Milwaukee Harbor Boating Requirements

We are still dealing with copious amounts of bait in the harbor making things tough for everyone. But things are looking up. There were at least a dozen boats out last Saturday. The ramps are open even thought the docks aren’t in. The only ice remaining is in the back corner of the McKinley docking area and that should soon be gone as well. Lets the games begin.

There is no secret about what a unique and outstanding fishery we have here in the Milwaukee harbor (I can still say that after having my confidence pole-axed buy the Trout this winter). It’s about 2500 acres of protected water that affords you to enjoy some of the greatest fishing in the Midwest without having to leave the confines of a protected harbor. Trout, Salmon, Lakers, Bass, Walleyes, Pike, Perch, and who knows, even Muskies. This all can be done with a typical inland boat and a little common sense.

When I say, it’s no secret, I really mean it. The fishery has now been featured on numerous national TV shows and is becoming a destination spot for anglers from not only all over the Midwest but from all over the country.

Being protected, this fishery now draws anglers who aren’t used to fishing on the Great Lakes. If the weather conditions are right, boats as small as a 14 foot v-hull can get in on this action. But not everyone is used to being on the Great Lakes and there are some special rules. The US Coast Guard- Station Milwaukee, patrols our harbor and they will check your boat either at the launch or on the water. So let’s go through the basics so everyone who wants to try this is safe and legal. Here are the minimum requirements and a few extras that are good ideas to keep you safe.

1. Life jackets that are the appropriate size for the fishermen on the boat. Children 12 and under have to WEAR the life jacket.
2. A throwable device. A life ring or USCG approved cushions are legal. The ring/cushion has to be immediately available. It can’t be stowed away in a compartment.
3. An air horn or whistle. The USCG prefers to see an air horn.
4. A day/night distress warning device. Three (3) flares or a flare gun. They have an expiration date. Check it before you buy them.
5. A class B-1 fire extinguisher. Make sure that the indicator us showing full and charged.
6. Navigation lights. A red/green forward light with a white aft light.
7. One(1) day and one (1) night non-pyro visual distress device. For daytime a flag (orange flag with black square above a black circle) is required. For night an electric distress light. This is usually a battery operated strobe. Here is one tip. If you carry three flares (item #4), you have this requirement covered.
8. An anchor with rope. The rope should be 5-7 times the depth that you plan on fishing. Even in the harbor, 100 feet would be a minimum. One hundred fifty is better.

Not required, but you will be the USCG’s friend if you have a bailing device and some way to call them if you are in trouble or see someone in trouble. Many of you don’t want to invest on a marine radio, but a cell phone will work too. Plug 414-747-7170 into your speed dials and that will get you directly to someone in command at the Milwaukee Station of the USCG.

The time to get in on this early season Brown and Laker action is coming soon. I will get more into the details but for starters, get the safety items that you need and get your boat ready.

Tight lines and smooth drags.
Marc