Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: chris gadsden on June 06, 2005, 11:48:52 PM
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Dragon Speed asked about a boat incident on the Vedder yesterday.
From what I gather a boat was coming downstream near Lickman Road. Apparently it could not make a turn and ran up on a gravel bar. I was told there was injuries as someone went through the windshield.
The full story along with pictures will be in the Chilliwack Progress tomorrow. Anyone interested can check it out on the web.
This is not the first incident so a few of us maybe looking into getting jet boats banned above the freeway bridge.
Comments from others re this proposal will be welcome.
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Thanks Chris. I was afraid it was another person wandering too close to a swollen river. But alas, just some idiot that tried to squeeze a boat that probably shouldn't have been there, up and back down the river :(
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I didn't realize that boats were allowed on the Vedder. Personally I think water crafts should be banned from the Vedder.
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I didn't realize that boats were allowed on the Vedder. Personally I think water crafts should be banned from the Vedder.
Presently there is no regulation that I know of. I have the government agency to contact. It is the Navigable Waters Protection Officier. Will talk to them and the news article will help bring it to everyones attention. Will also talk to our local MLA's when time permits.
Another incident a year or so back a boat went speeding by some anglers and the wash nearly knocked them over into the river. >:( :( :o No very smart boaters and then those blasted sea doos have been observed in the river as well. ::)
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It's time to start up a petition. The regulators don't seem to grasp the obvious. Motorized crafts have absolutely no reason to be on the Vedder. I shudder to think what would happen in the summer when there are dozens of people tubing down the river. Permitting motorized watercrafts is a tragic accident waiting to happen. I am very surprised that the regulations allow boats.
I am sorry for the 2 idiots in this incident. But, idiots take note!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lets not be silly, just because someone crashed thier boat , doesn't mean that we need to ban boats on the river. The only time boaters use the Vedder is in June when the river is closed to fishing. Rivers and other local waters don't just belong to anglers, they belong to all British Columbia residents.Do we ban cars because someone crashed and got hurt? do we ban motorcycles, quads, Jet Skiies? Maybe we should ban fishing on the Vedder, there is at least one or more deaths a year from anglers falling into the water.
If boaters were ripping up and down the river during fishing season, you may have a point. But they don't so maybe you should just take a chill pill and find another fish to fry. Don't worry, your bordom will be done soon, river re-opens in 24 days.
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Maybe we should ban fishing on the Vedder, there is at least one or more deaths a year from anglers falling into the water.
LOL!
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The only time boaters use the Vedder is in June when the river is closed to fishing.
Really ? Awfully considerate of the boaters. :P
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I think this is a great idea, just remove the word jet and replace it with power then we cover all areas. This will keep all power boats below the freeway crossing.
This is not the first incident so a few of us maybe looking into getting jet boats banned above the freeway bridge.
Comments from others re this proposal will be welcome.
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This sounds fishy....a boat that couldnt make a turn? Maybe more like a driver going too fast, inexperience, maybe some liquid courage (booze).
What was he doing anyhow, just joy riding, boating the river? Do you think he was actually trying to jump the bar?
RA40 is right in what he says - banning certain activities is no solution for irresponsible operators!
But I have to agree with the guys who think jet boats don't belong on the vedder. This is the same debate as the Pitt. A small (relatively shallow) river is going to get chewed up by those boats. Crossing down makes sense to me.
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Welcome aboard RA40 it is good to have you on board with your first post.
I can appreciate your concerns about the banning of power boats on the Vedder but I ask the question what purpose does it serves to have a power boat going up and down a river so shallow, full of gravel bars, so accessable to get to most spots by foot, the canoes, river rafters and other craft that these boats could run into. In all respect I have seen them during the fishing season several times and I mentioned one incident at the start of this thread
What about the damage the wash from these boats cause to the habitat and spawning area's, maybe no worse than the gravel excavations that are allowed ,I donot really know this fact.
I really do not think it is necessary to be on the Chilliwack/Vedder River when there is so many places to take a power boat such as the Fraser.
Only one person's opinion and will await more input of others on this subject.That is what a fishing forum is for and makes it such a interesting tool for information and input.
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I believe rivers/streams should all be like roads. Speed limit, size limit. Like allies 10km maybe vedder should be 3kn? and limit to 17' max, and maybe time restricted to daytime only. just a though ;)
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I agree and see no reason to allow power boats above the Freeway crossing.
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Chris. Your timing is impeccable! Exact same time as last year's anti-jetboat campaign, minus a day, but then it was a leap year wasn't it. http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=3414.0;topicseen
I don't see any strength in the arguement that there should be a jetboat ban on the Vedder other than a few people don't like them. RA40 makes a very good point that they might then ban fishing because a few unfortunate souls have lost there lives on this river also, while fishing.
I have visited the Vedder for some 25 years now, and I have seen the changes between then and now. I can pretty much agree with anyone who makes the statement that the most damage being done to the Vedder River is done by visitors other than jetboats. Shore visitors who trample redds, improper disposal of garbage (putting it lightly), disrespect for riparian zone etc.
I will mention however that the garbage collection and restoration of habitat efforts by anglers on this system is most commendable, much of it being promoted and carried out by you and others on this board. I will also mention that I think you are one of the most respected and effective stewards of this resource that we all enjoy. Thanks to you.
But I sense a little bias when it comes to jetboats on the Vedder, by those who feel they don't belong, simply because they either don't own one or don't like them for whatever reasons. BTW I own a jetboat but have never flown the Vedder. Too risky for me, and when it comes to boating I don't take risks. For those who do, good luck.
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I hope the boat is wrecked. Any idiot that takes a boat that far up the Vedder deserves the nasty bill to fix the damage. Moron. >:(
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Thanks Chris. I guess for me to wrap my head around this idea i would have to see more boating activity during the fishing season. Those types of impacts you refer to are not even an issue during June when water levels are always at thier highest. Very few people run thier jet boats on the Vedder, even in June and even if they did, idon't think it's an issue. If jet boaters were tearing up the river in low water or during fishing season, than maybe. But the fact is they are not and why spoil the fun for everyone because of a few.
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Good posts from all and I am not trying to get the last word here and I am not picking on jet boats. I would like one also but it would be hard to part with the blue and white Leaf Craft. ;D
I just really donot think it is necessary to power boat on the Vedder for just the reason to go for a boat ride as you do not need a power boat to access fishing spots. There is so many other spots we are so fortunate here in BC to take boat rides if that is what one likes to do, areas a lot safer and more scenic.
Maybe I am wrong in my thoughts but one has to stand by them in what one believes as do those with different thoughts ones that I always try to respect. That is what my dad and many others dads, mothers, grandparents fought for, the democratic process.
Now not to hyjack this thread as I am running late for my fishing trip as a spring waits for me this afternoon or tomorrow. I am late as I took my row boat, no not the Leaf Craft ;D ;D to bring to shore a rubber boat lodged in a log jam just above the Freeway Bridge. If anyone lost one recently let me know.
I also got two Drennans from the log jam but they are finders keepers.
Keep the thoughts coming while I am on my fishing adventure but be kind to me. ;D
Remember to check the story on the web of the Chilliwack Progress about the incident, it will be posted by tomorrow I am sure. I see my paper just came so will read it now but will not comment further for now, time to give others a chance to dive into the subject.
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There is a place for everything, and the Vedder is not the place for powered craft.
Sure, a lots goes on at the Vedder that probably shouldnt, but this topic is on boats in the river. Not the poor guy who drowns while fishing or someone who drives his car into a corner store or even the clowns dedicated to dumping their garbage there.
A smaller river like the Vedder should not have to sustain the activities of boats, should they be going slow or not. The river is closed during June for a reason, to limit impacts on the river. Boats are no different. Ive seen boats up the river, especially sea-doos, all through the summer and into the early fall. Erosion and noise pollution would be high on my list why not to allow boats on the Vedder. Why should their 'fun' ruin my fun when trying for a quiet walk along the river? There is a reason I dont go to Cultus or the Fraser for a 'quiet' walk. There are more impacts from boating the Vedder then what can just be felt when fishing it too, so I consider comments on this topic confined to angling values only narrow. I like to think anglers should consider more then just fishing; especially when the health of the river as a whole is necessary for fishing!
RA40 seems to know a great deal about boats on the Vedder that he can tell us they only go there in June. Not to mention that a well justified question on CG's part simply needs a chill pill and a 24 day wait for the passing of an apparent boredom problem... ;)
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http://www.theprogress.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=39&cat=23&id=438519&more=
This is the link.
Dan
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If you need my letter or a signature for a petition, you got it for this one Chris. I think it is a common sense that no motor boats should be allowed on Vedder. I fish it regularly enough to know you can not navigate it safely with any motor boat, specially not with so many people around doing various things. It is a tragedy waiting to hapen for sure.
I do believe that every river should be analyzed separately, but Vedder is just too small for so many people, and motor boats. Why somebody should have more rights than somebody else? - it is not about rights, it is about safety, otherwise you should be allowed to ride on top of your car, or ride a horse on a freeway, or ...
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Well said Hiker
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I didn't realize that boats on the Vedder were such a big problem and common occurance. I have only seen half a dozen in the last 10 years so i base my comments on my observations. The river/dyke belongs to everyone, learn how to share it.
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http://www.theprogress.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=39&cat=23&id=438519&more=
This is the link.
Dan
Thanks very much for posting the link for others to read.
I found the part and I quote it, He says there are very few jetboats navigating the gravel bars in that part of the river. Those that do are sometimes responsible for creating large wakes that swamp fisherman, according to anglers.
unquote
I also worry one day some careless boater will come roaring around a corner and there will be a fisherman wading the river, someone floating down the river in a inner tube, someone swimming, or a canoeist etc..
I know you can not pervent all accidents as they will be happening this morning on the commute and everyday on our roads. A lot of them are caused by people in a rush, do we have to have the same on the Vedder River, power boats rushing up a narrow river. There numbers may be low now but they will grow I feel in the future as the Valley continues to grow as well. To me the river should be a peaceful, serene and relaxing place to be, be it fishing, walking along the Rotary trail or just sitting on a rock at the waters edge soaking up nature and what it has to offer. Just to be away from the mad rush that society seems to be in now a days. We need those passive and quiet area's I believe to relive us of the stresses of our world, I know I do.
My humble opinion anyway.
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Dan
We need those passive and quiet area's I believe to relive us of the stresses of our world, I know I do.
absolutely and power boats/jet boats in a beautiful and unique river like the cheddar is ridiculous. i mean our roads are infested with unecessairly huge truck (on the most part)....time to take back and conserve.
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I agree with Chris. Current boating usage is low on Vedder but out of that few we are seeing accidents happening the chance of accident is way higher than daily commute. Number of accidents should not be the focus but chance of accident happening.
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This one's a fence sitter, all though I own a jet boat I just can't see the point of running it up past the Keith Wilson Bridge. Having said that, Vic has valid points, are all jet boat operators being painted with the same "bad boy" brush?
Think I'll keep sitting on the fence ::)
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Chris summed it up pretty well,there are away too many reasons for powered craft to be banned from the Vedder/Chilliwack river,safety being the major reason IMHO.I had a close call several years ago on Vancouver Island where a wake pushed me off of my feet,fortunately the reflex wave from the bank behind me sort of stood me back up again.
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This one's a fence sitter, all though I own a jet boat I just can't see the point of running it up past the Keith Wilson Bridge. Having said that, Vic has valid points, are all jet boat operators being painted with the same "bad boy" brush?
Think I'll keep sitting on the fence ::)
I still like your "Randog" float. ;D ;D ;D
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Randog, was that Vic's only valid point?
I really cant see any oposition to keeping powered craft below the highway bridge. This isnt a case of 'are you a good boat operator or not'; it is a case of is it sensible, from a boat operators, environmental and safety standpoints, to run a boat up the Vedder.