Providence Boat Show big success

 

The Sea Hunt Gamefisher 27 with a new side door for boarding passengers or fish. 

 

The Shanti Bar, “Peaceful nutrition for life's queasy moments.”

Providence Boat Show big success

The 2015 Providence Boat Show went off without a hitch.  Allison Phaneuf of the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (show sponsors) said, “Attendance was up 6% Friday and the crowd today (Saturday) has been good.” 

Over 100 manufactures had vessels on display including power boats, sail boats, dinghies, personal watercraft, kayaks and canoes.  The show featured an enhanced fishing area with excellent workshops, and a new Washington Trust Pavilion presentation area with local chefs, book authors and world class sailors.  I thought the Boat Show was great.  Here’s what I liked.

Sea sickness can be nasty.  And, over the counter tablets can make you drowsy.  Well, how about a Shanti Bar?  It doesn’t make you drowsy and they claim to be “Peaceful nutrition for life’s queasy moments.” 

I bumped into Shanti Bar inventor Neheet Trivedi, a MIT Sloan Business School graduate that was walking the show testing the interest level in his new motion sickness product. “We first developed the Shanti Bar to reduce nausea during pregnancy and then found that motion sickness at sea was a huge market for us too.” said Trivedi. The bar (which tastes like blueberries) was developed out of research that demonstrates the successful role protein, ginger, and vitamins play in reducing nausea.

Trivedi said, “We set out to design a food product based on research that's easy-to-eat, portable, safe, tasty and healthy, and includes the necessary ingredients to prevent nausea. We also tried to keep the calorie level low, fewer than 200.” 

Shanti Bar is sold on vessels owned by Boston Harbor Cruises and can be purchased online at www.theshantibar.com.

Debbie Wood (of Wood Boat and Motor, Warwick) shared some of the attributes of the new Evinrude E-TEC G2 and I was impressed.  This engine is a monster delivering the power you need with high efficiency and high design.  Wood said, “This engine is extremely efficient with no scheduled dealer maintenance for five years or 500 hours and it is backed by a five-year engine and corrosion warranty.”  Evinrude says the engine is the first outboard ever designed to perfectly match your boat, inside and out.  “Over 400 color combinations are available including color panels for the engine side, top and front panel areas”, said Wood.   The engine is available in 200, 225, 250 and 300 horsepower.

Zim Sailing, Warren, RI provides one-design sailboats, parts, accessories and services.  They had a Hartley Wanderer, a family- friendly 14-foot sailing dingy of display that looked like it would be fun for sailors of any skill level.  The boat features interior seating, a dry storage locker and a roller-furling jib. The Wanderer is comfortable yet stable and is made in the UK.  However, Zim Sailing has designed and built their own vessels too; including high performance sail boats said Allie Gray, Zim Sailing’s performance sailing associate.  “We built the Zim 15 as a performance dingy for those looking for more excitement.  The entire boat weighs about 200 pounds completely rigged.  It is a racing dingy for two.”  The suggested price on the Zim 15 is $11,500 and the Hartley Wanderer is offered at $10,450.

Capt. Jack Sprengle of Warwick who produced the boat show fishing seminars said, “We have had as many as 50 people attend some sessions with people standing in the isle. Captains marketing their charter businesses and our guest speakers are doing very well.”  I managed to catch the end of Capt. BJ Silvia’s (Flippin Out Charters) presentation on tautog, “A prize tautog (over ten pounds) can come any time… so you have to be ready any day… at high tide, low tide, at the start of the day, or at the end of the day.” said Capt. Silvia.

“Inland Marine of Chepachet, RI has been in business for 40 years.” said Ross Lemieux.  Ross and his three brothers own and run the business that their father started.  They had the Sea Hunt Gamefisher 27 on display at the show and it was spectacular.  Its side entry door, recessed trim tabs and hydraulic steering are standard features hard to beat.  And they come ready to fish with multiple insulated fish boxes and a live well with cockpit and bow bolsters.  Lemieux said, “This vessel is ready to fish but it is great for family cursing too with an enclosed head.” The show special price was $104,000.

Where’s the bite

Cod fishing has been good when the boats have been able to get out.  The Frances Fleet reports, “Friday started on the slow side but a quick relocation paid some impressive dividends as the Captain put anglers into a very respectable pick of bigger green cod fish. Hi hook took home 5 nice fish. Sizes were generally 8 lbs or better, however there was a half dozen fish over 15 lbs and the biggest tipping the scales at 25 lbs! A nice catch of red hake and a lot of big ocean perch also filled up the bags and coolers. While fresh shucked clams seemed to have the edge overall this week, jigs were responsible for some good catches as well.”

Striped bass panel says lead “yo-yo” rigs OK

45 years fishing for stripers: Capt. Al Anderson’s latest book, Island Stripers, is the result of countless hours of charter fishing at Block Island.  

Open access to the Pawcatuck:  Thanks to DEM’s purchase of four acres along the Pawcatuck River, Westerly, RI those fishing, canoeing and kayaking now will have better access to the River.

Striped bass panel says lead “yo-yo” rigs OK

Last week, the Striped Bass Advisory Panel of the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council voted not to recommend a ban on a certain type of “yo-yo” fishing rigs. Lead “yo-yo” rigs are used by some commercial and recreational rod and reel fisherman.  The number of anglers using them is not known, however, commercial rod and reel fishermen at the meeting and on the panel said they use them.

The practice of yo-yoing involves inserting a lead weight into a dead baitfish such as an Atlantic Menhaden and the use of a rod (wood or metal skewer like a coat hanger or a wire) in the fish to maintain its shape and control it like a puppet when sent to the bottom or to various depths in the water column.  The bait is then moved up and down (like a yo-yo) to mimic a bait fish in distress to attract striped bass to the bait.  The bait is effective in attracting large stipend bass for those that have mastered the technique.  It is practical because you do not need a live well to keep bait live, you can catch and prepare them ahead of time and it is far less expensive for commercial rod and reel fishermen than buying live eels, another popular way to catch large bass. Some commercial striped bass rod and reel fishermen who fish often to catch their quota of fish in season have found it a practical and effective way to fish.

The Panel heard testimony from commercial fishermen on the panel that the lead found in the bellies of striped bass is not harmful to the fish because they catch fish that have lead in their bellies and they are alive.  Others said that there are many other commercial and recreational fishing techniques used that contribute greater to the mortality of striped bass and that they were being singled out.  Techniques such as up-fishing by commercial draggers (the practice of continuing to catch bass until you catch the largest fish possible discarding smaller striped bass that to not survive after release) and recreational anglers that put too much stress on fish by fighting them for a long time and once released they do not survive. 

The issue before the Panel referenced a proposal from Massachusetts that advocated for a ban on just certain types of yo-yo rigs.  The Rhode Island proposal was to allow yo-yo rigs as long as the lead weights were attached to the terminal tackle (so the weights could be pulled out of the bait fish and retrieved).  This proposal was rejected by the Striped Bass Advisory Panel with members relating that “no scientific evidence”, “no studies” exist that proves lead ingested by striped bass is harmful to the fish. 

Although a lot of research with lead and waterfowl has been conducted, little research has been done with lead and fish.   For example, a study done on more than 2,000 bald eagles examined by The Fish and Wildlife Service from 1963 to 1986 showed that 119 were diagnosed as having died of lead poisoning (studies like this one lead to the banning of lead shot for waterfowl hunting in 1991). The Department of Natural Resources of the State of Michigan relates on their “lead” website page, “Lead poisoning has been recognized as a mortality factor in waterfowl since the late 1800's.  Lead poisoning cases today are either the result of ingestion of bullet fragments, spent lead shot or fishing sinkers and jig heads during normal feeding activities. When the lead reaches the acidic environment of the gizzard (loons, ducks, geese and swans) or the ventriculus (eagles), it is worn down, dissolved, and absorbed into body tissues. Once the lead reaches toxic levels in the tissues, muscle paralysis and associated complications result in death.”

Striped bass presentation 

Capt. Al Anderson has produced a new presentation about his latest book and tag & release efforts and is reaching out to fishing clubs and organizations interested in having him as a quest speaker. Capt. Anderson is the South County charter captain that was inducted into the IGFA’s World Fishing Hall of Fame in 2012 for his conservation ethic and noted authoring in the fishing world.  His latest book, Island Stripers, is the result of countless hours of charter fishing at Block Island.  Contact Capt. Anderson at ahatuna@aol.com or 401.783.8487.

20^th Annual Providence Boat Show this weekend

The 20^th Annual Providence Boat Show is being held this Friday, January 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, January 20 form 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island Conventions Center. Show organizers expect a great show.  Tickets $10 at the door.  Visit www.providcenceboatshow.com for a list of exhibitors, online tickets, etc.

DEM preserves property along the Pawcatuck River

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has acquired four acres of land in Westerly that will enable the creation of an excellent fishing and boating access site on the Pawcatuck River. 

“The Pawcatuck is very popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other forms of outdoor recreation. But currently, no safe public access exists between Bradford and Westerly on the Pawcatuck - a beautiful stretch of river that supports Rhode Island-raised stocked trout and warm water fish species,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.  “Thanks to this acquisition, DEM will be able to make this spectacular site and several miles of the river readily accessible to the public.”

Located on Post Office Lane, the property includes over 500 feet of river frontage.  In conjunction with DEM’s purchase of the land, the state obtained an easement across the right of way from Potter Hill Road which will be used by the public to access the riverfront.

Three Advisory Panels to meet January 30… attend and provide input

DEM is having a series of three RIMFC advisory panel meetings that impact recreational fishing on January 30th.  The status of fisheries, policies and regulations that work their way into DEM species management plans are discussed at the meetings. So, now is the time to let your voice be heard by attending advisory panel meetings. Visit www.dem.ri.gov  (Marine Fisheries page) for agendas.   The three panels include a tautog meeting at 4:30 p.m., a summer flounder advisory panel meeting at 6:00 p.m. and a black sea bass and scup panel meeting at 7:30 p.m.  This new format, offering multiple advisory panel meetings on the same night, hopes to enhance angler attendance at the panel meetings.  All meetings will be held at the URI Bay Campus, Coastal Institute Building in the Hazard Room on South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI.

Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar series to be held in Rhode Island

Learn how to catch big fish:  Seminar host George Poveromo with the 55 pound yellowfin tuna he caught with a Williamson Jet Popper top water lure and a Penn Spinfisher V 10500 reel spooled with 50 lb. test braid.  

Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar series to be held in Rhode Island

The Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series will be held in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday, February 2, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Roberts Hall Auditorium, Rhode Island College. George Poveromo, host of George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing on the NBC Sports Network, and editor-at-large for Salt Water Sportsman, will headline the program, along with Tom Richardson, noted New England angler and a prominent fishing writer and editor.

Joining Poveromo and Richardson in Providence will be Dr. Mitchell Roffer, a leading authority on locating surface temperature breaks and ocean-circulation features that hold fish; Harry Vernon III, nationally recognized authority on offshore trolling and day-dropping for swordfish; Captain Corey Pietraszek, Buzzards Bay and Elizabeth Islands light-tackle striped bass, fluke and blackfish pro, with his Plug N Play Charters; Captain Zach Harvey,  renowned authority on fishing the coastal and offshore waters, and fishing writer; Captain Brian Patterson –  renowned Rhode Island and Cape Cod light-tackle striped bass, bluefish and bluefin tuna pro who operates Patterson Guide Service; Captain Dave Monti, veteran New England pro, charter captain and fishing columnist with 40 years of experience fishing Narragansett Bay; Captain Andy Dangelo, distinguished authority on catching tuna, and sharks, as well as trophy fluke, blackfish and cod with his charter boat, Maridee II; and Captain Alex Friedman, premier authority on big game fishing in New England waters, and also a noted trophy fluke and striped bass specialist with his Martha’s Vineyard-based charter boat, Dazed and Confused.

     

Topics covered will include:  striped bass fishing tactics… live-baiting for trophy bass, spinner-and-worm fishing, top water lures, diamond and flutter-jigging for striped bass and bluefish, chunking, inshore wire-line techniques, and secrets of fishing the rips.  Bluefish tactics will include, how to keep track of and locate the largest bluefish in the Sound, surface lures and other artificials. Trophy fluke tactics include how to chum up big fluke and tactics on bottom-fishing for inshore table fare (flounder, black sea bass, blackfish).  Blackfish or tautog jigging tactics and bucktailing for trophy black sea bass as well as tricks that take more offshore cod and Pollock.  Tuna and shark tactics will also covered in the seminar.

    

New this year will be a special Kid’s Seminar from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., presented by Sperry Top-Sider. The kids will participate in a meet-and-greet with George Poveromo, have chances to win special door prizes, enjoy a free lunch courtesy of Sperry Top-Sider, and have their names entered into a Grand Prize drawing to win a Florida fishing trip with George Poveromo.  One child, 15 years and younger, per paying adult, will be admitted for the full day at no charge.

Seminar Series tickets are $55.00 each. The ticket price covers six hours of instruction from the best pros in the business, and a gift bag that includes a course textbook, a one-year subscription or extension to Salt Water Sportsman and a host of other items.  Participants receive chances to win thousands of dollars worth of door prizes. The Grand Prize is a Bahamas fishing trip for two to the prestigious Bimini Sands Resort & Marina. The Super Grand Prize, to be awarded two weeks after the conclusion of the 2013 series, is a new Mako Pro Skiff 17’ center console.

Register by calling (800) 448-7360, or visit www.nationalseminarseries.com..

Roger Williams to hold shellfish farming course

The Roger Williams University Center for Economic and Environmental Development will is enrolling students to its non-credit course in Practical Shellfish Farming for the winter 2013 semester. The course provides the technical information needed to undertake a small shellfish farming enterprise in Rhode Island or nearby southern New England. All aspects of shellfish farming will be covered over the fourteen-week course. Students will learn the basic principles of hatchery, nursery and grow-out operations; as well as risk management, siting and permitting, and business management.

Associate Professor and Aquaculture Extension Specialist, Dr. Dale Leavitt, will instruct the course which will be held in The Marine and Natural Sciences Building (Room TBD) on the Bristol, R.I. campus of Roger Williams University. The course will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting January 8, 2013 and run through April 25, 2013. The fee for the entire course, including all handout materials, is $125 per student. Students may attend classes on a drop-in basis at a rate of $10 per evening session. Pre-registration is preferred by contacting Cheryl Francis at (401) 254-3110 or cfrancis@rwu.edu.

Providence Boat Show, January 18-20, 2012

The Providence Boat Show is being held Friday, January 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, January 20 form 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Contact Lisa Knowles, sales manager, Newport Exhibition Group for booth space or information at 401.846.1115 or at lknowles@newportexhibition.com .

RISAA seminar Monday, January 28

The January Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) seminar will be held Monday, January 28, 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI.  Topics to include First Aid for Fishermen by Gary Johnson a 26 year veteran with the Coventry Fire Department and 29 years as an EMT/Cardiac.  Dennis Zambrotta will be the second speaker addressing Surfcasting Block Island.  Dennis has been surfcasting for stripers for the past forty years and is author of  “Surfcasting Around The Block”.  Public is invited to attend with a $10 donation to the scholarship fund, RISAA members no charge.

RIMFC puts out call to scientists

The Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) is in need of two scientists on the Council.  The Council meets about nine times a year making policy and regulation recommendations to the DEM director for both commercial and recreational fishing.  Meetings are held at the URI Bay Campus, Narragansett.  All types of scientist or people involved/interested in the science of fisheries and the ocean are welcome to apply. Robert Ballou, assistant to the DEM director said, “It is not necessary to be a marine biologist to be nominated for these council seats.” The Council consists of three recreational and three commercial fishing representatives as well as two scientists.  Contact Robert Ballou at robert.ballou@dem.ri.gov or 401.222.4700.

Get involved now… attend advisory panel meetings

DEM is having a series of RIMFC advisory panel meetings that impact fishing.  The status of fisheries, policies and regulations that work their way into DEM species management plans are discussed at the meetings. So, now is the time to let your voice be heard by attending advisory panel meetings. Striped bass panel was scheduled for January 8; the ground fish advisory panel January 10; the whelk committee meeting January 15; and the Atlantic Menhaden panel set for February 11.  Visit www.dem.ri.gov  (Marine Fisheries page) for agendas.