Essex Rowing Club Now Accepting Registrations For Spring Programs
February 28, 2011
The Essex Rowing Club, Inc. is currently accepting registrations for its adult programs for the spring season. No experience is necessary, introductory programs are available for anyone interested in trying the sport. All fitness levels are welcome. For registration details or more information about the club, visit the Essex Rowing Club website or call 978-208-4617.
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Tour Lowell’s Boat Shop, Amesbury, Friday through Sunday, September 24th to 26th
September 20, 2010
Where: Lowell’s Boat Shop, 459 Main Street, Amesbury, MA
Come visit the birthplace of the legendary fishing Dory, Lowell’s Boat Shop, in Amesbury, MA and the oldest continuously working boat shop in America.
Founded by Simeon Lowell in 1793, the boat shop designed and produced some of the finest small fishing vessels used by American mariners. The shop is a “working museum” where visitors can see boats under construction.
Lowell’s Boat Shop is open for tours this weekend as part of TRAILS & SAILS 2010. Coordinated by the Essex National Heritage Commision, Trails & Sails raises regional awareness of Essex County’s resources, encourages visitation, and fosters stewardship and preservation of its heritage sites. It’s a great way to explore the many cultural, historic, and natural sites of Essex County during two weekends of FREE events featuring a variety of walks, guided hikes, sails, historical tours, and adventures
For more information about Lowell’s Boat Shop, call (978) 834-0050 or send an e-mail to: info@lowellsboatshop.com.
Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass Tournament, September 4th to 6th
September 5, 2010
Where: The coastal waters of Essex Country
Entry Fee: $15.00
The Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass Tournament is celebrating its eighth year on Labor Day weekend, September 4th – 6th. It is the only tournament that combines the North Shore’s fishing heritage with the fight against hunger in local communities.
The Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass tournament is the only tournament of its kind dedicated to the fishermen and women of Boston’s North Shore. This charity tournament is held over Labor Day weekend with proceeds directed to fighting hunger in our community. It is named in memory of its founder, Leo Almeida, a lifelong resident of the North Shore who created the tournament to bring together his love of fishing and his commitment to the community.
This tournament is about a lot of things, but most of all, it is about fishing and fun. Boston’s North Shore is home to some of the best striper fishing on the East Coast. The waters of Essex County, Massachusetts stretch from Lynn and Nahant all the way to the New Hampshire border. Are you a surfcaster in Marblehead? Maybe you fish from a boat somewhere off Cape Ann? Or is Plum Island your favorite place to cast? However you fish, wherever you fish – this tournament is for you!
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Isles of Shoals Adventure by Kayak, Joppa Flats Education Center and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, Sunday, August 29th
August 27, 2010
When: Sunday, August 29th 2010, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pmWhere: Meet at the Newburyport boardwalk (on the Merrimack River in downtown Newburyport)
Fee: $170. Pre-registration is required
On Sunday, August 29th, Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, are offering an all day kayaking trip to the Isles of Shoals for experienced kayakers.
The Isles of Shoals are a group of small islands and tidal ledges situated approximately 12 miles off the New Hampshire/Maine coast. It is a great area to explore by kayak. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the wildlife on and around these Isles from your kayak.
The all day trip, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, includes a shuttle out to the Isles of Shoals from Newburyport, and on-deck barbecue lunch.
You’ll cruise from downtown Newburyport to the Isles of Shoals aboard the 48-foot cabin cruiser, the Erica Lee II. The Isles are located approximately 12 miles off the New England coast and are partly in New Hampshire and partly in Maine. They have a rich human history (both famous and infamous) and are a spectacular site for observing natural history.
Upon arrival at the Isles, participants can choose to paddle around the mothership in Gosport Harbor or head over to Smuttynose Island or to Star Island for ice cream. For the more adventurous, there will be a guided paddle to White Island or Lunging Island, depending on the conditions.
The price includes an on-deck barbeque lunch. Subtract $20 per person for double kayak rental. There is no discount if you use your own kayak. Experience Level: Intermediate III (some experience required; stamina necessary).
Paddling time: 5 hours with a 45-minute break and 1 hour for lunch.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island, 2010 Drive On Surf Fishing Program Changes
August 17, 2010
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (PRNWR) has made changes to its 2010 Drive On Surf Fishing Program as a result of significant beach erosion conditions on the refuge and to help protect the delicate dune habitat.
A total of 50 permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting on Monday, August 16th.
Drive On surf fishing will begin Wednesday, September 1st. Access will only be from Beach Buggy 1. A total of 1.5 miles of Refuge beach will be open for vehicles (from 0.5 to Mile Marker #2).
Due to unusually high tides, the beach will be closed to vehicles from September 8th to 10th and on October 8th and 9th. Other closures may result due to high winds and storms.
How To Obtain A Permit: Permits can be obtained only at the Refuge gatehouse. For more information, please contact Refuge Headquarters at 978-465-5753.
Isles of Shoals Adventure by Kayak, Joppa Flats Education Center and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, Sunday, August 15th
August 13, 2010
When: Sunday, August 15th 2010, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pmWhere: Meet at the Newburyport boardwalk (on the Merrimack River in downtown Newburyport)
Fee: $170. Pre-registration is required
On Sunday, August 15th, Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, are offering an all day kayaking trip to the Isles of Shoals for experienced kayakers.
The Isles of Shoals are a group of small islands and tidal ledges situated approximately 12 miles off the New Hampshire/Maine coast. It is a great area to explore by kayak. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the wildlife on and around these Isles from your kayak.
The all day trip, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, includes a shuttle out to the Isles of Shoals from Newburyport, and on-deck barbecue lunch.
You’ll cruise from downtown Newburyport to the Isles of Shoals aboard the 48-foot cabin cruiser, the Erica Lee II. The Isles are located approximately 12 miles off the New England coast and are partly in New Hampshire and partly in Maine. They have a rich human history (both famous and infamous) and are a spectacular site for observing natural history.
Upon arrival at the Isles, participants can choose to paddle around the mothership in Gosport Harbor or head over to Smuttynose Island or to Star Island for ice cream. For the more adventurous, there will be a guided paddle to White Island or Lunging Island, depending on the conditions.
The price includes an on-deck barbeque lunch. Subtract $20 per person for double kayak rental. There is no discount if you use your own kayak. Experience Level: Intermediate III (some experience required; stamina necessary).
Paddling time: 5 hours with a 45-minute break and 1 hour for lunch.
Introduction To Sea Kayaking, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, Sunday, August 8th
August 2, 2010
Where: Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport
Cost: $35 for Mass Audubon members; $45 for nonmembers
INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING
On Sunday, August 8th, Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, are co-hosting an Introduction To Sea Kayaking course from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Participants will learn the basics of sea kayaking with an evening outing in the Plum Island estuary. Kayak and equipment rental are included in the fee.
Preregistration is required for this program. To register, please call 978-462-9998.
Isles of Shoals Adventure by Kayak, Joppa Flats Education Center and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, Sunday, August 1st
July 27, 2010
When: Sunday, August 1st 2010, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pmWhere: Meet at the Newburyport boardwalk (on the Merrimack River in downtown Newburyport)
Fee: $170. Pre-registration is required
On Sunday, August 1st, Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, and Plum Island Kayak, Newburyport, are offering an all day kayaking trip to the Isles of Shoals for experienced kayakers.
The Isles of Shoals are a group of small islands and tidal ledges situated approximately 12 miles off the New Hampshire/Maine coast. It is a great area to explore by kayak. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the wildlife on and around these Isles from your kayak.
The all day trip, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, includes a shuttle out to the Isles of Shoals from Newburyport, and on-deck barbecue lunch.
You’ll cruise from downtown Newburyport to the Isles of Shoals aboard the 48-foot cabin cruiser, the Erica Lee II. The Isles are located approximately 12 miles off the New England coast and are partly in New Hampshire and partly in Maine. They have a rich human history (both famous and infamous) and are a spectacular site for observing natural history.
Upon arrival at the Isles, participants can choose to paddle around the mothership in Gosport Harbor or head over to Smuttynose Island or to Star Island for ice cream. For the more adventurous, there will be a guided paddle to White Island or Lunging Island, depending on the conditions.
The price includes an on-deck barbeque lunch. Subtract $20 per person for double kayak rental. There is no discount if you use your own kayak. Experience Level: Intermediate III (some experience required; stamina necessary).
Paddling time: 5 hours with a 45-minute break and 1 hour for lunch.
Great White Shark Sighting Confirmed Off Chatham, Cape Cod
July 13, 2010

A confirmed great white shark sighting off the coast of Chatham, Massachusetts was widely reported in local media sources over the past few days.
On Sunday, July 11th, a great white shark estimated to be 15 feet long was seen off the coast of Nauset Beach feeding on seals. The Chatham area had several confirmed great white shark sightings last summer and observers have been anticipating their arrival in the seal-rich waters off the coast of Chatham.
There have been sightings of great white sharks off the coast of Gloucester and Stellwagen Banks, and off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in recent weeks, but the sighting this past Sunday was a confirmed by a professional fisherman/researcher.
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Newburyport Marinas 5th Annual Fishing Tournament, Saturday, July 17th
July 9, 2010
Where: 51 Rear Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
For all of you local fishing afiacnidos, you’re invited to participate in the Newburyport Marinas 5th Annual Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 17th. It’s a great way to enjoy fishing in the Merrimack River.
Spend Saturday, July 17th on the water fishing for the biggest Striped Bass or Bluefish in the Merrimack River. A $1000 first place prize will be awarded for the largest Striped Bass and $500 for first place Bluefish.
The tournament starts at 6:00 am with the last weigh-in at 5:00 pm.
The end the day is capped off with a dinner and awards ceremony.
Cost: Entry fee is $130 per boat!
For More Information:
For more information, visit the Newburyport Harbor Marina website or contact the Newburyport Harbor Marina at 978-462-3990 regarding entry forms and tournament rules.
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