[treypescatorie]

I've noticed in different places in the great south bay, there are tree branches sticking out of the water. I assume that they are there to mark low water. I was wondering how they get them to stay and why they use tree branches?
Paul

 

[6to8ftSeas]

I am not a sailor so don't quote me on this, but I did ask this question before and I was told that they are actually markers for a sail boat course. small amateur races I would assume. No idea how they get them to stay

I don't think there are a lot of sailors on this website but if there are I too would love it for someone to clear this up.

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

They were markers for the old Blue Point Oyster Company bottom lands. If they are being maintained, they would be marking the Nature Conservancy bottom lands now.

 

[CaptPaul]

That's correct, Chris, but I hear they aren't necessarily on range as of late. In other areas, they have been used to mark edges. Snake Hill Channel used to have so many at the north end that we called the area the "Apple Orchid" when we fished there.

Paul

 

[treypescatorie]

I saw them a few weeks ago near the entrance to old inlet, near bellport. I just thought it was odd to use this marking system.
Paul

 

[MakoMike]

Historically all of the commercial clammers in great south and jamaica bays used those branches to mark thei bedding areas.

 

[spygull]

saltwater maples

I used to tell greenhorns going out with me they were saltwater maples, a species unique to Long Island. The biggest pain in the neck was when you were steaming along at night while standing on the flying bridge and get thwacked in the face with one of the branches hanging off of them.