Jason -- Advice on Getting started?

Hi Jason!

Your book sounds very interesting.

I'm wondering if you can give some advice on where to begin for someone who has little experience. I'm thinking I'd rather start with learning to fish (plus clamming?) since I can generally barter or sweet talk hunters into sharing their extra deer but no such luck with getting seafood. I live on the coast of NC right at the NC/SC border so what I have access to are: marsh/estuary for clamming if I can figure out the right spots and times to go (plus gear); piers and ICW for ocean fishing; and rivers/inlets for freshwater fishing. What I don't have is gear nor a deep pocket for expensive gear. I'm thinking that for river/inlet fishing I'd need a John boat so until I can save up for one (plus get a vehicle to tow it--I'm in the market for a replacement vehicle so I can make "towhitch" a requirement) pier fishing is likely my best starting point...

Tina

Thanks!

That is a great question. I think some of the basic thoughts of permaculture can help you in this instance.

Limit inputs and maximize outputs. I think you've correctly identified that you can get plenty of venison but no so much in the way of seafood. So I think the next step (and you are already thinking about it) is how to get the most for the least work, money and time.

People know about state extension office publications for gardening and farming. But they also put out some nice stuff on harvesting, fishing and hunting. If that still doesn't get you there then you can search around for a mentor. Meetup or craigslist might be good resources there.

I don't know what the laws are so research all of that well. I like to always utilize two methods. What I mean by that is when I go hunting I often also forage. When I go fishing I put out multiple lines and checks my trotlines. If you go to a pier and its legal toss out a crab trap and let it work while you fish. When we fished off piers in the gulf we always caught one or two crabs (they'd let go by the time they reached the surface). But we also caught sheepshead, snapper and other fish so often we wondered why the people would even go out in a boat.

Plus pier fishermen are usually friendly. LOL

Jason

Brillant! I'd have never thought of the Cooperative Extension for this area! Upon searching, it seems that in NC, it is under a sister-dept: Wildlife Resources Commission (http://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing/WheretoFish.aspx). Go figure, they are putting at least some of my tax money to use for me!

Tina , a small canoe or kayak might work better than a johnboat. Look on craigslist for one. We just tie ours on top of the car. Use some pipe insulation on the canoe where it touches the car to avoid scratches.

A canoe is an excellent idea.

No problem Tina, glad you found something. I agree with you - we pay for it - might as well use it!

Jason