Fish-Hawk.Net

Took a buddy of mine out on the Ottawa River to show him around. Went to Rockland to launch and they put up the launch fees to $15. I think this is just getting out of hand they didn't even have the docks in yet and they haven't done nothing to the facilities or the launch in 10 years that I can remember. I guess i will be using the Cumberland launch a little more often. Also I saw a dead muskie it had to be over 50" must of died that morning or the day before. The only thing I saw wrong with it had a hook mark on it's mouth must of been fought out to death. Someone must of hooked into it and played it out too much and released it and it died.

I'm not familar with the situation at the rockland facility, but my local ramp charges $15 as well. I personally think this is too much to charge. The marina's around the big urban centers-maybe..because of space for parking. But a rural ramp with ample space is asking too much for a $15 fee.

That $15.00 launch fee does seem a tad high. Private enterprize at its best........gouge gouge.

Last year they put up the launch fees to $90.00 from $75.00 per SEASON on our part of the Rideau. Thought that was high till I read these posts.

Allows you to launch at Beveriges Locks, Combined Locks, Poonamalie, and Edmunds Locks.

A season day pass at provincial parks costs $65.00. You can enter any provincial park in Ont., use the launch, other facilities, etc. I understand this is also going up; but for now, not a bad price.

I guess there are deals to be had, but few and far between.

Sorry you got ripped.

Regards: Jigs.

I just paid $70 for the season which allows may car and all occupants access to the park and use of the facilities... i.e. Launch Ramps

Such a deal!

It annoys the heck out me that some local yokel can crank out $15 launch fees for any and all boats. Maybe some folks with the big 30 footers are getting their money's worth, but not the little guy that's for sure... Bad enough some of these Marinas are charging a 30 cent premium on gas!

Thank God I've got a boat that will do a 22 mile round trip in rough water for less that $4 (four dollars) in gas!

Now if I could only find some fish!

Legend

Ouch...!!! $15 is way too much for launching. You'd think there would be a lacky to launch the boat for you and hand dry it when done for that price. Someone is raking in some serious cash, all tax free no doubt. Maybe a call to a city offical is needed for an investigation. Time to start fishing the upper Ottawa. Constance Bay, Fitzroy, and Arnprior are all free to launch.

We just paid $5 for a local launch; not trying to rub things in. On the contrary, I am agreeing with you that $15 / launch is ludicrous. I'd be ticked off, too.

And I would also have been upset by the huge muskellunge you found dead. QUESTION EVERYONE: (Doesn't Wolfe ALWAYS have questions?!) Since the muskie was dead and of an enormous size, would it be legal or illegal to take that fish for mounting purposes? Probably most would not want to shell out the $$ to mount a dead fish they didn't catch, but I would actually consider it. I, personally, wouldn't want to kill a muskie I caught for mounting, but since this trophy size was already dead....???

Just wondering what the law is on that situation, and also what state a fish needs to be in when delivered to the taxidermist. What a shame that such an impressive fish had to die for nothing.

W.

It was early in the year didn't think to bring the camera. Never thought I would need it yet. Not really fishing just mostly looking around. Your question about the Muskie wouldn't want to run into a conservation officer and say "REALLY OFFICER I FOUND IT DEAD !"
Sorry this time of year you have to leave it in the water. The only thing you could do is take some pics and get a replica mount. The other thing that sucks about the launch is that it's cheaper if you live in Rockland but not much cheaper it's $12. That's what the price was last year if you didn't live in Rockland.

Being a Rockland Resident A little light to shed.

1st. Not private laucnh. run by and for the city of Rockland. The extra Money heads into the coffers.

2nd $96 for non-resident season pass $60 for resident

I agree with you it seems high but it is one of the best launches around in terms of good parking (unless there is a tournament) Regularily cleaned bathroom facilities.

Now paying for the ramp when there is no dock. That tick's me off! Also the fact that they just made some news docks last year and the didn't put a bumper on it and the steel rivets will scratch the hell out of your boat. 2 or 3 non residents and the bumper is paid for!

GamblerSteve,

I thought the same thing (about encountering a CO while leaving with the dead fish)...still, wonder if there's some way you could (legally) get around it. Like I said, it just seems an enormous waste.

W.

The highest launch fee I have seen was last week at Fenlon Falls,$10 to put the boat in and another$10 to take it out.the ramp was broken up and you have to park on the street.

There's still a few "free" ones in the west end, thank goodness!

A reasonable charge is fine if "it's maintained"...$15 is ridiculous

However, I'm sure enough will still use it and the chap will feel there's no problem ....

$15!...that is nuts....I used to get pee pee at the $10-$12 range...

That musky is below the legal limit to keep dead or alive...I wouldn't want to try sell my story that I found it dead...unfortunately it probably has to rot out there...

RJ

I also agree. 15 bucks for the launch is way too high and the fact the docks were not in makes it worse.

With that being said it is the best launching facility I have seen in the Ottawa area. 2 quality ramps, a couple of out houses for when nature calls, and lots of parking for at least 40 to 50 boats/trailers.

Come to think of it, Carleton place has a similar ramp facility. Maybe not as much parking but they only charge 7 bucks for out of Towner's and 5 bucks for residents.

The city of Rockland really needs to stop ripping all boaters off. I couple well written letters to the Mayor of Rockland is definitely in order.

I personally will not launch at Rockland unless forced too (i.e.: for a tournament).

Cheers,

Mike

I'm a Rockland resident as well and I refuse to use the launch. Don't get me wrong the facilities are great but the price is definitely too high. 10 minutes down the road to Wendover where the launch is free, a bait shop handy and away we go.

Come to Wendover, it's free. I also do tournaments in Rockland but lauch in Wendover. They won't get a penny out of me. Come on, 15$. Encourage people to enjoy the place, not hate it. They were suppose to charge just until it was all paid for. It's beem paid for and they still charge. I know the guy who works there and he also agrees it's rediculous. Imagine people that also pay taxes there!!!