go around the system if they can. There was a guy down in Lake Powell just last week that was ordered to go through the cleaning and he didn't. They caught him and fined him $2500. That might wake up a few careless boaters.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Prevention is the only answer. Once a waterway is infested there is currently no remedy to reduce or eliminate the spread.[/#0000ff]
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[#005000]I have used tubes in the late 70's & all 80's and part of the early 90's. I lived in NJ ( South ) Gloucester County, but I fished all of the southern area's. I ave never been told by any Game Warden ( N.J.F & G.) and I have fished game preserves owned by the state! I have even used it on the Delaware River from the Gap to Trenton & the D&R Canal with no problem. Things may have changed from then to now, but a lot of laws passed because of ignorance of not knowing or have now Idea of how it operates. All they see is that plastic inner tube, not the cover and the safety issues that we used when we go out on the water! They are fun to use and they can get in places where boat can't. I haven't used float tube in years and I have spent to much money on boats.[/#005000]
[#005000]Good luck in our quest, but don't give up![/#005000]
[#005000]Dennis[/#005000]
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$2500 !!!
Thats a lot but GOOD.
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Yes, it seems to me like the restrictions, registration and use fees for tubes and toons should be LESS than for kayaks and canoes! Tubes and toons are slower and safer craft and are generally used closer to shorelines because of their lower human power limits. They probably have the lowest environmental impact, accident, and rescue rates of any craft, keeping costs to service providing governing bodies low. The cost of public rescue, like coast guard, helicopter, etc. should be borne to a greater degree by those that need saving, IMHO. That might keep fees lower for everyone else and discourage foolish risk taking adventures which are subsidized by public funds. I get the impression that tubes and toons are singled out for punishment when I look at some of the use fees and restrictions in Western states.
Pon
[quote wknamm]That's a good point, I never have any issues when using my canoe. I never did understand why they treat tubes differently. You still have to clean them the smae as you would a canoe or kayak. [crazy][/quote]
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You have a very good point there Pon. Where I live
most reservoirs charge for float tube just as much as
boat !!! I really dont understand that.
And MOST dont even want float tubes or toons there
because of the mussels but boats with
trailers full of water are ok !?!?!?
I guess we just have to make the best of it.
Peter
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