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In an area known for its amazing sunsets sits North East Marina on Lake Erie. The marina is owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and operated by general manager and president Robert Mazza of North East Marine Services, Inc.
“It’s primarily a fishing boat marina,” says Mazza. “Most of the people in the marina are interested in recreational sport fishing.”
Fishermen and boat owners have been going to North East Marina for their boat storage needs for years.
“We have 220 slips. Most of our customers are local, but we do get some transient dockage,” Mazza explains.
Though the majority of their guests come from areas within a 25-mile radius of the marina, visitors from farther away will be sure to enjoy alongside the locals all of the conveniences available.
Full-Service
For fishermen and boat owners, this full-service marina offers a diverse array of amenities. In addition to seasonal and transient slips, the marina has two launch ramps for public boat launching services. The marina’s hard surface ramps make it easy to float on and off for most trailered boats. They also have indoor and outdoor winter storage for the off-season. The marina season is April 15 through October 15 when the docks are in and because they are floating docks they are removed from the marina for winter. They also offer a bait and tackle shop, a good selection of lures and other fishing gear as well.
“We do of course offer service as well and we have two mechanics on staff,” says Mazza. “With these services, no matter the project, North East Marina is dedicated to maintaining your boat with parts for those do-it-yourselfers or with qualified mechanics available to help with boat repairs.”
The bait and tackle shop carries all accessories and other equipment needed before you embark, including ethanol-free gas available seven days a week during the boating season. Or, if you’d like to embark on a chartered expedition, the marina has charter captains who are ready to assist you. Plus, in the event that you are looking to sell your boat, North East Marina has a lineup of new and used boats and motors for sale for you to check out as an added bonus to all of their other great amenities.
Marina History
Established in 1991, the marina has since switched hands to become what it is today.
“Originally it was a private development,” says Mazza. “And unfortunately, that operator went bankrupt, and the fish and boat’s commission essentially took the marina over because the property was leased by them. And for probably about maybe 20 to 25 years, the fish and boat commission put it up for bid, and they’ve had three or four managers in that period of time.”
Waterside Dining
Possibly the most unique feature of the marina is its waterside dining.
“We have a very unique restaurant as part of the marina and it’s called Noosa,” says Mazza. “It’s waterside dining, basically the only restaurant on Lake Erie. There are other restaurants in the Erie area, but they are on the bay, not on the lake.”
Located in the main marina building, this newly-opened restaurant features delicious and simple dishes such as handmade sandwiches, small plates, steaks and fish. As Pennsylvania’s only lakefront restaurant, Noosa sells drinks from a Pennsylvania-made beer, wine and spirits program, supporting the local economy. Boat owners, fishers, or anyone who wants to have a meal by the shore can stop by Noosa as it is open year-round and features indoor and outdoor dining during the boating season.
North East
Aside from the mouth-watering dishes at Noosa, there is plenty to do in the North East area.
“The wineries are probably the most interesting attraction. Within probably about a half-hour to 45-minute drive from the marina, you can visit approximately 24 wineries in, I’d say, about a 20-mile radius,” Mazza explains. “And I actually happen to be in the wine business also. Our winery is located just a half mile down the street.”
Wine enthusiasts will definitely have a blast in Erie County. Visitors and locals can take part in winery tours or visit the historic town of North East where there are art galleries and antique shops to explore.
Always a favorite among tourists, Presque Isle State Park is great for a tranquil escape. Explore this amazing national natural landmark and enjoy the sights and wildlife. The park is a common spot to find migrating birds due to its many unique habitats, allowing visitors to see more of Pennsylvania’s endangered, threatened, and rare species than in any other park of its size in the state. Presque Isle is open year-round for a variety of recreational opportunities and features the Tom Ridge Environmental Center that provides visitors with information on the park’s unique history and diverse ecosystems.
With its many amenities, ideal location, and breathtaking sunsets, now’s the time to plan your next escape to North East Marina.
For More Information
North East Marina
www.northeastmarina.com
