Castle Island

A great way to begin our week was with a fishing trip aboard the infamous Belle. Captain Charlie gave us a lesson about how lobster traps work. Aidan and I were lucky enough to help hoist one each onto the boat, check what was inside and send it back. We learned that the lobsters travel backwards so they will climb into the trap and get stuck by the net that blocks them from walking back out. Although there weren't any lobsters in the traps we checked, we were able to catch a few crabs such as green crabs, baby spider crabs, and rock crabs. One of the green crabs were molting, which we were informed is around the same time the female crabs lay their eggs. The shell was very soft and squishy to the touch. Upon release we gathered at the front to enjoy the ride towards hull for fishing.

Team Fatima & Kharliyah

Out in the waters there was lots of fish activity. That morning my entire team was able to catch a fish, plenty of black sea bass, perch, tautog. I caught two fish that morning one black sea bass and one perch, both beautiful creatures with diverse colors and intricate patterns on their scales. The appearance of the sea bass is easily distinguishable, they are black or a dark brown and their dorsal fins have white spots. They are intimidating especially when they flex their fins. Meanwhile the perch's appearance was smaller, with a golden/green-ish tint and dark bands on its sides. I released them both after catching and helped others hook their bait. It took me over 5 years to become comfortable with touching a sea-worm. Just the sight of them makes my skin crawl, they look like water milipedes with tons of legs surrounding their bodies. Not to mention their two sharp teeth that come out when they feel threatened. They certainly are great bait to use because they were gone after fishing all morning, we had to use some squid too. I did not have as much luck catching anything with the squid.

We spent the next few days at Castle Island in South Boston. This was an interesting site to walk around and see the many people who come to exercise or simply enjoy the area for walks with their friends, families, and dogs. So many cute puppies and dogs showed out this week. The weather was perfect for a walk around the ocean and lunch at Sully's. We worked on a mural of the things we saw around the island, including Fort Independence. It is one of the oldest forts of English origin in the US, once used as a confinement for prisoners and training for local soldiers. On a regular day the fort would be open to the public where you can wander freely or go on guided tours. From above the fort has a distinct Pentagon/Star shape. Similar to the Charlestown Navy Yard, there is a Korean War Veteran memorial at the front of the peninsula.

Waiting to see what's next
-Kharliyah
Summer 2020

War Veteran

Castle Island mural

Here we go, CHV

We went fishing!

From left to right
Derrick, Javon, Dallis, Cori

Today, as always with the marvelous CHV crew, we embarked on our second fishing trip. Man was it a blast. This time around our fishing club was slightly slammer than last as the first session of CHV summer fun comes to an end. Some returners, Cory, and many new returners were excited as always to enjoy some time away from Long Island and on the water with Save the Harbor.

Irinna's Flouder (Nice Smile Cpt. Charlie)

It was a slow start to the day as we departed on the Belle at around 8:45. We sat down and went over guidelines, basics, and other essentials for the day as we enjoyed the tunes of Captain Charlies music playlist. Before we knew it as we moored in the harbor Irina made her first catch of the summer. A beautiful 14” flounder. Shortly after, Bang, J.D catches a skate.

The day continued with much success and leisure. All of our campers were delighted with the trip. Even the scorching hot sun couldn’t stop us from carrying out a great day of fishing for our partners. I think it is fair to say that today was a success!

-Ahmed