How to buy a boat

Chris Catucci of Warwick, RI with the largemouth bass he caught on Gordon Pond using crank baits. With the warm weather, both fresh and saltwater fishing seasons have gotten off to a great start this.

Pam Tameo (right), president of the West Bay Anglers with Mike Dumsar of Westerly, RI. Mike won the big prize Saturday at the West Bay Anglers annual Fish Game dinner fundraiser.

Bob Monti of Charlestown, RI and his wife Audrey wanted a boat that their children and grandchildren could enjoy with them. But they also wanted to travel to Block Island and fish. So they settled on a 23” Scout twin console with a head and an enclosure from Ocean House Marina, Charlestown. The vessel has plenty of seating in the bow and plenty of room in the cockpit for fishing and additional seating.

So you want to buy a boat

So you are interested in buying a boat. No matter if it’s your first or twenty-first boat purchase it pays to shop around, look at vessels at boat shows, at boat dealers and check them out online on Craigslist and other boating portals. Most importantly, before you purchase, take your desired boat for a test run on the water 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.

Determine the use of the 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 http://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. 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.
However, 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 and insure you are not buying a lemon 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 will not only tell you what is wrong (and right) about the boat but can give you estimates on repairs which you can use to further negotiate the sale price.

Marine survey seminar
The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association’s (RISAA) May seminar will focus on marine surveys. So if you are thinking about a used boat consider attending this Monday, May 21, 2012 seminar at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick, RI. Visit http://www.risaa.org/ for details.

Custom rod and squid fishing seminar
The RISAA seminar Monday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. will feature Robert Jenkins, owner of Local Hooker Rods and three local squid fishermen Dave Fewster, Bob LeBlanc and Chuck Dore.

Where’s the bite
Fresh water. Maridee Bait & Tackle, Narragansett, RI, reports good fishing for customers at Barber, Warden and Tucker Ponds in South Kingstown, RI with night crawlers being the most popular bait for trout anglers. Angler Justin Fisette of Coventry, RI landed a 19, 18,17 and 12 pound carp at lake Tiogue. He also netted five catfish and one bullhead, all fish were caught in a span of 45 minutes. Chris Catucci of Warwick has been hammering largemouth bass at local ponds. Chris said, “Fished Gorton pond and slayed the largemouth… I got two really nice bass and also broke one off about the same size at the boat. I was rotating between different brands of chrome and black lipless crankbaits in an attempt to "match the hatch" of the alewives that migrate into Gorton Pond .” Ponds, lakes and rivers stocked with rainbow and brown trout continue to provide a lot of fishing fun for anglers too. Visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/ for a list of over a hundred ponds that have been stocked with trout.

Striped bass. Anglers continue to land fish at the West Wall at the Harbor of Refuge. Mary Dangelo of Maridee Canvas-Bait & Tackle in Narragansett, RI said, “Customer Tom McGuire caught over 100 fish last week on the wall with several keepers to 30” mixed in. All fish including the keepers were released. A popular bait for shore anglers continues to be Cocohoe lures with ½ once jig heads.” Angler Tom Pelto reports fishing the particularly large herring runs at rivers. Tom said, “I used a pink and purple Dawia Slider plug and landed three bass by dusk. They were between 28 to 30 inches. Each fish was fat and deceptively heavy.” Bob Olberg said, “I fished the upper bay (Friday) in my kayak… (with) tube and worm to search for fish, with soft plastics in reserve if I found a honeyhole. Caught three bass, one just over 28 inches, one just under, and one around 20 inches…caught one 28 incher last week in same area, the earliest I have caught a keeper in RI. All strong, healthy fish.”

Squeteague have already made their presence known this year with two caught in Greenwich Bay said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence. This dark olive green fish was once very popular in Rhode Island waters then almost disappeared for several years. For the past few years more and more are being caught. Squeteague is a great eating fish, know as salt water trout. Legal size in RI is 16” with a limit of one fish/person/day.
Squid are in according the Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle. “Customers have found them in Jamestown, Newport and Little Compton.”, said Dave. Squid and striped bass often arrive together so if you find one, your find the other.

Cod fishing remains soft said Captain Drew Dangelo of Maridee Charters, Narragansett, RI.

Tautog fishing is good with keepers caught this week at Conimicut Light, Plum Light House, Coddington Cove, General Rock, Hope Island and other favorite places. Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle said, “They have not moved to low water yet, they are still in deep water.” I saw Ken Thursday as he was clearing three nice keepers in the 20 plus inch range. He said, “We caught them with clam worms.” This is the bait of choice for many tautog anglers this time of year. Jeff Barker of Warwick and avid angler and member of the West Bay Anglers said, “We fished in the lower bay last week and had great luck. We keep ten fish but released all the females.” Asian crabs are present in the Warwick Neck area as anglers search the beaches turning over rocks for this favorite tautog bait.

Fresh water fishing season off to a good start

Three generations of the Doro family fished Opening Day at Willett Avenue Pond, East Providence. Michel Doro with father Joe Doro and his two children Melanie and Michaela.

Fritz Petsch of East Providence with one of the nine trout he caught on Opening Day using a Kastmaster lure.

Angler Ken Neill III with his 24 pound, 3 once Virginian state record tautog caught March 25, 2012. Rhode Island’s record is 21 pounds, 4 ounces caught in 1954 by C.W. Sunquist of Jamestown, RI. (photo from Eastern Shore News).

Nick Woodbine of Warwick fished Frenchtown Pond, North Kingstown on Opening Day with his two brothers and uncle, Chris Choquette. Nick released this rainbow trout back into the water.

Anglers fish Opening Day Saturday, April 14 at Willett Avenue Pond, East Providence, RI.

Fresh water fishing season off to good start

It does not get much better than this… this Saturday I covered opening day, the official start of the freshwater and trout fishing season; I dug and ate my first Rhode Island quahogs of the season; and I caught my first striped bass of the season.
The perfect weather Saturday drove anglers to ponds, lakes and rivers throughout Rhode Island for opening day Saturday, April 14. The Rhode Department of Environmental Management (DEM) had set the stage by stocking over 80,000 rainbow and brown trout in over 100 ponds and rivers throughout the State and then mother nature took over providing a sunny, mild day with temperatures that reached into the 70’s.
John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown said, “Success on opening day is very much related to the weather. If it is a good day people go fishing, if the weather is bad they stay home. But Friday night and Saturday were great, we stayed open all night Friday as we have for the past 32 years and business was good.” John’s Bait & Tackle is running a week long trout fishing contest for children fourteen years old and younger. “The rules are simple, no entry forms, simply bring your fish here and we weigh it. Next Sunday we will award $40 in a store merchandise credit to the first place winner, $30 to the second place winner and a $20 merchandise credit for third place.”, said Wunner.
Opening day is steeped in tradition; the desire for fishing opening day is passed from mothers and fathers to sons and daughters. I met the Doro family at 6:15 a.m. at Willett Avenue Pond in East Providence, RI where three generations of Doro’s were fishing. Joe Doro said, “We have been fishing opening day for over 25 years and now my son Michael and his two daughters Michaela and Melanie are fishing the tradition too.”
Nick Woodbine of Warwick and his brothers Jacob and Andrew fished opening day at Frenchtown Pond in North Kingstown. Their uncle Chris Choquette of North Kingstown took them fishing, and was very busy keeping all their lines in the water. Every minute or two one would yell, “I got one or I need more bait.” As I walked away Chris said, “Nick, that one is too small, put it back in the water.”
Harold Felder of Providence and his friend Rocco of East Providence said they had been fishing Willett Avenue Pond, East Providence since sun up and had caught about six fish when I caught up with them. They were using both Power Baits and Thompson lures purchased earlier at Archie’s Bait and Tackle in Riverside.
Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said he and his son Kenny had one of the best opening days in a long time. Business was good both Friday night and Saturday. “People were buying everything… licenses, our special trout rigs made in the store, Power Baits, meal worms and all other types of bait.” said Ferrara.
Plenty of trout remain in ponds and lakes so keep fishing this spring and summer as crowds won’t be around like opening day. Traditionally DEM restocks select ponds and lakes and there should be a lot of good fishing throughout the season.
Congratulations to DEM and their Fish and Wildlife Division for another successful Opening Day. Fresh water fishing licenses and trout stamps are needed to fish in Rhode Island. Visit www.dem.ri.gov or visit participating bait shops and retail outlets for details.

West Bay Anglers host Capt. Dave Monti on April 25
The West Bay Anglers will host Capt. Dave Monti on Wednesday, April 25, 6:00 p.m. at the Warwick FOP Lounge, 95 Tanner Avenue, Warwick, RI. Fluke (or summer flounder) fishing tactics, baits, rigs and fishing locations will be discussed. The presentation will also feature exclusive video interviews with Greg Myerson (striped bass 81.4 pound record holder) and George Poveromo (author and famous TV fishing show host). The event is free to all West Bay Angler members and the general public. Capacity limited to 100 people on fist come, first served basis. Call 401.463.7532 for information.

Commercial striped bass tags and fishing landing permits available in Port of Galilee
Commercial striped bass tags and Rhode Island commercial fishing landing permits are now available at the DEM's Division of Coastal Resources office in the Port of Galilee. State regulations require that no striped bass may be sold unless it has been properly identified with a commercial striped bass tag provided by DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife. In addition to the Galilee office, the tags will continue to be available at DEM's Marine Fisheries section in Jamestown located at 3 Fort Wetherill Road.

Record tautog caught in Virginia
According to the Eastern Shore News, a 24-pound, 3-ounce tautog, caught on March 25 by Ken Neill III of Seaford, has been certified as the new Virginia state record. Neill's catch surpassed the long standing record of 24 pounds, caught by Gregory Bell in 1987. The Rhode Island State tautog record is 21 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught off Jamestown in 1954 by C.W. Sunquist of Jamestown, RI. The world record for a tautog is 25 lbs. which was caught off New Jersey in 1998.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing continues to build. I caught by first bass of the season in the Green (Potowomut) River this Saturday with a Yo Zuri Crystal Minnow plastic swimming lure drifting up the river on an incoming tide. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait and Tackle, Warwick, said, “Customers are finding bass at Chepiwonoxet Point in Greenwich Bay.” I tried this area Friday and ran into two seals, as well as one off the northern tip of Prudence Island (they always seem to beat me to the good fishing spots). Anglers fishing the East Passage of Narragansett Bay had mixed results, some catching small bass. The West Wall at the Harbor of Refuge in South County is still being productive for school bass but striped bass action from Galilee to Westerly is slow.

Tautog season opened April 15th. Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick was selling worms, clams and green crabs to anglers targeting tautog. “In the spring many anglers believe the tautog prefer softer baits… grass shrimp, worms and clams are often used by these anglers. All these baits and the green crabs have been selling well.” Ken said customers reported a modest tautog bite at General Rock, North Kingstown and Coddington Cove, Middletown, RI.

Saftey first on opening day

Anglers in all types of vessels fish on Opening Day 2011 at Silver Spring Pond, South County, RI.

John Littlefield (left) of Archie’s Bait & Tackle with customer Wayne Eccleston (right) of East Providence as he buys tackle on opening day 2011.

Safety first on opening day April 14
With freshwater fishing season opening this Saturday, April 14, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds anglers that even on a warm day water temperatures can hover in the low to mid fifties. According to a U.S. Coast Guard report, a boating accident is five times more likely to be fatal if the water is colder than 60 degrees. So be careful on small vessels on opening day and always wear a life jacket.
DEM has stocked approximately 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average weight of one and a half pounds in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day. A complete list of stocked ponds can be found on DEM’s website, http://www.dem.ri.gov/.
Freshwater fishing licenses
State Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regulations state that “A fishing license is required of any person 15 years of age or older wishing to catch or take fish in any freshwater stream or pond in the State.” Exceptions include blind persons, landowners and their family members fishing from their property. Residents over 65 years of age can obtain a special permanent license for free. This year resident licenses are $18 and non-resident licenses are $35. A non-resident three day license is $16.
If you are interested in fishing for trout you will need a trout conservation stamp as well. Cost of a trout conservation stamp is $5.50.
Freshwater fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased from city and town clerk offices, authorized agents such as bait and tackle shops and other retail stores that sell tackle. For a list of license vendors visit the DEM web site at http://www.dem.ri.gov/ .

West Bay Anglers to host Capt. Dave Monti at April 25 seminar
Capt. Dave Monti’s presentation “Fluke Experts” will address what captains and fluke fishermen have to say about summer flounder tactics, gear and ideal fishing locations. Seminar will also feature brief exclusive video interviews with Greg Myerson (striped bass 81.4 pound record holder) and George Poveromo (author and famous TV fishing show host) on his favorite ways to catch striped bass. The West Bay Seminar is Wednesday, April 25, 6:00 p.m. at the Warwick FOP Lounge, 95 Tanner Avenue, Warwick, RI. The event is free to all West Bay Angler members and the general public. Capacity limited to 100 people on fist come, first served basis. Call 401.463.7532 for information.

Rhody Fly Rodders meeting April 17
Ed Lambardo will present on “Fly fishing Rhode Island-fresh or saltwater” on Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Riverside Sportsmen Association, East Providence, RI. Fly tying at 6:30 p.m., presentation starts at 7:30 p.m. The club's fund raising raffle of a fly rod, built by Dave Loren of East Bay Custom Rods, will be drawn.
2012 Bluefin tuna quota specification
Comments are due on proposed 2012 quota specifications for the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery on April 16, 2012. Go to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa!hms/breaking%20news.htm to view the proposed 2012 BFT quota specifications. You may submit comments (identified by ''NOAA-NMFS-2012-0048'') through April 16, 2012, by using anyone of the following methods: Submit electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov/; fax Sarah McLaughlin at 978-281-9340; or mail to Sarah McLaughlin, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Saltwater fishing regulations now official
Black sea bass, summer flounder, and scup all have liberalized regulations for the 2012 season. In the case of summer flounder and scup, this is due to good stock status and under-harvest by the recreational fishery in 2011. The black sea bass fishery, while currently constrained at a low quota level, was also under-harvested by the recreational fishery in 2011. All of the other important recreational species are meeting their current rebuilding targets or have a stable stock status, and therefore regulations will remain at status quo for 2012. No species is being restricted from its 2011 recreational harvest regulations.
All nonexempt fishers and spearfishers must have a RI recreational saltwater license (or equivalent license or registration issued by another state or the federal government) in order to fish legally in marine waters. Fishing licenses are required, but free, for Rhode Island residents over 65 and for active military personnel stationed in the state. For all others, the fee is $7 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Visit http://www.saltwater.ri.gov/ for more information or to purchase and print a license online.

The following is a summary of the recreational saltwater fishing management programs, in effect for 2012, for all species of major interest to RI anglers:

Striped Bass – 28” minimum size, 2 fish/person daily limit, open season.
Tautog – 16” minimum size, and three split seasons: from April 15 to May 31 (3 fish/person daily limit); August 1 to October 14 (3 fish/person daily limit); and October 15 to December 15 (6 fish/person daily limit). A limit of 10 fish/vessel daily limit (superseding the per-person limits). Party and charter boats are subject to the same regulations, except they are not subject to the 10 fish/vessel limit.
Summer Flounder (Fluke) – 18.5” minimum size, 8 fish/person daily limit, May 1 to December 31 season.
Scup (Shore and Private) – 10.5” minimum size, 20 fish/person daily limit, May 1 to December 31 season. For party and charter boats, three split seasons: May 1 to August 31 (20 fish/person daily limit); September 1 to October 31 (40 fish/person/daily limit) and November 1 to December 31 (20 fish/person daily limit).
Black sea bass – 13” minimum size, 15 fish/person daily limit, June 15 to December 31.
Bluefish – no minimum size, 15 fish/person daily limit, open season.
Cod – 22” minimum size, 10 fish/person daily limit, open season.
Weakfish – 16” minimum size, 1 fish/person daily limit, open season.
Winter Flounder – 12” minimum size, 2 fish/person daily limit, and two split seasons: April 28 to May 27, and September 29 to October 28. The harvesting or possession of winter flounder is PROHIBITED in Narragansett Bay north of the lines from So. Ferry Rd. in Narragansett to Ft. Getty; Ft. Wetherill to Ft. Adams; and Sandy Pt. to High Hill Pt. as well as in Point Judith Pond.

Where’s the bite

Fresh water fishing is heating up with bass being caught at many local ponds. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said, “Customers are catching bass at Gorton Pond in Warwick and Worden Pond, Wakefield.” John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle in East Providence, RI said opening day (April 14) promises to be a good one with area residents gearing up to fish Willett Avenue Pond and a host of others. “Bass fishing at Echo Lake, Barrington has been good.” said Littlefield.

Striped bass fishing is starting to heat up. Angler Matthew Boliver reports catching his first half dozen school bass off Middletown, RI last week and Mike Shepard caught his first school bass off Newport last week. John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle reports customer Dave Paterson catching his first bass in the 14” to 16” range using light colored plastic shad lures. Blog reports from New Jersey relate an excellent striped bass bite last week. Let’s hope they are coming our way. Reports of striped bass in Greenwich Bay have been spotty but consistent. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle said, “Anglers are catching striped bass in Greenwich Bay with soft plastics, but they are working for them.”

How experts fish for spring striped bass

Striped bass experts speak about spring fishing in the Bay at RISAA’s monthly meeting. From left Capt. Jim White, Capt. Joe Pagano and expert shore angler Steve McKenna.

How experts fish for spring striped bass
It was a great night. Three of the top striped bass anglers in the State spoke about fishing in the upper Bay in the spring. Steve McKenna of Cranston, RI, author, lecturer and noted shore angler; Capt. Jim White of White Ghost Charters; and Captain Joe Pagano of Stuff-It Charters all gave an enlightening panel discussion facilitated by Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) at their March 26 monthly meeting.
Everything striped bass was discussed… baits, locations, preferred time of day to fish and gear. This panel discussion format, the first for RISAA, was a big hit as the experts shared techniques and tips with the record 235 anglers in attendance at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick.
Here are highlights of what they had to say:
When they fish
· All fished in the upper West Passage in the Bay from Conimicut Point to the Hurricane barrier in Providence in the month of May (some start May 1 others by mid May, there was a lot of discussion about what will happen this year with the warm water, maybe if will start earlier? Maybe end earlier?). They usually fish into June (the first or second week), leaving when the bait (Atlantic Menhaden) leave the area.
· Night fishing is Capt. Pagano’ preference, early morning for Capt. White and Steve McKenna. All fishing different times of day and night depending on the time of year and location.
Location and bait
· Captain Pagano’s (who fishes from a boat) preference is to use Atlantic menhaden chunks in the Bay at night, live menhaden in the day, fresh bait (not frozen) is a must, he finds the fish in the coves, channels and around structure, anchors up and he moves the boat in about 20 minutes if he gets no bites.
· Steve McKenna fishes many of the same areas from shore (wherever he can gain access as he is a shore angler). Places like the mouth of Pawtuxet Cove, from shore near Save the Bay, Conimicut Point and along this Western Bay shore (he lives in Cranston and access is good for him there). He exclusively uses artificial bates… surface plugs and swimming plugs (many of them wood) and soft plastic baits of all types. Toward the end of May and June, Steve often fishs the herring runs coming out of the rivers into the Bay.
· Captain Jim White prefers using live menhaden, with light tackle and never anchors up. He is also on the move looking for fish. His second preference is to use a variety of soft plastic baits; he is a firm believer in mixing it up… find out what the striped bass are attached to on any given day and sticking with it if it works. If he is not fishing with a charter customer he is scouting favorite spots in the Bay looking for fish.


Rods, reels, line
· In regard to gear, all prefer the lightest tackle they can get away with… spinning reels are used most often with some bait casting conventional reels for Capt. White when using soft plastics. Capt. Pagano likes a rig a bit heavier when chunking with menhaden. He feels the hook set has to be strong and firm for the hook to pass through the menhaden chunk into the bass. All prefer monofilament line rather than braid as they believe it is more forgiving, particularly around structure. All have lost fish due to break off with braid on the bottom or around structure. Some believe in using fluorocarbon leaders and others believe monofilament leaders work just fine in the Bay as the water is usually not clear and the monofilament is not visible.
Hooks
· Captains White and Pagano prefer treble hooks, particularly with live or chunked menhaden as you have three chances to hook the fish rather than one. Steve McKenna uses treble hook as most of the lures he buys come with and have treble hood. The soft plastics he uses have one hook.

Circle hooks enhance catch and release efforts
Circle hooks have been praised nationally and locally by conservationists in that the hook usually sets in the corner of the fish’s mouth saving the fish from being hooked in the belly thus enhancing its chances of survival if released. I believe in using circle hooks when fishing with baits such as menhaden, ells, etc. and when lures and jigs can be adopted to use circle hooks. I also flatten the barbs on treble hooks to enhance catch and release.
Some anglers believe that conventional hooks and treble hooks do not hook fish in the belly if the hook is set quickly, giving the fish no time to swallow the bait. The use of conventional hooks, treble hooks, wide gap hooks and circle hooks continues to be a debate with anglers of all experience levels. Capt. White said, “It is all about catching the fish, circle hooks do not allow you to set the hook, and this is not natural when fishing and not as effective.”
Circle hooks have been used by commercial fishermen for many years. When long-line fishermen using circle hooks would return to check their hooks the fish would be still alive (hooked in the jaw or mouth and not in the stomach or gut). Circle hooks are highly efficient at catching fish with little or no angler effort as well as keeping the fish alive.
Here’s how circle hooks work…after the hook (and bait) are swallowed by the fish and it starts to run, the hook is pulled out of the stomach and slides toward the point of resistance on the fish’s jaw or lip and embeds itself in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
Circle hooks successfully hook bass in the mouth 95% of the time. The trick is not to jerk the rod to set the hook because you could pull the hook out of the fish’s mouth. Let the fish run, as it does, it will pull the hook out of its stomach and hook itself on the lip. Once this happens the fish is hooked so all you have to do is start fighting the fish and reeling it in. Ask your local bait & tackle shop for circle hooks and/or purchase rigs that have circle hooks. They are becoming more and more available for a variety of species.
DEM stocks ponds for Opening Day, Saturday, April 14
The Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Division of Fish & Wildlife announced last week that the 2012 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. More than 20,000 anglers are expected to turn out at dawn on opening day. Approximately 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds are being stocked by Division staff in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day.
A complete list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can be found on DEM’s website, www.dem.ri.gov.
Where’s the bite
Striped bass fishing this week slowed down as the water cooled substantially. It dropped four degrees in the Bay from previous weeks and this perhaps slowed down the migration. Few reports of migrating fish (with lice) being caught at press time.
Cod fishing continues to be mixed. Some good days and some bad days both of the Seven B’s and Francis Fleet vessels

DEM stocks ponds... the stripers have arrived

Members of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association donate canned goods to the Johnny Cake Food Pantry in South County. The food was donated by guests and Captains of the association at their annual banquet which was held at Spain Restaurant in Narragansett.

Angler Tom Pelto caught his first striped bass of season last week at the West Wall of the Harbor of Refugee in Narragansett. It fish was covered with sea lice indicating that it is a migrating fish, perhaps from the Chesapeake Bay area.

DEM stocks ponds for Opening Day… the striped bass have arrived
The Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Division of Fish & Wildlife announced last week that the 2012 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. More than 20,000 anglers are expected to turn out at dawn on opening day. Approximately 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds are being stocked by Division staff in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day.
“Getting out at the crack of dawn on opening day is a time-honored tradition in Rhode Island,” noted DEM Director Janet Coit. “This is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages to grab their fishing poles and experience the delight of catching the first trout of the season.”
To enhance the chances of children fourteen years of age and young catching a fish on Opening Day DEM has designated nine ponds for children.. In addition to the six regular ponds that are restricted, Cass Pond in Woonsocket, Slater Park Pond in Pawtucket, and Ponderosa Pond in Little Compton will be open for children-only during the first two days of the fishing season. A fishing derby for children in Woonsocket is being held at Cass Pond on Saturday, April 14. The Little Compton Grange will host a fishing derby for children on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at Ponderosa Pond in Little Compton. In Warwick, the Tri-City Elks Lodge will hold its annual opening day children’s derby at the pond located behind the Elks Lodge at 1414 West Shore Road on Saturday, April 14.

A complete list of stocked ponds and other information of interest to anglers can be found on DEM’s website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Fish and Wildlife” under “Offices and Divisions,” then “Freshwater Fisheries,” then “Trout Stocked Waters.”

Freshwater fishing licenses
You need a freshwater fishing license to fish in Rhode Island. State Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regulations relate that “A fishing license is required of any person 15 years of age or older wishing to catch or take fish in any freshwater stream or pond in the State.” Exceptions include blind persons, landowners and their family members fishing from their property. Residents over 65 years of age can obtain a special permanent license for free. This year resident licenses are $18 and non-resident licenses are $35. A non-resident three day license is $16.
If you are interested in fishing for trout you will need a trout conservation stamp as well. Cost of a trout conservation stamp is $5.50.
Freshwater fishing licenses and trout stamps can be purchased from city and town clerk offices, authorized agents such as bait and tackle shops and other retail stores that sell tackle. For a list of license vendors visit the DEM web site at www.dem.ri.gov (click on “Hunting, Fishing, Boating Licenses” from the top left of the homepage and scroll down to “Hunting Fishing Agents” at the bottom of the page. You may also purchase a license online through the DEM website.

Striped bass on the West Wall of the Harbor of Refuge and in the Bay
Striped bass arrived at the West Wall of the Harbor of Refuge, Narragansett and were found in Greenwich Bay last week. The fish had sea lice on them which is a sure sign that they are migratory fish from the ocean and not striped bass that have decided to stay for the winter. The water is warm, it was 52 degrees in the West Passage Saturday evening when I moved my boat from Mill Creek Marine in Allen’s Harbor, North Kingstown to Anderson’s Boat Yard in East Greenwich. As I pulled into East Greenwich cove my fish finder lit up with fish right at the green can at the Cove entrance.
Shore angler Tom Pelto sent me a note on his first striped bass of the season. Here’s what he had to say, “I was fishing the West Wall there at the Harbor of Refuge. The fish was defiantly a fresh migrating bass, sea lice were present all over the body, and the fish was very bright and shiny. I hooked it almost immediately upon arriving at my spot. The water was the color of Bombay Sapphire gin and was very clear. I saw the fish take the lure 15 feet out which gave me a instant smile. The fish was tiny, but the first ones always are. I knew there had to be fish there. I just had look at the clues. The first was the herring showing up. I've always caught a bass within a week of the herring arriving. Second was the water temp. It's like 48 degrees right now. Anytime the water gets close to 50 degrees (which I think is the magic temp) I start looking for fish. Also the wind had been constantly blowing out of the south. I really think this gets the water moving in the right direction, and helps push the fish along. Finally I spotted bait. So there had to be something there. It's the earliest bass I've ever caught by far.”
Public hearing on menhadenThe Atlantic States Marine Fisheries commission (ASMFC) will hold a public hearing on menhaden Wednesday, April 4, 6 p.m. at the Coastal Institute Auditorium, URI Bay Campus, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI. The purpose of the meeting is to gather public comment on the Public Information Document (PID) for Amendment 2. For more information contact Jason McNamee, RIDEM Fisheries, at 401-423-1943.

East Bay Anglers spring fishing flea market
The East Bay Anglers will hold their Spring Fishing Flea Market this Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. the 12:00 noon inside at the Riverside Sportsman’s Club, East Providence, RI. The cost to attend the flea market is $2 (children free). This is for both fresh and saltwater gear. Call Dave Fewster for information at 401.230.8201.

It's all about the kids

Karina Gonzalez (left) of Middletown, RI with the keeper fluke she caught during the West Bay Anglers take- a- kid fishing trip last summer. Seven B’s mate Julia Clarke (right) of Narragansett, RI helps her with her catch.

Faithful donors attend the West Bay Anglers St. Patrick’s Day Lobster Raffle to raise funds for the Rhode Island Take a Kid Fishing effort. From left to right: Jim Bender of East Greenwich, Dave Myrick and Ray Kettell both of Cranston.

John O’Neil, assistant director of The Impossible Dream, Warwick, RI receives an $8,500 check from Pam Tameo, president of the West Bay Anglers at their final Lobster Raffle held Saturday, March 17.

It’s all about the kids
“It’s all about the kids” said Pam Tameo, president of the West Bay Anglers, at the last of eighteen lobster raffle fundraisers that took place this Saturday at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 in Warwick, RI. “Some of the children we take fishing through our Rhode Island Take- a-Kid Fishing program have never even seen the ocean before, never mind going out on a boat to fish.” The group has been raising money to take children fishing for fourteen years. And this Saturday, the West Bay Anglers presented checks totaling $17,000. Tameo said, “We are very happy, this is what we use to raise prior to the recession.” Half of the money raised, $8,500, was presented to The Impossible Dream non-profit headquartered in Warwick and the second half went to the West Bay Anglers’ Take- a-Kid Fishing program.

The Lobster Raffles occur for eighteen Saturdays in a row during the fall and winter months and the prizes are unusual. Yes there are lobsters… not ordinary lobsters.. but large lobsters ranging from six to fourteen pounds. They have a raffle table with small appliances like toasters and George Forman Grilles, a meat table with hams and roasts of all types, a miscellaneous table, the final raffle table had a large Sony flat screen TV, a GPS system, a $100 gift card, cash and much more.

Fortunately there are volunteers like those from the West Bay Anglers and Captains like Russ Benn of the Seven B’s Party Fishing Boat that take the children fishing for eight consecutive Tuesdays in the Summer. This summer, I fished with Pam Tameo aboard the Seven B’s with a group of 30 children. Pam said, “The Seven B’s really came through with burger lunches for the children and a discounted price that made these take-a-kid fishing days possible this past summer. Without their participation we would end up taking far fewer children fishing. Jeanne Benn (Captain Benn’s wife) does a great job handling logistics for the Seven B’s and their crew, particularly the mates, do a great job helping the children fish.”

Ten volunteers from the West Bay Anglers sell raffle tickets and work at the Saturday raffles, while three work in the kitchen at the FOP Lodge. It is a great fishing community event and achievement. Pam Tameo closed the event Saturday and said, “Thank you for all your support, some of you are even out of work and managed to come this year, this is a great achievement. You will make a lot of children happy this summer.”

What impact will warm water have on spring fishing and hypoxia?
Readers continue to be curious about what impact this warm weather will have on fishing and hypoxia (low oxygen) in the Bay. Earlier this winter we had reports of bait… menhaden and herring as well as fish… striped bass and blue fin tuna in and around Narragansett Bay. Reports were verified by anglers and Rhode Island DEM reporting more menhaden in survey work. And this year, anglers have caught more striped bass than usual in the upper Bay.

Dr. Chris Deacutis, chief scientist for the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program and professor at the URI Graduate School of Ocianography said “We might be having a warm winter but Europe is experiencing a very cold winter. The jet stream is running above us bringing down warm weather whereas Europe is having a very cold winter and the jet stream is running below them.”

So this may explain why our water is a couple of degrees warmer than usual in the Bay and ocean and therefore why it is holding an unusual amount of bait fish and fish in our waters for this time of year.

I asked, “This warm water will likely have an impact on hypoxia and fish kills this spring and summer, right?” Actually no, it will likely have no effect. Dr. Deacutis said, “This warm water should have no influence on spring and summer hypoxia. What really impacts us is wet weather, a lot of rain in June, July and August. This brings more nutrients from runoff and treatment plants into the Bay, more fresh water too that stratifies the water column and there is less oxygen mixing and therefore more hypoxia (lack of oxygen).”

Dr. Candace Oviatt, professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, spends a lot of her time studying water temperature, oxygen in the Bay and algae blooms. Dr. Oviatt said, “This winter we had no bloom in the upper bay, a small one in the mid-bay area and no bloom in the lower Bay. With colder water in the winter food falls to the bottom and feeds creatures on the bottom.” This is good for shellfish and bottom feeders like flounder (fluke) and any other species that feeds off sea life on the bottom. Dr. Oviatt said, “Nitrates from the rivers should take care of upper bay and mid bay, it is the lower bay that may suffer this spring with less food.” This is all very interesting. One wonders if there is a chance that certain types of bottom fishing might be better (more than usual) in the upper and mid bay this summer compared to the lower bay.

I asked Dr. Oviatt if she felt that the presence of the menhaden and other bait fish in the Bay was a positive sign for a good spring and summer fishing season. She said, “You know the bait can leave the Bay just as fast as it came into the Bay.” Oh well, so much for predicting a positive fishing season. We will just have to wait and see how the fishing is.

Hummingbird Electronics and Minn Kota Motor workshop
Learn more about electronics and electric motors at Wood Boat & Motor, Warwick, RI, Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Regional representatives from Minn Kota Trolling Motors and Hummingbird Electronics will be available to answer questions. New Talon Shallow Water Anchor systems will on display too. Call Debbie Wood for a reservation at 401.739.4040.

Where’s the bite
Cod fishing has been mixed. Some days good, some days not so good. Angler Jeff Barker said he and a group of fishermen from the West Bay Anglers went cod fishing last week and did not do so well, only three or four keeper cod were landed. However, the next day anglers fishing on the Seven B’s landed over fifty fish. Francis Fleet vessels reported this weekend that “The cod were not at all easy to catch today as the bite was incredibly soft and the cod seemed to show a distinct preference for the bait to be hard on the bottom almost with a bit of slack in the line... for the past two days very few cod were taken on the metal with bait far out producing for the fish managed.”

What I liked at the Saltwater Fishing Show

Elisa Jackman and father Al Conti of Snug Harbor Marina had their hands fill servicing customers at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show.

Carlin O’Hara, age 11 of Cranston, RI with two nice cod fish he caught aboard the Francis Fleet during his February school vacation.

The Lonely Angler fishing lure company had a strong showing at the New England Fishing Show. Three generations are active in the wooden fishing lure business Jack Wilson (front, 11 years old), Ben, John and Nancy Wilson.

What I liked at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show this past weekend, was a big success with high attendance (over 10,000, the highest ever) and great vender sales for those selling fishing rods, reels, line, tackle and much more. Here are some highlights.

Ranger boats have been used for freshwater and skinny water saltwater fishing in places like Florida. However, that has now changed with the Bahia 220, a 22 foot center console now being sold by Wood Boat & Motor in Warwick, RI. The Bahia 220 is made with more freeboard than other Ranger models especially for saltwater use in the Northeast. This vessel features a fish box, a bait well and plenty of storage space for tackle. The boat also features a dry storage locker for fishing rods as well as a place for an optional electric motor on the bow for getting the boat in perfect position to catch that big fish. Find out about the Ranger boats at Wood Boat & Motor on Saturday, call for a reservation a 401.739.4040.

Snug Harbor Marine, South Kingstown, RI had a lot to offer show attendees. Rods, reels and fishing tackle were on sale and Al Conti and his family were there offering customers their collective experiences. Fishing rods made for jigging were one of the hot items at the show along with reels of all types. Al Conti’s daughter Elisa Jackman said, “Business has been excellent, better than last year. We’ve been selling all types of fishing rods and reels.”

The Lonely Angler is primarily a wood fishing lure company with three generations active in the business. There’s John Wilson and his wife Nancy, their son Ben who founded the company with his Dad and Jack (Ben’s son) who is eleven years old. All four of them where working The Lonely Anglers booth and the show.

Since the company was founded a decade ago, they have hand-crafted and sold thousands of lures. The process is simple. The wooden lures are individually weighted by John and painted by Ben. They are all hand-assembled - including the holographic lures - with the highest quality components, using holographic eyes and VMC hooks exclusively. Visit the at http://www.lonelyangler.com/ .

DJ Muller is a surf caster fishing guide and author. He is energetic, enthusiastic and very eager to teach others how to surf cast and achieve their personal fishing goals. He lives in New Jersey, but he and his crew fish Block Island, Cuttyhunk, Cape Cod, Montauk, Martha’s Vineyard and anywhere else the bass are in the Northeast. He takes groups fishing overnight, does one-on-one fishing guide service, offers an eight hour Bass Class and has a unique surf caster service called Harbor Pilot. Harbor Pilot is an on line surf casting coaching service that encourages anglers to plan their fishing trips to achieve goals. Fishermen e-mail DJ their fishing plans, get his advice and then check in with him after the trip. This method of surf casting coaching has helps hundreds of anglers achieve their fishing goals. Visit DJ Muller at http://www.djmullersurcaster.com/ .

Hummingbird Electronics and Minn Kota Motor workshop
Now is the time to learn more about electronics and electric motors at the Wood Boat & Motor, (Warwick, RI) workshop this Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Regional representatives from Minn Kota Trolling Motors and Hummingbird Electronics will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Come and see the new Talon Shallow Water Anchor with special pricing available for this weekend. Call Debbie Wood for a reservation at 401.739.4040.

East Bay Anglers spring fishing flea market
The East Bay Anglers will hold their Spring Fishing Flea Market on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. the 12:00 noon inside at the Riverside Sportsman’s Club, East Providence, RI. The cost of a table to sell your stuff is $25. The cost to attend the flea market is $2 (children free). This is for both fresh and saltwater gear. Call Dave Fewster for information at 401.230.8201.

Rhody Fly Rodders to hold striped bass seminar
The March meeting of the Rhody Fly Rodders will be held Tuesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club, East Providence, RI. The guest presenter will be Dean L. Clark, from Stripers Forever. Stripers Forever, is a non-profit, internet-based conservation organization, seeking game fish status for wild striped bass on the Atlantic Coast. Mr. Clark will present what are the latest challenges for this great game fish and what we can do to help. Also, he will include a presentation about Striper fishing on the “Cape”. Free coffee & cookies, door prize and bucket raffles. Open to the general public. Fly tiers are invited to tie before the presentation. From Providence take I-195 to exit 7, bear right on the ramp and follow Rt. 114 south (Wampanoag Trail) for 2 miles. Look for WPRO studios on left, then take first u-turn back to Rt. 114 north. Continue north and look for the Riverside Sportsmen’s Club sign on right.


Saltwater fishing regulations for 2012 are final
Visit the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) web site at http://www.dem.ri.gov/ for a complete list of 2012 recreational fishing regulations. Many of the regulations are status quo. Two big changes include an increase in scup from 10 to 20 fish/person/day with a season from May 1 to September 26. Fluke (summer flounder) experienced a slight liberalization as well… 18.5 inch minimum with a season that runs from May 1 to December 31 with a liberalized possession limit of seven to eight fish/person/day lint.