Striped bass over 34” need to be clipped

Angler Jack Leyden of North Kingstown with a 43 pound amberjack he caught last week when fishing in the Miami, FL area in 200 feet of water.

Striped bass over 34” need to be clipped

It was about 8:00 p.m. Monday night at the URI Bay Campus when the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) finished weighing in on eighteen different fishing regulations for the 2016 season.  Their recommendations along with input from public hearings and staff input from the Marine Fisheries Division will now be passed along to Janet Coit, director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), for final regulation decisions.

Regulation Highlights

Striped bass regulations will likely be the same as last year, one fish/person/day with a 28” minimum size.  However, this year recreational anglers will have to remove the entire right pectoral fin of the fish they catch and keep that are over 34”.  The regulation was suggested to deter commercial striped bass poaches from fishing in a recreational mode, stock piling fish and then selling them at another time or in another jurisdiction.  Licensed fish dealers may not offer for sale any striped bass (minimum commercial size is 34”) where the entire right pectoral fin has been removed.  The aim is to have similar laws in  both RI and MA.

Summer flounder regulations remain the same as last year, 18” minimum size, 8 fish/person/day with a May 1 to December 31 season.

Recreational tautog regulations also remain the same as last year, 16” minimum size, 3 fish/person/day form April 15 to May 31 and August 1 to October 14; 6 fish/person/day October 15 to December 15, a maximum ten fish/vessel limit that does not apply to party and character boats.

Scup fishing regulations remain at a 10” minimum from May 1 to December 31, 30 fish/person/day.  Seven special shore areas remain in place where the minimum size has been reduced to 9”. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for a list of areas where you can catch 9” scup from shore. A special party and charter boat season from September 1 to October 31 allows them to take 40 fish/person/day in this time period.

Black sea bass (BSB).  RI recreational anglers need to take a 23% BSB reduction this year mandated by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.  The Council approved as their fists choice a 14” minimum size, with a split season, 3 fish/person/day from July 22 to August 31 and five fish/person/day from September 1 to December 31.  This recommendation was made contingent upon New York State approving the same regulation so RI and NY boats would not have a regulation conflict as they often fish the same fishing grounds.  If not approved by NY the Council recommended a party and charter boat Letter of Authorization (LOA) option that was 7 fish/person/day from September 1 to December 31 for charter and party boats with a private angler limit of 3 fish/person/day form July 20 to December 31.

Fishing the wash

Learn how to fish for striped bass in the wash… the surf and waves on Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. at the Rhody Fly Rodders seminar Riverside Sportsman’s Association, 19 Mohawk Drive, East Providence, RI.   Capt. Eric Thomas of Teezer77 Guiding Services will explain how to fish for stripers in surf and breaking waves focusing on how to stay safe as you maneuver your boat and present your fly or lure to have the best chance to catch a striped bass. For information contact Peter Nilsen at pdfish@fullchannel.net.

ASMFC releases annual report

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) released its 2015 Annual Report to the public last month.  The report can be found at http://www.asmfc.org/files/pub/ASMFC_AnnualReport_2015.pdf.

The Annual Report describes the Commission’s activities and progress in carrying out its public trust responsibilities for the marine fisheries under Commission stewardship. This includes species commonly fished by recreational anglers in Rhode Island such as summer flounder, striped bass, black sea bass, tautog, Atlantic menhaden, scup and many others.

Included in the report are figures displaying the historical trends in stock status or landings for each species managed by the Commission.  Also provided is a summary of the significant management actions taken by Commissioners in 2015 to maintain and restore the abundance of Commission managed species.

Herring run to Gorton’s Pond

At press time we were checking on the herring run from Greenwich Bay and Apponaug Cove to Gorton’s Pond in Warwick.  Herring make it their job to spawn in rivers and ponds in late winter and early spring.  In fact herring have been in the Bay sometime now and they are heading for the rivers, likely moving up them in the next week or two. Conservationists, DEM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife have all focused on these spawning runs throughout Rhode Island, building fish ladders, eliminating obstacles and often times volunteers net and scoop herring over obstacles so they survive to spawn and continue to come back year after year.

                                                                                                        

This week Richard Geldard of Warwick called to relate a herring run that looks like it will fail unless State officials and contractors at an Apponaug, Warwick road construction project take action.

Mr. Geldard said, “The new culvert built as part of the Apponaug traffic pattern had low water flowing through it and the connection between it and little Gordon’s Pond is not working.  Water is pooling and not flowing.  This low water flow will not support the annual herring run which should start in the next several days.  Historically the herring would flow into Little Gorton’s Pond behind the old Ericson’s Bait location on Greenwich Avenue, Warwick and then into Gorton’s Pond.  It would be a shame if this annual herring run is hindered or stopped.  We could have a lot of dead herring on our hands.” 

At press time we heard that plans for the project took the herring run into consideration and understand DEM was looking into the water flow issue.  Geldard said, “I understand Phil Edward of DEM plans to visit the site and make an assessment.  We hope there is good news about what steps the state and contractors will take to correct the situation in time.”

Fly Tying at Longfellow's Wayside Inn 

The Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, MA will host its ninth annual Fly Tying Demonstration and Bamboo Rod Building on Sunday, March 20^th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature amateur and professional fly tyers.

Fred Kretchman from Kittery, ME is a professional bamboo rod builder and sole appraiser for Lang Auction, for bamboo rods. He will show how the art of building bamboo rods.

Mr. Tom Foley of Tom's Custom Framing will have an exhibit of framed classic flies. Tom Foley and Joe Simone will demonstrate live aquatic insects, an exhibit that is a big hit with children and families.

Flies hand-made by exhibitors will be available for purchase, with all the proceeds benefiting the spring restocking of Josephine’s Pond. For information contact Armand Courchaine at (508)-982-1931 or email ajflyfish@yahoo.com.

In 2006, Josephine's Pond, located on the grounds of Wayside Inn's 120 acre historic site, was dredged and is stocked with trout yearly. A group of "The Friends of Josephine's Trout Pond", was established to promote care and conservation of the pond, and to educate the public to the thrill of recreational fly fishing.

Freshwater fishing hot thanks to DEM, 2013 saltwater regulations

Birthday trout: Kyra Anderson of North Kingstown turned seven on opening day.  She caught this rainbow trout while fishing with family and friends at Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown, RI.

 Family affair: Michaela Dora (right) landed this trout at Willet Avenue Pond, East Providence, RI while fishing with her dad Michael Dora (left).  Three generations of the Dora family fished on opening day.

Fishing opening day still fun:  John Bergantini (91 years old) of Narragansett, RI has fished opening day for 70 years.

Freshwater fishing hot thanks to DEM

Opening day this past Saturday didn’t let anyone down.  I traveled to ponds in South County and to the East Bay and although the morning was cold the excitement was contagious. Excitement from the likes of Kyra Anderson… seven years old on opening day… who was the only one in her group that caught a fish and just as she was saying “It’s my birthday!” she reeled her second rainbow trout at Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown, RI. John Bergantini, ninety-one years old, from Narragansett, RI was proud to share, “I’ve been fishing opening day for seventy years.”   It was exciting for Michaela Doro of East Providence too.  Just as she said, “I am doing pretty good.” her father Michael picked up her rod and she reeled in another trout at Willet Avenue Pond in Riverside.  Three Doro family generations fished opening day Saturday.

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) estimated that about 20,000 anglers fished opening day which is the official opening of trout season and the official opening day of the freshwater season.  At 6:25 a.m. when I caught up with Sergeant Frances Ethier, of DEM’s Environmental Police she said, “Everything is going well today.  Even though the weather is cool anglers have turned out to fish.” John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown said, “I lot of customers were catching fish, I think they (DEM) did a much better job stocking our ponds and lakes.”

DEM’s Fish & Wildlife Division said approximately 80,000 hatchery- raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds were stocked in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day (visit www.dem.ri.gov for a complete listing and for license). 

Business was brisk opening day week for Lorraine Danti, owner, and Manny Macedo, manager, of Lucky Bait & Tackle in Warren, RI.  They sold more freshwater licenses than ever before.  Macedo said, “The number of both fresh and saltwater licenses has been rising since Lorraine took over the shop in 2007.  We believe we are gaining market share too.”  Lucky Bait & Tackle is one of the more sophisticated bait and tackle shops I have visited.   Their entire inventory is bar-coded.  They have a wide selection of fresh/saltwater fishing gear, tackle and bait as well as all types of recreational clam and quahog equipment.  They even carry Asian crabs (as well as green crabs) for tautog anglers.

Tautog season opens

The spring tautog season runs from April 15 to May 31 with a 16” minimum size and a three fish bag limit.  It is closed June 1 to July 31 during the spawning season and reopens August.  Tautog anglers often use soft baits in the spring such as grass shrimp and clam works but green crabs and Asian crabs work well too. 

RISAA seminar Monday, April 29

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) will hold a seminar Monday, April 29, 7:00 p.m., at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick on weather for boaters and fishermen with meteorologist Fred Campagna. Mr. Campagna is former chief meteorologist at WLNE-TV ABC6 in Providence and currently owns his own weather service, Right Weather, which offers in-depth weather coverage on a website and through multiple wireless media outlets.  Also at the seminar, RISAA members Roger and Sue Lema will speak on fishing for striped bass during the annual worm hatches in South County.  Capt. Dave Porreca will also speak about fishing the cider worm hatches… with fly fishing gear.  He is owner of River & Riptide Anglers, a fishing guide business.  Non-members are requested to make a $10 donation to the RISAA scholarship fund, members attend free.  The event will be preceded by dinner paid separately and served by the West Valley Inn starting at 5:30 p.m.

URI Boat Donation and sales program open house

The URI Foundation boat donation and sales program will hold an open house Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the URI Bay Campus, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI. Visit the open house and see the great boat inventory and values they have. For more information visit their website at www.urifoundation.org or contact Teri Woodbine, Boat Program coordinator at 401.874.5273.

Final 2013 saltwater fishing regulations

DEM posted final 2013 saltwater fishing regulations last week with some liberalization to scup and fluke regulations but more restrictive regulations on black sea bass as Rhode Island has to take a 32% reduction in total catch.  Here are regulation highlights, for a complete listing visit DEM’s web site at www.dem.ri.gov.

Black sea bass: 13” minimum size, June 15-Aug. 31, 3 fish/person/day; Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 4 fish/person/day.

Bluefish: no minimum size, no closed season, 15 fish/person/day.

Cod: 22” minimum size, no closed season, 10 fish/person/day.

Summer flounder (fluke): 18” minimum size, May 1-Dec. 31, 8 fish/person/day.

Scup (shore and private), 10” minimum size, May 1- Dec. 31, 30 fish/person/day; Special area provisions (this is new)… while fishing from shore at India Point Part, Providence, Conimicut Park, Warwick or at Stone Bridge, Tiverton, anglers may possess up to 30 scup 9 inches or greater in length from May 1 to Dec. 31; Scup (party and charter boasts), 10” minimum size, May 1 –Aug. 31, 30 fish/person/day, Sept. 1-Oct. 31 45 fish/person/day and Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 30 fish/person/day.

Striped bass: 28” minimum size, no closed season, 2 fish/person/day.

Tautog: 16” minimum, April 15-May 31, 3 fish/person/day; June 1 –July 31, CLOSED;  August 1 –Oct. 19, 3 fish/person/day and Oct. 20-Dec. 15 6 fish/person/day (maximum of 10 fish/vessel during all periods)… Tautog (party and charter), same spring seasons and closed periods as recreational plus Aug. 1-Oct. 14, 3 fish/person/day and Oct. 15-Dec,. 15 6 fish/person/day (no vessel maximum).

Weakfish (squeteague), 16” minimum size, no closed season 1 fish/person/day.

Where’s the bite

Fresh water fishing got off to a great start this week.  John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown said “A customer weighed in a 2 pound 15 once rainbow trout caught at Hunts River in North Kingstown.”  Manny Macedo of Lucky bait, Warren, RI said, “We sold more fresh water licenses and trout stamps that ever before.”  Thirty minutes into opening day , Rocco Dangelo of South Kingstown had caught two trout already. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for a listing of ponds and lakes that have been stocked.  Trout fishing is expected to remain good.

Striped bass fishing has started with anglers landing school striped bass at the West Wall of the Harbor or Refuge, Galilee.  Craig Castro of Erickson Brothers Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Some bass have been caught in Greenwich Bay at the end of last week.” 

Tautog season started Monday, April 15.  Bait shops throughout the area have fresh green crabs, clam worms and some are now stocking Asian crabs… all good tautog baits for spring .

Tautog season opens with a slow start… Director Coit issues “Final Decision Memo”

Members of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association recently donated 283.5 pounds of food and $100 to the Johnny Cake Food Pantry in South County. The funds and food were raised by guests and Captains of the association at their annual banquet which was held at Spain Restaurant in Narragansett.

Tautog season opens with a slow start… Director Coit issues “Final Decision Memo”

Tautog season opened this past weekend with windy and stormy weather which deterred anglers from fishing. Craig Castro, Erickson’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, RI said, “Conditions were horrible Saturday. Thet wind was blowing hard. One of my employees works for Sea Tow and saw boats on the water that shouldn’t be there.” John Littlefield at Archie’s Bait & Tackle, East Providence, RI said, ”I had a couple of customers that fished the wharves with worms and caught a couple of shorts but that’s it.” John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown, RI, said, “I had no customers that went tautog fishing this weekend, the weather was terrible. But the fresh water business has been good. We sold a lot of minnows. Customers are doing well with bass in local ponds.”

The weather caused a slow start to the tautog season this past week. Bad weather on Saturday and Sunday prevented most from fishing. Tautog has been identified as an overfished species. Tougher regulations (see below) were put into effect last year and this year to help rebuild the fishery.

Fishing community wants stiffer penalties for striped bass poachers

Commercial and recreational striped bass organizations expressed their point of view on stiffer penalties for striped bass poachers. Testimony was heard last week by the Senate Marine Fisheries Committee, chaired by Senator Susan Sosnowski (D-North Kingstown and New Shoreham).

Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) and RI Marine Fisheries Council member, said, “Striped bass belong to all of the people in the state of Rhode Island… so poaching hurts us all… it is an outrage.” Medeiros continued, “Striped bass are worth about $100 each, yet fines for catching them illegally are only $25 per fish. We need tougher laws to deter poaching.”

Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association (RIPCBA) said, “The Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association supports tougher penalties for those taking striped bass illegally”. Chief Steven Hall of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement said, “Some people are earning as much as $3,000 per weekend poaching striped bass from fishing grounds such as Block Island. We are advocating for enhanced penalties in part to deter poaching due to the lack of manpower. If poachers find their behavior profitable and know we might have difficulty enforcing the law due to manpower they are encouraged. Stiffer penalties will serve as a deterrent.” Chief Hall cited a Rhode Island poaching case last year where DEM law enforcement officers found eleven illegal striped bass in a secret compartment on an angler’s boat.

Others testifying included Mark Gibson, from DEM and Ken Booth from the RI Commercial Rod & Reel Association. Senator Sosnowski’s task force will consider the fishing community’s sentiment for tougher laws and draft appropriate legislative recommendations for this season.

DEM to hold hearing on proposed increases to State beach fees

The DEM will hold a public hearing on proposed increases to fees for daily parking and season passes at state beaches on Friday, May 13. The 10 a.m. hearing will take place in Room 300 at DEM Headquarters, 235 Promenade Street in Providence. Rhode Island state beach fees were last raised in 2002.

The proposed increases will enable DEM to maintain current services at the state’s seven saltwater beaches in South County at a time when the state is facing severe budget constraints. The increased fees will generate $1.8 million for the state General Fund. The proposed rates are comparable to fees charged by similar private and municipal facilities and Connecticut state beaches.

On The Water Striper Cup fishing tournament

On The Water magazine’s annual five month tournament, the “Striper Cup”, starts May 2, 2011. To sign up and get your free t-shirt, lure and commemorative pin, visit http://onthewater.com/Stripercuphome_2x.html. David Westfall, the RISAA “Striper Cup” team committee chairman said, “Last year, Team RISAA took second place in this tournament. This could be the year RISAA could win it!” Westfall continued to say to enter as a RISAA team member all an angler has to do is be a RISAA member in good standing. “Make sure you put RISAA on the team line.” said Westfall.

DEM Director Coit issues 2011 saltwater regulations

Janet Coit, DEM director, issued a “Final Decision Memo” on many 2011 saltwater regulations Friday afternoon. The memo issued to Robert Ballou, acting chief of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, outlines her final decision pertaining to regulations reviewed at the RI Marine Fisheries Council public hearing held February 22, 2011. Highlights of Director Coit’s decisions that appeared in her memo are noted below. Visit DEM’s website for a new 2011 Recreational Marine Fisheries minimum size and possession limit chart.

Menhaden: regulations prohibit commercial boats from fishing in the Providence River north of a line from Rocky Point, to Conimicut Light to Nayatt Point. East Greenwich Bay is also off limits to commercial menhaden boats.

Fluke (or summer flounder): recreational minimum size is 18 ½ “, 7 fish/angler/day, a May 1 to December 31 season.

Tautog: regulations include a shortened season (no fishing in June and July), a three fish limit for all fishing April 15 to May 31 and August 1 to October 15; a six fish limit from October 16 to December, 15; with a ten fish per boat limit for all season periods (does not apply to charter or party boats).

Striped bass: no change from last year… two fish at a minimum of 28”.

Winter flounder: 12” minimum size, 2 fish/person/day; split season April 24 to May 22 then September 24 to October 23. See DEM web site for complete list of closed areas. New this year a prohibition of possession of winter flounder in Point Judith Pond including the Harbor of Refuge.

Scup: no change from last year, recreational minimum size is 10.5”, May 24 to September 26, 10 fish/person/day. Party and charter boat minimum size is 11” with a split season, June 8 to September 6, a 10 fish/person/day limit and from September 7 to October 11 a 40 fish/person/day limit.

Doormat fluke and tautog fishing seminar

This Monday, April 25 RISAA seminar will feature two great topics and speakers… refining the hunt for doormat fluke by Charley Soares and tautog fishing by captain John Sheriff. The meeting starts a 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick, with an optional dinner served by the West Valley Inn staff from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. RISAA members are admitted free (and this month, one of their guests can be admitted free too). Donation for non-members is $10.

Let's brand our fish... ocean state fresh

Senator Susan Sosnowski aboard the fishing vessel Darana R assesses the catch for scientific data collection purposes. Senator Sosnowski is the chair of the newly formed Rhode Island Senate task force on fisheries. The task force aims to ensure high-quality local seafood products are available for all Rhode Islanders.

There is nothing like a fresh Rhode Island lobster at a summer picnic, or fresh littlenecks, claims casino or stuffed quahogs. Pasta with fresh Rhode Island mussels or some wonderfully tender fluke (summer flounder) fillets are great too. And then there’s grilled striped bass, tuna steak and baked cod (scrod), a Rhode Island staple. All of this comes from waters off Rhode Island from Rhode Island fishermen… recreational anglers as well as the commercial and charter fishing industries. These fish are treasures not found off the coast of other states so why not brand our fish… brand them with a reputation as being fresh, wholesome and affordable. Why, because our fish are fresh, wholesome and affordable.

If we enhance awareness about our fish it will create a demand for more Ocean State fresh fish that will cultivate a strong and stable fishery. A stable fishery will have a strong economic impact on our state… on commercial fishing, recreational fishing, tourism and much, much more.

This vision of branding our fish as Ocean State fresh is something I believe we should hang on to. If we lose the vision we will never achieve it. I hope this is where we are headed with our new State Senate Fisheries Task force established to track the status and trends of the recreational, charter and commercial fishing industries in Rhode Island. A task force announcement related that “Commercial and recreational fishing in Rhode Island are important industries that support not only the vessels and fishermen on the water but also fish markets, ship repair shops, ice houses, marinas, restaurants, grocery stores, and dozens of other shore-side businesses.” Fisheries management is a very complex issue. The more I learn, the more I realize I need to learn more. We first need a stable fishery before we try to enhance its image. I hope we do not lose this vision of marketing our fish to ourselves and to others as we continue to work our way through the best way to manage our fishery… something we have been working on for many years.

Task Force Chairwoman Senator Susan Sosnowski said, "This Task Force will work cooperatively with management agencies, educational institutions, environmental organizations, businesses and fishermen to meet the challenges ahead and recommend viable ideas and solutions for protecting the fishing way of life. As a long-time supporter of the commercial and recreational fishing industries, I will continue to work together with my Senate colleagues to ensure high-quality local seafood products are available for all Rhode Islanders' tables."

Senator Sosnowski has gotten off to a good start. She held her first task force meeting on Monday, December 6. Commercial, charter fishing and recreational fishing leaders in Rhode Island attended and testified at the committee meeting. Most of those testifying at the meeting seem to be advocating for an enhanced fishery with state help to market local fish, much like the state helps to market locally grown farm products. Many testifying also seemed to want tougher laws and punishment for those that violate fishing laws. One common complaint was for better research on fish populations as the research is used to manage fisheries in Rhode Island. So if we have little research and data our ability to manage our fishery is hampered.

Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) said when he testified he, “stressed the economic value of recreational fishing ($160 million)… stressed vigilance in maintaining public access and how a little more access is lost every year... how we should not abandon the plan of a pier at Plum Point… and should plan to build one at Rocky Point, … and mentioned artificial reefs and how it could enhance recreational and character fishing, lobster fishing, scuba diving and tourism overall.”.

Rich Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association said, “I am very excited to participate in the Senate Task Force on Fisheries. I think the Task Force will be a great tool to pass along useful and accurate information to the General Assembly, and I am delighted that Senator Pavia-Weed created the group. Senator Sosnowski is a great choice to Chair the Task Force, she has always taken an active role in fisheries issues and is well versed in fisheries management. With a new administration taking office and some very challenging times facing the fishing community ahead, I think the Task Force will prove valuable as we work towards solutions to these challenges.”

In a December 8, 2010 Providence Journal article Chris Brown, president of the Rhode Island Commercial Fisheries Association, said the New England ground fish industry has declined from 1,200 vessels to about 477 in 30 years. But with all the cutbacks in fishing effort, he now expects big increases in fish stocks and catches. He called on the committee to make sure no port areas are converted to condominiums or hotels, because the state is going to need more space to serve the fishing industry as it’s reborn.

The Senate Task Force on Fisheries heard testimony from the executive director of the Department of Environmental Management as well as the Rhode Island Lobsterman’s Association, the Rhode Island Shell fishing Association. Senator Sosnowski and senators on the task force continue to meet with the fishing community to identify key issues and trends. Public comment will be accepted at a time to be announced.

I hope this committee is the start of a State of Rhode Island initiative to not only help identify fishing trends, but an effort that helps market locally harvested fish with the vision to brand our fish as Ocean State fresh. The effort would have a snowball effect that would enhance tourism and our economy in Rhode Island.

Most task force committee persons represent towns that border the Rhode Island coast and they are the senators you should express your point of view to as the committee does its work. Joining Chairwoman Sosnowski on the Task Force are: Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere (R – Dist. 38, Charlestown, Westerly), Senator David E. Bates (R – Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol), Senator Louis P. DiPalma (D – Dist. 12, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton), Senator Walter S. Felag, Jr. (D – Dist. 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren), Senator Michael J. McCaffrey (D – Dist. 29, Warwick), Senator James C. Sheehan (D – Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown) and Senator William A. Walaska (D – Dist. 30, Warwick).

NOAA supports catch shares as fisheries management tool

Dave Pickering, who has landed more than 50,000 striped bass from shore, will be one of the guest speakers at the East Bay Anglers’ Fishing Expo scheduled for Sunday, January 30, 2011. The event will take place at Barrington High School starting at 11:00 a.m. For information visit www.rifishshow.com.

Early last month the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fisheries Service issued a press release announcing a new NOAA policy that encourages the consideration and use of catch shares as a fishery management tool.

Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator said, “NOAA’s policy encourages fishery management councils and stakeholders to explore the design possibilities of catch shares to tailor programs to best meet local needs.” The announcement was met with praise and criticism from the recreational angling community.

What are catch shares?

I have seen a number of definitions… what catch shares use to mean versus what it commonly means today. This week, I checked NOAA’s definition in their recent press release and Wikipedia’s definition.

According to Wikipedia, “The term ‘Catch Share’ has been used more recently to describe the range of programs similar to ITQs (individual transferable quotas). Catch shares expand the concept of daily catch limits to yearlong limits, allow different fishers to have different limits based on various factors, and also limits the total catch. Under catch share approaches, threatened fisheries became sustainable by keeping the totals low enough and enforcing the limits.”

NOAA relates that catch share programs, which include limited access privilege programs and individual fishing quotas, dedicate a secure share of fish to individual fishermen, cooperatives or fishing communities. Catch shares are used in 14 fisheries managed by six fishery management councils from Alaska to Florida and are being developed in additional fisheries. Both here and in other countries, catch shares are helping eliminate overfishing and achieve annual catch limits, improve fishermen’s safety and profits, and reduce the negative biological and economic effects of the race for fish that develops with some traditional fishery management.

Wikipedia relates that, “… a crucial element of catch share systems is how to distribute/allocate the shares and what rights come with them. The initial allocation can be granted or auctioned. Shares can be held permanently (owned) or for a fixed period such as one year (rented). They can be salable and/or leasable or not, with or without limits. Each variation has advantages and disadvantages, which may vary given the culture of a given fishing community.”

The Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC), a coalition of leading advocates for marine, recreation fishing and boating supports many aspects of the new NOAA catch share policy. CCC members include the American Sportfishing Association, The Billfish Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, International Game Fish Association and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

In a CCC press release Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association, said, “It’s clear that NOAA’s leadership was listening at its Recreational Fishing Summit last April when the entire spectrum of the recreational angling community, form guides to tackle manufactures to charter boat operators, voiced its apprehension regarding this policy… A number of significant improvements called for by participants at the summit and in subsequent dialogue with the agency are reflected in this document.”

The recreational fishing community feared catch shares would be applied to individual private recreational anglers. In a recent ESPNOutdoors.com article by Robert Montgomery, Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation, said, "Our No. 1 victory seems to be that the new policy says that Catch Shares has no place in recreational only fisheries,"

In their recent release NOAA sated, “The policy does not advocate individual catch shares for private recreational anglers. Councils will have NOAA support to consider catch share programs for charter boat and head (party) boat sectors to explore recreational catch share programs that could benefit the health of the resource and the charter industry.”

NOAA took public comment and input into consideration in some important guiding principles to the policy including a recommendation that regional fishery management councils periodically revisit allocations (particularly between the commercial and recreational sectors). The fear was that catch shares would underestimate the benefit and economic impact that the recreational industry has vs. the commercial fishery, establish fixed and unchangeable allocations and have anglers chasing an ever decreasing amount of fish in severely declining fisheries with no hope of reallocations.

The practice of changing sector allocations is not new. In fact in the 80’s and 90’s the striped bass fishery in Maryland was severely challenged by a declining and weakened striped bass fishery (just as most of the east coast was). So much so, that a total moratorium was applied as well as “a combination of closures, size changes, creel (bag) limits and quotas to reduce fishing mortality and promote spawning stock recovery.” said Harley Speir, former assistant director, Maryland Fisheries Service and former Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management council member.

Spear said,”…in the early 1990’s (they) separated the recreational fishing sector into charter boat and private recreational sectors as we reopened the striped bass fishery. The sectors would have separate harvest quotas and different seasons and creel limits. …We managed the two sectors for five full seasons before merging the two again.”

When coming out of moratorium private recreational anglers and recreational anglers fishing on for-hire charter boats had different allocations to help bolster the charter fishing industry. Once the striped bass fishery rebounded, allocations were revisited and changed allowing both private recreational anglers and recreational anglers fishing on charter boats a two fish/person/day limit (similar to what exists in Rhode Island today). The sector separation and reallocations were a success for private recreational anglers, the charter fishing industry and the striped bass fishery which rebounded to sustainable levels.

One group that has consistently been opposed to catch shares is the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). "We've fought too hard and for too long to keep this Catch Shares policy out of our sector. We cannot let NOAA continue to ramrod this policy through (regional fishery management) councils in direct contradiction to the wishes of our fishing community," said Jim Donofrio, executive director, in the recent ESPN.com story.

The idea of catch shares as outlined by NOAA in their new policy seems to be a good management tool for some of the challenges our fisheries face. So far, the case studies I have read lead me to believe that catch shares work with controls customized for specific management areas. It promotes conservation, responsible harvesting and yet allows fishing businesses to be run more efficiently and effectively. It fosters a sense of community between participating fishermen. It is proven to allow fishing communities to flourish rather than die a slow death as we have all witnessed with many past and present policies.

The right or privilage to fish

David Westfall out of Warwick Cove, RI caught this ten pound tautog at Kettle Bottom Rock off Jamestown, RI.

Rhode Islanders have a constitutional right to fish. It dates back to 1844. “The people shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery, and the privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the charter and usages of this state. But no new right is intended to be granted, or any existing right impaired, by this declaration.” (Rhode Island Constitution, Article 1, Section 17, 1844).

Last week, three more states Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee approved constitutional rights to hunt and fish. This brings the total number of states to thirteen that have a constitutional right to fish and hunt. Additionally, two states, Rhode Island and California, guarantee the right to fish only. So that is a grand total of fifteen states that constitutionally guarantee the right to fish. One other state, Arizona, rejected a right to hunt and fish amendment on their November 2^nd ballot. The Humane Society of the United States spent $250,000 to defeat the effort with additional support from the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Animal Defense League of Arizona. These groups collectively outspent supporting groups by two to one to defeat the effort in Arizona.

Why are states passing right to fish and hunt amendments?

States have made fishing (and hunting) constitutional amendments because citizens fear that animal rights groups may someday successfully sue to shut down a fishery or hunting. Hunters also fear anti-hunter litigation from gun control supporters who may someday try to shut down hunting seasons. And, here in Rhode Island, anglers have always advocated for “access” and “rights of way” to the water to fish and fear that coastal towns and property owners would deny them access or make it difficult to fish with no available parking in the immediate area.

What do we mean by conservation?

In a recent article, New York Times environmental writer Erick Eckholm said many have struggled over the definition of the word “conservation”. The differences in the interpretation of the word’s meaning have created conflicting views about the right or privilege to fish and hunt.

Eckholm relates that what Teddy Roosevelt meant by the word “conservation” was “wise use”. That is the wise use of a resource by protecting habitat and preserving resources but also managing them in a scientific way for recreational and economic benefits. However, this definition of conservation can be conflicting. For example, many citizens support the wilderness areas, yet doubling the take of does in a place where deer are overrunning the landscape (like our islands in MA and RI). Eckholm said, “A fly-fishing group in Arizona, (is another) example, (they) helped impose restrictions that saved a native trout species” but yet endorsed “the proposal on the ballot… to enshrine hunting and fishing rights in the constitution.”

I believe it is OK to support the preservation of a species (like striped bass) yet advocate for the right to fish. I like Roosevelt’s definition of conservation. Anglers and hunters can both protect the environment, and fish and hunt responsibly. As Roosevelt said... conservation is the wise use of a resource by protecting it yet using it for recreational and economic benefit.

But do we really have the right to fish in Rhode Island or is it a privilege?

Rhode Islanders, as in other states do not have a right to fish with no restrictions. We have safeguards to protect species so they are sustainable at healthy levels. In fact, the right to fish and hunt amendment, which Tennesseans approved November 2^nd has safeguards built in. The amendment reads, “The citizens of this state shall have the personal right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable regulations and restrictions prescribed by law. The recognition of this right does not abrogate any private or public property rights, nor does it limit the state’s power to regulate commercial activity. Traditional manners and means may be used to take non-threatened species.”

So although we may have a constitutional right to fish in Rhode Island and in fourteen other states, it is more like a privilege in that you must observe state and federal laws that protect the fishery. You must also pay a fee for a fresh or saltwater license to fish.

EPA denies petition that sought a ban on lead in fishing gear

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture, use and processing of lead in fishing gear. The EPA indicated that the petitioners have not demonstrated that the requested rule is necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Local teen wins Junior World Championship Bassmaster title

In a hotly contested Junior Bassmaster World Championship, Chris Catucci of Warwick, RI (a Hendricken High School student), recently captured the 11 to 14 age group Junior World Championship title. Bass Publications reports that Catucci managed a 5-pound, 12-once bass to win, which earned him a $5,000 scholarship. This is a very big national tournament. Congratulations Chris!

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing off southern Rhode Island coastal beaches was very good this week. Angler Chris Jalbert reports catching striped bass 20” to 34” using surface plugs off Green Hill and Moonstone beaches. Both striped bass and blue fish were feeding on the surface from Newport to Watch Hill. Al Conti of Sung Harbor Bait & Tackle reports a good bass bite on Block Island this week. Stripers still biting on eels, tube and work and umbrella rigs. Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle in Warwick, said, “The cool water has slowed the striped bass bite in the Bay.” Hopefully a little bit of warmer weather will enhance the striped bass bite.

Tautog fishing was good this week. David Westfall and Frank Joyal had a great day of tautog fishing at Kettle Bottom Rock off Jamestown. David said, “The best bite was in the 55 foot depth range… (green crabs) with peeled shell and cut in half worked best… Every fish we caught was a keeper. Frank’s biggest was over six pounds and mine was just over ten pounds.” I fished Coddington Cove missing the best part of an outgoing tide last week but managed to catch two nice keepers and about eight shorts. Striped bass were in the area along the wall as I saw several swirls while tautog fishing.

Black sea bass season opened this week and the few reports are good. Tom Pelletier said he, “Fished for sea bass with Ron Enright aboard the Nomad on Tuesday at Nebraska Shoals. Along with full limits of sea bass, we also boated monster scup, winter flounder, fluke, cod, bluefish and tautog. We used sea clams, squid, bucktails and, especially effective, the 2½-ounce Point Jude PoJees.”

Senator Whitehouse gets to know charter fishing industry challenges

September, 13, 2010

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (right) on the charter boat Priority Too talks about challenges facing the charter fishing industry with Rick Bellavance (left), president of the RI Party & Charter Boat Association.

Last week I had the opportunity to ride along on Priority Too Charters out of Galilee with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on board. The Senator was trying to obtain firsthand knowledge about challenges facing the charter and party boat industry and possible solutions. Issues discussed on the trip were varied, but one thing was clear… the Senator is an advocate for our oceans, Narragansett Bay and fishermen and is determined to make the most informed decisions as he possibly can.

Captain Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association (RIPCBA), said one of the issues facing the charter and party boat industry is how it is classified by the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The Department regulates recreational fishing and commercial fishing in Rhode Island, however, the charter and party industry is different than both. Captain Bellavance said, “We take people recreational fishing but we are commercial in nature in that we have to plan our business to catch species that are available at any given time.” For example you cannot catch summer flounder in the winter.

Another example of this is tautog fishing, a species targeted by anglers in the spring and fall and one that had a mid-season regulation change this year. The new recreational fishing regulation reduced the bag limit to six fish in the fall per angler per day, but the new regulation added a ten fish per boat limit. So if five anglers were fishing on a vessel they could catch just ten fish or two fish per person. This regulation would have put an end to charter boat fishing in the fall for tautog. No one is going to pay the charter fee (usually around $500 to $600 for a half day for six people) for the right to catch two tautog. The compromise was to treat the charter industry differently. They now can take eight fish per day per person in the fall (likely to go to six next year) but agreed to a one fish per person limit in other parts of the season. This will allow charter boats to fish for other species when they are available and focus on their tautog limit when other species are not biting. The compromise respected the need for a limit reduction in that charter boats can only take one fish per person per day throughout the year with an enhanced limit in the fall. This will reduce the total number of fish taken, yet preserve the fall fishing season for the industry.

Captain Bellavance said, “… managing the charter and party industry along with the private angler is very difficult. I believe our needs are different and we should be managed in a way that allows us the best economic potential while also being accountable and conservation minded.”
The RI Saltwater Angler Association’s economic impact study reported recreation fishing has a $160-million impact on the state with 50% of this coming from out of state anglers. Recreational fishing and charter fishing have a big economic impact on the state so it is to our advantage to enhance both while respecting the environment and conservation.




Artificial reef committee meeting
Any RI Saltwater Angler Association member interested in establishing artificial reefs is welcome to join the artificial reef committee and attend a meeting Thursday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. Send an e-mail to Richard Hittinger, chairman, at rhittinger@allianceenvironmentalgroup.com .

Coast Guard to considers discontinuing Block Island North Light
The Coast Guard is considering discontinuing Block Island North Light. Interested mariners are encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either in person or through organizations. All comments will be considered and are request by September 28, 2010. E-mails can be sent to mark.e.ferreira@uscg.mil and faxes to 617.223.8291.

Summer Flounder Advisory Panel Meeting
DEM will hold a Summer Flounder Advisory Panel meeting Tuesday, September 21, 6:00 p.m. at the URI Narragansett Bay Campus, OSEC room 115, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI. For more information contact Jason McNamee at 401.423.1943.

Where’s the bite
Striped bass fishing remains good around Block Island with nice fish being taken on the Southwest side. Captain John Sheriff reports landing bass in the 30 lb. range in 35 to 54 feet of water drifting eels this weekend. Angler Keith Turner reports a school bass bite at Black Point, Narragansett in the early morning using a 1 oz. Kastmaster (seven school bass up to 22” were caught and released) early in the a.m. Striped bass fishing was good Friday on Block Island as well. Fish between 25 to 40 lbs were taken by the charter boat Priority Too.

Bluefish bite continues to improve in the Bay and off Block Island. I spotted pods of fish surfacing near Coddington Cove, anglers off Block Island are catching big blues using tube & worm and parachute jigs. Captain Robb Roach of Kettlebottom Outfitters, Jamestown, reported a good fly fishing trip this Sunday for blues off the north end of Prudence and Patience Islands and then off Narragansett Beach.

Off-shore tuna fishing was not good last week. Captain Rick Bellavance said, “The Tuna fishing can't get any worse. I am hopeful as the tide slows down towards the end of the month, things will improve.” Shark fishing remains good with blue sharks and makos being taken.
Bottom fishing for scup and sea bass is very good around Block Island. Reports of keeper sea bass being caught near the Newport Bridge on the Jamestown side this Saturday and just north of the bridge. Anglers Rich and Gisele Golembeski caught a 26” fluke and a 2.9 lb scup, the largest they have ever seen off Block Island this weekend. Tautog fishing is encouraging. I did some test fishing for tautog at Coddington Cove and caught a nice 21” tautog. Divers working the area related they saw many large tautog in the area, this is a good sign, hope things heat up in the next three to four weeks.

False Albacore bite is good. Reports of fish being taken off Pont Judith and along southern coastal beaches. Rich and Gisele Golembeski each caught fish using a silver needle eel and a green Deadly Dick.

Fishing license, new regulations and tautog season all in play this week

Captain Dave caught two tautog this Sunday at Coddington Cove in Middletown, RI. This 22’ fish took a green crab in about 15 feet of water right on top of the jetty.

This was a busy week for saltwater fishing. Rhode Island’s fishing license law took effect Friday, April 16 along with new 2010 fishing regulations. A new volunteer electronic recreational saltwater fishing logbook was announced by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Thursday, April 15 was the start of the tautog season.

State saltwater fishing license
The license is available online at http://www.saltwater.ri.gov/ and will be sold at bait shops starting June 1. The cost is $7 per year for RI residents and $10 per year for non-residents. There is a temporary 7-day license available for $5. The license is free for anglers over 65 years of age and for active military personnel stationed in Rhode Island.
No license is required for anglers under 16 years of age, for anglers fishing on licensed party and charter boats, for anglers who are on leave from active military duty, and for anglers who are blind or permanently disabled.

The RI license enables the holder to fish in RI and federal waters as well as in all state marine waters throughout southern New England and other states that have reciprocal agreements.
The license program is designed to improve the quality of marine recreation fishing data which will in turn help insure that recreational fishing regulations are fair and based on sound science. Data from RI and other states will be put into a national data base allowing the new Marine Recreational Information Program to survey current fishermen.

Here is the part I like… all of Rhode Island’s saltwater license fees will be put in a restricted account and can only be used for marine recreational fishing such as program administration, to improve the management of Rhode Island’s marine recreational fisheries or to enhance recreational fishing access.. This law is good. It was written by DEM in conjunction with the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association.

2010 saltwater fishing regulations
New 2010 saltwater fishing regulations have been announced by DEM The regulations govern fishing for summer flounder, black sea bass, scup, and weakfish (there are no changes for striped bass or tautog); commercial regulations were also announced. Visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/ for details, here are some highlights.

Summer flounder: The season opens on May 1 and runs through December 31. The minimum size is 19.5”, possession limit remains at 6 fish/person/day.

Black sea bass: Season runs from May 22 through September 12. The minimum size is 12.5”, possession limit remains at 25 fish/person/day.

Scup: The fishery has two modes. For the general mode (everyone except those fishing on party and charter boats), the season runs from May 24 to September 26. The minimum size remains at 10.5” with a 10 fish/person/day catch limit. For the party and charter boat mode the minimum size is 11”; the season runs from June 8 to September 6 with a 10 fish/person/day. The possession limit then increases to 40 fish/person/day from September 7 through October 11.

Weakfish: The fishery remains open year-round, and the minimum size remains at 16”. However, the daily possession limit is t 1 fish/person/day).

Striped bass: The regulations for 2010 are the same as last year: a year-round season, a 2 fish/person/day possession limit, and a 28” minimum size.

Tautog: The regulations are the same as last year: 16” minimum size, the season opens on April 15 at a 3 fish/person/day possession limit, then closes for the month of June, and then reopens from July 1 through October 16 at 3 fish/person/day, increasing to 8 fish/person/day from October 17 through December 15.

New volunteer electronic recreational saltwater fishing logbook

DEM’s Marine Fisheries Program and the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program has developed a volunteer electronic recreational saltwater fishing logbook. Information is presented in graphic and tabular format. Anglers will be able to see their catch history in real time. For more information and to sign up go to http://www.saltwater.ri.gov/ .

Where’s the bite

Tautog season opened April 15. Several fish caught at Spindle Rock and Ohio Ledge said Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait and Tackle in Warwick. I stopped by to see Ken for the first time since he was out ill at the end of last season and he is doing well. Ken is an outstanding angler and bait and tackle shop owner. He has helped thousands of anglers with good advice including me. Nice to have you back Ken. I caught two tautog Sunday at Coddington Cove, Middletown (one was 22”). Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, reports a slow tautog bite in the Bay but off-shore fishing is good with thirty fish being taken off Westport. Dave said that turbulent water with a lot of particles is not good for tautog fishing. It keeps the fish off shore in deeper water.

Striped bass season is underway. Steve McKenna of Cranston and an employee of Quaker Lane Outfitters reports an outstanding school bass bite at the West Wall in Narragansett. Most were caught in the late afternoon and just before dark. The fish were primarily caught on three and four inch pearl Cocohoe minnows and the new Bomber mud minnow in the four inch model. Both soft plastics were fitted on ½ lead head jigs for casting weight. Steve said, “There is a lot of bait in the area. More bait than I have ever seen in many a year.” This is encouraging, especially since Steve has been one of Rhode Island’s best shore striper fishermen for over 30 years. Craig Castro of Erickson’s bait & Tackle, Warwick, reports customers catching school bass off Chepiwanoxet Point, Warwick using soft plastic baits.

Freshwater bite remains good. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait and Tackle reports a good trout bite at Carbuncle Pond and all ponds/lakes stocked by DEM… Lincoln Woods, Silver Spring Lake and others noted on DEM’s web site (http://www.dem.ri.gov/ ).

Ten Favorite Ways to Catch Striped Bass (4/28/09)

10. Trolling with umbrella rigs. Like to use this technique trolling in deeper parts of Narragansett Bay, off Newport or Block Island with a variety of squid, shad, worm or eel umbrella rigs. Hook two or three fish at the same time and you are in for a very memorable ride.

9. Casting plastic shad swim baits. Many anglers love this technique and use it most often with success in the spring.

8. Buck tail jigs with pork rind squid strips. Have had success with this method to get under schools of blue fish to get at the striped bass on the bottom.

7. Live eels. Used by shore or boat anglers, some fishing guides use this as their primary method to catch killer stripers. Hook the eel through the mouth and out an eye. Going between the eyes usually kills the bait.

6. Live menhaden. Snag the live bait with a weighted treble hook. Hook the bait through the bridge of the nose, find the pod of fish again and put the live menhaden back into the pod of bait and let it swim. Used when menhaden are running strong, particularly up the Providence River in early spring.

5. Chucking fresh or frozen menhaden. Can anchor or fish moving bait pods with chunks. Can chum with chucks and pieces too. Some anglers use a weight slider to get the bait down to the striped bass.

4. Surface plugs. Have caught hundreds of school bass in the spring using surface plugs of all types.

3. Swimming lures. Great way to catch fish in coves, on rivers, etc. My friend Jim swears by Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows.

2. Parachute squid jigs. Often used in ocean water (where there are squid). Anglers successfully use this method off Newport and Block Island.

1. Trolling with tube and worm. I have had great success using lead line on the Bay with red tubes. Hugely successful on the Southwest ledge off Block Island with 300 ft. of wire line out in 40 to 50 feet of water and using amber tubes.
There are other ways to catch striped bass. So e-mail me your favorite method(s) and we will share it with others.

New Proposed Fishing Regulations
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has proposed amendments to Marine Fisheries Regulations (both recreational and commercial) for several salt water species at a public hearing on Wednesday, April 22 at the URI Bay Campus. For a complete list of proposed regulation changes visit DEM’s Fish & Wildlife Web site at www.dem.ri.gov./progrmas/bnatres/fishwild/ .

At the meeting, DEM related a change in recreational summer flounder regulations necessary to properly manage the fishery. With input from fishermen and the industry, DEM’s Fish and Wildlife Division developed six different summer flounder recreational fishing regulation change options. Option four was the most popular option at the meeting. The proposed regulation increased the size to 21” (from 20”), reduced the per person per day bag limit from seven to six, and reduced the recreational fishing season for summer flounder from year round to June 13 through December 31.

Richard Hittinger, board member of the Rhode Island Salt Water Anglers Association and a recreational representative to the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council said regulations are a balance between the season, size and bag limits. “Each of the options presented had pluses and minuses, but option four seemed to make the most sense”.

Acting Marine & Wildlife director Mark Gibson related that DEM director, W. Michael Sullivan, will review the proposed change options, public comments and will develop recommendations. The Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council will then vote on recommended changes.
My guess is that the approved changes will not be in effect before the summer flounder start to bite. But keep your eyes and ears open because regulations will likely change as the season progresses.

Where’s the bite
Striped bass. A lot of bait fish around the mouth of the Barrington River and at Rumstick Point, however no stripers. Ken Ferrara from Ray’s Bait & Tackle related customers caught fish using frozen herring chucks at Mill Cove near Conimicut Point. Angler Mike Shepard from Newport reports no striped bass around this weekend. Craig Mancini from Continental Bait & Tackle in Cranston said school stripers are being reported in and around the mouth of Narrow River. Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle (Coventry/Providence/Bristol) reported Bob Oberg continues to catch stripers (31 this week) trolling in this kayak with tube and worm on the Thames River in CT. I fished Green River, Greenwich Bay and Greenwich Cove with no luck this past weekend. The water is warming up, bait is more visible so conditions are right for striped bass to start appearing soon.

Tautog action slow this past week in the Bay and off Newport. Gary Leatherberry of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle in Warwick related that when the apple blossoms appear the tautog appear too, so tautog should be here soon.
Fluke. No fluke bite reported. See proposed DEM regulation changes above.
Fresh water bite still good. Anglers still catching fish at a variety of ponds, again not their limit but some nice fish. A lot of largemouth bass were taken this weekend at Meshanicut Lake reports Craig Mancini of Continental Bait & Tackle.

Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shell fishing on Narragansett Bay for over 40 years. He holds a captain’s master license. Your fishing photos with captions, stories, comments and questions are welcome… there’s more than one way to catch a fish so e-mail Captain Dave at ­­­dmontifish@verizon.net .

Photo Caption A
Eric Appolonia of North Kingstown and I caught monster striped bass this fall using wire line and amber colored tube and worm on Block Island’s Southwest ledge. The largest fish that day was 46” and 40 lbs.

Photo Caption B
Angler Jim Malachowski of Cranston displays a 36” striped bass caught last spring using live menhaden on the Providence River.