NOAA seeks input on ecosystem-based fisheries policy and regional action plan

Chung Nguyen of Providence caught a 35” striped bass off the Charleston Breachway Saturday during a storm and rough seas.

John Migliori said this Big Pond, Aquidneck Island bass was caouth using a Schadey creek Lure this week in windy conditions after the storm.

NOAA seeks input on ecosystem-based fisheries policy and regional action plan

        

Last week the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a request for fishermen input on their ecosystem-based fisheries management draft policy.  That was followed by and additional request seeking input on their recreational fisheries regional implication plan.

In an advisory to the recreational fishing community NOAA said, “We are taking an important step in our management of saltwater recreation fishing with the development of a Greater Atlantic Region Recreation Fisheries Implementation Plan.  The plan will include a list of action items to be taken in the northeast to implement the framework laid out in the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Implementation Plan.

The national plan has six guiding principles including:  support for ecosystem conservation and enhancement; public access to quality fishing locations; state and federal management coordination; innovative solutions to evolving science, management and environmental challenges; provide trusted/scientifically sound social, cultural, economic and ecological information; and communicate and engage the recreational fishing public.

Anglers are asked to help NOAA develop a regional plan for 2016-2017 by relating what NOAA can do to improve and what they should do for recreational fishing community.  Anglers should provide input on issues such as the activities or services they would like to see and/or the ones they find unnecessary, approaches for improving communication with recreational anglers, etc. 

Comments should be submitted to nmfs.gar.recreational.fishing@noaa.gov  by October 26. Contact the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Recreational Fishing Coordinator, Dr. Earl Meredith at 978.281.9276.

NOAA is also seeking fishermen input on their ecosystem-based fisheries management draft policy which can be found at http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/ecosystems . 

The draft policy is being developed to insure the long-term health of marine fisheries resources which is largely dependent on our collective ability to understand and account for the interactions around key species, their environment and the people who rely upon them for food, recreation and their livelihoods.

In an advisory NOAA said, “We recognize that ecosystem-based fisheries management is a shared responsibility. Your experience and expertise should be reflected in the policy, which is why we wanted to share a draft policy with you.”

Fishermen are asked to provide thoughts by December 16, 2015.  Comments and questions should be sent via email to Jason Link.  Visit the policy are at website address above for details.

Lean about fly fishing Labrador City and Northern Quebec

On Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 pm the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225) will host Rick Little, owner of Shadcreek Flies, Hampstead, NH.  The meeting will take place at the Coventry/West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich.

Rick enjoys adapting some of his freshwater techniques and approaches to the salt and that passion has influenced the types of flies that he uses and how he fishes them.  Members and guest will learn about the “Adventure Trip to Labrador City and Northern Quebec, open for both anglers and guest non-anglers.

Contact Ron Marafioti at (401) 463-6162 with questions.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing has remained strong even during recent storms.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle said, “Saturday Chung Nguyen of Providence caught a 35” striped bass off the Charlestown Breachway using one of Strike Pro’s 2 3/4 ounces Surf Pro round bottom pencils.” 

Tautog fishing is improving as water conditions calm down.  Last week Gisele and Rich Golembeski fished the Narragansett area for tautog.  Gisele said, “Launched from Wilson Park dock in Wickford searching for tautog (before the storms). Fished on some rock piles off Narragansett Beach. Final tally 9 keeper sea bass (lots of shorts) at least 6 short t-tog, and one surprise 19 1/2" cod!! Never thought there were cod that close to shore!!! Too bad it wasn't a keeper!! All caught on crabs.”  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “A few anglers fished Sunday where they could find a stop out of the wind.  They fished Johnson’s Ledge and around Hope Island hooking up with a few fish but nothing spectacular due well due to rough conditions.” John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside said, “Tautog are being caught at the Wharf Tavern on an eight to one keeper ratio.  Anglers are also catching a lot of oyster toadfish in the process.  More than in other years.”

Oyster toadfish are being caught by anglers when tautog fishing at the Wharf Tavern in Warren. They lay at the bottom and ambush prey such as crustaceans, mollusks, squid and other small fish. Photo licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Bluefish were being caught even after the storm in the Conimicut Light to Barrington Beach area.” said John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle.  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle said, “We have had a good bluefish bite the past few weeks, even after the storm this Sunday bluefish in the 6 to 9 pound range were being caught in Greenwich Cove and Bay.”

 Skipjacks continue to be around everywhere in coves and harbors and along the coastline of Providence and East Providence.” said John Littlefield.

Cod fishing before the storms was good.  Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances fleet said, “Monday was a good day.  Many of the fishers aboard had four to seven nice cod apiece to take home. There were some bigger fish well into the teens with the best threatening the 20 pound mark. Both bait and jigs were producing well.”

Near record tautog and how to catch them

 Joe Bleczinski of Narragansett, RI and the 18.9 pound tautog he caught off Narragansett at Whale Rock.

Fly fishing expert Ed Lombardo with looks to be a 40” plus striped bass he caught at Narrow River using his fly rod and a large fly.

Near record tautog and how to catch them

Tautog (or black fish) have a delicious white colored flesh and are commonly caught in Rhode Island in the fall (there is a short spring season as well).  They remind me of grouper but are much smaller. They live near or in rocks and are not often sold in fish markets because they are more difficult to catch commercially. Tautog baits include crabs of all types, tautog jigs and some anglers using clam worms in the spring.

The minimum legal size in Rhode Island is 16” with a three fish/person/day limit until October 17^th.  On October 18^th the limit jumps to six fish.  However, a ten fish per boat limit applies for both periods (does not apply to charter boats).

Last week Joe Bleczinski of Narragansett, RI caught a 18.9 pound tautog.  This is a fish of a lifetime.  The Rhode Island state record for tautog is 21 pounds, 4 ounces set in 1954. Joe is vice principal at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School.

Joe Bleczinski's 18.9 pound tautog broke the net handle on the way in.

Joe said, “We were fishing at Whale Rock (at the mouth of the West Passage off Narragansett).    I felt a tug and thought I was stuck at the bottom.  Then the boat started to move sideways and I said ‘Get the net this is a big fish’.  The fish did not fight a lot it just deliberately started to swim away and take the boat with it.” Joe and his fishing mates managed to boat the fish even though it broke the net handle on the way in.

If you want to land tautog here are five tips from Capt. Charlie Donilon of Snappa Charters, Pt. Judith who spoke about tautog fishing this week at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) seminar.

Capt. Charlie Donilon, Snappa Characters. 

Fishing rod and line.  Capt. Donilon said “I suggest a longer rod for tautog, ideally something at least seven feet with a little bit of backbone.  The longer rod allows you to raise the rod a greater distance from the water while setting the hook… pulling that fish away from structure.  Braid line allows you a more direct contact with the fish to feel the bite and will not stretch like monofilament line allowing the fish to go back into structure.”

Chumming is important.  “If I am bringing five gallons of crabs on a charter trip, one of them will be used for chum.”  Charlie’s chumming technique is not fancy.  He cuts the legs off green crabs (he uses Asian crabs too) with cutting shears, cuts crabs in half and then throws them in the water throughout the fishing area.

Anchoring over structure.  “I have a heavy anchor for my boat, 20 pounds with 20 feet of chain that allows me to get away with less scope and more accurately positon the boat over structure.”  His scope ratio is more like three to one rather than the seven to one or ten to one ratio commonly recommended based on conditions.

Sharp hooks.  Tautog have tough lips so sharp hooks are necessary.  Capt. Donilon said, “Anglers spend so much time and money to fish so why skimp when it comes to hooks.  I use ‘Lazar Sharp’ hooks.”

 Capt. Charlie Donilon of Snappa Charters, Pt. Judith, takes this New York group tautog  fishing every fall.  “They are some of the best tautog fishermen I know.” said Capt. Donilon.

Finesse the rod as you ride the swells.  “When the boat is rising and falling due to ocean swells you have to finesse the rod making every effort to keep that bait on the bottom in the strike zone.” said Capt. Donilon.  So when the boat rises you need to lower your rod to stay on the bottom and when the boat falls you need to raise the rod to take up the slack so you can feel the bite when it occurs.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing is improving with some bass now being caught in Bays, rivers and coves with an enhance bite along the southern coastal shore and off Newport to Little Crompton.  Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Customers are catching bass at the Newport Bridge next to the bridge stanchions and then trying their luck outside at Brenton Reef.”  Noted local fly fishing expert Ed Lombardo said, “I got a bass (looked to be 40 plus inches) at Narrow River on a large fly.  Lots of bait in the river right now and the good news is that the bass are starting to move in now.  There are many hickory shad too which are lots of fun on a 6 or 7 weight rod.  Pink flies are working very well.”  Mike Wade of Watch Hill Outfitters, Westerly said, “We (I) had a great night fishing (Monday) for striped bass in the 20 to 30 pound range with eels in the Sugar Reef Passage area (about six miles off Watch Hill on the Block Island-New London Ferry line route). When the clouds covered the big moon the bite was on and things slowed as the moon lite things up.  The shoreline guys are doing well too at Weekapaug Breachway and at Fireman’s Beach.” Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence said, “This weekend striped bass were from Brenton Reef to Little Compton close to shore and the bass are taking clams off the beaches on Block Island. They are now starting to come back in our rivers too.”  Many Macedo of  Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren said, “Bluefish and keeper strped bass in the 30” range are being caught in the East Passage off Colt State Park, Popasquash Point, Bristol and the T Wharf at Prudence Island.  We  had a couple of Prudence Island residents come in to buy bait last week.”

“False albacore and bonito are being caught inside New Harbor, Block Island this weekend and were close to shore between Brenton Reef and shore off Newport Sunday.,” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle.  Mike Wade of Watch Hill Outfitters said, “The false albacore bite has moved off shore to Fishers Island Sound and Montauk.”

“Skip jack blues are everywhere” said Dave Henault of Ocean State tackle. “There are lots of skip jacks and peanut bunker around.  I mean a lot.  Some angles have caught yellow jack fish under the skip jacks and thought they were bonito or false albacore.  Actually the yellow jacks are very good to eat.”

Black sea bass fishing remains strong off coastal shore in and around Newport.  I fished off Newport and at the mouth of Newport Harbor Sunday and we boated twelve nice keeper sea bass.

Offshore fishing.  Captain Charlie Donilon of Snappa Charters said, “I have been fishing the Mud hole for the past two to three weeks. Last week was the final week taking customers out with the shark cage and we came in contact with mako and blue sharks.  The water was 66 degrees. We caught a false albacore but no bonito or bluefin tuna.  We saw a couple of schools of common dolphins and the draggers are still working the area so you know the area is holding fish and should still be good as long as the bait is there.”

Mobile technology a big trend at the boat show

 Peter Van Lancker, president of Hunt Yachts, Portsmouth collects the Best New Power Boat award at the Newport International Boat Show from Sally Helme of Cruising/ Sailing World magazines (left) and Nancy Pifard of the Newport Exhibition Group. 

 The Hunt 32 cc won Best New Power Boat at the Newport International Boat Show.

Eric Teronzak from Glocester with a striped bass caught on Stuff-It Charters with Capt. Joe Pagano.

Mobile technology a big trend at the boat show

Want to check your boat’s fuel level from the office?  How about making sure the bilge pumps are working or if the vessel is secure?

You can do it all with your cellphone from the office, the car or your living room couch.  The trend of mobile communications we have experienced on land with homes and automobiles has worked its way to the boating industry and will soon be more commonplace on vessels of all types.  This was one of many trends highlighted at an industry panel discussion Friday morning at the Newport International Boat Show.

In addition to advances in boating technology, there were hundreds of boats (many being introduced for the first time) and thousands of products to help boaters (and fishermen) enhance and care for their vessels.  And this weekend the City of Newport was ready. 

“Newport welcomes you.  We are ready for you.  It has been a great year for Newport. We have had wonderful people here starting with the Volvo sailing event.  We are proud to host the boat show and look forward to seeing you next year.” said Mayor Jeanne Napolitano at the “Best of Show” awards breakfast held Friday morning.

Here’s what I liked at the show

Hunt Yachts. Peter Van Lancker, president of Hunt Yachts, Portsmouth, RI gave me a tour of their new 32’center console which had just received the Best New Power Boat show award.  Van Lancker said, “The boat is made for both fishing and family cruising.  It has a unique entry to the left of the helm that allows passengers easy access below even while underway and the captain is at the helm.” The Hunt 32 center console features accent lighting all around, comfortable seating for eight at the bow for family and friends.  And for fishing, it has outriggers, several insulated storage/fish boxes that drain overboard, and optional bait well locations.  It has a sink and grill option on deck and a head with shower, sink and bunk below. And, it can rip through chop at 45 mph to get you to your favorite fishing grounds quickly.  Find out more at www.hunt32cc.com.

Bee’s Knees Zipper Wax tops.  I know because I used it on my boat canvas zippers this weekend. Linda Mendonca, company founder said, “I captained an old boat and took all the canvas off for cleaning.  Well it took me an hour to put one canvass back on as the zippers wouldn’t budge.  That’s how I invented Bee’s Knees Zipper Wax. The wax is a natural lubricant that can be used for all zippers and snaps, to lubricate wooden draws, hatches and it is 100% natural and won’t harm boat surfaces including Isinglass.”  You can purchase the product online at ww.beeskneeszipperwax.com. 

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Big Fish Paddleboards are stand up inflatable paddleboards.  They offer a 10’2” board, the Bluefish, which sells on line for $1,095,  it is 32” wide and 6” thick and can handle paddlers up to 250 pounds.  A larger board model, the Kingfish, is an 11’ board that is 32” wide, and 6” thick.  The Kingfish can handle the largest of paddlers or multiple paddlers.  Both boards are sold as packages and come complete with 21.8 psi pump, a 3 piece paddle, and two removable center fins, a knapsack, and repair kit. Company president Richard Allen said, “Big Fish boards are rigid, stable and very durable.  The beauty of these boards is that they are extremely portable.  It all fits into a supplied knapsack and it takes about 250 pumps on the supplied pump to fill the board.”  At press time Big Fish had a $400 Newport Show discount available online.  Visit www.bigfishboards.com.

Monomoy First Light is a new wooden 26” center console power boat designed for family fun and fishing.  Owner Mike Pease of Pease Boat Works said, “My brother and I built them with classic lines reminiscent of oldc bass boats.  They feature lapstreak sides and a fiberglass hull for durability and ease of maintenance.”  The vessel is powered by a 140 HP, four stroke outboard engine housed in an engine box at the stern.  Overall the boat has many hand crafted features.  Boats can be customized with bronze hardware, prices range from $125,000 to $185,000.  Visit www.peaseboatworks.com .

Tautog fishing seminar with Capt. Donilon

Learn tautog fishing tips and techniques from one of the area’s most respected charter captains, Charlie Donilon of Snappa Charters.  Capt. Donilon will be the guest speaker at the Monday, September 28, 7:00 p.m. Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) seminar talking about the many aspects of successful tautog fishing including tackle, baits, fishing area and more. Non-members are welcome and are requested to make a $10 donation to the RISAA scholarship fund, RISAA member attend free.  A RISAA quarterly meeting will follow the presentation. For details visit www.risaa.org.

Where’s the bite

Black sea bass fishing is very hot.  With the increased limit to 7 fish/person/day, anglers are often catching their limit.  Roger Simpson of the Frances Fleet reports black sea bass to over five pounds this week as boats made their last fluke trips.  We fished off Newport Seal Ledge, Elbow Ledge, as well as at the mouth of Newport Harbor along Rose Island this week and anglers aboard had little trouble reaching their limit or coming close to it with some very nice sea bass.  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Customers are catching see bass in the lower Bay and out in front with Seal Ledge.” Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence said, “A customer caught a 24 inch and 18 inch black sea bass from shore in Newport this weekend.”

 Brothers Joe and Charlie Prisco of Warwick with black sea bass they caught off Newport Saturday.

Donna Duffy (wife of angler Jim Duffy) with a false albacore caught offshore this weekend.

Cod fishing is good.  Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said, “We boated nearly 200 keeper cod Saturday, on our first 2015 cod trips.  Fresh shucked clams worked well with jigs working too. Hi hooks were 7 to 9 keepers with most anglers taking home three or four fish each.”

Bonito and false albacore.  The false albacore bite remains very strong with anglers boating fish all along the coastal shore and offshore too.  Angler Jack Leyden of North Kingstown hooked up with his second false albacore Saturday at 10 a.m. north of Pt. Judith in front of Narragansett. Jack said, “We saw them break the surface and were on them.”  Narrow River, Salt Pond and other outflows have been good places to pick up the trail of false albacore.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle said, “The bonito bite has softened but false albacore is still very good.” Dave said, “Here’s is a tip for anglers targeting false albacore.  Stay in the area where the fish are rather than chasing their every move.  If you should have down time jig the lure you are using off the bottom and you’ll be surprised. You’ll catch black seabass, scup, even fluke while you are waiting for the false albacore to return.”  Alex Petti of Fin & Feather Outfitters, North Kingstown said, “Anglers are catching false albacore from the Charlestown Breachway to Pt. Judith.  There is more bait in the water than I’ve seen in 15 years this is a good sign for a strong fall fishing season.”

“Squid are in at Newport with anglers fishing the causeway with success.” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle.  When I fished off Newport this weekend the black sea bass were spitting up squid (rather than lobster or crabs) so according the black sea bass the squid are most definitely in.

Skipjack bluefish (baby blues) are everywhere.” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle. 

“Skipjacks are in coves, salt ponds and just about any harbor in Rhode Island.”  John Littlefield of Archie's Bait & Tackle, Riverside, said, “I must have sold eight dozen snapper poppers for skipjacks this weekend.  I hadn’t sold many but things exploded this weekend.”

Fresh water fishing for largemouth bass is good but trout fishing is slow as water levels in area rivers, ponds and lakes has been low.  Alex Petti of Fin & Feathers said, “Water levels in the Wood River have been low.  The hope is that once we get a little rain the trout fishing will pick up.”

Striped bass fishing is still good with more fish now being taken along coastal shores.  Capt. Joe Pagano has been fishing along the shore with his boat in the surf (as usual) using eels and Atlantic menhaden and is doing pretty good.  Shore angler Rick Boyd from Narragansett Surf Caster did some bottom fishing with me this week and said, “It has been a pretty good year for us from the beach, anglers are catching striped bass, blue fish and the false albacore are now all over the place.”

Get hooked on fly fishing

 Travis Barao of East Providence with a cod he caught when fishing with his father Gil at Cox’s Ledge.

 Karen Franzesem Farmingdale, NY with 8.4 pound fluke she caught on the Frances Fleet.

Amanda Prisco of Warwick with black sea bass she and family caught off Newport.

Get hooked on fly fishing

Lean how to freshwater and saltwater fly fish this fall at the Department of Environment Management (DEM) fishing training program.

 

DEM is offering three programs:  Introduction to Freshwater Fly-fishing, Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Addieville East Game Farm, Mapleville; Introduction to Saltwater Fly-fishing, Saturday, October 17, 900 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the US fish and Wildlife Service’s Kettle Pond Visitors Center, Charlestown; and Fall Fly-tying 2015, sessions held on six Mondays beginning November 2 to December 7, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the North Kingstown Community Center.

Instructors for all classes are knowledgeable and experienced fly-fishing instructor guides and most belong to organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Rhody Fly-Rodders and United Fly-Tyers. The freshwater and saltwater lessons are $15 and the fly-tying classes are $5 each or six for $25.  Space for all classes is limited and registration is required.

For information and registration materials contact Kimberly Sullivan in DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program at 401.539.0019 or at kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

Black sea bass limit increases to seven

The black sea bass catch limit increased to seven fish/person/day last week. Anglers are reporting a good bite off Pt. Judith, at Block Island, off Newport, along the southern coastal shore and in the Bay in the Jamestown and Newport Bridge areas. So now is the time to try to catch some for your dinner plate as they are a great eating fish. 

Black sea bass facts

Black sea bass (BSB) is a delicate, sweet-tasting saltwater fish. The firm, white flesh of this species is a favorite of many.  They have the ability to adjust their color to blend in with the bottom with colors ranging from grey, brown, black to a deep indigo hue.  BSB are hermaphroditic fish… they begin life as female then turn male.  They put up a good feisty fight but do not grow to be huge fish in the Northeast.  The largest black sea bass caught was 9 pounds, 8 ounces and about 19.7” long.   Ideal water temperature for black sea bass is 59 to 64 degrees.

How and where to catch black sea bass… rigs and bait

Rigs often used to catch black sea bass have two hooks approximately 12” to 16” apart with a bank sinker to hold bottom.  Squid or sea clams are most often used as bait.  Anglers often catch them while fishing for summer flounder (fluke) or tautog because they are on or close to the bottom.  They can also be caught with jigs and many prefer this method.

Any underwater structures… rocks, wrecks, piers and jetties will attract black sea bass.  The larger males are generally found in deeper water.

NOAA seeks assessment working group members

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking members for regional stock assessment workshop working groups for upcoming assessments of monkfish, black sea bass, surfclam, ocean quahog and maceral.  The way members for working groups are selected has been revised.  Members of the SAW WG must have the technical expertise and knowledge required to make meaningful contributions to the stock assessment.  Applications for the black sea bass group are due September 21, other assessment group applications are due September 30.

For information contact Olivia Rugo, NOAA Regional Office, at 978-675-2167 or email her at Olivia.Rugo@noaa.gov.

Learn “The Little Things” about fly fishing

The Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225) will host its monthly membership meeting Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 p.m. at the Coventry/West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road (Rte. 3, Exit 6 off of Rte. 95), West Greenwich, R.I.  This will be the first indoor meeting of the season.

Learn about the "The Little Things” (seemingly the minor factors that can make a big difference in your fishing results) from Steve Culton, an experienced fly fishing guide, professional fly tyer, and freelance writer from neighboring Connecticut.  Steve’s passions include fishing for trout, stripers, steelhead, and in small streams with wild brookie populations.  For information contact Ron Marafioti (401) 463-6162.

Newport International Boat Show September 18^th-20^th

The largest boat show in New England, the Newport International Boat show, will ‘kick off’ the fall boat show season, Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20^th.

The Newport International Boat Show provides visitors from around the world a venue to see the latest boats and product offerings from hundreds of manufacturers and dealers, including dozens debuting for the first time in the United States. Show planners are offering a variety of educational and fun activities for boating enthusiasts of all ages and experience.  For information visit www.newportboatshow.com.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing continues to be strong on Block Island’s Southwest Ledge with anglers landing bass using eels.  This week even the day bite has been good.  Anglers Peter Vican and Don Smith said they have been doing well at night hooking up multiple times as many as fifteen fish a night.  Matt Conti of Snug Harbor Marina said, “Customers are catching bass on eels even during the day.  Fish are in the 25 to 30 pound range.”  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle said, “A few school size bass are being caught a Barrington Beach but the blue fish bite has been very good there with fish in the 3 to 5 pound range.”  “Block Island bass fishing is still hot with good sized keepers being caught from the Charlestown Breachway.” said Julian Trozzi of Breachway Bait & Tackle, Charlestown.  “Business has been very good this weekend.  Fluke, black sea bass, and striped bass are all biting at Block Island.  We have sold a lot of eels to customers going bass fishing on Block Island.” Fly fishing expert Ed Lombardo said, “We have been fishing the Narrow River which is producing great hickory shad fishing. Lots of bait in the rivers right now mostly silversides in sizes from 1” to 4” in length. Small flies made of black buck tail over white buck tail with a body made of silver tinsel are working very well, 2” in length. Lots of action and fun on 6 to 8 wt. rods. The Charlestown Breachway has a lot of bait and shad as well, bass are not up inside of the rivers yet, water is just too warm. Bass are being taken on the beaches and at the month of the river.”

Summer flounder (fluke) fishing is still good. “Customers are still catching fluke on the southeast side of Block Island and at the hooter buoy off Pt. Judith in about 80 feet of water.” said Matt Conti of Snug Harbor.  I fished this weekend off Newport and found fluke fishing very difficult landing three small keepers about 19 inches".  Julian Trozzi of Snug Harbor said, “Fluke fishing off Green Hill has been good, but the fish have not been large.” Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said, “We had some limit catches, especially earlier in the week. A few fish in the 8 to 9 pound range earlier in the week for pool winners with 6-7 pound fish the pool fish average later in the week. Various forms of gulp worms, whole squid, hi lo buck tails and regular rental rod set ups all had their respective moments in the sun this past week so be prepared to vary your approach when necessary.”

Bonito fishing is still very good.  Matt Conti of Snug Harbor said “The green bonito are all around from Narragansett to Westerly but they are up and down so you have to chase them.”  Julian Trozzi of Breachway Bait & Tackle said, “There is an awful lot of bait in the water and the bonito fishing is good as they chase bait all along the southern coastal shore.”

Scup fishing is good in most places.  John Littlefield of Archie’s bait said, “Anglers are catching scup at Sabin Point, Hanes Park and Colt State Park.”

Black sea bass (BSB) fishing (with an enhanced angler limit of seven fish per day as of September 1^st) has been very good.  “Albert Bettencourt of Riverside and two fishing partners’ boated 21 sea bass to five pounds in less than two hours at Block Island.” said John Littlefield of Archie's Bait & Tackle.  Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said, “A good number of black sea bass limits this week with many fish in the 2 to 4 pound range with a decent amount upwards to and even over 5 pound on a few outings.”  Angler Dick Pastore said, “BSB fishing west of southwest ledge (off Block Island) Sunday with great success. Large squid baits on fluke rigs, although a single hook with a few beads and maybe a spinner does just fine. Fish were in 85’ of water. Size ranged from 14” to 22”.”

Offshore fishing. “Cod fishing is still good at Coxes Ledge.” said Matt Conti of Snug Harbor. “The yellow fin, big eye tuna and sword fish bite has been good at the west Atlantis canyon area.  Anglers are having success chucking and chumming this week.  They have caught yellow fish tuna in the 80 pound range.” Conti said.  Patti Ferrara of Ray’s Bait said, “We sold several flats of mackerel to anglers fishing offshore. The offshore bite is good.”  Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said, “Anglers on our first offshore tuna trip crushed the yellowfin tuna with many of them easily limiting out. Nice fish mostly in the 40 to 60 pound range with the best around 70 pounds. A good amount of mahi was caught as well. Frances Fleet captains reported the ocean to be alive with bait and tuna busting all over the place. Some big swordfish came into the slick including one estimated at well over 300 pounds but no offering could tempt the fish. The bite was reported to be primarily a bait bite with just a few on jigs and no bite on the troll.” Angler Dick Pastore said on the RISAA blog, “One enormous blue shark released. Had two white marlin in the slick at different times. Was chumming with mackerel pieces and butterfish with menhaden chum bucket over the side. Each white marlin hung around for 15 minutes. Threw a butterfish bait at the second one and he inhaled it. Had 30 pound fluorocarbon leader which he bit off at the knot in about 10 minutes. Another boat on my dock hooked up a white marlin on a green machine Saturday. There are a bunch of these fish around.”

You need to raise those large bass

Capt. Rob Taylor of Newport Sportfishing Charters uses lures with no hooks to raise big striped bass.   

 Capt. George Latos of Coventry with his limit of fluke caught on the Frances Fleet.

Suzanne Sustello with a cod she caught this weekend at Cox Ledge.

 Capt. Bill Murphy with a nine pound bonito he caught Friday off the west wall of the Harbor of Refuge.

You need to raise those large bass

“What you need to do is get those big striped bass to the surface.” said Capt. Rob Taylor of Newport Sportfishing Charters, an expert using topwater lures for striped bass.  He shared some tips and strategies Monday night at a RI Saltwater Anglers Association meeting. 

To get large striped bass to surface that may be deep in the water column, Rob throws topwater lures with no hooks.  Yes lures with no hooks. “This gets the smaller striped bass chasing our lures.  It creates a lot of commotion on the surface. Then the bigger fish come up and push the small ones out of the way.  Once they are up, and have worked themselves into a frenzy, we start throwing lures with hooks. ”

This technique has worked for Rob and his customers time and time again fishing off Newport, Jamestown and Block Island.  The strategy of “raising the big fish” with lures that have no hooks is generally employed over structure.  Structure where there is a high/low water break with fast moving current and eddies that toss bait fish around making it easier for large stripers to ambush bait.

Some tips from Rob include using 50 to 80 pound monofilament leaders, as long as you can… five, six, seven feet tied directly to main line (50 pound braid) with a double uni-knot.  The lures are large spooks… 10” or so with middle and rear treble hooks.  

The idea is to get that lure dancing on the surface.  Rob prefers a walking the dog motion with the lure dancing or swimming from side to side as it is retrieved and then a brief stop.  He also is a firm believer in scenting his lures with “smelly jelly” (a type of bunker or Atlantic menhaden oil).  He believes that when the lure stops briefly the fish picks up the scent and strikes.

Visit Captain Rob Taylor’s website at www.nsfcharters.com .

Where’s the bite

Bonito are still here with spotty reports of false albacore now being caught.  Peter Nilsen, president of Rhody Fly Rodders, said he fly fished off Newport to the Sakonnet Thursday and had difficulty hooking up but Friday he fished with Capt. Bill Murphy and fly fished at the Point Judith lighthouse for bass and bonito and they did better. 

Peter said, “Missed a couple of bass on the rocks off the lighthouse. We then fished along the 'walls' of PT Judith chasing quite a few Bonito, but nothing... we then fished all the way west to Quonny and back with no luck. Tons of bait and birds all over the place, but no fish under them. Then we returned to the west wall area and chased fish all over the place. Capt. Murphy's spinning lure reached a fish before me and he hooked and landed a nine pound bonito.

There's tons of bait all over Sakonnet, Newport and along the shore to Watch Hill. I've never seen that much. Small silversides, large silversides, and peanut bunker. One or two guys in the area were reported to have landed Albies, so they are starting to show. With all this bait around, we should have a great fall of fishing.”

Dave Garzoli reports he hooked up with bonito Saturday morning. “Launched my kayak yesterday (Saturday) at the East Wall (of the Harbor of Refuge) for a few hours.  Ended up with two bonito, pile of scup and Black Sea bass. Bonito caught on ultra-light fresh water gear using deadly dicks.”

Manny Macedo of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren said, “We sold everything silver this weekend as anglers targeted bonito that came close to shore at the mouth of the  Sakonnet last week.  Deadly Dicks, Kastmasters, anything silver was selling.  We had some customer land bonito from shore too.”  Matt Conti of Sung Harbor Marina, South Kingstown said “We had bonito at the south wall this Sunday with just a few reports of false albacore being caught.”

Scup fishing has improved greatly with anglers now catching large scup once again.  Anglers are landing them by boat in good numbers and some shore anglers are limiting out (30 fish) at Colt State Park, and at Independence Park, Bristol.  They are catching some black sea bass too mixed in from shore using worms as well as squid.”

Striped bass fishing slowed during the day.  Manny Macedo of  Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren said, “Bass fishing slowed down a bit at Block Island but customers are catching some in the Bay.  A customer caught a 29” fish at the Mt. Hope Bridge light house this weekend.  Most anglers are using eels. We still have customers catching large blue fish in the Bay and off the coastal shores.” Matt Conti of Snug Harbor Marina said, “Most of the action on Block Island is occurring on the southwest side with eels at night.” 

Fluke fishing.  Jon Stavrakas said, “Slow day fluking around Block Island (Saturday).  Started at East Grounds, light and variable wind, no drift, caught a few seabass, moved to south side of Block for similar conditions.  Fished north of wind farm construction.  Returned to East Grounds after breeze picked up.  Non-stop sea bass, scup, etc.  Kept two large sea bass to 4+ lbs.” I fished with a party off Newport Saturday with very little drift.  We managed to land three keeper size fluke, some shorts with multiple bottom tie ups, many skate and sea robins.  Wind and tide not in line and very slow moving water all morning.  Matt Conti of Snug Harbor said, “Customers are still catching fluke and nice keeper sea bass at the Hooter maker and on the southwest side of Block Island.” Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said “Fluke fishing was good all week long… Some days more spread out than others but there were at least a handful of limit catches each day and on some trips there were quite a few limits. The boat also generally had no problem finding a good size sea bass for most of its fishers. No monster fluke this week.”

Cod and offshore fishing. “Cod fishing is still good at Cox’s Ledge for anglers.” said Matt Conti of Sung Harbor.  Rick Sustello reports on the RISSA blog, “I caught my first Mahi ever in RI while cod fishing out at Coxes ledge with my wife and Lary Norin. He also caught his first ever. No weigh-in because these were chicken Mahi's and nowhere near 6 lbs. really fun to catch and watch them run and jump. Caught it casting a 1oz silver crippled herring at some high fliers. Let it sink and fast retrieve. We only found smaller ones but tried a few other tricks to get deeper, but no action on anything larger.”  Conti of Snug Harbor said, “West Atlantis was the place for offshore fishing this past week with yellowfin, big eye tuna and swordfish being caught there.”

Black sea bass fishing is very strong.  In Rhode Island limit jumped to seven fish/person/day on Sept. 1.

Petrucci and crew take Bluefin Blowout

Alex Petrucci (knelling to left) and the crew of Duck Soup that won the Bluefin Blowout Tournament.

The Kovolyan family (Kurt, Heather, Trey and Genevieve) of Millville, RI took the Grand Prize (a Kayak Package) in the Great Outdoors Pursuit finals at Burlingame State Park, Charlestown.  

Jeff Shepherd of North Kingstown caught this 8.7 pound summer flounder in 16 feet of water on a chole squid under the Newport Bridge.  Wife Mary said, “This fish did not want to go in the net.”

 Angler Charlie Prisco of Warwick (center) along with fishing partners Joe Servant (left) and Joe Prisco caught multiple bass at Block Island trolling tube & worm and jigging aboard Patty J Charters.

   Jason Salley from Durham CT with the jumbo sea bass he caught on the Frances Fleet.

Petrucci and crew take Bluefin Blowout

Wicked Tuna is the National Geographic Network program that features commercial fishermen vying for and competing for large bluefin tuna.  It takes place in Gloucester, MA.  The same place the 4^th Annual Bluefin Blowout sponsored by Lyon-Waugh Auto Group was held last month.

The competition in this tournament is very intense.  45 boats, the best of the best you might say as giant bluefin tuna fishermen competed for the top prize of $17,000 and a brand new Audi. 

And guess what happened, the sport fishing vessel Duck Soup from Rhode Island, captained by Alex Petrucci of Narragansett and a crew including his son Alex took the tournament with a 324 pound giant bluefin.

“We were fishing off the coast of Maine using live bait (small pollock) when the fish hit.  It took an hour and a half to bring it in.  It was a lot of work for the crew.” said Alex Petrucci.

This was a very gratifying win for Alex, his crew and Rhode Island. Duck Soup travelled to the giant bluefin capital on the east coast and won.  Congratulations Alex and crew.  You make us very proud.

Learn how to land stripers with lures

Capt. Rob Taylor of Newport Sportfishing Charters will the guest speaker Monday night, August 31, 7:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) meeting at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick.  Capt. Rob will discuss using artificial lures to catch striped bass with a top water focus, when to choose/use different plugs, and how to approach different conditions.  RISAA members attend free, non-members asked for a $10 donation to the RISAA Scholarship Fund. Separate dinner (starting at $6.25) served by the West Valley Inn from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Great Outdoors Pursuit

Earlier this month the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) hosted the final 2015 RI Great Outdoors Pursuit event at Burlingame Stare Park, Charlestown. 

The Great Outdoors Pursuit program is designed to encourage the use of state parks in an effort to move toward a healthier lifestyle.  Throughout the summer (primarily family) teams earned credit for taking part in outdoor adventures.

This year’s grand prize winner was team “Cannonball” with four members of the Kovolyan family (Kurt, Heather, Trey and Genevieve) from Millville, RI.  Team Cannonball won a family pack of four kayaks and supplies which was the top prize.

Now is the time to provide input on tautog

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) makes regulations for many of the commercial and recreational fish species caught in Rhode Island.. Tautog is one of these species and the results of a recent stock assessment will likely bring changes in tautog regulations so now is the time to offer input on proposed regulation options.

The ASMFC Tautog Management Board is seeking public comment on the Public Information Document (PID) for Draft Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Tautog.

The PID responds to the findings of the 2015 benchmark stock assessment which evaluated stock status regionally to reflect differences in life history characteristics and harvest patterns. Based on its endorsed regional approach, the assessment also recommended associated biological reference points to guide management at the regional scale. Since tautog are currently managed on a coastwide basis, the Board initiated the PID to consider a new regional management approach.

As the first step in the development of an amendment, the PID seeks to gather information concerning the tautog fishery and to provide an opportunity for the public to identify major issues and alternatives relative to the management of this species. Input received at the start of the amendment development process can have a major influence on the final outcome of the amendment. Issues presented in the PID include FMP goals and objectives, adaptive management, monitoring requirements and illegal fishing of tautog. 

The PID also seeks specific input on the selection of regional stock areas for management use.  The following hearings have been scheduled for Rhode Island and Massachusetts:

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Wednesday, September 30th from 6 - 9 PM, University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island. For information contact Jason McNamee at jason.mcnamee@DEM.RI.GOV  or at 401.423.1943.

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Vineyard Conference Room, 185 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, Massachusetts.  Contact: David Pierce at david.pierce@state.ma.us or at 617.626.1532.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing on Block Island remains good with a number of large fish now being caught from southern coastal shores and in Narragansett Bay.  Mike Wade of Watch Hill Outfitters, Westerly said, “Shore angler Bob Celico of Westerly caught a 36 pound bass this week from the beaches and the bass and bluefish bite has been great at Block Island.”  “We weighed in a 46.5 pound striped bass this weekend that was caught from the beach at Narragansett at 10:00 p.m. and this weekend a kayak fisherman caught a 34” striped bass at Mt. Hope Bridge using and eel.” said Manny Macedo of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren, RI.  Bluefish blitzes are occurring in the Bay and along coastal shores for the first time in a number of years. Angler Charlie Prisco of Warwick along with fishing partners Joe Servant and Joe Prisco caught multiple bass trolling tube and work and jigging aboard the Patty J Charters out of Galilee last Sunday.  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Eels see to be working well.  Several customers have caught keeper bass at the Newport Bridge this week using eels.”

Bonito/false albacore.  The bonito bite remains very strong with fish being caught from Westport, MA to Westerly, RI.  Mike Wade of Watch Hill Outfitters said, “We have a surprisingly large number of bonito in the area.  They are not very large but there are a lot of them being caught with no false albacore.  Usually we see false albacore after the bonito but none have arrived yet to my knowledge.”  Manny Macedo of Lucky Bait said, “A customer spotted a school of bonito 30 yards off Westport Beach this weekend.  He made several casts with a Deadly Dick lure but did not connect with the fish.”

Summer flounder (fluke). Capt. Frank Blount of the France Fleet said, “Fluke fishing has been excellent, particularly this past weekend with many anglers catching their limit with pool winning fish being in the six to eight pound range.”  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle said, “Fluke fishing has been very good off Newport under the bridge and at the Sakonnet.  One of or commercial customers boated 30 fish at the mouth of the Sakonnet River all nice fish.”  Roger Simpson of the Frances Fleet said, “The days on which anglers experience the better drifting conditions generally produce the best. Big six inch gulp worms of various colors and buck tail jigs (hi lo) have generally been the way to go although on occasion bait rigs/whole squid light up as well.”  Mike Wade of Watch Hill Outfitters said, “Fluke fishing is great.  We took a family trip last week and boated fish on the south side of Block Island in the eight to seven pound range with are largest fish about nine pounds. They are also doing well with fluke along the southern coastal shore in 60 to 70 feet of water catching 25” fish.”  

Sergeant Potts Tournament seeks support

 Brandon Hagopian of Cranston landed this 9.4 pound fluke in the Newport Bridge area this weekend. 

 Kevin Fetzer and Steve Brustein with Block Island fluke, black sea bass and striped bass.

 Steve Brustein of West Warwick with his first Block Island striped bass.

Mel Daniels from Jersey City, NJ with the jumbo fluke he caught aboard the Gail Frances Friday.

Sergeant Potts Tournament seeks support

The 10^th Annual Staff Sergeant Potts Fishing Tournament will be held Friday, September 4^th, 12:00 p.m. to Saturday, September 12^th, 12:00 p.m. 

The tournament is hosted by the Aquidneck Island Striper Team and includes a free cookout, music and raffles on Saturday, September 12th, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Portuguese American Citizens Club in Portsmouth, RI. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Riverside Marine, Crafty One Customs, Sam’s Bait & Tackle and Lucky Bait & Tackle.  For information visit www.AIStriperTeam.com .

Capt. Michael Littlefield, tournament organizer said, “In order to make our 10^th year a success, we need your help with food, raffle, and prize items. 

Whether it’s fishing equipment, a gift certificates, a monetary donation or food, we would greatly appreciate your generosity for whatever you can contribute.  Donations will be accepted at any of the participating tackle shops.

Staff Sergeant Potts was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 103^rd Field Artillery Regiment, Army National Guard, Providence, RI.  SSG Potts died in 2004 in Taji, Iraq while conducting traffic control operations. He leaves a wife and two children.”

The tournament includes first, second and third place prizes for striped bass and bluefish with the top five tautog awarded prizes.  The tournament also has a Grand Slam prize…weigh-in one each of three species and the highest combined total weight wins.  See entry form for contest rules this year.

Rhody Fly Rodders summer meeting today

The Rhody Fly Rodders will fish the out-going tide today (Thursday, August 20) at Quonochontaug.  High tide is at 2:15 p.m.   Non-members are welcome. The group will fish until 5:00 p.m., get the grilles going (bring your own burgers and hot dogs), and then fish until dark.  Bottled water, chips and utensils provided. Directions… Route 1 south (Boston Post Road), exit west on Beach Road and follow it to the end.  Call Peter Nilsen, president, if you have questions at 401.633.5329.

Where’s the bite

August has been an excellent fishing month.   With a late start to the season, due to cold water in the spring, anglers are hoping for a strong fall fishing season.

Striped bass, fluke and bonito fishing good

Neil Hayes of Quaker Lane Outfitters, North Kingstown said, “The striped bass bite at Block Island has been very strong.” Saturday I fished Block Island with Kevin Fetzer of East Greenwich and Steve Brustein of West Warwick for striped bass and summer flounder (fluke) and the fishing was good.  We stopped off just inside the three mile limit off Point Judith and hooked up with multiple summer flounder and back sea bass.

Matt Conti of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown said, “Fluke on the southeast corner of Block Island has been good as well as at the hooter can off Point Judith. The striped bass bite on Block Island is good with eels being the bait of choice this week.  Green bonito fishing has been great too from Point Judith to Westerly.”

Angler Ken Blanchard, Jr. said on the RISAA blog, “Lots of schools of bonito from the beach at Quonnie very close to shore. I was in the schools twice for three casts with a small Deadly Dick but never got a hook-up…had my chances for sure.”

“One theme which has been becoming increasingly apparent this season is that those who are really dialed in with the buck tails are scoring the best (fluke fishing on the Frances Fleet)… although this past Saturday saw whole squid reign supreme.”, said Roger Simpson of the Frances Fleet.

Hayes of Quaker Lane said, “There has been a good squid run this past week in both Jamestown and Newport.”

Offshore fishing

“Offshore fishing for big eye tuna and yellowfin has been fair with anglers being successful landing fish but not like the fall run we had last year.  Fish are being caught at the Fish Tales and Atlantis with anglers hooking up with mako sharks at the Fingers. Cod fishing on Cox’s Ledge has been good too.” said Matt Conti of Snug Harbor Marina.

Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “People are catching striped bass at Block Island both day and night but the bite is good some days and not so good other days.  The same with offshore fishing.  Guys are trying to hook up with shark and tuna but things offshore are not consistently good.”

Scup, bluefish bite good in Bay

In Narragansett Bay fishing has slowed due to warming water. But angles are catching scup, black sea bass and bluefish with the tautog bite just starting as anglers turn their attention to this species. Neil Hayes of Quaker Lane said, “The tautog bite is still not strong as the water is still warm, but some people are catching fish.”

Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle said, “Fluke fishing in Narragansett Bay has slowed down quite a bit but fish are being caught under the bridges, at the Sakonnet and at Elbow Ledge. The tautog fishing is slow but a customer has caught several keepers with shorts mixed in off the town dock in Jamestown.  He is also catching scup and squid from the dock in Jamestown.”

Brandon Hagopian of Cranston landed a 9.4 pound fluke this week in the Newport Bridge area.  Brandon said, “This weekend the fluke were following the big balls of squid from the bridge to Bull Point, Jamestown. We were getting them from 100 feet to 35 feet. Used as light a jig as you can to hold bottom with, cast up current, and finesse it past the drift until you can't hold ground anymore. Bring it up and redo.  It takes a lot of work but when they are finicky it does the trick.”

John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle Riverside said, “The water is very warm in the Bay. Everyone is catching scup… at Barrington Beach and just about anywhere you can put a line in the water… Riverside and Providence. The bass bite is nonexistent but the bluefish are around in numbers.  Thursday night at a summer concert at Crescent Park Carousel the bluefish were in a feeding frenzy pushing bait fish to the shore and onto the beach and the band stopped playing as everyone at the concert watched the bluefish action by the shore.”