Hey if you asked Terry, "how in the heck do you drive?" he probably would respond real casually "im guessing in really tight circles"..... HAHAHA hes a real great guy to have along.
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BFG keep me posted on the date. Like to attend,sounds like a REAL GOOD TIME.I'll be bringing my boat "hopefully my new one[27ft Tiara],although i'll bring a boat period, probably just 2 in my boat,can take a couple more depending on what boat i have maybe more. Is there a marina there that i can get a slip for the weekend, where is the picnic going to take place,how far away from Erie. Hopefully i wont be out of town working, but i'll try to make it always into catching some "eyes". Thanks Clark. "Walleye the other white meat"
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Glad to hear you are considering attending the Smackdown. You can slip your boat at Toledo Beach Marina, which is where Little Dandy and Roamer have their boats. I'm assuming Chinookeith will also be slipping there. There is information at the beginning of this thread about Toledo Beach. The picnic will be held on the grounds there on Saturday afternoon. If I remember correctly, I think Hal told me that slips were a dollar per foot, per night. Electric and water hookup is available for that price. Their launch is a single slot, but still plenty of room to launch a boat the size of the Tiara.
If you don't want to slip, there is a really nice public launch only two miles north of Toledo Beach at exit 11, La Plaisance road. Launch name is Bolles Harbor. You could launch the Tiara there, as the ramps are long enough to accomodate larger boats. No worries about water depth there either...it's one of the nicest public launches on the MI side of Erie. Daily fee is $5.00 if I remember correctly. For ease of use and convenience though, I would suggest considering getting a slip.
The hotels that I am recommending are off exit 11, on the west side of I-75, just outside of Monroe, Michigan. I need to call both hotels, as each time I stop, there has not been a manager on site to try and work a group rate.
Feel free to PM me with more questions, or add them to this thread. Glad to hear you are considering making the trip!
BFG
Official Ohio Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists bfg@educatedangler.com
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I stopped by the Comfort Inn at exit 11 (La Plaisance road) and spoke with the manager yesterday. She told me that they offer a "Fisherman's Special" for room rates @ $50.00 per night. This would seem to be a very good deal. Hotel has a pool, hot tub, and offers deluxe continental breakfast in the mornings. It is also right behind a Marathon gas station, which will be nice for picking up ice, beverages, fuel, and snacks in the morning. As of yesterday, they have no reservations for that weekend. The hotel appears to be quite new, and sits in a well-lit area. The Bolles Harbor launch is about a mile away, on the other side of I-75. There is also a bait store near the launch, at which you can also get your fish cleaned for a fee if you so desire. There is NOT a fish cleaning station at Bolles Harbor, and there is a daily launch fee (I think it is $5.00 per vehicle).
Across the street from the hotel is the Prime Outlet mall, although it doesn't seem to get much traffic. Fast food is very close, and I'll continue to work on finding "dinner" type places in the area. The Stadium Club is right beside the bait store.
Toledo Beach Marina is 2 miles south of this exit. Those slipping their boats there who stay at the hotel will have about a 5-7 minute ride to their vessels.
The manager told me that I could reserve a block of rooms if need be, but I'm guessing that most will take care of this well in advance to prevent the need to do so. Here is the contact information.
Comfort Inn 6500 East Albain Road Monroe, Michigan 48161 734-384-1500
Be sure to ask for the Fisherman Special. The manager with whom I spoke was Anis. I'll be staying there both Friday and Saturday nights, and I'm looking for someone with whom to share a room.
More to come very soon.
BFG
Official Ohio Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists bfg@educatedangler.com
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If your looking for places to eat. I know some great place to eat by the Marina. Places I recommend are Michigan Bar and Grill, Dulce Vita, La Fiesta. These are some of the charter boats captains favorite place to eat. If you need any details on place to eat let me know. I know where to eat.
There is also a great Ice Cream place near the marina, Independent Dairy. They have great ice cream.
The Tacklemaster
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Previous plans fell through, so I am free that weekend now. Count me and the wife in as a probable, pending babysitting arrangements. I would have room for one, possibly two crewmembers (Reid and Shirley?). Arrive late Thursday, depart Monday morning.
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As far as border crossing goes... you can get to Windsor via either the tunnel located right in downtown Detroit or via the Ambassador Bridge. Since anyone from the Smackdown would be coming from the south, the Bridge may be the easiest route. The cost for either is about the same, $4-5 U.S.
Currently, there is no requirement to have a passport to cross the border. HOWEVER, I strongly recommend that you have one with you if you plan to go to Windsor. Otherwise, I would suggest having both a drivers license and a birth certificate to prove you are a US citizen.
If I were going over the border I would be sure to leave all your tackle etc at your hotel or on the boat should the border patrol decide to do any random searches of your vehicle. Just makes things go a lot more smoothly. Also, be prepared to disclose the amount of cash, any tobacco products etc when you cross.
Hope this helps anyone choosing to make the trip.
Tim
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