Hi guys. I've never been on the Ohio but I'm considering hitting it next season. However, I have some concerns over navigational hazards, especially barges and floating debris. Any pointers or advice? Anything else I should be aware of?
Ranger 175VS, 115 hp if that is relevant.
Thanks,
Jake
not any more or less problems in the water than any other lake. You can see th barges coming a mile away so if you have any issues going by a barge it is because of recklessness.
IMO, the only places you really need to be concerened about are running in the creeks. if you don't know where your going just take you time and idle around until you get comfortable.
Thanks, what I was concerned about was the "underwater" wake that I've heard the barges push. Any truth to this?
Jake
nothing to be concerned about just stay at least 100 ft away from the barges you shouldnt have any trouble .........oh and slow down some throw bigger waves then others
The barges are a little scary in the fog. Some will be out in the middle some nose into the bank. Give the big paddle wheelers a wide birth they look cool but can throw some crazy waves.
Bass Tracker TX 17 1995
fished the river all my adult life...debris is usually not an issues. However, if there has been recent heavy rainfall, beware even if the water has returned to normal pool. Logs could be floating, it may just look like a little stick protruding from the water, but it is attached to a log. Other than the barges, no different than a lake.
What we cannot obtain from intelligence, we can learn from experience.
I disagree, the river is a WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT than a lake, I fish it all the time and live about 5 blocks from our boat ramp for the river, its dirty, oily, full of logs and snag city, and puts a nasty oliy film on your boat,I know of more fisherman damaging props and lower units in the river than any lake,,, with that said its good fishing but be careful it can be dangerous and take cleaning supplies and go straight to car wash afterwards. Not to rain on anyones parade but the Ohio River is no joke.
Watch Your Six! I Have A Solution!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsane »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I disagree, the river is a WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT than a lake, I fish it all the time and live about 5 blocks from our boat ramp for the river, its dirty, oily, full of logs and snag city, and puts a nasty oliy film on your boat,I know of more fisherman damaging props and lower units in the river than any lake,,, with that said its good fishing but be careful it can be dangerous and take cleaning supplies and go straight to car wash afterwards. Not to rain on anyones parade but the Ohio River is no joke.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm interested in your comments because you're from the general area I would go: downstream from the Pike Island Dam to Bellaire. Have you fished this pool?
Jake
Dont get me wrong I like the challenges and different fishing situations that the river offers,(im referreing to the fishing not the mess), and no I have not fished that area, I normally fish south of the Greenup Ky dam, although once in a while ill put in at the Wheelersburg oh. boat ramp and fish the other side of the dam for sauger and small mouths. the furthest Ive ever put in was up by the Shawnee State golf course at a place called Scioto Brush Creek, now that was some AMAZING water, I did not know that the river had islands and from the creek mouth to the island was a huge flat that was at best 12 ft deep it was great being that far out in the river and running a crank bait about 3-4ft from the bottom, im going back in early spring to fish it again ,and yes I cought fish and even a toothy critter(Muskie)
Watch Your Six! I Have A Solution!
Hey Jake I fish that pool a good bit it's not too bad. Be careful on the west side of Wheeling Island though, it has a couple big sand bars. Other than that I think it's like a lake,that part of the river is pretty deep in the center. Watch for debris and barges. Just don't run the sides of the banks because of the stone bars and you should be ok
If you have never fished around barge traffic it is different. They can sneak up on you when they are heading south, and put some big rollers up when they are pushing a load up river.
Last year was my firsdt year owning a boat and running on the river. I've road in dads for years and was always the passenger and only drove a few times. The barge thing can be tricky, once you pass the barge if he's pushing water definetly watch the rollers in behind him don't just cut in behind, it'll rattle your teeth.
And the wheeling island deal would tear one up quick. Run the WV side of the island.
One thing i always did while riding was always looking for debris and make sure dad always was aware even if I knew he saw it. Nothing wrong with making sure.
It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission.
You want to watch the north end of Wheeling Island. It is shallow and has lots of stumps and rocks
I fish from the Pike Island dam to the Hannibal dam and that part of the river is not too bad. If you are not familar with it just run in the middle and you will be fine. Don't hit anything floating because what looks little can fool you sometimes.
Hi Bob, how have you been. Probably waiting for warmer weather like me
Hi Terry. I have been well and you are right I am itching to get on the water. I stopped by the Pike Island dam yesterday to see what was happening. A lot of guys fishing but no one catching. There were three empty trailers parked in the Rayland marina so I guess there were a few guys out. Would like to know how they did. River is up some. How are things with the St C bass club? Hurry spring.
The guys at Rayland are probably fishing up at the WWD at the Cardinal plant,probably whacking white bass and hybrids.
2023 Ranger Z520R
Mercury 250 ProXS
Things are good with the club. Tourneys are scheduled. Just waiting for the weather to change
I would say you are right Bill. Cardinal plant would be good right now for Hybrids. I work ar Mitchell power plant. The guys at Kammer said trhey aren't catching anything at their outflow right now
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