Thread: Fishing Marina's

This is what was stated on the other fishing web site: Yes, the issue regarding the Rush Creek State Park Marina Operator restricting public access has become an issue at the state level. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism discussed a recent incident during their commission meeting last Thursday. A video recording of the commission meeting is located at the following address: October 2014 Commission Meeting Part 2, KDWP News and Information kdwpinfo on USTREAM. Political News

The discussion relating to the Rush Creek Marina and the marina operator begins around the 33-minute mark. As you see, KDWP wishes to address Marina issues on a case by case basis. I think their first case needs to be the Rush Creek Marina, as what the marina operator enforces is not at all in compliance with what his lease states and how KDWP interprets his lease.

It has become evident to many sportsman that KDWP is unaware of the issues occurring at the Rush Creek Marina. Per the video link above, it is the KDWP's attorney's interpretation that the Marina operator only has control of the water underneath his docks. The operator does not have control over the land or the water in between dock structures (outside of the roof line). KDWP is currently unsure of whether or not he can restrict people from casting inside his dock slips, although we have the right to fish the outside face and edges of the docks. This also means that fisherman have the right to access and fish from the bank (or by boat) the water in between the land and dock structures or the water between structures. Many people will agreee that the marina operator tries to control the entire cove. I have even seen childen and their grandparents denied access to bank-fishing during the spring crappie spawn. This is not legal according to his lease, and many of his signs innacurately represent what he in fact controls.

Due to a very negative ecounter with the marina operator in which the Geary County Sheriff was called over the weekend, a few anglers are taking this issue up with KDWP and state legislators. We are requiring that KDWP provide a written clarification of what the marina operator controls and where he an legally keep people from fishing. We are also requesting that a graphical representation be displayed in the parking lot information booth as well as the walk way to the marina, illustrating what is public access and what is not. In addition, we are requesting that KDWP evaluate the marina operator's current signage and enforce changes to the signage so the signage does not restrict public access to state property.

KDWP is working for us, the tax-paying public. We need to ensure that public access areas are utilized and maintained, so future generations have the chance to enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation. The truth of the matter is that Corps. of Engineers owns the entire lake and leases areas to the state. The state in turn leases dock space to private marina operators. Sorry, for the long post, but I know many people have had encounters at the Marina, and have ultimately become complacent with what the Marina Operator says. Please feel free to express your thoughts regarding ths issue or use this posting to detail your experiences when fishing in or around the rush creek state park marina.

There are 2 sides to every issue. After reading quite a bit on this subject at Milford, some of this was brought on by the fishermen. Bragging about putting in at one marina and spending money at that marina then going to another marina and fishing their docks, then going on line and telling those things would anger any businessman. This has developed in to a war that didn't need to happen. If you think one marina is better than another why aren't you fishing that particular marina where you spend your money. sometimes a little PR by buying a sandwich or pop or a bag of ice can go a long way. I do not know the current owner at Rush Creek but the previous owners had no problem with us fishing around their docks, but of course we patronized them as much as possible. There is more to this story than some are letting on. Just sayin.

Was at Melvern dock this morning a bass boat with two guys entered one of the ally ways between docks and they were flipping back into the stalls, which were mostly empty. The guy working at the Marina came unglued and started yelling at them and even called the law. The boat left without much fan fare. The law never showed up

The Rush Creek guy tells me (probably everyone) the same story every time he sees me. Accuses me of being the criminal theft mastermind of an (apparently) every weekend long theft ring in his marina. "We've been having stuff come up missing, and how do I know it's not you??" Lately, I have made a point to 1. take my butt chewing, then 2. later in the day, pull in and eat a cheeseburger with him, making it as uncomfortable as possible. If I put in at Rush Creek, I usually stop in there and buy something later in the day, because I think it's right. I fish there too, making it a point to go so early that no one is around (except him, setting up early in the morning). I absolutely will not impede any possible marina customers or slip folks. If I make it too late, I just cruise by at long range. It's usually the only stress filled moments in a blissful rest of day. But I'm too old now to be barked at like a punk kid.

You are not too old. You are in the Military are you not, you are just sensitized to being yelled at like a punk kid from your years of service!!!! At least that's how it was when I was in!!!! Seriously though, you are to be commended for taking the high road, he should learn from your actions, good job.

How the heck did I miss this one......

Milford: Bully tactics

I have a run in with the guy or some of his minions almost everytime I go there to fish. I have had to intervene when he was berating an obvious visitor and his 8y/o child before. Just on friday being accused of "the Guy" that steals from the boats in the slips at night there.

I have spoken with many many about the issue. All said the water is fair game but stay off the docks. Rgr....no problem. I spoke with the head guy at the Corp office at the dam and he told me by the lease the guy controls the water also.....when asked how much he said "The whole Cove". I said that was an awful lot of water and I would like to see the Public Document where it states that......he told me I just had to take his word for it....Whatever. The guy harasses and bullies people constantly. Most will just go away because of the high drama factor with the guy. Me, just been through too much to be pushed like this. There is actually a regulation about harassing sportsman in the pursuit of legal activities.

Hear is what I started doing when I go over there to fish is I always have my helmet Cam on and when he starts cussing me I tell him I will make him famous and when he then notices the camera he tones it down.

I boycott any and all business with him or his. The only way to really stop this is to effect his bottom dollar or make to where the state park is forced to modify his behavior. I know they regularly delete Happy Posts on their FB page. No matter if you like it or don't, social media has an impact on people's behavior.

The people across the lake at Thunderbird are just great people to deal with and long as you don't try to catch the old woman's pet Carp in the back of the main marina building. Which i respect her wishes and always try to be very polite and respectful to them. Now the camp host......different story but I don't camp there and its their camp, their rules.

BTW: The video released by the state about Crappie at Milford was filmed there.......lots of crappie there