Tag: RIDEM

All fish are equal but some conservation equivalency is more equal than others

In preparation for a return of striped bass and regulations to protect them, RIDEM held a pre-hearing workshop to discuss potential changes. In an era of social media fueled easy complaining, these workshops are a direct action of the state listening to people say they can’t attend the formal hearing, are microphone shy or just … Continue reading All fish are equal but some conservation equivalency is more equal than others →

We walked The Capital for fish, conservationists and for generations of abundance

The Ocean Conservancy invited a flotilla of fishermen from all over the country to Washington D.C. to discuss long range protection of fish stocks and the path to abundance. Our mission was to meet with our congressional representatives to ensure a strong Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Forage fishes, bluefish and striped bass remain … Continue reading We walked The Capital for fish, conservationists and for generations of abundance →

“If ever you are stranded in these parts…”, there is such thing as a free lunch

There are folks among us who believe, “There ain’t no such a thing as a free lunch” but for fishermen in the know, we know that ain’t so.   Between Scott Travers and Jessica Pena with their DEM programs and Steve Medeiros with his relentlessly generous Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, the next few weeks … Continue reading “If ever you are stranded in these parts…”, there is such thing as a free lunch →

It all starts here, on the banks of a river

Peter Van Noppen organized his folding tables, behind him, the Woonasquatucket River. Peter was the fulcrum for a big day of cleaning, clipping and hauling along this one stretch of the historic river just behind the gloriously restored Rising Sun Mill. The Woony was once a force powering mills and their machines, then a dirty … Continue reading It all starts here, on the banks of a river →

On Patrol with RIDEM Law Enforcement

RI Department of Environmental Management Environmental Police Officer Mike Schipritt was again gracious enough to allow us to shadow a patrol, as we did last summer. For this patrol, we joined Marine Unit officers Jeff Mercer and Kevin Snow at their Wickford station, leaving in a spotless 27’ Vigilant with twin 250 horsepower Verado outboards. … Continue reading On Patrol with RIDEM Law Enforcement →

Talking Turkeys This Week with Wayne Barber & Saying Goodbye To A Good Man

Just this side of the Harrisville Mill Pond dam, a few people leaned over to cast worms into some roiling waters, a few others stumbled around, palms up, squinting while waiting for some silly, animated pseudo-life to appear on tiny screens and across the street, in a cool back of the house conference room, Wayne … Continue reading Talking Turkeys This Week with Wayne Barber & Saying Goodbye To A Good Man →

Hot Reels wins it all, a fish bust & 5 million eggs. that’s a lot for one week

The 35th Annual Snug Harbor Marina Shark Tournament was another success. 47 boats registered with 7 women and a record of 8 kids signed up in the 15 and under division. By Saturday night’s weigh in, the leaders in the thresher category were Bull Dog, with a 225 pounder and Hot Reels with a 343 … Continue reading Hot Reels wins it all, a fish bust & 5 million eggs. that’s a lot for one week →

jim’s dock, some weighty math & spraying for milfoil

Jim’s Dock was busy all holiday weekend. There’s a solid crowd there of first shift local fishermen with extra-large coffee’s, buck tails, faded tattoos and lots of stories. The second shift shows around 10 a.m .and is more the tanning oil, swim noodle, surf rod and bathing-suit-that-fit-last-year crowd. When the tide is ripping, it’s a … Continue reading jim’s dock, some weighty math & spraying for milfoil →

Flukin’ Kayaks, David Grisman & Brian O’Connor Knows His Trout

This Saturday looks to be a very busy fishing day. A thousand or so fishermen, boaters, kayakers and lots of good people will pour into our coastal waters for the Green Hill "Fluke Till Ya Puke" Fishing Tournament. Headquartered at Point View Marina in South Kingstown’s Snug Harbor, the show runs from 5am to 9pm … Continue reading Flukin’ Kayaks, David Grisman & Brian O’Connor Knows His Trout →

CJ Safford Lands a Golden Trout & Firemen Come Out Shooting!

This week we get to meet a cool young fisherman, meet some firemen, scratch the surface on a noise issue and visit the state house. Big week.   Most importantly, awesome angler CJ Safford from Richmond landed a fine golden trout at the Browning Mill Pond last Saturday. These fish are specially bred by RIDEM … Continue reading CJ Safford Lands a Golden Trout & Firemen Come Out Shooting! →