Al Anderson inducted into IGFA Hall of Fame

 A first for New England: Capt. Al Anderson (left), skipper of the Galilee based charter boat Prowler, is inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) Hall of Fame for his fish tagging conservation efforts. Rob Kramer, IGFA president with Al at the induction ceremony.

Three generations:  Mike Bucko (center), owner of Bucko’s Tackle Service, Fall River, spoke last week on reel maintenance and repair at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association seminar.  Mike Bucko flanked by his son and father (both named Joe) have been in business since 1978.

Al Anderson inducted into IGFA Hall of Fame

Al Anderson, captain of the Galilee based charter boat Prowler, was inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) World Fishing Hall of Fame for his career tagging of nearly 60,000 game fish for science, along with his work as an author. He is the first New England charter captain ever to be so honored by the IGFA.  Anderson became a USCG Licensed charter captain in 1967, and credits his clients who supported his “conservation for science” ethic by assisting with his fish tagging activities.

Anderson has won five conservation awards for this tagging of bluefin tuna, striped bass and other species.  In 2010 he received the American Littoral Society (ALS) Conservation Award for 2,200 plus reported striped bass tag recaptures. In 1987 he was a founding member of the RI Marine Sportfishing Alliance and serves on the board of a number of sport fishing clubs, associations and tournament committees.

Congratulations to Capt. Al Anderson, a Rhode Island sport fishing legend!

U.S. Court of Appeals rules against New Bedford & Gloucester in favor of catch shares program 

Last week the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled against the cities of New Bedford and Gloucester and industry plaintiffs in their challenge to Amendment 16, the framework for the federal government's fisheries catch share system. In an excerpt from the decision the Court said, “This case involves legal challenges to recent federal management actions taken in New England's sensitive Multispecies Groundfish Fishery. We reject the many challenges and affirm entry of summary judgment for the federal defendants.”

The ruling supports the catch share fisheries management approach engaged by fish managers in New England. Fishing community leaders speaking out after the ruling included Dave Preble, a member of the New England Fishery Management Council who said, “… the appeals court (ruling) was complete, thorough, and well-informed on the issues and history of Amendment 16. It was a proper ruling.”  Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association said, “This is the third court ruling in favor of catch shares. It has proven to be an effective management tool.  It is time to move on as objections have been rejected by the courts three times.”

Prevent corrosion on the inside of your fishing reels

“Today’s fishing reels have more moving parts than ever… more parts with dissimilar metals, and this is how galvanic corrosion sets in.” said Mike Bucko of Bucko’s Tackle Service, Fall River, MA.  Anglers should wash reels with soapy water after each use, rinse and dry them… but this is not enough to prevent galvanized corrosion.  Bucko said, “Only an internal cleaning can prevent corrosion.”

Speaking at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) seminar last week, Mike Bucko explained the science of galvanic corrosion and what anglers need to do to prevent it.  Bucko, his son and father (both named Joe) have been in business for 34 years serving anglers across the country providing them with service and an extensive parts inventory.  The company totally dismantles reels, puts all parts through an extensive cleaning process and then reassembles the reels for use.  Visit them at www.buckoparts.com.

A lot of windmill activity

Rhode Island has two ocean windmill projects off its shores in the development phase and both are being spearheaded by developer Deepwater Wind. The first project is the five turbine Block Island Wind Farm and Transmission System project and the second is off both Rhode Island and Massachusetts shores which has been designated as an area of mutual interest (AMI) between the states. 

Rick Bellavance, liaison between Deepwater Wind and the fishing community, said, “The Block Island project had its second fishing community information meeting this Tuesday on Block Island for those in the fishing community that might not have been able to make the first meeting held in Narragansett in October.”  Those attending learned about the fisheries data that has been collected and what research is proposed as the project moves forward.  Bellavance said, “The fishing community hopes to be able to negotiate with Deepwater Wind directly to talk about mitigation from two perspectives.  First how it directly impacts those that have history fished in the area the wind turbines will be located in, and secondly how the wind project will impact the fishing community as a whole.”  For further information, contact independent fisheries consultant Rick Bellavance at 401.741.5648 or www.biwffisheries@gmail.com .

Wind farm input opportunities, meetings and notices (recently held and planned)

October 9: First Block Island Deepwater Wind farm (five turbines) and transmission system informational meeting for recreational and commercial fisheries

November 16:  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) fishing/wind conflict mitigation workshop at the URI Bay Campus

November 30:  BOEM announces the renewable energy ocean lease sales for wind farms.  The proposed sale notices offer 277,550 acres in two "Wind Energy Areas" - one area offshore Virginia and the other area of mutual interest offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island which is the area of the 200 plus wind turbine project Deepwater Wind has expressed interest in.

December 4:  second Deepwater Wind farm and transmission system information meeting on Block Island

December 31:  Army Corps of Engineers has extended is comment period on the Deepwater Wind project until December 31, 2012.  The original public notice for the project and project details can be found on the US Army Corps of Engineers website at www.nae.usace.army.mil.  Anyone wishing to comment should submit them in writing by December 31, 2012 or call Michael Elliott at 978.318.8131 with questions.

January 15:  the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) of RI is soliciting public comment on Deepwater Wind’s Block Island project.  Plans for the project can be seen at the CRMC office in Wakefield, RI.  Deepwater Wind has made the Environmental Report they submitted with their CRMC application available on their website at www.dwwind.com.  A hearing on the project may be requested by submitting an objection in writing to the RI CRMC at their 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield address. Note: all objectors must attend the hearing once it is scheduled and give sworn testimony.  Hearing requests must be received by CRMC by January 15, 2013.

Holiday gift ideas for the angler

 Traffic jam at Montauk:  Sport fishing photographer Jim Levison captured this photo during the fall striped bass run off Montauk.  Jim’s prints make a great holiday gift for anglers and can be seen and purchased on his website at www.jimlevisonphoto.com .

Fresh or saltwater fly tying is great fun:  Jim Mancini of East Greenwich, RI works on his peanut bunker fly at a United Fly Tyers of RI meeting.  Membership for a year is $30 which includes all supplies for ten fly tying meetings.  This is a great holiday gift.

Holiday gift ideas for the angler

Wondering what to get your favorite recreational angler for the holidays?  Here are some holiday gift ideas.  Gift certificates at your local bait & tackle shop, Benny’s and stores like the Bass Pro Shop are always good too. 
On the Water and Saltwater Sportsman magazines, $18 to $25.  Saltwater Sportsman is about $18 (cost varies with special offers) for ten issues and On the Water costs about $25 for printed or digital versions for an annual subscription.  They are my favorite saltwater fishing magazines.  Both magazines feature many how-to articles, regular features on fishing gear, tackle, fishing tactics and On the Water has weekly online local fishing reports. Visit www.onthewater.com or www.saltwatersportsman.com  to purchase a gift subscription.
United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island (UFTRI) annual membership dues, $30.  If you know a fly fisherman, fresh or salt water, they will appreciate this gift. Members meet in workshop form and learn how to tie one of five to six different flies each month.  Beginners welcome.  Meetings held the first Wednesday of every month at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Warwick, RI. Visit www.uftri.org .
The Striped Bass 60++ Pound Club, about $21 for the paperback by Tony Checko at www.barnesandnoble.com .  Both this book and the author’s 2008 version focus on striped bass of 60 pounds or more.  The book includes the story of Peter Vican and his first record Rhode Island striped bass of 76 lbs. 14 oz.
Fishing lures $3 to $20.   I’d like to mention three types that interest anglers… surface lures (often referred to as poppers) that stay on top of the water splashing. Second, swimming lures that swim through the water and third, soft plastic baits of all types... all three are used for fresh and saltwater fishing.
Fish scales to weigh an angler’s catch, $10 to $50.  Combination fish gripper/scale is about $50.  Conventional scales range from $10 to $25, and digital fish scales about $50.  Can purchase them at Benny’s, West Marine and local bait & tackle shops.
 Membership in the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), $50.  One of the best organizations I have ever belonged to.  This association is created by and for recreational saltwater anglers and the monthly seminars and education programs on fishing techniques and how to improve catches are great.  The Association supports marine conservation and fisheries resource management.   Visit on-line at www.risaa.org .
Saltwater Sportsman’s national fishing seminar series with host George Poveromo, $55.  This year, one of the six sessions (the Saturday, February 2 session) is being held at Rhode Island College in Providence. The series is hosted by George Poveromo of George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing television program and editor-at-large for Salt Water Sportsman magazine. Two of the local Captains at this session are Capt. Andy Dangelo of Maridee Charters and yours truly, Capt. Dave Monti of No Fluke Charters. The Saturday sessions are held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Cost for six hours of fishing instruction by national and local captains, guides and George is $55.  This includes the seminar, a year subscription or extension to Salt Water Sportsman magazine,  goodie bag, door prizes and more. Register at www.nationalseminarseries.com. 
Cooking the Catch, Volume II. $25.  Dave “Pops” Masch writes Cooking the Catch and Ask Pops columns in On the Water magazine.  From stripers, bluefish, scallops, and tuna to sea robins, skates, eels and more, Pops explains the means to catch, clean, cook and eat the bounty that we enjoy in New England. Order through On the Water magazine at www.onthewater.com 
 Museum quality striped bass photo prints ($99) by noted sport fishing photographer Jim Levison.  These beautiful fall run photos taken off of Montauk can be seen on Jim’s website at www.jimlevisonphoto.com  (click Montauk). Prints are available from 11'” x 14” to 2 feet by 4 feet.   Prints start at $99 for an unframed 11” x 14” glossy finish ($299 framed).
General fishing or learn how to fish charters, $350 to $600 (depending on number of people, species targeted, boat size, etc.) for a half day.  Hire a charter to help teach adults or children how to fish or to take experienced anglers fishing. Visit www.rifishing.com, the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association web site for a list of qualified charter captain members.

RI Marine Fisheries Council meeting

Express your thoughts and concerns about fisheries management and select species 2013 commercial regulations at the December 3, 2012 Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council meeting at Corless Auditorium, University of RI Bay Campus, South Ferry Road, Narragansett.  The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m., agenda items will include Advisory Panel reports, the results of the November 8 public hearing and the Council will likely be voting on 2013 commercial fishing regulation recommendations for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass and Atlantic Herring.  Visit www.dem.ri.gov for information and proposed regulation options. 

UFTRI Christmas banquet next week

The United Fly Tyers of RI (UFTRI) will hold their annual Christmas banquet on December 5, at 6:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus hall on Sandy Lane in Warwick, RI.  The event will feature a meal, a guest speaker and raffle.  UFTRI is an educational organization, dedicated to teaching fresh and salt water fly tying. Yearly membership dues are $30. Tying vises and materials are available for use by guests (anyone attending for the first time), as well as any paid member. Visit  www.uftri.org  for information.

Thankful for the fish, especially Atlantic Menhaden

 Largest bass ever:  Rhody Fly Rodders member Dave Pollack reached a milestone a few weeks ago by catching his largest bass yet on the fly, 42 inches and estimated at over 35 lbs.  Rhody Fly Rodders meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Riverside Sportsmen Association, East Providence.

Tautog fishing still very good:  Gil Barao (in photo) and his son Travis fished near the #2 red can off Newport in 58’ of water Saturday and landed eight tautog.  Fishing weather has been cold and breezy but those braving the weather are catching some nice tautog.

Thankful for the fish, especially Atlantic Menhaden

It is Thanksgiving already.  We have a lot to be thankful for in Rhode Island, we were clobbered by hurricane Sandy but did not experience the loss of life and property that New York and New Jersey experienced.  By no means am I belittling our losses in Westerly, Misquamicut and along our southern coastal shores.  Our residences suffered major losses and we need to continue to help them.

Overall it was a good year for recreational fishing in our bays and ocean.  Fishing this year was better than it has been in a number of years.  The striped bass run in the Bay was moderate, however, the bass fishing continued to be great offshore around Block Island, the fluke season was good and we had an outstanding scup and black sea bass fishery this year.  All this was capped with a surprisingly good fall tautog season that we are still experiencing.  This is a lot to be thankful for.

One species I am forever grateful for is Atlantic Menhaden as it serves as a food source for so many other fish including striped bass. If you fish RI coastal waters, offshore or in Narragansett Bay, now is the time to voice your concerns about this important fish species as the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Atlanta Menhaden Management Board meets December 14, 2012 to consider regulations for this important species.

In addition to being a primary food source for many other species of fish, menhaden serve as roving filters, converting algae into energy and thus reducing nutrient loads in bays and covers. An adult menhaden, through its unique filtering gills, is able to process up to 4 gallons of water per minute or a million gallons of water every 180 days. Multiply this by the number of menhaden in any given area and this is an amazing amount of water being filtered, a reduction of nutrients means fewer algae blooms and ultimately more oxygen for all fish.

The ASMFC’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board will meet on December 14, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland to consider approval of Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. The meeting will take place at the Best Western Plus Hotel and Conference Center, Chesapeake Room, 5625 O’Donnell Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

At the meeting, the Board will select the final measures to be included in the Amendment as well as an implementation timeline. Draft Amendment 2 was out for public comment until November 16, 2012. The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) and other fishing groups in Rhode Island and Massachusetts expressed their thoughts on these important Atlantic Menhaden regulations at public hearings.  However, even though the public comment period is officially closed it is important to continue to put pressure on the ASMFC committee to regulate on the side of the fish. To make sure this species is here to stay and will not continue to be overfished. Advocating for this species should continue through December as regulations are finalized and implemented.  Watch this column for ways to advocate for this species as we get closer to the December meeting and beyond this meeting date.

Amendment 2 presents a suite of options to manage and monitor the stock in both the short and long-term. These include options to end overfishing; change the biomass reference points to match the fishing mortality reference  points; and establish a specification process to set and allocate total allowable catch (TAC), including  procedures to close the fishery when a certain percentage of the TAC has been projected to be landed. It presents accountability measures to address quota transfers, rollovers, and overage payback, as well as options to allow for a specified amount of the TAC to be set aside for small scale fisheries and episodic events. To address monitoring and data collection needs, the Draft Amendment also presents options for timely quota monitoring and the collection of biological data through catch sampling.  Overall it is a very comprehensive amendment.

BOEM holds stakeholder workshop on windmills

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) held a workshop at the URI Bay campus Friday to discuss ocean windmills and their impact on fishing.  This was the second of a series of eight workshops taking place on the east coasts to obtain input from commercial and recreational fishers.

This input meeting addressed future potential conflicts between fishing and wind projects within the Ocean Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM is seeking input from commercial and recreational fishing industries, as well as fisheries management agencies and scientists, relative to proposed offshore wind energy development.

Some of the wind energy/fishing issues discussed included radar performance around wind farms (wind farms can a negative impact on radar), obstruction markings, the ability to shut down the wind farm for emergencies/rescues, exclusion zones, safety zones, electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by turbines and their impact on fish, and financial compensation for equipment loss, liability damage, cable damage, etc.

BOEM intends to process and summarize meeting input for consideration when formulating lease requirements for wind farms.  Recreational anglers recommended such things as added underwater structure around turbine foundations to attract fish, a mooring ball system over the structure so anglers can tie up and fish, reflective markings on structures in addition to lights, radar reflectors, chart markings, mariner notifications during wind farm construction and some type of alert or warning system.  For more information visit BOEM’s website at www.boem.gov.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Fall fishing is great

Family tautog fishing:  Greg Vespe of Tiverton, RI took his family tautog fishing with Capt. BJ Silvia after hurricane Sandy. (From left to right) Shawn Hayes Costello (Tiverton, RI), Ric Vespe (Little Marsh, Pa), Greg Vespe, and Colleen Hayes Costello (Tiverton, RI). 

Tautog fishing is great: Chris Benn, mate on the Seven B’s party boat out of Point Judith, fillets my tautog catch Sunday.  Some customers limited out, many anglers took home two to four fish and the largest fish that day was about nine pounds.

Big bass migrating: Angler Kurt Rivard of Warren, RI landed this 35 pound striped bass last week drifting and eel in 30 feet of water near the Mount Hope Bridge.

Fall fishing is great

So you think it is all over. You think fishing is done for the season… hurricane Sandy and the nor’easter must have shut it down. Well… you are wrong… fresh and saltwater fishing is great.  Anglers are catching bass and trout in ponds and rivers stocked by the Department of Environmental Management (visit www.dem.ri.gov for locations) and saltwater fishing is outstanding.  

Captain Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boast Association said, “This is the best time of year to fish.”  Anglers are catching tautog, cod, scup and striped bass.  Black sea bass can still be caught recreationally in state waters (if you do not have a federal license).  Since Sandy came though many anglers are limiting out with tautog (six fish per angler) and they are catching migrating striped bass too.

Angler Kurt Rivard of Warren, RI landed a 35 pound striped bass last week drifting and eel in 30 feet of water near the Mount Hope Bridge. “The fish pulled 200 yards of line out before it got tired and turned” said Kurt’s fishing partner Corey Smith.

Five days after the hurricane, angler Greg Vespe fished for tautog. “I took my family out with Capt. BJ Silvia… we really clobbered them  (tautog) on the near shore and mid shore humps off of Newport…lots of five and six pounders, five seven pounders and a nine pounder was tops for the day. Picked up at least 40 legal sized tog.” said Vespe.

For anglers who may have put their boats away for the winter (and many did prior to the hurricane) there are a host of charter and party boats still fishing.  Visit the RI Charter & Party Boat Association web site at www.rifishing.com for a list of boats, fishing times, rates and boat web sites for details.  The smaller boats take two to six anglers and the larger party boats can take over a hundred anglers fishing.

The Snappa from Point Judith is a custom 46’ fishing vessel.  Captain Charlie Donilon, who has been fishing for tautog since Sandy,  said, “We (have been) fishing south of Newport in the deeper water between 50 and 100 ft. The largest fish weighed (about) 14 lbs. Approximately 1/3 of the fish are throwbacks.”  The Snappa has a heated cabin and will provide all bait and tackle. Your cost for an 8 1/2 hr. day of fishing is $130. A private group of six passengers can charter the boat for as little as $700. Additional passengers add $100/person. Visit www.snappacharters.com or call Capt. Donilon at 401-782-4040.

The Seven B’s is 80 feet and is licensed to take up to 120 people fishing.  They are tautog fishing now until December 15 at which time they generally switch to cod fishing. My brother-in-law and I fished with Captain Russ Benn this weekend, at first, the fishing was spotty but Captain Benn was determined to find fish and when he did all rods were bent.  The crew was fantastic. Some anglers limited out and others caught two to four keepers.  I did not speak to any unhappy customers.  We fished out in front a mile or two off shore from Newport to the Sakonnet River.  Seven B’s is now fishing Wednesday through Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Adults $85 and children $45.  Visit them at www.sevenbs.com or call 401.789.9250.

The Francis Fleet vessels are owned by Captain Frank Blount.  He and his family have been running the business since 1978. They are running both tautog and cod fishing trips now.  Visit them at www.francesfleet.com  or call them at 800.662.2824.

Windmill mitigation workshop for recreational and commercial fishers
The second wind mitigation workshop for recreational and commercial fishers will be held November 16, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the URI Bay Campus, South Ferry Road,  Narragansett, RI. For more informationcall 978-465-0492.  RSVP to Elizabeth Castle at ecastle@ene.com .

Fly Tyers to hold annual Christmas Banquet

The United Fly Tyers of RI (UFTRI) will hold their annual Christmas banquet December 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall on Sandy Lane in Warwick, RI.  The event will feature a meal, a guest speaker and raffle.  UFTRI is an educational organization, dedicated to teaching fresh and salt water fly tying. Yearly membership dues are $30 (September of current year through May of next year). Tying vises and materials are available for use by guests (anyone attending for the first time), as well as any paid member. Visit  www.uftri.org  for details and information.

Rhody Fly Rodders to meet November 20th

The Rhody Fly Rodders will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Riverside Sportsmen Association, East Providence, RI.  The presenter will be Alan Caolo. He will 
be presenting a slide program, “Sight-Fishing for Striped Bass”, a comprehensive overview on an exciting style of fishing for taking stripers in the clear shallows, including strategy, stealth, presentation and flies. The presentation will include information for everyone from beginners to seasoned anglers.  Monthly Bucket Raffles with some great items will be held and as usual, the coffee pot is always on, along with a few tasty snacks.  For information call Peter Nilsen, board member, at 401.245.7172 or e-mail him at pdfish@fullchannel.net .  Directions: From Providence take Rt.195 to Exit 7. Bear right on the ramp & follow Rt. 114 South (Wampanoag Trail) for two miles. Look for WPRO Studios on left, and then take first U-turn back to Rt.114 North. Continue North and look for the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club sign on right side.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing has been good.  Reports of school bass all along the southern shore.  Angler David Sweet reports, “Made our way up to Narragansett Beach and fished just north of the Coast Guard House in about 5-10 ft. of water for 15 + schoolies. Tagged 15… “. Large striped bass being taken in the lower
Bay and along southern Coastal shores.  Neil Hayes of Quaker Lane Outfitters, North Kingstown, RI  weighed in a 58.45 pound bass that Nick Gibbs caught while fishing at night off the Narragansett shore last week.  Nick was using a black bomber lure.  

Tautog fishing remains strong in the lower Bay and off coastal shores with a slower bite mid Bay and North.   I fished on the Seven B’s Sunday…  some anglers caught two to four fish, some limited out  and the top fish was about nine pounds.  Anglers experiencing a strong bite at Kettlebottom off Jamestown,  Newport in the Brenton Reef area, off Point Judith Light and off Narragansett on rock clusters.

Cod fishing is starting to pick up.  This past Sunday Captain Letourneau of On The Rocks Charters reported limiting out on Cod.  Captain Letourneau said, “Started out front in Newport with a 24" cod and never looked back…” The Francis Fleet repots an improved cod bite compared to this past week with the top fish Sunday weighing in at about 10 pounds.

Fishing before and after storms

Safety first: Safety should be your first concern when fishing before or after storms. Anglers often like fishing in favorite spots (like this one at Conimicut Point) before a storm as the barometric pressure drops fishing generally improves. Fishing after storms can be good too.

Fishing after storms can be good:  fish like this long 41”, 20.5 pound striped bass caught a couple of weeks ago by Albert Bettencourt of East Providence can be caught after storms too.  Al was drifting eels off Barrington Beach at 3:45 a.m. when this fish hit.

Fishing before and after storms

Many anglers believe the best time to fresh or saltwater fish is before a storm… before a cold front moves in. They believe the fish feel the difference in barometric pressure… the front moves in, the pressure drops and it triggers a feeding frenzy. I guess the fish sense bad weather so they eat while the eating is good. Many also believe that during and after a storm fishing is not good as the water is turbid and cloudy so fish cannot even see the most attractive bait. However, this is not necessarily true.

Sometimes fishing after a storm is good. Just like any other time, the right time to fish depends on a lot of variables… water temperature, oxygen level in the water, water movement, structure and most importantly bait in the area that fish can feed on. Safety is the most important thing to remember when fishing before and after storms. I head for shore if the weather is threatening, if on shore do not take any risks fishing near high surf that is unpredictable. Wait until things calm down.

Fishing after can be good after rain storms, tropical storms, even hurricanes… the quality of fishing depends on a lot of variables. For example, flooded areas create new fish habitats with a new food supply of insects, shrimp, shell fish and small fish that arrive with the water. These flooded areas and waters adjacent to them can become good fishing areas as the water starts to recede.

Fishing after storms has been 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 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 storm winds coming out of the southeast, south and southwest… bait, crabs, oysters, mussels, clams, etc. get crushed and pushed to the opposite shoreline or get hung up on ridges. These areas become prime feeding grounds for hungry fish. Good idea to try clams and split crabs as bait when fishing after a storm in these areas.

During the hurricane season a couple of years ago I asked a couple of noted local anglers what they thought about fishing after storms. Here is what they had to say. 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, an associate at Quaker Lane Outfitters in North Kingstown. Steve said, “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.” 

Captain Rich Hittinger said, “At the end of the season, 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.”

Mark Pietros comments about cod fishing after a storm on the RISAA fishing blog , “I went out… a couple days after that rain and wind storm. It wasn't a hurricane but the seas were pretty bad a few days before. When we went out the "weathermen" were calling for a small craft warnings. The seas were actually one foot or less, it was a great day. We had all the cod action we could handle along with a few haddock, pollock and the biggest hake I have ever seen….I have been out several times after storms and have had good luck when fishing in deeper water.”

Two additional theories about fishing after storms: first, big storms do not necessarily bother fish in deep water, so bottom fishing offshore for fluke, tautog and other species may not be affected at all. Secondly, with fish not feeding much during a big blow they are very interested in eating as soon as things clear. Both fresh and saltwater anglers have related success using surface plugs once winds settle down as water throughout the water column may still be turbid and cloudy after a storm even though the seas have calmed. Surface plugs splashing around on the surface will likely get the attention of hungry fish.

Try some of these storm fishing tactics and let us know what works for you by e-mailing your comments to www.dmontifish@verizon.net .

Tautog fishing good prior to storm

First tautog: Michael Weaver of Plymouth, New Hampshire, with his first tautog caught while fishing with Captain Dave Monti in North Kingstown.  The tautog was 21 inches and weighed about 7.5 pounds. 

Tautog fishing good prior to storm

Tautog fishing remained strong prior to the storm.  Last week while fishing the General Rock, North Kingstown area I met Captain John Sheriff of Captain Sheriff’s Fishing Charters returning from Whale Rock, Narragansett, RI where he landed five nice keepers there. 

I was fishing General Rock with my brother-in- law Michael Weaver of New Hampshire on Friday afternoon who fished for tautog for the first time. He landed four nice keepers, the largest was about 21”.  Michael was amazed (as we all are) at the fight tautog have in them once hooked.  Pound of pound they are one of the strongest fighting fish as they run for cover back into structure (very similar to grouper which are commonly caught off Florida shores). It was such a pleasure to experience his (our) excitement as Michael reeled in a big tautog with his rod bent in half.  As the fish hit the deck I yelled, “Wow! That’s what I’m talking about.”  The fish measured 21 inches and was about seven and a half pounds. Most fish that day were caught an hour after low tide with a good bite lasting until 3 hours after the low tide.  We used green crabs cut in half and occasionally chummed with crab legs and crushed crabs.

Tautog tips have appeared in this column throughout the spring and fall and many of them deserve repeating as to catch this species my experience is that conditions, gear, fishing and boat locations have to be just right.  Often times one angler may be catching fish and another one three feet away may not be catching fish.  So here are some tips.

1.  Find structure to find tautog.  Tautog can be fished from shore or boat and in both cases they like structure (rocks, wrecks, bridge piers, dock pilings, holes along the coast, etc.).

2.  Fish where the fish are.  This is particularly true with tautog because they are a territorial species, you have to find the tautog, they are not going to find you.  So if you get no bites, move to another spot. 

3.  Boat placement is important.  Use electronics to find structure, estimate wind/drift direction and anchor up current from where you want to fish and drift back to the spot as the anchor is setting. Once in position, fish all sides of the boat casting a bit to cover as much area as you can. If still no bites, let some anchor line out a couple of times to change your position, if still no bites it is time to move the vessel. 

4. Green crabs and Asian crafts are the bait of choice in the fall, however, in the spring clam worms and clams work well as the tautog seem to like soft baits.  When using crabs make it easy for the tautog to bite and take the bait.  Break off claws and legs, cut the crab in half and hook it through one leg socket and out another. 

5.  Feel the bite… tap, tap and then get ready for a tug of war. Captain George Cioe said, “I believe with the first tap the tautog is positioning the bait for consumption.”  On the second or third tap I raise the rod up firmly feeling the weight of the fish (no need to jerk the rod up hard).  Once the fish is hooked, keep the rod up and pressure on so the fish in not able to run for cover.

6.  Use braid line with little drag.  Braid line allows you to feel the fish tap.  Monofilament line will stretch allowing the fish to run for cover.

7. Where to fish for Tautog.  From shore, look for rocky coastline like Beavertail Point on Jamestown, locations off Newport, Point Judith and off jetties at South County beaches.  From a boat, I have had good luck at Conimicut and Plum Point light houses, rock piles off Narragansett Beach and at Whale Rock, the jetty at Coddington Cove in Middletown, off Hope Island at rock piles and mussel beds on both the north and south sides, in the General Rock area in North Kingstown, around Brenton Reef in Newport and Ohio Ledge in the East Passage.

ASMFC to hold public hearing on menhaden Thursday night

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Public Hearing in Rhode Island on Draft Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden will take place Thursday, November 1, 6:00 p.m. at the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The Draft Amendment presents a suite of options to manage and monitor the stock in both the short and long-term. Atlantic menhaden are an important species.  As filter feeders they are good for the environment, are a primary food source for many species (including striped bass) and they are harvested commercially for the production of many products for both human and pet consumption.

Fishermen and interested parties are asked to participate in local hearings and voice their opinions about options presented.  If you fish RI coastal waters, offshore or in Narragansett Bay, now is the time to voice your concerns about this important species.  The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) as well as other recreational and commercial fishing groups are expected to attend the meeting and express their view on management options outlined in Amendment 2. :

Recreational black sea bass fishery closes in Federal waters

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) fisheries division announced that the 2012 black sea bass recreational harvest limit has been reached. Effective 0001 hours, November 1, 2012, no one may fish for or possess black sea bass in Federal waters for the remainder of the 2012 calendar year, unless issued a commercial moratorium permit and fishing commercially.  Recreational anglers may continue to fish in State of RI waters within the three mile limit until December 31, however, federal party and charter boat permit holders may not unless they give up their black sea bass party/charter permit. Party and charter vessels can request to get their permit back later (it is about a 30 day process to get it back). NOAA fisheries said it is different for vessels with a commercial limited access permit, they would lose the limited access permit for good if they gave it up.

In regard to the black sea bass commercial fishery in RI, effective November 2, 2012, DEM decreased the possession limit of black sea bass to 50 pounds per vessel per calendar day.

Council votes to increase commercial quota for spiny dog fish

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted to increase the commercial quota for spiny dogfish by 14% to 40.8 million pounds in 2013.  This increase is good for commercial fisherman and those planning to process the species.  It is also good for recreational anglers in that it will help reduce the number of spiny dog fish (commonly called dog fish or sand sharks) that are caught as a by-catch when fishing recreationally.

Bottom fishing fun for all

Bottom fishing fun for all:  Bottom fish like this fluke (summer flounder), caught on a party boat out of Point Judith, RI this summer, are great fun to catch for anglers of all ages.

Tautog rig reduces bottom fishing tie-ups:  This tautog was caught using a homemade rig designed by Capt. Monti.  An egg sinker on a 3 to 4 inch piece of monofilament with swivels on either end and a single hook below.  The bait hangs freely between bottom structure (rocks), reduced hardware and the egg sinker allowed to slide has cut bottom tie-ups in half.

Kevin (left) and his father Albert Bettencourt (both of East Providence) have been catching striped bass this fall in the Barrington Beach area and in the Warren River drifting eels.

Bottom fishing fun for all

Bottom fishing for fluke (summer flounder), black sea bass, scup and tautog at this time of year can be fun for the entire family.  This type of fishing is not stressful in anyway.  Learning how to set the hook can be learned in minutes and it does not take a lot of skill to catch a fish.  Bottom fishing is great for beginners, particularly children.  And the best part is that the down time between bites serves as a great opportunity for family members and friends to socialize and actually converse.  Conversation is becoming something of a novelty in within our regular day.

I once took my friend Tom and his son fishing.  Days later, Tom said, “The best part of the day was that I actually got a chance to talk with my son about his future plans.”  So quite often fishing isn’t all about the fish.  It is the time we spend together with family and friends that really counts.  That is why I love to take families fishing… daughters, sons, son and daughters-in-law, grandfathers, fathers and mothers all get to spend quality time with each other. The bonding and communication that takes place is remarkable.

You can learn how to bottom fish by consulting bait shop owners or you can go out on a charter or party boat.  Most all of the charter boats that belong to the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association (www.rifishing.com ) are more than willing to take families fishing and teach them how to fish the bottom.

Bottom fishing seminar October 29

Next week you can take advantage of a bottom fishing seminar being offered by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA).  The seminar will include panel- like presentations from three top local anglers… Larry Norin, Rick Sustello and Tom Wood.  The seminar will be held Monday, October 29, 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI.  Non-members are requested to make a $10 donation to the RISAA Marine Fisheries College Scholarship Fund.  The West Valley Inn offers two different dinner entre options from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for $6.95.

BOEM holds stakeholder workshops on windmills for recreational and commercial fishers

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will hold a workshop on windmills and their impact on fishing and will seek input for recreational and commercial fishermen on Friday November 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the URI Bay Campus, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI in the Coastal Hazard Room in the Coastal Institute Building.

This input meeting and others being held on the east coast will address future potential conflicts between fishing and wind projects within the Ocean Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM is seeking input from commercial and recreational fishing industries, as well as fisheries management agencies and scientists, relative to proposed offshore wind energy development.

Invitations have been been sent to stakeholders, for information contact Elizabeth Castle at ecastle@ene.com .

DEM stocks ponds and rivers with rainbow trout for fall fishing

The Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife has stocked approximately 6,000 rainbow trout in several locations throughout the state this month for the fall freshwater fishing season.

DEM Fish & Wildlife staff finished stocking the hatchery-raised rainbow trout this week in Silver Spring Pond in North Kingstown, Beaver River in Richmond, Wyoming Pond in Richmond and Hopkinton, Wood River in Exeter, Hopkinton and Richmond, Upper Pawtuxet River in Coventry, Blackstone River in Cumberland and Lincoln, Round Top Ponds in Burrillville, and Stafford Pond in Tiverton.  Earlier this month, trout were stocked in Meadowbrook Pond in Richmond, Carbuncle Pond in Coventry, Spring Grove Pond in Gloucester, and Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods.

A 2012 freshwater fishing license and trout conservation stamp is required for anglers 15 years of age and older.  Visit your town/city hall, authorized agents such as bait/tackle shops and Benny's to get a license and stamp.  You can also visit DEM in Providence or purchase on line via www.ri.gov  by clicking on “Hunting, Fishing, Boating Licenses” on the left side of the homepage on the DEM website at www.dem.ri.gov .

Tautog regulation change

As of October 20 (and until December 31) the tautog bag limit has been enhanced for recreational anglers from 3 fish/day to 6 fish/day.  Minimum size is still 16 inches.  In addition, there is a 10 fish boat maximum per day.  The 10 fish per boat maximum does not apply to charter or party boats.

Where’s the bite

Tautog. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle said, “Customers have been doing good at Washington’s Ledge off shore in the Newport-Jamestown areas weather permitting.”  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait in East Providence said that customers are catching tautog at Conimicut Light with a lot of shorts (15 to 1 ratio).” Tautog to 23” have been landed at India Point Park said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence.  Last week I caught a 23” fish at General Rock and two other keepers with a ratio of 8 shorts for every one keeper with about 10 small black sea bass.  Tautog are also being caught at Point Judith Light in 25 to 45 feet of water said Matt Conti of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown.

Striped bass.  Matt Conti from Snug Harbor said, “It is either lock and load or no bite at all in the Southwest Ledge area of Block Island.”  John Littlefield from Archie’s Bait said “Customers are taking school bass with plugs in the upper Bay at the mouth of the Rivers.” Kevin and Albert Bettencourt caught eleven bass in the 15 to 20 lbs. ranged drifting eels in the Warren River down to the Blount Seafood area said John Littlefield.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle said, “Striped bass and bluefish are being caught on pogies and eels in the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and the Cape Cod Canal has been offering up bass as large as 50 lbs.  Customers Francesco DiGiovanni and Cecine Curi have taken bass on…eels… plugs… top water poppers, divers and Sebile Swim baits.”

Fresh water fishing this fall has been slow.  With improved weather and recent pond and river stocking with rainbow trout by DEM things are expected to pick up.

Offshore fishing has been slow due to bad weather last week.