R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-5-1: Fish traps — Permit required.

It shall be unlawful for any person to set a fish trap in the public waters of the state without first obtaining a permit as provided in this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, “fish trap” means stub and floating traps, weirs, pounds, nets, or any other equivalent contrivance or thing set on, in, or anchored to the bottom or shore used for the purpose of catching fish.