Camp Perry Firing range

[tmoney]

What are the restrictions on fishing this area. This seems to be where a large portion of the reefs are located for some early spring action. Do they still fire into this area? and how often? also, has there been any effect of debris building up over these spawning grounds. A charter captain told me they still get some unexploded shells that wash up on the beach from time to time. I am new to fishing this area and will be first time out in the new boat in the coming weeks. Thanks.

[bob oh]

The range is rarely a problem. Normally they restrict to Firing Range 11 which only extends about 3.5 miles offshore. Seldom impacts the reefs area. They will announce on Channel 16 what area and what times they are using. You can call the Camp Perry Safety Officer on 16 and he will give you the info. They have found (according to the local wags and ocassionally an official source) live shells in the Toussaint area, but I wouldn't worry about them. Can't ever remember anyone being blown up -- well at least not by shells :-0 Check Dean Cliffton's maps page for map of ranges and explanations...
www.cliftond.com
Generally just watch the other boats -- if you become the only boat in an area where the fish are biting and you see a boat with a big flag or a machine gun bearing down on you -- it is time to go!!!!!!

rod bender bob

[Toolman]

And don't try to run from the boat with the big gun on it-unless you want them to test out that gun on your boat-lol:)

Tim

[Buckeye]

I have been hearing some public service ads on the radio that warns of entering the impact areas off Camp Perry. They say to contact the safety officer on CH 16 like Bob said but it also said something about a strobe light flashing at the base. I don't think I have ever fished that area other than thru the ice. Is the strobe something new?

[bob oh]

No, strobe has been flashing for years when they are firing. Look at Camp Perry, if you see light, call on 16 or just listen on 16, they will announce their plans. I have a GREAT IDEA -- let's pick a spot right in the middle of the most popular fishing and boating area on Lake Erie and put in a firing range!!!!!! We wouldn't want to locate it in some remote area... :-) Bureaucrats -- ya gotta love them.
Hey Toolman I am sure you can outrun those gun boats. Don't be a sissy LOL
Gotta tell you quick one, I ran my boat to Happy Days on the Portage River late last fall. Didn't see another boat on the lake EXCEPT the range patrol -- had to run clear out around range to get to PC :-)

rod bender bob

[Toolman]

Bob,

I'm not worried about outrunning the gunboat-I don't think I can outrun their bullets though! :)

Tim

[bob oh]

Hey, it's hard to shoot in waves -- take a chance, it would be more thrilling that eye fishing :-) Just think of the stories you could tell -- I had this big pig on and a Coastie shot it !!!!!! :-)

rod bender bob

[moldmakerIL]

Any restrictions around Bessie this year? I seem to remember some
bouys when leaving the Toussaint river last year.

[bob oh]

Thre is a permanent restricted zone in front of Besse -- believe it extends one mile into the lake basically from east to west boundry of Tol. Edison land. Of course, it is not marked, that would make things too easy :-)

rod bender bob