Bass and fluke bite strong; Pickering’s 40 pound mirror carp takes top prize

  Winning carp:  Dave Pickering and his 40 lbs., 2 oz. mirror carp that took the North American CAG Big 4 Tournament.

 Capt. Dave Monti with a 39” bass caught off Poppasquash Point, Bristol on the channel pad using chunked Atlantic Menhaden.  The next day the bass bite was off in this area.

 Jamestown fluke:  Jay Ankle of Coventry with the 23 ½ inch summer flounder he caught Monday fishing off Jamestown.

Ginny Reed of Bristol, RI with a jumbo fluke she caught this weekend when fishing on the Francis Fleet out of Pt. Judith.

Where’s the bite

“Fresh water fishing has slowed a bit.” said John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown.  “But we still have customers fishing for trout in stocked ponds.” said Wunner.  Visit www.dem.ri.gov for a listing of stocked ponds in RI.  Manny Macedo of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren, RI said, “Worms and shiners are being sold to fresh water anglers, and many of them are families going out for the first time.”

The bluefish bite has been strong, no large schools on the surface, but blues are biting as anglers target striped bass.  John Wunner of John’s Bait said “Some anglers are catching large bluefish; a customer reported an 18 pound bluefish caught off the Dunes Club, Narragansett using a plug.” The RI state record is 26 pounds.  Angler Mike Swain of Coventry said Sunday, “I was catching quite a few bluefish when fishing for bass with menhaden chucks.”   Angler Joe Daniels of Warwick said he continues to catch three bluefish to every bass in the East passage north of Conimicut Light.”

Summer flounder (fluke) fishing is spotty in upper and mid Bay but anglers fishing in the lower Bay and offshore are producing fish.  Roger Simpson of the Francis Fleet said, “(The) majority of anglers who fished this past week on the full day trips were able to box at least three to five nice keepers apiece. A lot of quality fish in the three to five pound range with a few days seeing that size fish as the average keeper.”  Reports of fishing off Block Island and along southern coastal shores are good.  Capt. Rick Bellavance of Priority Too Charters, Pt. Judith, said, “Bass fishing was slow around the Block Island last week, however, we have done well with fluke around Island shores.”  Capt. Andy Dangelo of Maridee II Charters landed a 10.7 pound fluke (himself) off Block Island Tuesday morning.  Fluke reports were spotty from those fishing the mouth of the Sakonnet River and around Elbow Ledge this weekend.  Monday Brian Beltrami said, “My wife and I fished for fluke the last couple of hours of the incoming tide with a strong SW wind at the Jamestown Bridge… We managed three keepers, 19 - 22" and 8 shorts…it didn't seem to matter if we baited with the mackerel or menhaden, the fluke hit them both.”  Jay Angle of Coventry landed a 23 ½ inch summer flounder while fishing off Jamestown Monday.  Fishing partner Mike Swain said, “The bite was slow and the fish Jay landed should have been a bit fatter.  I think things will break open in the next week or two.”

“Squid fishing has picked up once again in Newport this week.” said Dave Henault of Ocean State tackle.  John Wunner of John’s bait said, “Customers have seen small squid as far up as Greenwich Bay.  Almost seems like the big squid came in and now we have a lot of baby squid around.  Fish being taken on test trawls by URI out of Wickford are seeing quite a bit of squid in the fish they catch.”

Striped bass fishing continues to be strong in the Bay. “Fish in the mid 30’s to 44 inch range are being taken all the way up the Seekonk River to School Street in Pawtucket.  Most are being taken on live or chucked menhaden.” said Dave Henault of Ocean State tackle.  Manny Macedo of Lucky Bait, Warren said, “Menhaden is the bait of choice as there is plenty of it around.  It has been a very good week for striped bass fishing.”  I continued to have luck in the East passage this weekend off Poppasquash Point, Bristol landing bass to 38” bass with menhaden chucks. However, I fished again with my wife the next day and found it very difficult to find the bass in this area.”  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, East Providence said, “There were 32 boats in the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse are off East Providence this weekend, all fishing for bass with menhaden.  It was a great week for fishing.   Many anglers are getting their pogies early before there is a lot of boat traffic.”  Anglers are also catching bass trolling umbrella rigs, tube and worm, using clam tongues and they continue to catch them using plugs and lures from shore.

Squeteague.  Patti Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick,  said, “Capt. Steven Anderson of Bare Bones Charters caught a nice squeteague off Warwick Light when fishing with menhaden chucks for striped bass.”

Pickering’s 40 pound mirror carp takes top prize

The monster mirror carp weighed in at 40 pounds, 2 ounces and this was enough to take top prize.  The Biggest Mirror Award is this year’s North American Carp Anglers Group (CAG) Tournament went to Dave Pickering of Lincoln, RI.   Dave said, “I was just informed (Tuesday) that my 40 lb. 2 oz. mirror carp captured the Big 4 Biggest Mirror award… it’s the top prize.” 

Pickering, an accomplished striped bass fishermen as well, said, “Forty pound carp are about as rare as 65 lb. stripers here in New England. Some years none are caught while other years might see a few. I believe this is the only one taken so far this year here in New England.   I actually caught this fish in nearby MA. It is only the second forty pound carp I have ever landed in my carp fishing career”. 

Dave Pickering is a freelance writer, photographer and an expert carp and striped bass fishermen (arguable the best in the Northeast).  He hosts two world class blogs, one for carp at www.ricarpfishing.blogspot.com and one for striped bass at www.ristripedbass.blogspot.com .

Dave is an elementary school teacher in Wrentham, MA… I can only imagine the fish stories that his students get to hear every day.  Congratulations Dave, very nice fish.

Clam Digging 101

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) as will offer a “Clam Digging 101” program Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at North Kingstown Town Beach as part of the RI Shellfish Management Plan (SMP).  The program and the SMP are part of an effort to bring together stakeholder groups -- from government, the shellfish industry, and community organizations -- to collectively plan how Rhode Island can best manage its shellfish resources. You'll take part in a short clam-digging lesson by native Rhode Islander and professional quahogger, Jody King in the shallow waters of North Kingstown Town Beach.  Event is limited to 20 participants over 18.  Fee is $20 per person (cash, credit card, or a check to Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island-- registration is not confirmed until payment is received in full).   Register at smp@etal.uri.edu  or 401-874-6106.

Pabst Tournament to support visually impaired

The New England Lions Clubs announced support of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Northeast Fishing Tournament for their annual Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) fishing tournament.  Proceeds from the annual Pabst Northeast Fishing Tournament will help further the Lions Clubs’ efforts to support and improve the lives of visually impaired persons.  Visit  www.Lions4Sight.org to find out about the VIP tournament  (June 22) and information about the Pabst Blue Ribbon Tournament  (including entry information and prize listing) which is held throughout the summer can be found at www.pbrfishing.com.

6^th Annual Uncle Jimmy Fain Tournament big success

Mike ‘Boz’ took first place in the 6^th Annual Jimmy Fain Charity Fishing Tournament (headquartered at Finn’s Harbourside, East Greenwich) with a 28 pound 2 once striped bass fishing on the 5150 with Capt. Billy Barbour.  Tournament organizer Ryan Hogan said, “The proceeds which will be about $5,000 this year will be donated to local charities.  About 90 anglers registered for the three day tournament that ended June 1 with an awards ceremony after the weigh in.”   Other winners included: 2nd place striper at 26.6 pounds caught by Zach Ethier on the 18 Northcoast with Capt. Jean LeComte; 1st place bluefish, 10.2 pounds, Amanda Kezirian on Fowl Play with Capt. Mike Rainone; 2nd pace bluefish was a tie. 8.6 pounds… Joe Jolls on the HAAS and Ken Landry on the Eighty Six; 1st place Kids,  Jodi Upham 24.4 striper on the Tree Guy with Cap. Kyle Oneppo; and 2^nd place  Anthony Padula 21.4 striper on the 5150 with Capt. Billy Barbour.

Nine year old takes 21^st Annual Striper Marina Tournament

Colby Bellevue (nine years old) took the top prize for the largest fish this weekend at the 21^st Annual Striped Bass Tournament held by Striper Marina, Barrington, RI.  The “Catching Fish to Help Children” tournament which ended June 1^st donates all proceeds to the RI Kiddie Shelters for Abused and Abandoned Children.  “Colby’s striped bass weighed in at 25 pounds, 10 ounces and was 38 ½ inches.  We had a total of 120 people enter and 31 fish weighed in for the three day tournament. ” said Al Elson, tournament organizer and owner of Striper Marina.                 

What interested me at the boart show

Best show value:  Join the Rhode Island Salt Water Angler Association (RISAA) for $55/yr. and get free admission to monthly educational seminars and a monthly fishing magazine filled with fishing tactics, tips and news.  RISAA members at the boat show include Bill Sokolowski (left), Joe Burr and George Allen. Visit www.risaa.org. 

What’s old is new:  Capt. Rick Cataldi (left) of Seaward Boatworks with staff members Dante Crowther and Pete Ashton specialize in aluminum fabrication, T-Tops, railings, hardtops and canvas work.  They also rebuild, meticulously restore and sell classic boats giving them a rebirth for many more years of service.

Boat show honors DEM director

Here are some highlights and a few of the vendors that got my attention at the Providence Boat Show this weekend.

At the start of the show Janet Coit, director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), was awarded the John H. Chafee Boater of the Year Award by the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA).  The award recognizes and honors an individual that has contributed to the success of the recreational boating industry or who has championed the cause to bringing recreational boating to the public.

What’s old is new at Seaward Boatworks

Seaward Boatworks of Warwick, RI has been in business since 1996.  They specialize in aluminum fabrication, T-Tops, railings, hardtops and canvas.  Capt. Rick Cataldi and his crew love to meticulously restore, rebuild and sell classic boats giving them a rebirth for many more years of service.  Capt. Cataldi said, “What makes us different is the customer experience we offer. We aim to surpass customer expectations with the design and quality of our work.” Capt. Cataldi and his team have a variety of classic rebuilt power boats for sale including Sea Craft, Dusky, Bertram and Bonito boats.  Visit www.seawardboatworks.com. 

Top docks

East Greenwich Marina is located on East Greenwich Cove from the former Twenty Water Street location and south to Harbourside Lobstermania.  The docks are well built, meticulously maintained (I pass them ten or twelve times a week during the summer) and their summer season runs from April 15 to November 15.  Rates are $105 to $120 per foot.  Lee Raymond of East Greenwich Marina said, “All docks have power, water, Wi-Fi, and cable and this year we are adding showers and rest rooms.” Visit www.eastgreenwichmarina.com.

Ocean House Marina and Scout boats

Ocean House Marina from Charlestown, RI had a new 32” Scout center console on display with more bells and whistles than I have seen in a while.  This tough luxury sport fishing machine had an electric grille, refrigerator, two 15” electronics screens as well as all the fishing amenities you would want…. it even had a mister built into the T-top to spray you gently and keep you cool on those hot summer days.  Nathan Anderson, regional sales manager for Scout said, “What we try to do is surprise customers with features they haven’t seen on boats this size.”  The twin 300 horse power engines on the 320 LXF will allow you to go as fast as 58 mph.  Ocean House Marina has a full line of Scout dual consoles, center consoles and cabin models and also represent Regulator, Maritime Skiff, Sunfish, Yamaha Outboards, Hurricane Deck Boats, Godfrey Pontoon Boats (San Pan, Aqua Patio & Sweetwater), Laser Boats, Polar Kraft Aluminum Fishing Boats and Walker Bay.  Visit www.oceanhousemarina.com.

Glacier Bay still a head turner

I feel like I have owned a Glacier Bay.  I have inspected them at countless boat shows, read about them, dreamed about owning one and talked to friends about them for at least six years.  Glacier Bay boats are catamarans and offer a smooth ride, a stable ocean platform and plenty of room.  Last year Glacier Bay remodeled their 27 foot cabin model placing the cabin entrance to the port side and moving the head to the rear of the cabin.  This change enhanced the look of the cabin giving it more of a finished look.  They also shifted entertainment center components by placing a sink and refrigerator to the starboard side.  Glacier Bay is sold by Striper Maine in Barrington, RI and make duel and center console models too.  Striper Marina also carries Pursuit, Key West, Cobia, Sailfish and Southwind.  Visit www.stripermarina.com.

Hassle free boating with Ocean State Boat Club

Ocean State Boat Club (new last year) allows you to experience boating without the hassles of owning a boat.  It is a convenient and affordable alternative to boat ownership.  According to their website and show staff, you pay an annual fee of $2,850 and then get to take out one of seven power boats ranging in size from 22’ to 26’  as many times as you want.  All you pay for is the fuel.  Ocean State Boat Club pays for dockage, insurance, repairs and does all the cleaning and maintenance.  The offers professional training to ensure safe and enjoyable outings on the water.  They are located a Brewers Yacht Club on Warwick Cove in Warwick, RI.  Visit www.oceanstateboatclub.com.

RISAA seminar Monday, January 28

The January Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) seminar will be held Monday, January 28, 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI.  Topics to include First Aid for Fishermen by Gary Johnson a 26 year veteran with the Coventry Fire Department and 29 years as an EMT/Cardiac.  Dennis Zambrotta will be the second speaker addressing Surfcasting Block Island.  Dennis has been surfcasting for stripers for past forty years and is author of a new book called “Surfcasting Around The Block”.  Dinner served by West Valley Inn between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Public is invited to attend with a $10 donation to the scholarship fund, RISAA members no charge. Cost of dinner is separate.

Where’s the bite

Cod fishing has been good when boats have been able to get our.  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Customers buying clams have been catching cod close to shore off Jamestown.”  The Francis Fleet party boats reported a good cod bite last week with some anglers limited out with their larges fish weighing seventeen pounds. Visit www.francesfleet.com . The Seven B’s has experienced a good cod fishing bite too with their largest fish in the mid teens and several anglers catching five to six fish.  Visit www.sevenbs.com .  Anglers should call before making the trip to boats as inclement weather often leaves boats dockside this time of year.  RISAA member Larry Norin reports on a cod trip he took aboard the Island Current III out of Snug Harbor, RI.  Larry said, “(we) did 1/2 drifting, 1/2 double anchored over a wreck throughout the day. Both produced well… Only shorts (caught) with the jig and the lighter rod… did the trick with the bait… We were fishing in water from 80-120 feet south and east of Block Island towards Cox’s Ledge. I caught … only a handful of short cod mostly on the jig and ten keeper cod, six of which were all in the 30" and 10 pound range. Nice quality fish on the boat with about 18 other fisherman. The two largest cod were 32 and 37 pounds”.  Visit www.islandcurrent.com.