[Shrimpman]

I just saw a few minutes of a TV show that was sharing the joys of tearing the Hell out of a mountain stream in Alberta with jet boats. This is something that is gaining popularity in B.C. as well. Why is this kind of "entertainment" legally allowed in this age? Grinding over gravel beds, smashing deadfalls, and otherwise using a small river as a race course is hardly compatible with other users or conservation ideals. "Gearheads" don't have the ability to consider the kayakers, fishermen, and general nature-lovers whose enjoyment of miles of river is ruined in a few minutes, so this has to be outlawed somehow. Speed/horsepower restrictions on all but the largest rivers? It's unfortunate that there is always a user group that is unable to regulate itself with common sense and courtesy, so it's about time it was forcibly imposed.

[Trevor Shpeley]

Ya, I agree, there should be some rules. There are lots of responsible jet boaters out there too but there are some streams that are just too small to boat without doing damage. The Adams is closed to boats but it doesn't stop PWC's from racing up it in the summer, they know there is zero chance of getting busted.

[platypus]

Trevor Shpeley, on 18 December 2011 - 05:53 PM, said:

Ya, I agree, there should be some rules. There are lots of responsible jet boaters out there too but there are some streams that are just too small to boat without doing damage. The Adams is closed to boats but it doesn't stop PWC's from racing up it in the summer, they know there is zero chance of getting busted.

--Maybe motor cycles and mountain bikes should be banned from public trails... sorry couldn't resist...
--But do agree that regulation without enforcement is pretty much useless.
--Instead of banning or closing areas how about starting with opening areas where the use is appropriate and draw users to these areas where they can have their fun.

--How about new opportunities like... some of the open pit mines and tailings ponds that when filled with water would be new opportunities for theme style parks for use by specialty race boats and personal water crafts.

[flyfishingcouple]

What are we call small stream/river might be a starting point.

[Trevor Shpeley]

platypus, on 18 December 2011 - 04:13 PM, said:

--Maybe motor cycles and mountain bikes should be banned from public trails... sorry couldn't resist...
--But do agree that regulation without enforcement is pretty much useless.
--Instead of banning or closing areas how about starting with opening areas where the use is appropriate and draw users to these areas where they can have their fun.

--How about new opportunities like... some of the open pit mines and tailings ponds that when filled with water would be new opportunities for theme style parks for use by specialty race boats and personal water crafts.

Ya, I see your point, new regulations even when they make sense add to the already heavy regulation load. Best to educated the boaters than try to stop them without anybody to actually do the stopping. I've seen those jet boat parks in the states, they look pretty cool. Here's one to check out: http://www.youtube.c...h?v=UsNUR6tsoTs

[Happy Fisherman]

I guess that is part of the problem. With the overabundance of ridiculously overpowered and semi indestructible jet boats, and the fact that you can do what you want with little to no chance of facing any repercussions, some people will always flaunt the rules of law and common sense.

Our enforcement resources are already stretched too thin. It comes down to each individual boat user and boat owner to drive and ensure your boat is driven responsibly.

The Upper Pitt River would be first on my list of concerns. I know stories have made it to the TV and print media about the high number of jet boats running the river, sometimes way too fast and too close to shore. I guess as long as people can aford to buy and run these boats they think they are entitled to do as they please.

[Happy Fisherman]

I forgot to mention that you were likely watching a re-run of a Powerboat TV episode. One of their very rare ventures into Western Canada for an otherwise Ontario / Quebec based show. I was also rather unimpressed with their "Jet boat river carnage" episode.

[flyfishingcouple]

Happy Fisherman, on 19 December 2011 - 08:41 PM, said:

I guess that is part of the problem. With the overabundance of ridiculously overpowered and semi indestructible jet boats, and the fact that you can do what you want with little to no chance of facing any repercussions, some people will always flaunt the rules of law and common sense.

Our enforcement resources are already stretched too thin. It comes down to each individual boat user and boat owner to drive and ensure your boat is driven responsibly.

The Upper Pitt River would be first on my list of concerns. I know stories have made it to the TV and print media about the high number of jet boats running the river, sometimes way too fast and too close to shore. I guess as long as people can aford to buy and run these boats they think they are entitled to do as they please.

I hang with a crew that runs the Pitt and I see no problem with what they are up to? They aren't jumping sand bars and all that crap.
Look if you want to make jet boats less destructive outlaw some of the hull modifications like polymers and plastics on the hull - THAT'S what makes guys feel bullet proof and allow them to degrade habitat should they have the desire.
Look at it this way if I put armoured plating all around my CAR and started not caring where I merged there would be a little fall-out from my fellow motorists.
Realise SOME are out there to run the river to fish rather than burn up fuel and wreck stuff, and you'll get responsible jetters behind you.

[Shrimpman]

Trevor Shpeley, on 18 December 2011 - 09:53 AM, said:

Ya, I agree, there should be some rules. There are lots of responsible jet boaters out there too but there are some streams that are just too small to boat without doing damage. The Adams is closed to boats but it doesn't stop PWC's from racing up it in the summer, they know there is zero chance of getting busted.

I agree that most jet-boaters are out to get to a fishing spot, and disturbance of other users is minimized. The few who revel in bringing noise and disorder to the outdoors are generally impermeable to education, since sharing the chaos of their experience is a primary motivation. Think wakeboard boats with massive speakers and unmuffled Harleys. These few approach the day with a "bleep everybody else, look at me" attitude, and nothing short of making an example out of a few with hefty fines will get their attention. Glad that people are chiming in on this topic! I am not in blanket opposition to jet boats in LARGER rivers, having been in them myself, and understand that peace and good fishing returns to a run minutes after the boat has passed.

[Shrimpman]

Happy Fisherman, on 19 December 2011 - 08:41 PM, said:

I guess that is part of the problem. With the overabundance of ridiculously overpowered and semi indestructible jet boats, and the fact that you can do what you want with little to no chance of facing any repercussions, some people will always flaunt the rules of law and common sense.

Our enforcement resources are already stretched too thin. It comes down to each individual boat user and boat owner to drive and ensure your boat is driven responsibly.

The Upper Pitt River would be first on my list of concerns. I know stories have made it to the TV and print media about the high number of jet boats running the river, sometimes way too fast and too close to shore. I guess as long as people can aford to buy and run these boats they think they are entitled to do as they please.

I have been on a guided trip on the Upper Pitt in early Summer, when the river is in flood and the Bulls are running. It is a small river in the Fall when jetboaters flock there for salmon, and it is unfathomable how anybody could get in a day's fishing with the boats blasting through skinny water.

[Shrimpman]

Happy Fisherman, on 20 December 2011 - 08:40 AM, said:

I forgot to mention that you were likely watching a re-run of a Powerboat TV episode. One of their very rare ventures into Western Canada for an otherwise Ontario / Quebec based show. I was also rather unimpressed with their "Jet boat river carnage" episode.

That would be the show. The stream that they were blasting through was TINY! Absolutely mind-boggling that people felt free to promote this as an activity.