If you want to fish Cuttyhunk.... you better start exercising those legs.

[tattoobob]

I am thinking Bonnie from the fishing club has a key, and unlocks it when need be.

[Slipknot]

so how do you get permission knowitall?
I don't see the harm walking those roads to get south.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

so how do you get permission knowitall?

You don't.

Here's an excerpt from an article about Cuttyhunk.
If you don't get it from this, then I can't help you.

A few years ago, a woman from Cuttyhunk and an off-islander friend were watching a bulldozer at work filling in a marsh. The friend asked her if the landowners had gotten clearance from the local conservation commission. "What conservation commission?" she asked. "The one that administers the Wetlands Protection Act," he said. "What Wetlands Protection Act?" she asked. "The state Wetlands Protection Act," he said, to which she replied, with a slight smile, "What state?"

Originally Posted by Flaptail

That's what happens when the interblab and articles get written on how good it is there. Thre is a lesson here if you read between the lines. Cutty is thei and Cutty is that and now Cutty is going to war aginst the plundering hordes. (Used to be a nice place, oh well....)

Which brings it back up on the subject how would you feel about people wandering in your yard day and night acting like you own the place? Wouldn't like it would you? One group screws up, everyone pays for it.

The Elizabeth Islands have stayed pristine because of their owners. They're kept far prettier and cleaner than any park service could ever do.

[Slipknot]

what are you saying? that people are walking over peoples yards acting like they own the place? That doesn't sound like the fisherman that go over there to catch fish and might stay at one of the Inns over there. There are plenty of boaters that go there to explore the island and enjoy it also, do you live there? Have we as fishermen ruined things over there talking about it on the internet? I don't mind walking the shoreline, what's the big deal if private property is kept private? It won't bother me, the few times I've been and will go. So you say without permission you won't be allowed to walk the dirt road, and you can't get permission, what happens if you trespass anyway?
isn't the fishing better from sailboats anyway?

[likwid]

Its private property. They set the rules on the island however they want.
How hard is that to understand?
And considering how many people were on the island this past year compared to past years, I'm sure they're ready to make an example of someone.

Originally Posted by Slipknot

isn't the fishing better from sailboats anyway?

Certainly a lot cheaper than a stinkpot even with the gas price down.

[Krispy]

If its private property and they want to close it,,, o'well. They own it. wuttayagonnado?

[Joe]

It's nice to be able to blame the people you know - but it's just the general mean spirit of the rich and their wish to keep the "exclude" in exclusive.
I hope they get visited by three ghosts...

[Mr. Sandman]

I believe pretty much the entire western half of the island is private. You should not be on that road, ever. I think it belongs to the Spaldings (sports equip mogal). There is a modest house at the end, I thought that road was his.

Technically speaking, in MA, even walking along the beach is considered tresspassing. Property owners actually own (and pay taxes on) the land that goes out into the water aways. Don't ask me how it became that way. I am strongly oppossed to this but that is what I have been told by owners of waterfront land. It is not like BI where the public can walk along the entire shore anywhere without any problem.

There is a 1600 something (or really old) "law" in MA that says if you are fishing or fowling you can walk along the shore in the water below the low tide line TO GET BY but technically your feet have to be wet to do this. Some refer to this as the "wet feet" law. Also, I am not so sure this "law" of that age will hold up if really pressed. I don't have a copy anymore but think it says you may only pass-by to get to a spot, not actually fish or hunt there. I think many owners of waterfront land have been there for a long time and understand the desire for fishermen and locals to access to fish and hunt and generally allow it out of the goodness of their hearts. But I tell you if it were my property and I saw 20 guys coming over for a commando trip contributing nothing to anyone, I would press the issue...but that is me and I don't live on waterfront land. From experience, it is best to maintain a "low profile" anyplace you fish esp on or even NEAR private property and don't bother ANYONE. You might consider asking for permission instead of just doing it. If you just do it without asking, go in with no more then 2 fishermen, go in late and come out early and don't tresspass near any homes, don't PO anyone, act like a gentlemen, respect their property...after all it IS theirs, and don't act like a whacko if you ever want to go again.
But that is just my advice.

[WoodyCT]

... they would see anglers as partners in conservation. You think anyone paying to fish Cutty is going to throw trash around and damage the ecosystem? I don't. Seems like a job for RISSA or a similar organization to work out with the Trust. I don't think tough guy talk paints a good picture of us. We need to be partners and allies, not adversaries. JMHO.