Passaic River Pirates

[thyer]

Paddled the great peace meadows section of the Passaic today and encountered some nice boaters that were very courteous to the two of us that were on kayaks. Up until the cast of the Jersey Shore came through on 3 unregistered jetski's and one boat. The first two guys didn't yield to us which normally I can handle but I was with a first time kayaker and didn't want her to get nervous. The boater and 3rd jetskier did slow but their greeting to me went unanswered as I was already pissed that they have discovered this piece of water and claimed it as their playground with no concern towards others on the water. Anyone else encounter these clowns.

Fishing report, I caught nothing because I was watching out for my friend but conditions are fantastic out there.

[RJHooker]

I saw them at two bridges as I was leaving from some shore fishing. Glad I left when I did. One ski had to be towed by the boat because of the low water level and weed bed in that section. It was smoking bad. Like fishing in that area isn't challenging enough lol!

[thyer]

I was wondering where they put, it wasn't above two bridges and if you saw them it's possible that they are launching from one of the houses along the down stream section.

In the winter I took my boat license exam and I found it interesting that 65% of the study material related to jetski's. I imagined why but now I see it in person.

Few weeks ago I fished the bay in Erie PA and with all that open water a clown repeatedly kept splitting two kayak fishermen in shallow water and frankly just couldn't understand what is going through that persons mind. Then it came to me, absolutely nothing! Clowns.

[buzzbaiter]

I've seen them between Horseneck and Two Bridges. The river is fairly wide and unobstructed so they can boogie on up and down all they want. Above there is too shallow for them with too many blockages. Thank goodness for that.

Although the river borders the preserve, the river itself is NOT part of the preserve so what they are doing is - unfortunatley - perfectly legal. However if you want to report them for disturbing natural resources, below are contact emails.

People are encouraged to enjoy the preserves, respect its natural resources, and report any suspicious or illegal activity to the rangers at the numbers listed below or by email to Rangers@WildlifePreserves.org and/or NatLands@dep.state.nj.us. .

[thyer]

Thanks for the info but my concern wasn't the preserve. Being unregistered and not yielding to an unpowered vessel is. I always found it funny that in NJ you need to obtain a license and registration for a small raft with an electric motor but not when Waterworld passes you by on the Passaic river.

[Skunk City]

Those boaters are usually quite liquored up and have absolutely no regard for fellow boaters, kayakers or fisherman. I have had them rip passed me within 15 feet and wake the sh*t out of me. They will get theirs...