On Sunday, I took a ride over to the public boat ramp in National Park/West Deptford, NJ (i.e., located directly across from the Philadelphia Naval Yard). I had heard that it might be closed due to budgetary problems but found that it was actually OPEN. Found a few people fishing there on the beach. When I asked them if they were having any luck, they suddenly hooked a huge white perch! Pretty cool. Headed down the shoreline to Beach Hill and the guys were landing some perch and some small stripers.

Thanks Chief, I am heading to Fortiscue this weekend. I was thinking of staying local and hit the bridges from Tacony to the Walt. The draw of having the chance to get a drum after limiting out on stripers is to strong. I may stay local on Saturday with the wife. I like using this ramp. This ramp gives great access to the Syulkill River. If you take your time and pay attention you can have a great run all the way up to the Art Museum. There are several honey holes along the way. Just look at your dept finder and you'll see. If your around look for me.

Miss B Haven,

When I first splashed my boat back in 2005 (i.e., after spending just about every weekend for 7 months restoring things), one of the first places I had to check out was the Schuylkill River. It had sort of a mysterious appeal to it. Dad and I took a ride way up there past all of the refineries but turned back after that. Never made it up to the art museum. Man...that is a place with little fishing pressure and some really attractive, rather quiet places to hit with rod and reel.

What kind of boat do you have? What channel would you be on the VHF? As a NJ resident, do I need a PA freshwater license to fish there?

Interesting that they could close it due to budgetary problems, they built it with federal funds...that's why it's a free ramp. They found a loophole in the
parking though...what are they charging now? It used to be $10, I think it was $20 last time I was there...no thanks.