FYI ,One of my favorites has been closed off. The gate at Frenchman's has been locked. Believe me there is no way around it, please respect their property. I 'd say they don't want fisherman there anymore!

I tried to get in a few nites ago and indeed it was well secured.
The only way in would be a major breach into private property. It is a fine spot, but I just don't need the excitement of an arrest...and they mean it !

I hate to hear sh!t like that, will this have a domino effect for you guys in RI? I have seen it down here at the west end of the canal where we had spots where we could walk into places through private property and then they got sold and the new owners just put up the No tresspasing signs or fences and bingo, a place that fishermen had access to for 60 years is gone in a heartbeat.

:( i'll betcha some loud disrespectfull fishermen were the cause of this...

ps- time for us to use small boats to get access to some of these closed spots- just stay below the high tide water mark.

:fury: :wall: :deadhorse: :bsod: :cens: :doh:

I get a lot of people thinking we're too hard on spot talk, but if it causes the loss of ONE spot it is not worth it. Not saying that people talking about Frenchman's was the cause or not but for reasons like the potential loss of a spot, it is never worth the risk.

swim across the river

John, I have to shoulder some of the blame for the closure of this spot but I think that people going in during daylight hours probably caused the lock. I have been fishing for alot of years and have found fishing areas, even private ones , well after dark usually does not cause problems. Moreover, surf fisherman who think that the same spot will produce at 3 pm on an august afternoon are the ones who bring "heat" on good, semi private spots. By the way, I had permission to traverse that private property for years per the land owner and considered it sacred and never, never went there during the day. But I know guys that did. Furthermore, there has been alot of guy's fishing there as of late because it is good and really consistent. I think it's just one of those places that can handle the volume ala the rock side of the mouth of the Narrow River.

Same thing also happened not too far from there. A spot I frequented got blocked off after guys were pulling in just after dark and got noticed. I used to fish the place from midnight to 4 am and never had a problem. Too bad.

BB, it is too bad because guys like me , you and the rest of the people on this site are innocent in what we do and don't cause problems. We just fish and most don't even know we are there.

BB, it is too bad because guys like me , you and the rest of the people on this site are innocent in what we do and don't cause problems. We just fish and most don't even know we are there.

well said steve.

For the record, I have no problem talking about spots as you know, but when I speak about private places like Frenchman's , I always, always tell people that it is PRIVATE and they are risking problems if they fish there. Apparently, that didn't deter alot of guy's from going to Frenchman's.

A big issue with frenchmans is the long walk... I know a lot of guys who are to lazy to carry thier fish out and will drive down the private road to pick up thier fish.. THAT is why the gate has been locked..

I want gas at $5 a gallon to keep the riff raff out of my town :hihi:

thats to bad. I never did get a chance to fish that spot mostly only because I never wanted to ask anyone how to get in.I knew it was a sensitive spot.I don't understand how some people are so ignorant about this sort of thing it amazes me.One night probably 5 or 6 year ago I went to a spot in soco and the parking lot was block off and the road leading the the light house was also gated shut I remember thinking I can't believe this.But in reality I can't believe that place is still open.

Steve - understand that I don't have a problem with talking spots, just that it should be done on a one-on-one or smaller group level where you can pass along the important knowledge like keeping it safe.

I know I'm guilty of sometimes thinking all people are as stealthy and respectful of private neighborhoods as I am. I know most of the more serious surffishers will be quiet as possible, but some people - and its easy to underestimate how many - could give a ratt's arse and litter, talk, make noise, cut through people's yards, etc...

I'm also ALARMED at the amount of littering scup fishers showing up in harder to fish & more dangerous spots towing 5-10 year old kids in tow :wall:

OK, I'm going to start swearing here as I work myself up

I think it was to keep the treasure hunters away from Parker23s booty.

John, well put. I'm going to be a little more careful about the private places from now on. And believe it or not, the main reason why I am so candid about surf fishing spots is because I want to be helpful to the younger guys. You know, just giving a little "back".

A big issue with frenchmans is the long walk... I know a lot of guys who are to lazy to carry thier fish out and will drive down the private road to pick up thier fish.. THAT is why the gate has been locked..

I want gas at $5 a gallon to keep the riff raff out of my town :hihi:
guys need to start using their heads and fillet their fish on the rocks leaving the frame for the crabs and carrying the meat out in a bag.Thats what we do when we take fish out of our spots,If I had to carry a fish out of the spots I fish I would never take a fish.

For the record, I have no problem talking about spots as you know, but when I speak about private places like Frenchman's , I always, always tell people that it is PRIVATE and they are risking problems if they fish there. Apparently, that didn't deter alot of guy's from going to Frenchman's.
I took a 40 year sabbatical from fishing... and got back into it about 6-7 years ago. In that short period of time I have seen spots get more crowded, dirtier and have seen an increase in "NO" signs and fences in areas that I really like fishing. I have found myself becoming more and more reluctant to tell folks about spots unless I know them. Not that I know any "secret" places, but I only share info with guys who are similarly concerned about losing access and similarly aware of being respectful of property. I think that folks have to prove their ability to be aware of a lot more than where the fish are before I'll trust them with info that they might use and abuse. That's just me, but it's where I'm at. I generally don't ask spot questions... however, by not asking and being respectful and showing that I am very concerned about trash and access and not screwing things up for others (other fishing folks and beach owners and users), I am amazed at how often very good and very secretive fisherman have volunteered info, because they know I'm not going to abuse the spot or publicize the info.

The other night I walked about a half mile to get to a spot that was only 100 yards away because, in the summer season, too many private beach front owners are around and having my truck parked where it says "No" and walking where it says "Private" just makes them mad. Most recognize my truck and would probably not say anything to me, but parking and walking where they have posted "No" signs attracts others and encourages flaunting of the rules right in their faces. I just am smart enough to know that once the gate is locked, it's locked for everyone, good or bad. To me it's just street smart to keep a low profile, not piss folks off and check guys out before I share info.

But this is an old and frequent discussion. Problem is it seems to come up when a spot gets burned or gets closed. Too late to close the door then folks. Horse is gone.

Another point of access gone....and they want to charge us for the privilege of fishing the ocean?!?!? How are we supposed to get to it if they keep closing all the access by private ownership?? I think that new kayak is gonna come in quite handy!

I hate to hear sh!t like that, will this have a domino effect for you guys in RI? I have seen it down here at the west end of the canal where we had spots where we could walk into places through private property and then they got sold and the new owners just put up the No tresspasing signs or fences and bingo, a place that fishermen had access to for 60 years is gone in a heartbeat.

Flaptail, theres a MA law about "right of easement" or something, so technically they can't limit you access if you have been doing it for X number of years without a problem

At 1 am, I used to park at a public lot, ride my bike with waders on, rod, bag and eels about 1.5 miles, hide my bike in the woods and then walk the coast down to fish that area. I was out at sunrise and rarely saw anyone.

At 1 am, I used to park at a public lot, ride my bike with waders on, rod, bag and eels about 1.5 miles, hide my bike in the woods and then walk the coast down to fish that area. I was out at sunrise and rarely saw anyone.

You're my hero Jim!

Flaptail, theres a MA law about "right of easement" or something, so technically they can't limit you access if you have been doing it for X number of years without a problem

What you refer to is that quirky little law thats allows a landowner to let people onto his property for every day of the year but one. As long as the landowner closes the path and allows no access for that one day a year, the landowner retains all legal right to close down access legally anytime he/she wants too. That one-day closure keeps the path and property private. But then again this being Massachusetts, monied landowners can probably get anything done in court, whether the access is closed once a year or never closed. What Flaptail mentioned though is very different. New owners of a property means new rules.

At 1 am, I used to park at a public lot, ride my bike with waders on, rod, bag and eels about 1.5 miles, hide my bike in the woods and then walk the coast down to fish that area. I was out at sunrise and rarely saw anyone.


You must've been a Navy seal in a prior lifetime. Very stealthy

guys need to start using their heads and fillet their fish on the rocks leaving the frame for the crabs and carrying the meat out in a bag.Thats what we do when we take fish out of our spots,If I had to carry a fish out of the spots I fish I would never take a fish.

And when you do this on private property and the rack washes up on the landowner's property and they don't like it, then what?

There's this thing in National Forests called "leave no trace"
More people need to acknowledge it.

they are doing construction on site.

You should make sure it doesnt have to do with that, before you go on about the sky falling. :uhuh:

You must've been a Navy seal in a prior lifetime. Very stealthy

I know of other guys that have some similar means of accessing those areas. It adds to the fun of it all.

TT, Maybe,good point. The constrution is well before the lock though.

And when you do this on private property and the rack washes up on the landowner's property and they don't like it, then what?

There's this thing in National Forests called "leave no trace"
More people need to acknowledge it.

How 'bout USE YOUR HEAD. We don't do it in areas where the racks will wash up.

John, well put. I'm going to be a little more careful about the private places from now on. And believe it or not, the main reason why I am so candid about surf fishing spots is because I want to be helpful to the younger guys. You know, just giving a little "back".


Steve - I agree whole heartedly. And I've seen you giving back time and time again (sheet, I am personally a recipient of some of that giving :hee: :btu: - and I was once young :wall: ). My big fear is that some people, and enough people for it to be an important consideration, take the fishing knowledge in but do not take to heart the responsibility that you pass along as well. Call it McDonalds Syndrome or whatever. When someone does it face to face, they can pass that along and make it understood better.

Off my soap box, wasn't trying to make it a spot talk thread :tooth:

How 'bout USE YOUR HEAD. We don't do it in areas where the racks will wash up.

"we"?
Got a frenchman in your pocket?

And when you do this on private property and the rack washes up on the landowner's property and they don't like it, then what?

There's this thing in National Forests called "leave no trace"
More people need to acknowledge it.I guess some spots that might not be a good idea.I think it depends on the amount of people catching their,and if there are homes near by.The spots I fish are off the beaten path and are public with no homes close by.I do this because the walks are long and even dangerous towing a fish.and I myself have never seen a frame at any of the spots I fish.But I see your point.

Thanks JR for your kind words, You make some very valid points also.

What sucks is that the people who actually had permission to fish there and did it quietly and respectfully will now have to pay the price for the A-holes who had neither respect, nor permission.

Thank you one and all.. who ever you are

I do this because the walks are long and even dangerous towing a fish.

There are ways to build carry harnesses with 1" tubular webbing that put the fish on your back and keep your hands free. Same as dragging deer out of the woods.

This thread makes me HAPPY!!!!

Well, not really, but sort of. I never did fish frenchmans. So I have NO IDEA what I will be missing.

SUCKS! for the guys that did though.

If It was one of my pet spots I'd be bummin for sure. Sorry guys. I really mean that.

as always you have all the answers.likwid knows more then most.I figured you would of known that I have a bad back and have so for a while just had surgery just over a month ago to try and help things out.other wise I think I could of figured out how to carry a fish without the help of likwid.This is now getting silly so just pm me with anymore of your knowledge.

The way I understood it was that the road that was gated was a historical right-of-way. The spot is not private - the road leading up to it is. They essentially stole the access from the public when they established an association and built the homes.

The way I understood it was that the road that was gated was a historical right-of-way. The spot is not private - the road leading up to it is. They essentially stole the access from the public when they established an association and built the homes.


Go figure... $$$ talks. Who would 'a thunk it.:realmad:

Flaptail, theres a MA law about "right of easement" or something, so technically they can't limit you access if you have been doing it for X number of years without a problem


One thing I have learned here in MA, is that the above is not so... especially if you have a land courted Registered Deed... no rights of easement can be applied even well after 20 years of use... fortunatley, this worked out to my benifit, in my case....
and as Swimmer stated, if the property owner closes the path once a year, he's covered.
Property Owners do have rights, and can pull the strings... but it is unfortunate, that some spoil it enuf to force the owner into closing it down for all.

TT, Maybe,good point. The constrution is well before the lock though.

Just saying steve, the foreman on the jobsite may be concerned with tools etc, growing legs and walking off at night. I'm just saying you've got to make 100% sure what the closure is due to. Gossip is after all a female trait

Vic

Flaptail, theres a MA law about "right of easement" or something, so technically they can't limit you access if you have been doing it for X number of years without a problem

Not in this case. There was never a general right of access--select individuals had permission from the old owners of those houses to cross their yards and fish there. Some would allow you to park your vehicle in their yard, too. You can't gain a prescriptive easement by using the property with the express permission of the landowner. Your use of the property has to be open and under some claim of right, so crossing the guy's yard at 3 AM while he's asleep isn't the same as an open and notorious use adverse to the landowner's right of ownership.

There are unmarked public rights of way in those areas though, that most people don't know exist, as the signs were removed by landowners years ago ;)

I figured you would of known that I have a bad back and have so for a while just had surgery just over a month ago to try and help things out.

Less bitching and fishing and more PT.

Carry on.

was a time when there were only a few fisherman with lots of open space to fish in..now it's reversed...to many fisherman with very little open space...smart ones already switched over to anything that will float.dingy..yak..tin..tubes....in a few years most good fishing holes will be closed do to many people period....we lost a great spring place down a long dirt road that lead to a small lighthouse..well someone went and broke all the windows in the lighthouse...that was it..road closed...worst thing to come along were those things called suv's.

Loose lips sink ships (spots in this case)

Loose lips sink ships (spots in this case)

Hmmmmmmm..........now where did I hear that lately? :grins:

This is a problem that will not go away.
Every spot that is lost puts more pressure on the ones that are left.
Combined with the increase in the # of people fishing it ain't good.

Loose lips sink ships (spots in this case)

Most average fishers avoid the place due to the amount of walking effort required to reach the water. Secret spot? No.
Its was about as big a secret as Race Point. Lots of lazy fishermen know the place but don't use it. Kind of like what you mentioned last week with your buddies walking a mile plus to a sandy udl on the cape. Only the hearty souls need apply.

I walked it once I didn't think it was that long...
here in NJ..We are having a grand ole time here in regards to access.One town recently posted both sides of the street "No Parking" due to scup type fisherman dumping bass racks in a homeowners garbage can after it was cut up on his front lawn..Can you imagine..The homeowner pulled in the driveway as the second fish was getting cleaned..For years this very popular location was one of the main locals in the spring run..The whole thing is out of control anymore..:fury:
Another spot was a retreat for religous folks.A beautiful overlook with a big lot complete with religous statues an the whole nine yards that was steps from the ocean..I used to barely idle thru there.Well some joker decides he has to take a dump and goes inside the retreat..When confronted by the priest he starts cursing him out..:doh:
U can't make this stuff up..

was a time when there were only a few fisherman with lots of open space to fish in..now it's reversed...to many fisherman with very little open space...smart ones already switched over to anything that will float.dingy..yak..tin..tubes....in a few years most good fishing holes will be closed do to many people period....we lost a great spring place down a long dirt road that lead to a small lighthouse..well someone went and broke all the windows in the lighthouse...that was it..road closed...worst thing to come along were those things called suv's.
I have said for years (others too) that 4 wheel drive has ruined beach access... remember, it was the diehards that went out there in 2 wheel drive first.. ( and i've seen horse and buggy pics, from prior to model T and model A days)... so yeah that, on the suv's..

but.. walk on access is definately in peril now too......few bad apples, always seem to spoil the whole barrel...

Another spot was a retreat for religous folks.A beautiful overlook with a big lot complete with religous statues an the whole nine yards that was steps from the ocean..I used to barely idle thru there.Well some joker decides he has to take a dump and goes inside the retreat..When confronted by the priest he starts cursing him out..:doh:
U can't make this stuff up..
"He who taketh a dump in church sits in his own pew."

The access was not cut off by the contractor! the Knob that lives on the very end is super commando aggressive about people being down there! I was parked down there waiting for the general cont. to show me around the site a month or so ago and was sitting there on my phone i walked to the other side of the street and was looking at the rocks for 15 seconds(still on the phone and road) And homeboy was on me like stink on a dead eel, no more than 15 seconds! Homeskillet was not happy that i was looking at the water at all! He told me that the area i was in was private and that i needed to stay on the property i was there to look at! He then showed me where the propererty line was and scampered away! more than a few bad thoughts and evil deeds creeped into my head but maturity prevailed and i went back there later in the week from an alternative means of transport and climbed on a nice perch and caught afew small schoolies and was outta there before he knew i was there! I think the main problem is the idiots among us! Nature is not doing her part to elminate the morons that fish --none the less live! Carry out your trash and respect other peoples rights...respect our right to fish!

The people that "deserve" to fish certain areas, be it private, hard to reach, dangerous to the general public, etc. do so through hard work and determination. Scouting, road maps, aerials, talking to peers, time on the water, and general foxness, its earned.
It was burned bad and it was burned out of egotism.

Went by this afternoon and found the gate open.
I would think the gatekeepers would get tired of securing it after awhile.
The games people play.

these rocks n' spots all on the interblab.....:huh:

:deadhorse:

they are doing construction on site.

You should make sure it doesnt have to do with that, before you go on about the sky falling. :uhuh:

Don't matter now, not after this post....... If it wasn't shut down for good....it will be.....:soon:

Never mind , just a waste of keystrokes at this point.

Guys, I live on a beach that is frequented by fisherman who fish the open beach. I have had nothing but joy watching our community fish right in front of my house. However, latley for the sake of keeping my neighbors fisherman friendly, during my morning walks, I have had to clean up a bag of debris left behind from the night before. I guess if I wasnt a fisherman, I would be pissed.

Please respect private property on your way to the "medium high water mark" where you are allowed.

Bad manners make us all look bad.

TBD

Thread closed - discussing a spot after all ;) :buds: