Felt sole ban in RI

[Joe]

Got your license? Let me see the bottom of your shoes. Let's put a tape measure on that fillet you have in the cooler. Where's your car parked?
Land of the free - what bull_hit this is turning into. Just another opportunity to interact with the douche bags from D.E.M. enforcement. Why don't they go stake out the back doors of restaurants serving fresh striped bass out of season, and leave us alone.

[DZ]

I'm sure there is a legitimate and documented reason for this in FRESHWATER (zebra mussels) - but in the MARINE environment I've seen nothing about felt soles transmitting invasive species. If there is please enlighten me? Anyone? Maybe I'll shoot an email to the marine division of Fish & Wildlife.

DZ

[robc22]

They are worried about rock snot.......but this should not be a problem in a marine setting......I mean felt soles are a life/ broken bone saver for goodness sake's..........

[Justfishin']

For saltwater, this is serious BS- I've been wearing studded felts for years now, they're the only thing I've been confident in for a long time as I have a bad back and a slip can put me out for a week.
I fish freshwater in two entirely different set of waders- one for home waters and one for traveling and the traveling pair I soak the boots in bleach and use disinfectant on the uppers.
IMO, its the traveling guides that spread most of the crap, they bypass alot of the regs because waders- as well as rods, reels, lines and nets- are a business tool instead of recreational gear and it gets shipped to where they're going freight and does not get inspected.

[JackK]

Originally Posted by Justfishin'

IMO, its the traveling guides that spread most of the crap, they bypass alot of the regs because waders- as well as rods, reels, lines and nets- are a business tool instead of recreational gear and it gets shipped to where they're going freight and does not get inspected.

This. I like the fact that there's concern about the spread of didymo, but this reminds me of the circle hook discussion... Banning felt soles is like putting a band-aid on a severed arm. If you walk in that crap it gets everywhere on your boots, not just the soles. The ONLY way to stop it is by using a bleach solution after every trip.

And banning it in marine settings is just moronic... But I guess they just want to make it a blanket ban so that people won't be tempted to use their SW felt soles in the fresh.