Is there a lack of boaters out there this year?

[Takes Prizoners]

I went down towards the hook this morning because I had to check out a truck so I stopped to check out some of my usual spots.  Only noticed 3 boats on the water and all heading south down the shoreline. I stopped up at Leonardo to make the 530 boat ramp show but only 3 boats launching and they did very well. But I didn't see anything after them.  A lot of empty slips that were never available when I had my boat in the water.  Saw the same thing at AH last time I went on a PB not too long ago. So is there a lack of boaters or are people just not getting out for the predawn bite anymore?

[fellinger]

Not where I've been the last couple of times. I even commented how many people were out for a weekday.

[Duffman]

I think there is, in Raritan/Sandy Hook area.

Launched from KMB yesterday and counted 13 empty slips on launch ramp row.  Empty as is no boats, no dock ropes or boxes.

I remember when marinas had waiting lists...not any more.  Economy? Sandy?  who knows

[Takes Prizoners]

I remember when I used to take the boat out 3-4 times a week, there was always a decent amount of boat traffic. And definitely remember the waiting lists for slips.  Even boats with ethanol problems were atleast sitting in slips as peoples summer getaways.  The last few times I barely saw anything on the water aside from all the party boats following the fish and I never encountered an empty ramp at 5am.  All the better I guess if I get another boat. lol

[Capt. Carl]

I think people are leaving later instead of the first light  thing lately...case in point...at noon yesterday from the end of sandy hook channel all the way into the bug light there had to be 200 plus boats. At 6 a.m. there was maybe 10 boats around.