Warm winter water holding bait and fish

Tommy Pelto of Tiverton, RI with one of the menhaden he snagged in the Providence River last week.  Warm water has encouraged bait fish to stay in Rhode Island waters in larger numbers than normal this year.

Dolphins in Narragansett Bay like these seen off Jamestown, RI in the fall two years ago were rare.  This year many dolphin sightings were reported.  Warm water has caused bait fish, tuna, striped bass and dolphins to be around in large numbers this year.

Warm winter water holding bait and fish

“I sat there on Beavertail Point, Jamestown with a pair of binoculars looking toward Narragansett Beach. What I saw was astounding, fish after fish, bluefin tuna jumping, one here, and then two over there.” said Captain Jim White. The odd thing is that it was the end of January, 2012.

With many documented reports of tuna, menhaden, and striped bass in Narragansett Bay this winter it made me wonder why. The answer seemed obvious... the weather and the water temperature has been warmer than normal. In fact the Bay temperature has been heating up for nearly forty years, but this is a lot warmer than usual.

How warm you ask? Well it used to be very cold. In 1740 Rhode Island Governor William Green of Warwick said in a note “… the Narragansett Bay was soon frozen over, and the people passed and repassed from Providence to Newport on the ice, and from Newport to Bristol”(Upkike, 1907).

The crew of the Brenton Reef lightship measured water temperature at the mouth of Narragansett Bay every day from July 1878 through January 1942. In the coldest winter recorded (1917-18) the water temperature from December through February was 33.2 F. The average for the whole period of their record (64 years) is much warmer at 39.1 F. (Nixon, Granger and Buckley, The Warming of Narragansett Bay, 2003).

However, even this temperature of 39.1 F is far from the warmer water temperatures recorded this Sunday, February 12, 2012… Conimicut Point, 45 F; Newport, 42 F; and Block Island, 46 F.

I mentioned Newport and Jamestown as this is where bluefin tuna have been crashing schools of herring this winter and a number of dolphins have been spotted off these shores and further into the Bay. And, I mention Conimicut Light because from the Light all the way up the Providence River schools of Atlantic Menhaden have been around all winter along with an unusually large amount of striped bass that recreational anglers have been catching.

This week I asked Jason McNamee, marine biologist, Marine Fisheries Division of the RI Department of Environmental Management his thoughts on the appearance of menhaden, striped bass, tuna and warm water this winter and here is what he had to say.

Jason McNamee said, “… Yes, this is all strange indeed. Our trawl survey has been seeing these menhaden as well, which is quite unique relative to other years. Just as a quick, off the cuff type response, the warm winter we are having has provided an adequate temperature for these species to stay, and survive, over the winter. The bluefin that were spotted (and caught in some instances) I’d say were directly related to the herring population that came in to our area waters. It is a well researched hypothesis that there is a strong correlation between bluefin tuna and strong water density gradients and I have heard people indicate that there was a rapid change in water temperature from inshore to offshore this winter, thus creating a density gradient. What happens at these density gradients is that you get a collection of things like plankton, so species like herring and menhaden will take advantage of the collection of food by schooling and feeding in these areas, and species like striped bass and tuna take advantage of the aggregation of their food source….It has been a very interesting winter to say the least.”

I have to wonder what this might mean for fishing this spring and summer. There is no doubt we can start to fish earlier in the upper portion of the Bay as we can continue to fish the bass that have decided to stay as anglers have done all winter. Also, one might think that our coastal waters, the Bay and estuaries that are holding more bait than usually for this time of year would attract new migrating striped bass more than usual too. We will just have to wait and see.

However, I am also interested in what effect this warm winter water might have on the fish in the summer. We know warm water, excessive nutrients and low oxygen levels have had devastating effects (fish kills) in the summer in the upper portions of the Bay, particularly Greenwich Bay and Cove (see Fish need oxygen too at http://noflukefishing.blogspot.com/2011/07/fish-need-oxyen-too.html ).

Again, we will just have to wait and see.

Shallow Water Striper University Cancelled

Captain Jim White has canceled Shallow Water Striper University scheduled for February 18 and 19. Captain White said, “Advanced registrations were slow so we had to cancel the two day event.”

Let your voice be heard, attend public hearing on fishing regulations

Wednesday, February 22, Public Hearing. 6:00 p.m., URI Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium. Agenda to include proposed changes to the Management Plans for most salt water species including fluke, striped bass, tautog, menhaden, scup and more.

Capt. Dave Monti and Chef Ralph Battista to speak about fluke at RISAA seminar

Two topics, fluke (summer flounder) fishing tips and fluke cooking tips will be featured at the Monday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) meeting this month. Capt. Dave Monti of No Fluke Fishing charters and noted local fishing columnist will share fluke fishing tips from expert guides, charter captains and anglers. Chef Ralph Battista, owner of Luigi’s Restaurant and Gourmet Express, Johnston, RI will share fluke cooking tips. When not cooking at his restaurant Ralph spends time with his family aboard his boat Hook’n & Cook’n. RISAA members can bring a friend at no charge; non-members are asked to make a $10 donation. Seminar starts at 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick, RI with optional dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.risaa.org for details.

Where’s the bite

Cod fishing on both the Seven B’s (1.800.371.fish) and Francis Fleet (1.800.662.2824) vessels has been good. Larry Norin filed this report on a cod trip he took last Thursday aboard the Island Current out of Snug Harbor. “We left the dock around 5 a.m. and headed to the East Grounds off BI. About 15-20 total people on board. One Captain, two mates, about ten regulars and a few first timers. … We dropped the first clams down while on anchor around 6:30 a.m. Bent rods all over the place with mostly dogfish and the occasional Cod. We moved and re-anchored on the structure and got away from the Dogs. We moved one other time and headed west and very close to the island. It was a slowish pick all day. I managed four dogfish (most caught way more) two conger eels and twelve cod, two were released that were 21 inches the rest were 24-28 inches.”

Big fish set pace for fall fishing season

Chris Catucci of Warwick, RI with the five pound freshwater bass he caught in New Hampshire last week.

Steve Smith (left) and his daughter Rayell of Waterbury, CT with two of the twelve fluke (summer flounder) they caught at the Newport Bridge while fishing No Fluke Charters.

The crew of the charter boat Hot Reels lays the massive 534 pound swordfish on top of the “Coffin Box” with the bill and tail hanging out either end. They normally fit two large sized tuna in this fish box.

Captain Louis DeFusco with the 434-pound record swordfish he caught while fishing on his character boat Hot Reels. The fish, which beat the old Rhode Island record by 120 pounds, took three and a half hours to land.

Big fish set pace for fall fishing season

“The first midsized giant bluefin of the season was caught last Saturday weighing 263 pounds.” said Elisa Jackman of Snug Harbor Marina in South Kingstown. The bluefin was caught at the Mud Hole by Frank Busher of Portsmouth, RI aboard the vessel Bushwhacker. It is hoped that this is the first fish of many for the season.
Jackman continued to say, “The record breaking 434 pound broadbill swordfish caught last Thursday by Captain Louis DeFusco of West Warwick, RI fought for three and half hours.” The swordfish was caught at the Hydrographer Canyon aboard his charter boat Hot Reels which is out of Point Judith, RI. It broke the Rhode Island record by 120 pounds which was held by Web Goodwin of Warwick who caught a 314 pound swordfish in 1964.
Here is Captain Lois DeFusco’s account of the final minutes of the fight (visit www.hot-reels.com for the full account.) Captain DeFusco said, “…Christian readied the harpoon and basket and brought it over to Lou. The fish came up to the surface and made a move towards the stern, I cut the wheel hard into the direction of the fish’s spin giving Lou a wide open shot with the harpoon. He took the harpoon in one hand with the rod still in the other and nailed the fish Spartan style while I simultaneously sunk a flying gaff near its tail, it wasofficially lights out.”
NOAA using new methodology to analysis catch estimates
The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) is evaluating new catch estimates calculated using an improved, peer-reviewed methodology developed in consultation with a team of NOAA and external experts. In a press release last week NOAA said the new estimation method - which will produce revised estimates of catch dating back to 2004 - will yield more accurate estimates by eliminating numerous sources of potential bias. NOAA related that potential bias will be eliminated in three ways. First, “By aligning the statistical formulas we use to calculate catch estimates with the way in which we have collected catch data in the field; second, by appropriately weighting data to account for sampler discretion in surveying alternate sites; and third, by dropping alternate mode data chosen at samplers' discretion, which cannot be properly weighted.”
NOAA scientists are carefully evaluating the new preliminary estimates to provide an in-depth analysis of the numbers and gain a better understanding of their implications.

ASMFC accepts Regional Tautog Plan submitted by RI and MA
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Tautog Management Board accepted a Massachusetts and Rhode Island plan that may mean we will not need to take a reduction in tautog for the 2012 season.
Most states will face a 53 percent reduction in fishing mortality rate. Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association (and an ASMFC legislative proxy) said, “The mandatory reporting conducted by the charter industry in Rhode Island last year helped to improve the accuracy of the data that was used in the plan. This data helped lead the Technical Committee to accept the MA/RI plan.”
Bluefish recipe
Brian Woodward an avid Rhode Island angle and active Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association member shared the follow bluefish recipe. Brain said, “I take the fillets and trim off the dark meat. I coat them generously with Emeril’s Bayou Blast Seasoning (no brining). I smoke them for two hours keeping watch not to dry them too much. They are awesome for breakfast with scrambled eggs, or with a glass of wine in the evening.”

Pawtuxet Falls dam removal begins
Removal of the Pawtuxet Falls dam is underway. The contractor, SumCo, is preparing the staging areas. The project received preliminary approval last week from RIDEM regarding water control plans. This will be the largest dam removal project in the state's history. The $600,000 project is a collaboration between state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations like the Pawtuxet River Authority and Watershed Council.
The dam removal is intended to give fish species, such as American shad and river herring, better access to their historical spawning areas. Demolishing the dam is also expected to reduce flood risks by lowering water levels in areas immediately upstream. The initiative is supported by RISAA.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female tautog
A lot of discussion occurred this week on the RISAA blog about how to tell the difference between a male and female tautog. Steve Medeiros, president of RISAA said, “Males get darker as they get older, plus they get a more pronounced forehead and the area under the mouth to the gills becomes white. They are called "white chinners. Females don't have the pronounced forehead or the white chin. Their coloring isn't as dark, but that's not always the case since a lot of fish will have variable coloring often matching their surroundings.”
Where’s the bite
Freshwater fishing has been slow. Chris Catucci of Warwick said, “I fished Waterman's Lake in Gloucester Saturday and only caught three bass all of them in the 13 to 14 inch range on fluke type baits.”
Striped bass. Al Conti of Snug Harbor Marina reports a good striped bass bite around Block Island with good sized fish being taken at the north rip and the southeast and southwest sides of the Island. During the day fish taking diamond jigs on wire and at night eels are the bait of choice. Striped bass fishing in the Bay is actually improving. Mike Swain of Coventry said he and fishing partner Darrell Hatten were fluke fishing at Conimicut Point and cauth a 33 inch striped bass while fluke fishing. John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle of East Providence said, “Customers continue to catch bass using worms at Sabin Point, I’ll bet 30 to 40 fish were caught in the past three or four days.” Both Mike Swain and John Littlefield said schools of menhaden have appeared in the upper Bay this past week. This is a good sign for fall fishing.
Fluke fishing remains good off Newport, Point Judith and in the lower part of Narragansett Bay around the Newport Bridge. Steve Proctor and associate at John’s Bait & Tackle in North Kingstown said, “Customers are catching fluke in the Bay with an outstanding scup bite in the lower Bay too.” However, fluke fishing along the coastal shores from Watch Hill to Galilee is slow with “A lot of shorts begin caught.” said Al Conti of Sung Harbor Marina. Shorts being caught by shore anglers too. Chris Catucci of Warwick said, “Fluke have been tough to catch at Fort Wetherill and the ones you catch are shorts.”
Scup bite excellent at the bridges and in from shore at Colt State Park in Bristol said John Littlefield.
Tuna fishing at Cox’s Ledge and beyond is still mixed… some days good… other days not so good.

Fishing after storms can be good

Very nice fish: Don Smith, a long time Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association member, caught this 10.35 lb fluke (summer flounder) while fishing off Block Island last week.

Fishing after storms has historically been good, particularly good for shore, near coastal and Bay fishermen. Anytime you can get close to inlets, the shore or underwater structure you will do well. Fishing is good at inlets and outflows because water levels are high due to rain, abnormally high tides and heavy surf. Once turbid water rushes out of rivers, bays, and inlets, bait that may have sought refuge up inlets gets tossed around as they leave for open water where larger fish are waiting.

Other contributing factors to good fishing after storms are geography and storm patterns. For example, with storms coming out on the north and northeast bait, crabs, etc. get pushed to the opposite shoreline or get hung up on ridges. Fish the opposite shoreline after a storm and you are more likely to catch fish because the bait is there said Steve McKenna of Cranston and an associate at Quaker Lane Outfitters in North Kingstown. Steve continued, “I like to fish the fist clearing wind after a big storm once the sea settles down a bit… I caught my last three 40 lb. striped bass after storms.”

I asked Captain Rich Hittinger for his thoughts about fishing conditions after a storm. Captain Hittinger said, “The fluke (were) back at North Rip (Block Island) since last Tuesday. But, things will change after the storm … At this time of year storms have sometimes sent the fluke packing to deeper water with no significant bite until the following spring. It also can chase the giant tuna out of here for the season, but we can only wait and see what happens. In any case the scup, sea bass, and stripers will still be here after the storm, but it may take a few days before they settle back into a feed.”

I plan to put these “fishing after a storm” strategies to the test and will keep you posted.

How gubernatorial candidates stand on recreational fishing issues
Recently the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) asked all eight gubernatorial candidates their thoughts on five issues important to recreational anglers. All candidates except Ronald Algieri (Independent) replied. The five issues included questions on: artificial reefs; the Weaver Cove LNG Project; public access to the shoreline ; the Jamestown Bridge fishing pier; and support of the existing no sales tax on boats law.

I carefully read and re-read candidate responses and have to report that candidates responded but many did not commit or they committed to support an issue with conditions. Details on their responses can be found on the RISAAA website in their September newsletter at www.risaa.org . Here is a summary as to how I interpreted candidate response… many support RISAA and fishermen but four candidates stood out with their responses supporting most angler issues unconditionally. Kenneth Block (Moderate), Frank Caprio (Democrat), Lincoln Chafee (Independent), and Victor Moffitt (Republican) were supportive to recreational fishermen’s concerns. I urge you to read candidate responses on the RISAA web site and decide for yourself.

Where’s the bite
Off-shore fishing was good prior to the storm last week. Angler Mark Pietros reports on the RISAA blog that he had all the cod fishing action he could handle last week along with haddock, Pollock and “the biggest hake” he ever caught. He fished in 220 feet of water at Stellwagon which is in the eastern edge of Massachusetts Bay off Race Point between Cape Cod and Cape Ann. Captain Rick Bellavance of Priority Too Charters reported catching a 300 lb. blue shark at the Mud Hole and said that two boats hooked-up with bluefin tuna. The vessel Tuna Tangler landed their fish and Duck Soup (who caught a nice fish a couple of weeks ago) lost their fish after a long battle as it got dark.
Bluefish. Captain Rick Bellavance reported plenty of bluefish at the north end of Block Island as well as some huge scup and black sea bass around Clayhead, Block Island.
Black sea bass fishing off Newport was good early Monday (see fishing after the storms article above) for those who fished the outgoing tide, once the tide switched to an incoming tide the bite slowed right down. Keeper fish that I caught Monday (and as reported by Paul Tower on the RISAA blog) were coughing ups small 3 inch lobsters, they must of really had the feed bag on.
Bay fishing was very slow this week as water heated up again to over 75 degrees in some areas. Let’s hope the storm and following weather cools the water and the fish come back.
Fresh water fishing for bass is good. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle in Warwick reports customers are doing well fishing for bass in RI ponds and lakes. “This is tournament season and several customers came is this week getting ready for tournaments in MA, RI and CT”, said Castro.