Fluke facts and tips from experts

 Power drifting can yield big fluke:  Capt. Monti landed this fluke power drifting (putting the vessel in and out of gear) at Austin’s Hollow last year.

 Fluke fishing fun for families: Steve Smith (left) and his daughter Rayell of Waterbury, CT with two of the twelve fluke (summer flounder) they caught last year at the Newport Bridge fishing channel edges.

Big bass caught drifting live Atlantic Menhaden:  Kevin Bettencourt of East Providence landed this 31.8 pound bass in the upper bay.  The fish was 42 inches long and had a 25 inch girth.

Fluke facts and tips from experts

Fluke (summer flounder) fishing is starting to crank up nicely with good size fluke being caught off southern coastal shores, off Newport and in the lower Bay.  Rick Bellavance of Priority Too Charters said, “We have been taking anglers striped bass fishing around Block Island and then targeting fluke. Fishing for both has been very good.” In Narragansett Bay, Tautog fishing and striped bass fishing has been the focus and not fluke fishing.

Our fluke fishery is in good shape as RI has under fished its recreational quota for the past couple of years.  Fish managers lowered the minimum size this year to 18 inches and have established an eight fish/angler/day bag limit with a fluke season running from May 1 to December 31.
    

Will follow this month with a column on where to find fluke as the fluke season is expected to heat up soon.  Also visit No Fluke next week for news on an experimental recreational fluke cooperative that is testing an innovative fishing approach to improve accountability and conservation of the fluke population while increasing flexibility and stability for the Rhode Island charter boat industry.

 Fluke facts

• In May, fluke move in shore from deep Continental Shelf waters where they spend the winter.  They stay inland until October and then move back to the deep water.
• Fluke return to the same areas, Bays, etc. year after year
• Fluke are a flat fish with two eyes on the same side of the fish.  They are bottom fish that do not look aggressive, but they will chase bait aggressively and eat the same bait that bluefish and striped bass eat.  The difference is that they feed off the bottom.
• They can be caught from a boat (usually while drifting) or from shore with little knowledge, so they are an ideal catch for beginners and children

·         Fluke are chameleons, they change color to blend with the bottom.

·         Largest fluke on record is 26.6 lbs. and 36” long

Fluke tips from the experts

Capt. John Rainone, Li’l Toot Charters, Pt. Judith.  “Now that we have larger sizes of Fluke to be legal, I have switched to a larger wide gap hook 3/0 instead of the old J style hook.  It is easier to release a short fish without hurting it due to the style of the hook.  Like a circle hook, it is usually hooked right in the corner of the mouth.  We also have started to use bigger baits, and sometimes even a stinger hook with a very large bait.  When the mate fillets a bluefish, he saves a nice long strip of the belly or underside of the bluefish for baits.  Whole squids work well too, or larger strip baits of squid, instead of the old 3” strip of squid.  You can also save some fluke belly or striped bass belly from your fillets to use on your next trip.  Just put them in some salted water and keep cold.”

Capt.  Robb Roach, Kettlebottom Outfitters, Jamestown, RI.  “Wind and tide in line otherwise stem it.  Bigger fish are on sharper edges… meaning a steeper drop off will hold the bigger fish.  Don’t forget to fish in the vicinity of wrecks.  Live bait works best and snapper blues are THE BEST Fluke bait.  Clean the skin off of the squid when baiting”

Capt. Rick Bellavance, Priority Too Charters, Pt. Judith, RI.  “When I fluke fish with charter clients, I typically use a large style pre-rigged fluke rig which I purchase from a local bait shop. We try to use a piece of fresh bait such as the belly meat of a bluefish to act as an attractant. We use a 3-way snap swivel with a large snap to facilitate changing sinkers (which the mate does often). I believe the smallest weight that will hold bottom is best. Much of our fishing effort takes place around Block Island and just about any piece of shoreline will hold summer flounder and we always drift, usually picking the side of the island with the strongest tide or wind.  When we start catching, I record the depth and I also make note of specific depths where bigger fish may be congregating…”

Additional fluke tips

·         If possible, fish when the tide/current and wind are going in the same direction

·         Fluke face into the current to feed, so you want to drag your bait over them, drifting with the tide and wind when in a boat or slowing pulling your bait over the bottom when on land

·         When fishing slack or flood tide with no water movement try trolling perpendicular so no matter what way the fish are facing you are passing them at least on a right angle

·         When it comes to fluking, squid is the bait of choice.  Some anglers cut it in very fine strips to mimic sand eels, others cut it into an inch thick strip and still others like to use the whole squid.

·         One of my favorite fluke baits is what I call a fluke cocktail.  The recipe… a fluorescent green or white plastic squid rig, baited with a horizontally hooked minnow or silverside (a tip from Gary Leatherberry of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick), a squid strip and topped off with a strip of fluke belly.  This arrangement doubled my keeper ratio. 

Pabst Blue Ribbon Tournament

The second annual Pabst Blue Ribbon striped bass and fluke Tourney (for RI, CT and Long Island) will take place June 1 through September 15 with weekly, monthly and overall tournament prizes in boat, shore and junior categories.  RI striped bass record holder Peter Vican said, “It is going to be another great tournament this year with a $10,000 top price for bass (boat division) and $5,000 from shore.” The top fluke prize is $5,000. “Funds raised from the tournament will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.” said Peter Vican. Visit www.pbrfishing.com for information and registration.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass.  Elisa Martin of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown said, “The bass at Block Island are still small with the largest about 20 pounds… but the fishing is good.  The North Rip and the south side are hot with anglers using Diamond Jigs and trolling umbrella rigs.” With warm weather worm hatches in South County ponds are expected this week.  “Fishing along the southern coastal shore is still good… customer John Hooper of Wakefield weighted in a 30 pound bass that he caught from shore.” said Elisa Martin.  We found bass on my boat in Greenwich Bay near Sally Rock and at Sandy Point Prudence Island this week.  Bass at Sandy Point were hooked using jigs tipped with squid. Patti Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said, “ Customer Kyle Armstrong of Warwick landed a 27 pound bass in the Providence River live lining Atlantic Menhaden”.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle said, “Bass fishing is good in the Providence, Tauton and Seekonk Rivers with some good sized fish mixed being caught along with bluefish.”

Fluke fishing continues to improve along the southern coastal shore from the Block Island Ferry Lane to the Watch Hill area in 25 to 50 feet of water.  Elisa Martin of Snug Harbor said. “Fluke fishing gets better every day… the fish keep getting larger.” No reports of fluke being caught in the upper part of Narragansett Bay.  The Frances Fleet reported a slow fluke day Monday, however, the fish are getting larger and they are coming up with squid in the bellies which hopefully means that we may have a squid run.

Scup.  “Scup have arrived and anglers are landing them in Bristol, Wickford and in Greenwich Bay.”, said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence.

Favorite ways to catch striped bass

 Bass plentiful in Bay:  Angler Joe Daniels of Warwick with a 12 pound stripper he caught last week at the Hurricane Barrier live lining Atlantic Menhaden.

Fluke fishing is good:  Cote Laflamme of Smithfield with some of the fluke (summer flounder) he and a friend caught while fishing aboard a Frances Fleet party boat. Cote caught eight keepers and then later in week landed an eight pound fluke of the center wall of the Harbor of Refuge, Narragansett.

Favorite ways to catch striped bass

We have a lot of bait in the Bay… Atlantic Menhaden, silversides and last week many coves and rivers in the Bay experienced a worm hatch.  This all translated into a great week of striped bass (and blue fish) fishing. See “Where’s the bite” feature below for details.

With all this bait and action why is it that some days, you just cannot get a bite… you scour waters trolling lures and tube & worm, cast in the shallows and around structure with soft plastics, hard plastics and surface poppers.  You hit all your favorites spots, where you have caught fish and where others have caught fish… and still… no bass.

 

Do not lose faith.  It’s a matter of persistence, mixing it up, paying attention to water movement (tide and current) and yes trying to match what the striped bass are eating (or would like to eat).  Here are my top ten ways to catch striped bass… I used five of them this week to mimic the bait in the water… casting swimming lures and plastics to mimic silversides and worms; using live and chucked Atlantic Menhaden; and trolling with tube and worm) to catch nine striped bass.

Ten favorite ways to catch striped bass

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 fish at the same time and you will experience a great fight.

9.         Casting soft plastics, various bait types and weights to fish different depths.  Many anglers love this technique and use it successfully in the spring.  Make sure the plastic baits are scented if they are not add some scent. Who wants to eat plastic?

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

7.         Live eels.  Used by shore and boat anglers, some fishing guides use this as their primary method to catch killer stripers.  Hook the eel through the mouth and out one eye.  Going between the eyes usually kills the bait.  I use circle hooks because bass (small and keeper size) tend to swallow the bait whole and often get hooked low.  Circle hooks generally slide out of the fish and hook it on the corner of their mouth on the way out allowing you to release the fish you are not keeping… and release them alive and well.

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

5.         Chunking fresh or frozen menhaden.  You can anchor (and chum); drift fish or fish the moving bait pods with chunks.  Some anglers use a weight slide 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 favorite is a grey Yozuri Crystal Minnow.

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

1.         Trolling with tube and worm.  I have had great success in the Bay using lead line weighted with two or three ounces of lead between the line and a five foot fluorocarbon leader.  I find that bubblegum or red colored tubes work best (the tube hook is tipped with clam worm).   The idea of added weight is to get the line down to where the fish are. Tube and worm trolling has been a successful technique for the Southwest side of Block Island using 300 ft. of wire line out in 35 to 45 feet of water, amber colored tubes seem to work best there.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass. Steve McKenna, noted shore angler and author said, “Striped bass fishing this month is outstanding… the best ever.  In April I landed one bass in twelve trips… so far in May I have landed 162 striped bass with some keepers mixed in.  I have also heard and confirmed a 25 pound fish was caught last week from shore and rumors of a 50 pounder being caught too.  This is quite early to be catching fish this size from the beach.”  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait, East Providence said. “Striped bass fishing for customers have been very good, many have been using clam tongues and clam worms.  Customers Albert and Kevin Bettencourt of East Providence fished the Rumstick Point area and landed three bass in the 13 to 17 pound range.” Mary Dangelo of Maridee Bait and Canvas, Narragansett said, “There was a striped bass blitz in Wickford Cove last Thursday and customers are reporting good fishing off the shore at George’s Restaurant in Galilee for both striped bass and blues.”  Captain Andy Dangelo of the charter boat Maridee II caught his limit of striped bass when fishing off Block Island and then took his party fluke fishing.  This week we had a lot of bait in the Bay.  Angler Joe Daniels of Warwick said, “(I was) snagging pogies … near the hurricane barrier and then live-lining for stripers.” Joe caught bass to 32” and 12 pounds using this method last week. In addition to plentiful Atlantic Menhaden (pogies) in the Bay, a worm hatch occurred in coves and rivers this past week as noted above. Captain BJ Silvia of Flippin Out Charters said, “Fishing for bass and blues off the Southern end of Prudence Island was outstanding Saturday… all the striped bass and blues you wanted.”  Merrill True, Sr. a RI Saltwater Angler Association (RISAA) blogger said Sunday, “We snagged some Menhaden and left them on the snagging hook to swim. My son Jamie had a striper on in about ten min. In a few min. a 33 in striper was in the boat.”

Blue fish.  Blue fish have infiltrated the Bay and are being caught from the Hurricane Barrier in Providence to Jamestown, Newport and Narragansett.  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait said, “Sabin Point has been hot for blue fish.”

Fluke (summer flounder) fishing has been great too with some anglers reaching their limit (18” minimum size, seven fish/person/day) which was not the case for the past three to four years.   Cote Laflamme of Smithfield, RI said he caught an eight pound fluke just off the center wall of the Harbor of Refuge, Narragansett.  He also caught eight nice keeper fluke when fishing with the Frances Fleet (Galilee party boat) .  His favorite rig is a three way swivel with a teaser tipped with native squid and fluke belly.  RISAA blogger John S. said Sunday, “… I put four keeper fluke in the box to 4.5 lbs along with about eight shorts, two sea robins and a skate. Most were caught just west of Green Hill Beach in 40+ feet of water.”

Fishing tournament for visually impaired adults

 Last year’s VIP winners:  Winners of last year’s RI Lions Sight Foundation Visually Impaired Persons fishing tournament for the blind are first place Louis Musco Jr., second place Elliott Mitchell and third place winner Janice Musco.

Rocky Point proposal: Kevin and Meghan Costice got engaged at the entrance of Rocky Point Park on February 29, 2012.  This was just one of the many memories shared by attendees at the Rocky Point Foundation.  Shown here with their baby boy Travis. 

Fishing tournament for visually impaired adults

The RI Lions Sight Foundation (RILSF) will host their 6th Annual VIP Fishing Tournament for Visually Impaired Persons (VIP’s) of Rhode Island on June 23, 2013.  The tournament will take place on a chartered party boat out of Galilee RI.

The Tournament is sponsored and organized by the RILSF and is supported through donations from RI Lions Clubs and individuals. The event includes breakfast and a half-day of summer flounder or fluke fishing, followed by a luncheon and awards presentation at a local restaurant. The event is free of charge to all VIP’s and their guides.  

The only requirements for eligibility are:  must be Legally Blind, at least 17 years old,  are physically able to fish from a party boat, must be accompanied by a guide, transportation and/or guides will be provided if needed.

In addition to competing for trophies in the RI Tournament, three of the top winners will be eligible to represent Rhode Island at the 2013 National VIP Fishing Tournament to be held in October on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This Tournament will also include competing in the 4^th Annual New England Lions Tourney where participants compete against VIP’s from the other participating New England states.  Rhode Island has won two out of three New England Tournaments and two of five national tournaments.

The trip to North Carolina for Tournament winners is dependent upon the availability of funding for transportation.  Donations in any amount are welcome and will cover cost of the event.  However donations for participants are voluntary.

Visit http://www.lions4sight.org/index.htm or http://www.ncvipfishing.org/ for information.

Rhody Fly Fodders set summer fishing scheduled

Rhody Fly Rodders have announced their summer meeting fishing schedule and according to Pete Nilsen members will meet around 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and fish until dark.  Members and non-members are invited to attend.  Participants are urged to bring hot dogs or burgers and a chair.  The club will provide the grille, chips and water.  Event dates and times are: Thursday, May 23, Bristol Narrows (in-coming) – High tide – approx 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, June 18 – Goddard Park (boat ramp) (out-going) – High tide – approx 3:50 p.m.;  Thursday, July 18 –– Sepowet Marsh (out-going) – High tide – approx 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, August 15 –– Quonochontaug (boat ramp) (out-going) – High tide – approx 3:00 p.m.; Thursday, September 26 –– Narrow River (Sprague Bridge) (out-going) – High tide – approx 1:30 p.m.

Erickson Bait & Tackle not for sale

Craig Castro of Erickson Bait & Tackle, 1257 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, said, “The bait shop is not for sale, we are open welcoming all customers. The “For Sale” sign in front of our shop is the landlords, he is selling the building. We are open for business as usual.” Compete for Prizes at the 6th Annual Great 

Outdoors Pursuit

On Sunday, May 19 at Lincoln Woods State Park, the Departments of Environmental Management and Health will launch the 2013 Great Outdoors Pursuit, a summer-long program and game designed to help children, families and individuals enjoy the recreational resources Rhode Island state parks have to offer to encourage more physical activity by trying new outdoor activities. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The game will take Rhode Islanders to seven different state parks and forests over a 13-week period. Teams can register for the game at: www.riparks.com. Teams of children and adults will be challenged to visit different facilities and take part in outdoor adventures and learn about environmental and health issues.

Rocky Point Foundation casts a big net

Last week the Rocky Point Foundation held a public hearing on the future of Rocky Point Park at Rhodes on the Pawtucket in Cranston and hundreds of Rhode Islanders attended sharing their ideas about possible Park uses.  In March of 2013, the sale of the remaining 82 acres of the former amusement park was conveyed to the state of Rhode Island and plans call for it to be converted into a State Park.  Suggestions at the hearing were far reaching including a camp ground, beach cabanas, a public venue for concerts, a fishing pier, a dock for recreational boating,  a water taxi service to other State Parks and a host of other ideas.  Visit www.rockypointfoundation.org for information on how to make a donation or how to get active in the Foundation.

Where’s the bite

Tautog fishing remains good with anglers often catching there limit (three fish/person/day) when fishing in popular Bay and near coastal waters including Conimicut Light, Ohio Ledge, Rocky Point, General Rock, off Narragansett and other popular tautog fishing spots.  Make sure the tide is moving when fishing.  They are biting on green crabs, Asian crabs, worms and one angler reports catching his limit using quahogs. Last week Dan O’Hara of Cranston reported caching there boat limit at Plum Lighthouse next to the Jamestown Bridge, “I went Saturday to the lighthouse next to the Jamestown bridge. We caught 20, 10 were keeper size. We started at 10:30 a.m. at dead low tide and the action picked up soon after on the incoming. Used green crabs, 4 oz sinker.”  Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & tackle said tautog fishing has been excellent all over the Bay with customers catching them on green crabs and worms.

Striped bass fishing remains good from shore and from boats.  Al Johnson of Warwick said, “I started fishing at 4 p.m. Sunday and caught three nice keeper striped bass, the largest being in the mid-thirty inch range when fishing from shore at Conimicut Point.” The Providence River is thick with Atlantic Menhaden. Adam Maziarz reports on the RI Saltwater Anglers Association blog Sunday, “Providence River from the Squantum Club to Bold Point was so full of pogies…that no one was catching any bass.
I went south to Prudence Island and caught a few keepers and some shorts off the north point. We even caught some 5-7 lb blues. Bass were everywhere for a few hours, busting all over the surface chasing silver sides.”  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, said, “Striped bass fishing has been hot along the East Bay Bike Path and at Sabin Point with bass up to 44"s taking clam tongues, sea worms and pogey chunks. Bridge fishing on the bike path in Barrington and Warren has been active with a lot of schoolie bass and small tautog but persistent fishermen are rewarded with occasional keepers of both blackfish and striped bass.”

Squeteague. “Domenic Petraca caught three 10 pound weakfish (squeteague)… off Prudence Island's Mount Tom.”, said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle.

Tautog experts share tips, fishing good

 Get ready for a tug of war: Capt. Dave Monti with a 23” tautog he caught at General Rock in North Kingstown, RI last year.

 Tautog fishing is great family fun: Gisele Golembeski with a tautog she and her husband Rich caught off Narragansett, RI near Whale Rock.

Carp bite good:  Paul Marino caught this 10 pound carp on a bread ball in the Blackstone River this weekend.

Tautog experts share tips

Tautog fishing is fun.  I like to relax with friends and family, shoot the breeze and enjoy a great Rhode Island fishery all at the same time.  Tautog (or Blackfish) is a great eating fish with a dense whitish meat. 

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regulates tautog fishing.  Tautog has a split season.  The spring season ends May 31 so now is the time to fish for them as they are illegal to fish June 1 to July 31 during spawning season. Fish have to be sixteen inches. The catch limit for private recreational anglers on and before April 15 to May 31 and then August 1 to October 18 is three fish/person/day, which jumps to six fish/person/day on October 19 to December 15.  However, there is a ten fish per boat limit.  The boat limit does not apply to charter and party boats.

Over the past couple of years, I have asked noted Rhode Island anglers, fishing guides, charter captains and bait & tackle shop owners in Rhode Island for tautog fishing tips.  Here is what some of them had to say about tautog fishing tips.

Boat placement is important.  Find structure with electronics, 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.  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.

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.”  So at the second tap I raise the rod up firmly feeling for the weight of the fish.  Once the fish is hooked, keep the rod up and pressure on so the fish is not able to run for cover. Captain Rich Hittinger, RISAA vice president and a long time angler out of Point Judith said, “If you get two bites with no hook-up your bait is gone. Reel in and re-bait.”

Where to fish for tautog.  From shore, look for rocky coastline like Beavertail Point on Jamestown, locations off Newport and off jetties at South County beaches.  From a boat, I have had good luck at Plum Point light house next to the Jamestown Bridge, the rock wall north of Coddington Cove in Portsmouth, off Hope Island, around Brenton Reef in Newport, Whale Rock, Ohio Ledge in the East Passage, General Rock in North Kingstown and any other places there is structure, debris, rock clusters, wrecks, etc.

Chumming for tautog will enhance your catch dramatically.  Kevin Bettencourt from the East Bay Anglers and his Dad Albert have been fishing for tautog in Narragansett Bay and southern coastal water off Newport, Jamestown and Narragansett for many years.  Kevin said, “Chumming is a critical part of tautog fishing. If you want to land numerous tautog you must establish an effective chum line. This can be accomplished with grass shrimp or crushed Asian/green crabs. Don't be afraid to feed them! If you don't, they won't stick around long!”  Captain Robb Roach of Kettlebottom Outfitters from Jamestown said chumming is very important… “I chum with crushed mussels or crushed periwinkles.”

Fishing in the early spring or fall can be cold.  Dress appropriately.  If you dress in layers, you can take them off as the sun warms you..  Do not forget the gloves, I usually have at least four pair with me … water proof neoprene gloves, light cotton gloves, heavy winter gloves… whatever the conditions, be ready, and of course the gloves get wet.

Where’s the bite

Fishing exploded this week on the Bay and along coastal shores as the water was warmed to the mid to upper fifty’s range by nice weather.

Fresh water. “Fishing for trout continues to be good with DEM restocking some ponds and rivers.” said John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown. “The Hunt River in North Kingstown has been particularly good.”  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, said, “Carp fishing has been good and Paul Marino caught a 10 pound carp on a bread ball in the Blackstone River. A 24 pound carp was landed in Spectacle Lake in Cranston this week.  Dough baits, bread balls and chick peas have all been effective.”

Tautog.  Keeper size fish over 16” are being caught all over the Bay.  Frank Mello of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren said, “Customers are catching keeper tautog along Barrington, Warren and Bristol off the bridges.” Fish are being caught using worms and crabs.  Angler Mike Swain of Coventry caught  tautog to five pounds at Conimicut Light Saturday.  John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, said, “A father and son team fished for tautog in the Wickford area and landed two nice keepers Sunday.”

Striped bass fishing for exploded last week and this week with fish being caught all over the East and West passages of the Bay, off Newport and along southern coastal shores.  Fish being caught at Narrow River and Wickford Harbor, in and off Allen’s Harbor, up Green River and in Greenwich Bay (where I caught some late Sunday). The East Bay action has been good too at Rocky Point Beach and at Conimicut Light and north up the Providence River. Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “We fished three days last week and caught 20 to 25 school bass one day with keeper bass to 10 ½ pounds.  Customers are catching fish too with some 28” and 29” keepers being caught in Greenwich Bay.”  Angler Mike Swain said, “I found some pogies north of Conimicut Light Saturday and up the Providence River.  The first one snagged was hit by a large bass before getting it to the boat and the second one I put out landed a 19 pound striped bass.  We caught school bass too trolling tube and worm.”  Angler Mike Sheppard reports catching bass from shore off Newport for the past two weeks.  John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle said, “Anglers fishing from shore off the Conimicut Point sandbar were catching school bass and those that could cast beyond the sandbar were hooking up with keeper size bass.”

Summer flounder (fluke) fishing has not received much attention when it opened May 1.  Anglers have targeted striped bass and tautog, however, some encouraging news was reported by John Wunner with a fisherman at the Wickford boat ramp coming in with two keeper fluke, one of them was 25”.

Fishing and boating has big impact; and Rocky Point Park

 Spring (fishing?) break: school vacation turned out to be a fishing holiday for Carlin O’Hara of Cranston. The Rhode Island angler landed red and yellowtail snapper off Riviera Beach (near West Palm Beach) in Florida while on vacation with his family.

Boating talk:  Rick Bellavance, president of the RI Party & Charter Boat, and Kim Hapgood of Sail Newport at SeaPlan’s marine industry boating workshop held last week at Save the Bay.

Fishing and boating has big impact

Over the past month there has been a lot of talk about recreational fishing, and a lot of talk about boating, and the impact they have on Rhode Island.  As one might expect these industries bolster tourism… and come to find out… they do have a huge direct impact on our economy. But the greatest impact for me is not financial, but rather the recreational benefits… the peace of mind one gets by being close to or on the water and the fun and bonding that goes on between friends and family members when they are fishing or boating in Rhode Island.

All the fishing and boating talk started this month with the 2013 Southern New England Recreational Fishing Symposium held on April 2 in Warwick.  This symposium was hosted by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association in conjunction with the URI Coastal Institute.  One week later the symposium was followed by the release of a new for-hire (charter and party boat) economic impact study by the National Oceanographic an d Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) regional research center.  And then, last week, preliminary results for the 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey were released at a coastal boating and marine industry workshop held at Save the Bay’s headquarters in Providence.  The workshop and study were sponsored by SeaPlan, an independent nonprofit ocean science and policy group.

By the numbers

Add it all up and the economic impact recreational fishing and boating have on Rhode Island is very impressive.  NOAA’s estimate on the annual economic impact of recreational fishing in Rhode Island totaled $179-million.  In the Northeast the impact of the for-hire industry was estimated at $334-million and preliminary data from the 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey indicated that the economic impact of recreational boating could be as high as $220-million in Rhode Island. 

The data, much of it available for the first time, tells a story. Even though some industry segments are missing and others may be counted twice, the data leads me to believe that it is in the best interest of all Rhode Islanders to advocate for the boating industry, recreational fishing, the environment and fish that live in our waters because they have a great impact on all of us.  Now add the impact of commercial fishing and boating (shipping) and the economic impact is all that much greater.  Visit the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association website for results of the Recreational Fishing Symposium at www.risaa.org (symposium highlights soon to be posted), visit NOAA’s website for information on the recreational fishing and for-hire industry studies at www.nefsc.noaa.gov/publications .  Final results of SeaPlan’s boater survey is not complete yet but their website for the future is www.seaplan.org.  

Reeling in ideas for Rocky Point Park

Visit Rocky Point Park Saturday, May 4, at noon to see officials reel in ideas for the development of Rocky Point Park.  The reeling in event will be held at the beach in front of what was the salt water pool just inside the park entrance off Rocky Point Avenue in Warwick. It is being co-hosted by the Rocky Point Foundation and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association. The intent of the event is to get people thinking about possible uses of the park that was recently acquired by the state and to illustrate that people across the state have a stake in its development. It's also meant to be fun and in the process promote a public workshop Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. This will be the first hearing to solicit ideas for the park's future. 

Where’s the bite

Striped bass bite exploded this week with school bass and keepers mixed in being caught in greater numbers along the southern coastal shore with fish moving up into the Bay.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, said, “A customer caught a 32 striped bass in the Seekonk River Sunday.  Not sure if it was a new fish or one that wintered here. The angler that caught it said it was a fairly round fish so it may have been a new migrating fish.” Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Customers have not been catching striped bass yet, however, the water is expected to warm this week and bring the fish into the Bay.”  If you have not already done so, now is the time to start fishing for spring striped bass, they are here along the coast,  in the Bay and will be here in stronger numbers by the end of the week.

Tautog fishing reports still trickling in with some keeper fish being cauth in Mt. Hope Bay, India Pint Park in Providence and in the Warren River.  Overall tautog fishing is slow, warming water will help here too.

Squid are starting to appear. “Some squid are here, customers are catching them but in no great numbers.” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle. The Francis Fleet begins their squid fishing trips this Friday, May 3, contact them at www.francesfleet.com .

   

Herring migrations into our bays, rivers and salt ponds have been heavy this year.  As early as four weeks ago Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle said, “The herring are thick in Little Gorton’s Pond behind my shop.”  Traditionally Atlantic Menhaden come after the herring, flowed by striped bass chasing them.  Let’s hope that this is what happens this week as the water warms.

Great boats… great prices… great cause; and how to buy a boat

Good cause, great values: Capt. Ray Roberts, Boat Manger and Teri Woodbine of the URI Foundation Boat Donation and Sales Program, offer both used power boats and sail boats for sale in all price ranges like this Four Winns 21.5 footer they are standing in front of.  It is for sale for $4,250.

Great boats… great prices… great cause

“One of the nicer sail boats we have is this 31’ C & C.  It’s sailed back and forth to Ireland twice… it is a great boat and a great value.” said Capt. Ray Roberts, boat manger, of the URI Foundation Boat Donation & Sales Program.   Roberts said, “I tell anyone interested in a boat to bring a lunch and sit on the boat, make a list of all the things you hate about the boat, and then we talk about the price.” 

Teri Woodbine is the URI Foundation staff person managing the Boat Donation and Sales Program and this Saturday was their Annual Spring Open House.  Teri said, “We sold about fifty boats last year and this year we started with 61 and are now down to 38 but boats come in all the time.  About half are power boats and half sail boats.”

The URI Foundation Boat Donation & Sales Program has been in existence for over thirty years.  Donated boats are offered to various marine-oriented departments at the University and if no use is found, they sell the boat and place the money into an endowment for support of marine related programs.  Donors can also specify a University programmatic end use.  And, those donating their boat generally benefit from a charitable tax deduction.

For those looking to purchase a boat, power and sail boats in all price ranges are available.  Like the 1987 Four Winns 21.5’ for sale for $4,250.  Capt. Roberts said, “This boat is in great condition.  The owners were so particular they insisted on bringing it here themselves so it would not get damaged.  It has a 175 HP V6  Mercurser inboard/outboard engine.” 

Teri Woodbine said that they have a brochure with current inventory and prices for buyers and they take in donated vessel and sell them all year round.  Their yard, where you can see inventory by appointment, is at the URI Bay Campus on South Ferry Road, Narragansett.  They can be reached at 401.874.5273 or visit them at www.uri.foundation.org  .

How to buy a boat

One of the first steps to buying a boat is determining what you want to use a boat for i.e. what type of fishing, family outings, swimming, overnight or day cruising or a combination of uses. The use of the vessel will dictate the type of boat you should buy.  The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has a great online tool to help you determine the type of boat you might be interested in.  It can be found at www.discoverboating.com.  This web site will ask you the intended use and relate the advantages and disadvantages of each boat type recommended.

Should you buy new or used

Another major decision in the boat selection process is whether to buy a new or used boat. Used boats cost less and are an option for those who are uncertain about boat use.  A used boat is also a good option for those who cannot afford to purchase new.  Make sure you add the cost of repairs to the purchase price of used boats.  A helpful way to determine repair cost is to commission a boat survey.  A boat survey is similar to a home inspection.  Surveys are conducted by certified surveyors who closely examine the vessels hull, structure, electrical system and engine(s).  Engine tests are conducted and running time hours are verified.  Surveys but can give you estimates on repairs which you can use to negotiate the sale price.

Like automobiles, new boats come with warrantees.  If something goes wrong (and with boats something often goes wrong) you want a warrantee behind you.  New boats and warrantees are important, particularly if you do not want to spend your time repairing and restoring a boat yourself.  Often times old boats need more time to prepare for the season and will have a greater frequency of repair due to their age.  A higher frequency of repair means more time off the water.  So there are trade-offs between new and used boats.

Test drive if possible

Before you purchase a boat, if possible, take it for a test run under the conditions you intend to use the boat.  For example, I like to troll at a slow speed at or below two miles per hour.  So, when I test drive a boat I want to see how it runs at two miles an hour, at recommended cruising speeds and how it handles rough seas.

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. 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.  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.

Free seminar… Fly Tying in America,  Sunday, May 5

On Sunday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, MA the United Fly Tyers and New England Fly Tyers will demonstrate fly trying skills and teach fly tying to veterans, breast cancer survivors, children and adults. Project Healing Waters and Casting for Recovery will be at the event to answer questions. The “Bug Man”, Bob McMenemy, a trout stream entomology enthusiast, will be on hand with live aquatic insects. For information e-mail ajflyfish@yahoo.com .

Where’s the bite

Tautog fishing got off to a slow start last week.  Many suspect that the water is still too cold.  I fished at General Rock, North Kingstown for about a half hour after launching my boat for the season this past Tuesday and didn’t get a bite.  The surface temperature of the water was 47 degrees. Nicholas DeRosa wrote on the RISAA blog, “Folks, I'm doing a scuba class with Steve and Deb of Scuba Made Easy of Jamestown who dive multiple times a week off the Island and they say they have seen zero fish yet this spring, water is too cold still, will be a late start this year.”  Bob Chew reports, “Fished for a short time (Monday) at the Stone Bridge (on the Sakonnet River) from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. today and although I did not catch anything, I saw four large tautog caught and worms seemed to outfish crabs.”

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 .