so I moved to RI from the cape last month and I am just starting to get out and find some places to fish...
What if any are the laws pertaining to fishing the beaches; is there a similar law to MA with regard to "fishing, fowling, or navigation" below the high water mark?
I was walking along some beach front property a few days ago below the high water mark geared up to fish and got a few dirty looks from property owners.
thanks!!

Don't read too much into that - you would have gotten the dirty looks regardless.

Jooooooooe!!!!

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In most places if you stay below the high water mark you won't have a problem.

the problem in rhody is that some people own property that is now in the ocean or in some waterway. in RI the law defines the mean high water line as a 17.5 (i think my memory serves me right) average. so, it changes. there was a bill before the gen assemply for right of passage thru private property below the mean high, but i dont think it went anywhere.

you or they need to prove you are on their property and that is usually a fight that an officer will agree w/ the property owner. however, if it's a ongoing issue, contact RIDEM about the local laws there as far as ROW's. do yourself a favor, search the RIDEM website for the public access book that was published a few years back. it's a good thing to know.

another thought, put yourself in there shoes and look at the amount of people that might do the same thing. you might be able to see why they are upset sometimes. i cant tell you how many places i fish that are great fishing spots near housing. imagine being the property owner each night when you hear korkers go by time and time again.

another thought, put yourself in there shoes and look at the amount of people that might do the same thing. you might be able to see why they are upset sometimes. i cant tell you how many places i fish that are great fishing spots near housing. imagine being the property owner each night when you hear korkers go by time and time again.

As long as it isn't an issue of trash, rowdiness, etc... I think I would thank my lucky stars that I was fortunate enough to have that property. I would also take pleasure that others are enjoying our beaches and are smart enough to remember their corkers. I might advise them to bring a pfd if it were a particularly dangerous spot. It is probably hyporcritical as a property owner, but I have a problem with people who have a problem with someone walking along the beach, especially if the said person is following the law. ALso, I love the sound of corkers and would enjoy the sound with the same comfort I took from the sound of the hooves on the pavement when the Amish buggies went by my bedroom window when I was growing up. :spin:

http://www.kayakaccessri.info/mapsections/crmc_access/CRMC.html

Don't read too much into that - you would have gotten the dirty looks regardless.

they all ran and hid the children...
be afraid, be very afraid....

thanks for the input though, its bad enough trying to find new places to fish, let alone having to worry about all the #$%(&@#$ private property. I don't mind walking as long as I know if some azz hole gives me a hard time i can tell him im legal to be there.