[Prospector]

Reading Newsday Sat 3/1 it seems FINS has a new Superintendent, David Spirtes originally from the Bronx but served 30 years in Alaska and elsewhere on duty with the national park service. Quote fom Newsday- It can be something of a political minefield because of competing interests groups, I really like the challenge. President of the Fire Island Association said I'm definitely encouraged? So what does this mean to us? Could be statous quo or someone who want's to limit access as FINS priority is to stop access as the land should go back to nature? They've made it clear years ago they don't want us there and have to supply manpower to do so. Years ago we almost lost access along with walkons because of some beetle? Orgs like Libba debated this issue and we won. Join a group, any group that makes you feelings know. How bout that 12 million dollar Heritage Center? Prospector

 

[624378]

beach access

prospector are 4x4's ever going to be aloud on west end 2 i heard something that maybe but i cant find out maybe you might know thanks

 

[captshiner]

be careful what you wish for, it just may come true. IMO allowing 4x4 access would be the worst possible thing that could happen to we2. How would you feel pulling up to the pocket and seeing 500 guys instead of the usual 50? I enjoy the walk; nice and peaceful heading back to the truck watching the sunrise with sore arms and legs...

 

[Prospector]

Superplug, I dought it unless Libba works some kind of magic and then you wouldn't have support from your fellow fishers either. There not looking to expand access, on the contrary. For those not familiar with the area of FINS I'll try to explain but don't quote me as I just looked at last years permit and there was no receit of payment. As far as I remember the fee was Spring $20 or $40 just for fall even if you didn't fish spring. The area extends west from Smith's Point about 6 1/2 miles to Long Cove for the purpose of hunting and fishing only, no day trippers, camping, surfing etc. You purchase a Sportsman Permit for these functions only.The beach is only availibly to 4x4 till June 15 then closed to traffic except homeowners with different permits untill Sept 15. Times of beach access to 4x4 is also regulated. Any time before Nov 1 any vehichle will not enter the beach between the hours of 9am till 6 pm on weekends or holidays. If you arrive before 9am you can remain on the beach all day. Once you leave you cannot re enter till 6 pm I might have forgot something but I know someone will correct me. Nice beach to fish with plenty of room with no animals. Total Enforcement! Of the rules that is. No YO YO's playing games. The Feds even check bag limits. If you ain't fishing or hunting your permits history in ONE DAY. What a nice place! Prospector

 

[629660]

Pros.Are they gonna close it for good.Is it somethin in the works,or just talk,I remember you tellin me somethin along these lines last year.somethin like preserveing it.If they close it,there goes all the peacefull rides without the yo-yos.
I guess I should read the paper,What page?

 

[614880]

FINS

Picked up a FINS Permit for the first time last Year. Only fished it a few times with little luck, but still worth the price if just for the peace and quiet there. Lets keep on top of this. Any one have any more info?

 

[Prospector]

JPF don't get bent just yet! Nowhere did it say anything about closing access. See,the way I look at it is we now have a new super that's not local to the area and it's problems and has yet to establish a repore with the fishing community and only realizes the state of affairs as per the National Seashore standards of preservation and reverting the said land back to nature. We are a guest only invited by them according to them?This isn't State or County stuff where you can call someone and plead your case as a taxpayer, this is the feds! Maybe it'll come to nothing and things will stay the same I hope, but you never know. Hopefully orgs like Libba will begin a dialog with him and continue our access. Nowhere was it said it would close but the new guy in office could do so in a blink of an eye if he chose to. Prospector

 

[Prospector]

Sorry Rick, I almost forgot you. It's normally a pick there but lights up every 4 years or so and when it does it's big time with everyday all day blitzes for months. Were due this year. Prospector

 

[629660]

I wasn't getting bent,just didn't understand.Thanxs for clearing up.

 

[615579]

Curious...and not quite understanding.
Is FINS accessible to 4x4?
Last year I never bothered heading down that way, assumed it was a closed deal.

Walked with my boys this weekend down west of the webcam for a couple of miles. NOTED plenty 4x4's driving the beach, no rods evident, made me wonder, who, how and why?
When I first pitched on Smiths, three years ago, noted plenty anglers driving west from the main SP access just east of the RV camp. This was after Jul 4.
I'd appreciate a comprehensive reply on whats allowed and where.
Cheers.

 

[Scratcher]

I'm not so sure about that spring/early summer driving at FINS, at least from the Smith's Point side. I think they usually close it, possibly as a result of nesting plovers, which can show up as early as March. That would mean no driving from March until mid-Sept. or so.

 

[615579]

In the summer months access from SP is I believe closed westward...sign posted prohibiting it, probably due to bathers and sun worshiper.
However I'm curious to know if the west end can be accessed from the FINS gate.
I never knew that this was allowed.

 

[614880]

FINS

You can only enter FINS at the Ranger Station, and then you can only drive west. The area east of the Ranger station to the Smith Point border is off limits to 4x4's. And yes, all of FINS was off limits to 4x4's the entire spring and summer...did not open till September last year and still cost 40 bucks.

 

[615579]

Thanks Broncorick,
appreciate the explanation.
Where and when can one get the permit. do I assume correctly that this is over and above the Smith Point permit?

 

[629660]

Contractors

Contractors can pick up a permit which enables them to access Watch hill & davis Park & beaches further west.Those were probably the trucks you saw.With the FINs permit you can only go as far as Long cove.In order to get the permit you have to watch a video,so you better make extra time to get the permit.

 

[Prospector]

Guys, back up a little towards an earlier post of mine.You'll find dates and times of access. It is indeed open in spring till June 15th. Suffolk County Permits are not valid as this is Federal property. Any tire tracks you see from 6/15 to 9/15 are people with permits for constuction, homeowners, garbage pickup,LIPA, the phone company, school buses, police etc. There is parking at the front access road for holders of a Suffolk County Night Fishing Permit on the left as you enter. Prospector