Launch Fees

I just noticed that Herrington Lake Marina increased there launch fee to $10 from $5. That does it for me. I'm unable to afford to fish from this ramp. With the increase in gas and bait and ramp fee it's not cost effective. What are the launch fee's at other ramps on Herrington.
Herrington Lake Marina is a great place. I'm not slamming them for increasing the ramp fee. I understand there expences are going up also. But it seems to me that if you raise the ramp fee that fewer people will use it. Sells will decrease at the marina in return.What do you think?:mad:

How does the expense for an existing concrete ramp go up? :confused:

ripoff!:mad:

Just my opinion,they're aint 10 dollar's worth of fish in herrington lake unless you have figured it out.I can't catch a cold on that thing.

Is that per launch or per season? If per launch, somebody needs to accidentally dump a load of concrete on the ramp.

I don't have a problem paying a reasonable fee for my outdoor activities but lots of marina operators are acting like fishermen are just too much trouble to mess with. Kuttawa Harbor used to allow free launching at their ramp (built by the Corps) and we ate at their place, bought supplies and bait. They went to $5 per launch and we and most everyone else went to the public ramps and I will never buy another red $,01 worth of anything from them. Just my own private little protest for them charging for something my tax money paid for in the 1st place.

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Originally Posted by HunterShewmaker

I just noticed that Herrington Lake Marina increased there launch fee to $10 from $5. That does it for me. I'm unable to afford to fish from this ramp. With the increase in gas and bait and ramp fee it's not cost effective. What are the launch fee's at other ramps on Herrington.
Herrington Lake Marina is a great place. I'm not slamming them for increasing the ramp fee. I understand there expences are going up also. But it seems to me that if you raise the ramp fee that fewer people will use it. Sells will decrease at the marina in return.What do you think?:mad:

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Herrington Lake Marina hasn't been all that crazy about fishing people, since they opened. They cater more to the ski crowd and those that moor their boats at the marina slips. I don't think they'll lose much sleep over not collecting launch fees, as the restaurant & boat slips probably keep them in the $$ ;)

I don't know what the rates are, at the other ramps ... but I'd sure like to know (if anyone out there can fill us in) !!
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Now - to address the questions/statements of:

Quackrstackr - these are not "public" ramps ... all the land around Herrington Lake is privately owned. The water is owned by the Elec Co that operates the Dam/Power Plant.

Slipped Cork - yes, it can be quite intimidating/humbling, at times. But, believe me, there are good fish in that lake !

mrdux - the launch fee is "per launch". Like everything else, it's increased over the years. I've seen it rise, over the years ... but, $5 per launch has been the normal fee for quite some time. And Herrington is not a Corp lake, or state lake ... As I told Quackerstackr, water is owned by utilities conglomerate, land is owned by private citizens (homes/marinas). The Marinas built & maintain their own ramps. Everything costs everybody more ... so, we, the end users (anglers/boaters), pick up the tab to keep them in business.

.... cp :cool:

I wasn't questioning who actually owned the ramp.

It's hard for me to imagine any increased expense in the cost of a static, concrete ramp that was poured years ago unless there has been recent upgrades or repairs. The ramps around here are pretty much maintenance free.

If there were any Corps or state funds that went into the ramp, they couldn't charge a nickel for it's use. They tried to start that on KY lake several years ago and had to recant after it was challenged.

I would imagine that your first statement was 100% on. Most of these marinas cater to pleasure boaters with big cruisers that spend big $ renting slips and don't want their boats dinged up from any lowly fisherman's wake. They are the reason that fishing in several of the bays on lakes across the state have been deemed off limits to fishing entirely (still not sure how that one can stand). They are also attempting to have the state legislature tell the Corps and the TVA when they can raise and lower the water levels on KY and Barkley lakes and are once again up in arms to have all of the grass killed off.

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Originally Posted by Quackrstackr

I wasn't questioning who actually owned the ramp.

It's hard for me to imagine any increased expense in the cost of a static, concrete ramp that was poured years ago unless there has been recent upgrades or repairs. The ramps around here are pretty much maintenance free.

If there were any Corps or state funds that went into the ramp, they couldn't charge a nickel for it's use. They tried to start that on KY lake several years ago and had to recant after it was challenged.

I would imagine that your first statement was 100% on. Most of these marinas cater to pleasure boaters with big cruisers that spend big $ renting slips and don't want their boats dinged up from any lowly fisherman's wake. They are the reason that fishing in several of the bays on lakes across the state have been deemed off limits to fishing entirely (still not sure how that one can stand). They are also attempting to have the state legislature tell the Corps and the TVA when they can raise and lower the water levels on KY and Barkley lakes and are once again up in arms to have all of the grass killed off.

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Not all ramps at Herington are "concrete" .... some elected to use asphalt :p ... but, nonetheless --- with the rise/fall of 20-30ft of water being the norm, the ramps do suffer erosion. And since it's their property/business ... they can always profit from the use of the ramps, by us.

Used to be a fee to launch at Taylorsville, but that's been removed ... probably part of the launch fee debaucle you're talking about. My heartiest appreciation to those that challenged that deal.

.. cp :cool:

Just filled my truck up with gas 109.00 dollars'.Stopped at kroger 97.00 dollar's and only got 7 bag's of grocerie's.I wont pay 10 dollar's to launch my boat at my favorite lake or anywhere else in the US,and my boat need's gas now,along with lawn mower,tiller,weed eater and wife's car.I understand it is all private at herrington and they can keep it private.I wont support their fee's and that's just from my point of view.

10$ to launch yer boat...CRAZY!! Gwinn Island is,or was 5$ the last time I used it, as is Coffee Cove(Keys Landing).I think Bryants Camp is 6$.I dont know about the rest of them.Hope this helps!! Anyone catching anything there lately,if so where at...lol

I will not put in at our local lake because of the ramp fee. The statd put it in and it is not legal for them to charge. They however can close access to the ramp. So I just keep my mouth closed and go elsewhere
THE BANDIT

Seems to me that going from $5 to $10 was extremely steep, that's 100% increase. They are definitely making a statement to the fisherman.

Are you 100% sure Jim went up to 10.00? I know there is a sign that says 5.00 when you put in or 10.00 when you take out. But I have not seen any sign for 10.00 to launch. I was talking with him a few weeks ago and he never said anything about it. But I can tell you if he did raise it to 10.00 bucks we will be talking about it!! :D :eek: I live a few mins from that ramp and put in there real often( or used to anyway). :confused:

Fred goto www.herringtonmarina.com
It states it very clear. It's listed on the main page under updates. It reads as follows.

Launch fee changed as of April first
Our launch fee has gone to $10.00.
Annual passes are available at a discount.
As always slip renters are not charged for launch.

The annual pass is $100

I don't fish Herrington but $10 per launch is crazy. I pay $30 for the Annual Day Use Pass from the Corp and get access to all Corp ramps at Barren, Carr, Green, Nolin, and Rough. That to me is very reasonable and worth the money.

Guess I'll just have to go somewhere else. That is freaking wrong. 10.00 bucks to put your boat in. I'll be d**ned. Not this ol' boy. I'll be sure and let Jim know just how I feel about it and about how the other fisherman on the net think. I am a very low key, easy going feller but this makes me a little hot under the collar. I don't know what the He#@ they are thinking. I can only imagine they do not want fisherman to put in there???

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Originally Posted by HunterShewmaker

Fred goto www.herringtonmarina.com
It states it very clear. It's listed on the main page under updates. It reads as follows.

Launch fee changed as of April first
Our launch fee has gone to $10.00.
Annual passes are available at a discount.
As always slip renters are not charged for launch.

The annual pass is $100

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Sounds like to me ol'Jim's got his self a private lake! :mad: I'd start investigating that stuff! If there's one penny of state, federal or local money tied to that ramp that crap can be stopped!!! As far as the power Co. goes I'll bet somewhere down the pipe there's some federal or state money involved. If it were me I'd tell ol'Jim " You know what. I'm a Towboat pilot and work 28 and I'm off 28. I don't have a thing to do when I'm home and I'm prepared to make you my passtime."

I emailed Herrington Lake Marina and this is the responce.


Hunter:
Thanks for your e-mail and honest approach to a difficult decision. After much discussion and debate this winter the marina really had no choice. The ramp is in need of major repairs plus, as you pointed out, electricity, gas etc. is going up fast. Also, many launchers buy their gas, food, bait, etc. elsewhere but they use the walkway, the parking lot, the lighting, the security, and the ramp for what was a mere $5 (way out of proportion). So, if the marina is going to supply a safe ramp service into the future, the launchers need to share in the financial support of the on-going maintenance and operating costs. The Marina discussed $7 or $8 like Bryants camp but that is too complicated for change after hours so, we decided on a mere $10 for the service of the ramp, parking, lighting, security, walkway positioning, and helpful service as needed.

I see that you at least understand that the costs you spoke of effect our business as well as your leisure dollar. But, what most people fail to see are the repairs that are needed and the costs to operate and maintain the ramp into the future plus lost revenue from product sales where many launchers don't share with the marina.

Our new yearly launch fee is $100 unless you live in Homestead Herrrington then it is $75.

Thanks for your patronage and for understanding our financial position as well. We hope to keep you as a customer, but you have to do what's best for you as the marina has to do what's best for the marina into the future.

Thanks again

Jim

"The Marina discussed $7 or $8 like Bryants camp"

I put in at Bryants last Sunday and was charged 6 bucks for launch and parking. When I was trying to decide where to put in I saw Herrington Marinas website and could not fathom paying 10 dollars to launch. Let's hope this does not spread to other Marina's at Herrington or we can cross that lake off our list. Also, when we put in last fall at Herrington Marina I remember thinking what good shape the ramp was in, although I did not pay any attention to closely inspecting it. As a group, all we can do is let Herrington Lake Marina know we won't be spending any money at their business in the future. :mad:

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Originally Posted by HunterShewmaker

I emailed Herrington Lake Marina and this is the responce.


Hunter:
Thanks for your e-mail and honest approach to a difficult decision. After much discussion and debate this winter the marina really had no choice. The ramp is in need of major repairs plus, as you pointed out, electricity, gas etc. is going up fast. Also, many launchers buy their gas, food, bait, etc. elsewhere but they use the walkway, the parking lot, the lighting, the security, and the ramp for what was a mere $5 (way out of proportion). So, if the marina is going to supply a safe ramp service into the future, the launchers need to share in the financial support of the on-going maintenance and operating costs. The Marina discussed $7 or $8 like Bryants camp but that is too complicated for change after hours so, we decided on a mere $10 for the service of the ramp, parking, lighting, security, walkway positioning, and helpful service as needed.

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So at first he says the ramp in need or repairs, but the comes back and says he is providing a safe ramp. Then doubles back to say the ramp needs repairs. Nowhere does he say that repairs are planned or will be taking place to this damaged ramp. Sounds like he needs to come clean and say that this will be a great way to earn some extra money.

It sounds like he's trying to float his failing marina business with something that everyone has to have if they want on the lake.

Pretty much like being held hostage by the gas prices.

I agree with you all that $10 seems like a lot of money to launch a boat. But it's still a deal if you compare it to other forms of entertainment like going to a movie, going to a ballgame or concert, going out to eat, or even going bowling. (And be glad that you don't play golf. If you do play golf, you can't possibly complain about a $10 launch fee.)

Let's not cut off our noses in spite of our faces. It could be worse: rich people could control all the access to all the lakes, just like they do golf courses. In Lexington, KY, there is a lake on Richmond Rd. called Lake Ellerslie. It is a private fishing club--they told me that you have to live in Lexington to be considered a member, and there is no way someone from outside the club can use the facilities--at any price. I live near there and would love to fish that lake, but I am excluded. Imagine how much the world would suck if all lakes were like that. I hate paying $10 as much as anyone else. But I am very grateful that there are places like Herrington, Wilgreen, Linville, Wood Creek, etc., where a man can enjoy an afternoon on the water, even if he does have to cough up a few bucks to do it. We need to count our blessings, or as my Pastor says, "Maintain an attitude of gratitude."

The lakes are paid for by our tax dollars.
There's no way a public launch ramp should help pay for a marina,
which is a private "for profit" business.
I don't know where the launch money goes, but if it goes towards
a private business, it's illegal.
If everyone boycotts the ramp, the fee will probably go away.
Taylorsville just recently did away with the fee at Settlers Trace.
Free enterprise works, if no one uses it, they'll change it.
I won't use it. Period.
It's just another way for the government to get in your pocket.
What next? a tax on each fish you keep maybe? B.S.

You might buy that crap about cost but not this ol'boy? Man anybody that owns a business knows that any improvement costs are depreciated out and a tax right off. Further more there is no way to track the cash. Would it claimed as income? Why doesn't he raise the rent on his slips? Answer??? Taxable income? If it walks like a duck & quacks like a duck, it's a darn duck!

I was born at night but it wasn't last night! I don't even fish there and it pi$$e$ me off!

You can bet that someone is watching to see if the ramp is used
as much as usual after the price hike.
If it is, then they'll conclude it was well accepted and will probably
raise the price at the other ramps too.:eek:

Herrington Lake is owned by KY Utilities Co (the water) and has full control & responsibility in managing its levels and use. The lake is not controlled/financed, in any way, by the KDFWR, the State of KY, or other such enterprises. ALL the land, surrounding the lake, is private land ... owned by home owners & Marinas. There are no "public" ramps on the lake ... the ramps are operated/maintained by the various Marina's around the lake. They've been charging a launch fee for decades ... it's their property, so they can hike the rates as they see fit. I don't think any Federal or State monies is spent on any part of their businesses.

That being said ... I think one of two scenarios may take place. Either the other ramp fees will rise (seeing that Herrington Marina's did) and business will decrease, due to costs. ...OR... The other ramps will maintain their launch fees, at current levels (or a "less than" increase) ... thinking that Herrington Marina's fee will drive more launching business their way.

... cp :cool:
(disclaimer - I "think" all this info is correct & current ... but, I could be wrong. If I am, my apologies ... and would someone please correct me)

http://www.hlcl.org/Main/page4.html

Crappie Pappy,I bought my fishing licenense so technically they do have a part in this.All the large bass in Cedar Creek were taken out of herrington.Why do the KDFW and water patrol reguallry patrol herington and write ticket's?I never see them on my pond.I'm in no way slamming you,I fully agree with you about it being private and if all owner's dont want anyone on the lake you wont get there!I'll bet if this dock owner has a problem with fisherman,hisfirst call will be to KDFW.Just my opinion,everyone has one.

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Originally Posted by crappiepappy

Herrington Lake is owned by KY Utilities Co (the water) and has full control & responsibility in managing its levels and use. The lake is not controlled/financed, in any way, by the KDFWR, the State of KY, or other such enterprises. ALL the land, surrounding the lake, is private land ... owned by home owners & Marinas. There are no "public" ramps on the lake ... the ramps are operated/maintained by the various Marina's around the lake. They've been charging a launch fee for decades ... it's their property, so they can hike the rates as they see fit. I don't think any Federal or State monies is spent on any part of their businesses.

That being said ... I think one of two scenarios may take place. Either the other ramp fees will rise (seeing that Herrington Marina's did) and business will decrease, due to costs. ...OR... The other ramps will maintain their launch fees, at current levels (or a "less than" increase) ... thinking that Herrington Marina's fee will drive more launching business their way.

... cp :cool:
(disclaimer - I "think" all this info is correct & current ... but, I could be wrong. If I am, my apologies ... and would someone please correct me)

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The water in that lake is owned by the public. It comes from the Dix River. They might own the land and they might own the dam but that water belongs to the people of the Commonwealth. of Ky. They can own the land that is under the water to the old river channel but they can't own the river itself. Although the lake is a "Power Generation Lake" it is also part of a watershead system. Watersheds are maintained with tax $'s and belong to the public. I run the Tn. river system. TVA controls the water levels and is a fed. agency, but the water up to the state line belongs to Ky. If I own land on the otherside of your property and I have to cross you to get to it, by law you have to grant me an "easment" or access to my property. It shouldn't be any different with access to the water. I own some of it. It came out of part of my river system. I personally believe if enough people got together they could force the state to provide access. My issue is not with the landowners as much as it is an issue with the government. In my opinion that lake is public water and should have public access!

My 2 cents.

That's the most centsible thing I've read so far. I've been following this thread with interest and was thinking how KU could provide a free public launch area and garner some good will from the public by doing so, but Wiskers has nailed it, it seems to me that the State should provide the land or right of way to the water and put in a couple of free public launch ramps so the public can access their water. Now, how to go about getting it to happen is the next subject.:D

Sorry whiskers, but there's alot of locked land in KY.If you dont have an easement on your deed I dont have to grant you anything if you're my neighbor,although I probally would.I think you're right on target on all other stuff.I dont know but doubt that KU own's any access to the lake.

that KU doesn't own the water ... what I meant to say was the land below the water line, which "contains" the water, and the water level. They're a business, and their business is generating power and flood control ... not launch access, & fishing rights. They could probably care less if anyone even uses the lake.

The land is private, even if the water is public property ... and they are granting you access, they're just charging you for it, as they are a business and not simply a land owner. Failure to pay the launch fees is viewed as theft, and access across private lands ... even to get to "public" water ... is viewed as trespassing. May/may not be right ... but, it is how it is.

I'm sure there are laws on the books, that allow these things ... otherwise they wouldn't have gotten away with it for over 40yrs. Everything is more expensive, these days, and consumers are forced to pay for their use. I'm not any more happy about it than any of the rest of you.

As for KDFWR/Water Patrol connection ... they may not have a boat or CO on your private pond/lake ... but, they do have a duty to patrol/manage the fishing & boating activities on Herrington. Those fish, and that water, is public property ... and their use and management is under their jurisdiction. They may get federal monies (matching funds or something like that), but they don't have to use that money to provide a dock/pier/launch ramp on your private waters ... like they do on publicly accessable waters. I see the connection you're trying to make ... but, Herrington Lake must be a unique situation. Like I said, I don't know the answers. If someone is closely connected enough to KDFWR or someone whom would know ... I'd appreciate it if they'd find out and inform us all.

... cp :cool:

I know nothing about the lake but I have to admit that I am surprised that there is no state owned, public access point to it considering that it is part of a river system and consequently public, navigable water.

There are state owned ramps scattered all over the rivers and lakes on this end of the state to go with the private ones. To have a body of water that large without one is somewhat puzzling.

Well said Crappie Pappy.Let's all go catch some fish and end this.If you want to go to Herrington that's your choice.I would advise against going to Green River though,dont cost but 3 dollar's and I cant catch a nickel worth of fish yet,but it will pick up.Good luck all,I'm done with this post.