Old Mill Marinia-Free Launch?

[MintBrite]

Has anyone used this launch and is it really free? We use to camp down there every year until it went totally private, it seems like their trying to get some people back by making this free offer.We all know few things in life are really free, or are they?

[Pilar]

MintBrite, check out the aerial photo of T Bay. The channel from the 'Free' boat ramp to the bay is narrow and silted in. I heard that they were going to dredge it but haven't heard more.

Did it get dredged?

[Mr. Fisherman]

I don't know if they got it dredged yet or not but last I heard it was free to launch. Give them a call to be sure (503) 322-0324.

If you do launch there keep to the right and really hug the bank till you get out of the launch. The buoys are decevingly close but they are set right. If your boat drafts much over 18 inches beware the low tide.

They have a great fish cleaning station that I like to use regardless where I launch. They have a bulk crab cooker too and the price is nice.

Hope this helps,

Mr. F.

[FM2]

I've used it several times this year and yes it is free. Just as mentioned, be careful on a low tide. They have some small channel markers (kinda like clorox bottles) and you want to be about 10' to the left of the right marker.

I'll echo Mr.Fisherman, they have a great cleaning station and will cook your crab for a nominal fee.

[Pitch Pocket]

After this place went totally whacko a few years ago and discouraged anyone from using the place I'm reluctant to return. I used to launch there exclusively, but when they raised the launch fee to $10 for non-members, I balked and haven't been back. I know that they had financial problems, but I couldn't figure out why they would discourage customers when they have a decent restaurant and tackle/bait shop. It turned into a ghost town.

I drove through a couple of weeks ago and there seemed to be more people but I'm not sure if they have maintained the ramp and dock. Last time I used it it was falling apart and poorly maintained. Has that improved?

I hope they have turned it around because they have the best fish cleaning facility and decent crab cooking. Anyone know what is going on there?

[Phil Layer]

I launched there a couple of weeks ago. I used to launch and moor there all the time but haven't for many years.

The launch was fine and free and I was careful to stay in the channel when I went out as it was low tide and my boat does draft deep. I had no problem getting out during low tide but you do have to be careful.

This used to be a great marina and I hope it returns to its old status.

[Smily]

HI MintBrite,
We launched out of there last Saturday. Yes it's free and definately needs dredging. While going thru there, it got shallow reel quick, like 2 ft. I thought we gonna run aground but made it thru. That was 2 hrs before low slack also. We didn't get any fish and it looked like a nice cleaning station from the outside. It sure would have been nice to see it from the inside though. images/icons/wink.gif

My friend forgot Life jackets, What was he thinking. images/icons/rolleyes.gif The people inside the store were nice enough to Loan us some at no charge.
I would go back but becareful at low tide.

images/icons/smile.gif Smily images/icons/smile.gif

[MintBrite]

Thanks for the info! We use to spend a week there every year. I met Doug Lamear & Larry down at that place, it's to bad that it went private. I know the channel is narrow and I think we'll be giving it a try over the weekend. Hopefully we'll to using that fish cleaning station just like the old days. Forgot to mention the people who ran the tackle shop, they were always the greatest people, always willing to tell you the spot to go to or loan you something!

[Mr. Fisherman]

MB,

I chatted with the current manager. They had problems getting the permits to dredge this year but they have been processed and dredging will commence next year, I forget just when. I believe the free launch will end after the dredging is complete.

The manager seems really friendly and seems to want to attract new business. I'll go there. Anything is better than the unfriendly folks at the Garabaldi Marina.

I would discourage anyone from using the launch durring a minus tide.

Have a great time...