East Lyme — If he were a human, Ruger would be one of those maddeningly gifted folks whose triple major at MIT includes stuff like atmospheric chemistry, propulsion systems and biomedical engineering.

Ruger, though, is a 4-year-old lab-terrier mix whose skills — in addition to catching balls, barking joyously and looking like a cover model for an Up Country pet catalog — are utilized as a member of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's K-9 unit.

Originally trained to track missing persons or suspects and in evidence recovery, Ruger has now received additional certification in the field of fish detection. If all goes well, this fall, he'll add game detection to his curriculum vitae.

Ruger is one of three Labrador retrievers patrolling the state's lakes, rivers and streams this season with their Environmental Conservation Police officer-handlers.

The dogs are able to detect fish hidden in closed boat compartments, cars, under rocks and just about anywhere else.

The K-9s have been trained with three of the most popular game fish — trout, striped bass and blackfish — but can detect any species of fish hidden from view.

Susan Whalen, deputy commissioner of DEEP, said the dogs will serve as a deterrent to anglers keeping fish under the legal size, caught out of season or who are trying to keep more fish than the legal limit. Fines for illegally caught fish are $75 per fish and higher.

"They have a serious job to do, and they'll be a great asset to the force," she said.

Meanwhile, on Saturday's inaugural day of fishing season, Ruger and his partner/owner/roommate, DEEP Officer William Logiodice, inspected local lakes, rivers and streams from Stonington to East Lyme, ensuring that anglers had their licenses and were not exceeding catch limits.

Inside his crate in the back of Logiodice's SUV, Ruger grew clearly excited as they pulled off Flanders Road in East Lyme and aimed for Latimer Brook.

"He definitely knows where we're going," Logiodice said. "He likes to work, period, but he knows this area and really enjoys it."

Three separate groups of anglers were casting in the quick-running waters, with minimal success. Ruger, snout to the ground and wearing a seemingly perpetual grin, accompanied Logiodice on his rounds.

Casual chats ensued, licenses were verified and fisherpersons unanimously admired Ruger's genteel bearing. There were no infractions or suspiciously tucked-away trout.

"The majority of folks are playing by the rules," Logiodice said, "and most people like dogs, so Ruger is a great conversation starter. He's not only good at what he does, he's really good at making interactions a little happier for people."

At the next stop, another stretch of Latimer Brook on the other side of I-95, Ruger still wasn't required to sniff out any fish. But he did sit charmingly while Logiodice used his radio to confirm whether one fisherman had the license he claimed he had — and which, he said, he'd left in his truck.

During the brief wait in which the license was indeed confirmed, the sportsman scratched Ruger's head. Not only is he a trained specialist, he's apparently a diplomat.

"My father was a state cop in the canine unit," Logiodice said before he and Ruger headed to the next body of water. "So I'd been around these situations and I knew how rewarding it could be. I mean, it's a great, great job. I spend all day with my dog and we're hopefully doing good work. At night, we go home, and he knows the day's done. He's got his end of the couch and there's no way I can convince him otherwise. But that's okay. It's ideal for keeping my feet warm. And tomorrow when we get up, Ruger will be ready to go again."

By Logiodice's estimation, Saturday was a bit of a low turnout for the first day of the season.

Day staff writer Judy Benson contributed to this story.

r.koster@theday.com

Twitter: @rickkoster

DEEP fishing regulations

State regulations for most popular game fish:

Black sea bass: 14-inch minimum, 3 fish per day limit June 1-Aug. 31, 5 per day Sept. 1 - Dec. 31

Striped bass: 28-inch minimum, 1 fish per day limit year-round

Trout, inland waters: no minimum length, 5 per day limit April 11 to Feb. 28

Trout, tidal waters: 15-inch minimum year-round, limit 2 per day year-round