Ep 3. Ghosts of the Chesapeake Part 1

In the MeatEater season 8 episode 3 titled "Ghosts of the Chesapeake Part 1", host Steven Rinella explores the waters of Chesapeake Bay for elusive waterfowl and fish with the help of local watermen. Rinella is joined by his friend and hunting partner Ronny Boehme, and together they embark on a thrilling adventure in pursuit of the perfect catch.

The Chesapeake Bay is known for its abundant wildlife and a rich history of fishing and hunting. Rinella and Boehme travel to the bay to learn more about the creatures that inhabit it and how to catch them. They start their hunt by using a traditional method of waterfowl hunting called "sinkboxing."

Sinkboxing involves standing in a waist-deep water and immersing oneself in the environment, making oneself almost invisible to the ducks and geese that fly overhead. With the help of local guides, Rinella and Boehme set up their sinkboxes and wait patiently for the waterfowl to arrive.

As they wait for their prey to appear, Rinella takes the time to familiarize himself with the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay area. He visits a local museum to learn more about the watermen and their traditional way of life, which has been passed down for generations. He also meets with a conservationist who explains the importance of pursuing sustainable harvesting practices to protect the bay's delicate ecosystem.

Once they have bagged a few waterfowl, Rinella and Boehme set their sights on fishing. They meet a family of watermen who use gill nets to catch a variety of fish, including the infamous striped bass. The family shows them how to set the nets and how to clean and prepare the fish for cooking.

As they travel deeper into the bay, Rinella and Boehme encounter a new type of fish: the infamous blue catfish. These fish, which are not native to the area, pose a threat to the ecosystem and have become a nuisance to local fishermen. Rinella and Boehme investigate the issue and learn more about efforts to control the catfish population by promoting them as a delicious food that can be caught and cooked.

Overall, "Ghosts of the Chesapeake Part 1" offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay area. Rinella's reverence for the natural environment and his dedication to sustainable hunting practices are evident throughout the episode, and his willingness to learn from local experts adds an educational element to the show. Fans of MeatEater and anyone interested in hunting, fishing, or conservation will enjoy this thrilling and informative episode.