Tautog tips and spring bass

Captain Dave Monti holds the first striped bass of the season caught on No Fluke Charters last week in East Greenwich Cove. The fish was caught with a YoZuri Crystal Minnow swimming lure. Photo by Virginia Magnan-Monti.

Captain Robb Roach with a Narragansett Bay tautog caught last week. Tautog fishing has been great in the Bay.

Bob Matteson and Joe Amaral with Narragansett Bay tautog caught aboard Capt. Sheriff's Fishing Charters.

Frank Gionfrido of Narragansett, RI caught this nine pound, 28.5 inch lake trout jigging a Swedish pimple in 50 feet of water on Lake George, NY.

Tautog fishing if great… here are some tips

Spring tautog fishing which started two weeks ago has been outstanding. Tautog are going for Asian crabs and clam worms in a big way with anglers easily limiting out this week. Fishing at most favorite Narragansett Bay spots has been good… Conimicut and Plum Point Light Houses, General Rock in North Kingstown, Hope Island and Coddington Cove. Also reports of nice fish taken off Point Judith and Narragansett. But before sharing some tips from the experts, here are 2012 regulations for tautog from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Tautog have to be sixteen inches or more. The catch limit for recreational anglers from April 15 through May 31 is three fish/person/day. The season is closed June 1 thru July 31 (during spawning) and reopens August 1 to October 14 with a three fish/person/day limit. The limit jumps to six fish/person/day on October 15 through December 15. However, there is a ten fish per boat limit during all periods. The boat limit does not apply to charter and party boats.
Here is what the experts have to say about tautog fishing.

Where are they biting this spring? Captain Robb Roach of Kettlebottom outfitters said, “(We have) been hitting the West and East passage a little bit this week for tautog. The fish are there and seem to prefer the sunny, warm, high spots. We caught a couple of limits in 18 feet of water in the mid to upper West passage on Sunday afternoon. The fish liked Japanese fiddler crabs (Asian crabs) on strong, small hooks. We were also chumming with crushed mussels. We found quite a few spots holding fish including Hope Island, Halfway Rock, the Navy Base, Castle Hill and Plum Beach Light. We concentrated on finding the warmest water (55 deg) and watching the depth finder for marks before setting anchor.”

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

Fish lodged in structure. Here is a tip from George Poveromo’s “Rock’em Sock’em” article that appeared in a back issue of Saltwater magazine. When a fish is hooked and it has muscled its way back to structure, apply pressure forcing a respectable amount of bend in the rod. If the fish is not moving, hold the rod vertically to the water, tighten the line and pull or pluck the fishing line like a banjo string. The sharp vibrations emitted work their way back down to the fish through the line and irritate it. The fish, in a state of confusion, may back out of the hole to free itself from the irritation. Once you sense this has happened start reeling in the fish. If this does not work try letting the line just go limp for a minute or two. With no pressure on the fish, it may dislodge itself. The rig often frees itself, the fish may get unhooked, or you may still catch the fish.

Feel the bite… tap, tap and then get ready for a tug of war. Captain George Cioe said, “I believe with the first tap the tautog is positioning the bait for consumption.” So at the second tap I raise the rod up firmly feeling for the weight of the fish (no need to jerk the rod up hard). Once the fish is hooked, keep the rod up and pressure on so the fish is not able to run for cover. Captain Rich Hittinger, RISAA vice president and a long time angler out of Point Judith said, “If you get two bites with no hook-up your bait is gone. Reel in and re-bait.”

What type of bottom should you look for. From shore, look for rocky coastline like Beavertail Point on Jamestown, locations off Newport, Point Judith and off jetties at South County beaches. From a boat, I have had good luck at Plum Point light house next to the Jamestown Bridge, rock piles off Narragansett Beach, the jetty at Coddington Cove in Middletown, off Hope Island at rock piles and mussel beds on both the north and south sides, around Brenton Reef in Newport, Whale Rock, Ohio Ledge in the East Passage and any other places there is structure, debris, rock clusters, wrecks, etc.

Bait and chumming. The bait of choice for tautog this spring has been Asian crabs and clam worms. In the fall it has been Asian crabs and/or green crabs (with legs taken off and cut in half). Chumming for tautog will enhance your catch dramatically. Kevin Bettencourt from the East Bay Anglers said, “Chumming is a critical part of tautog fishing. If you want to land numerous tautog you must establish an effective chum line. This can be accomplished with grass shrimp or crushed Asian or green crabs. Don't be afraid to feed them! If you don't, they won't stick around long!” Robb Roach of Kettlebottom Outfitters from Jamestown said chumming is very important… “I chum with crushed mussels or crushed periwinkles.”

Where’s the bite
Freshwater. “Fishing is good for customers with nice sized rainbow trout being caught at Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown and Beach Pond at Arcadia State Park.”, said Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle of Warwick, RI. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for a list of ponds, lakes and rivers stocked by DEM.

Striped bass fishing is good. Bass to 38 inches being caught in the West passage with school bass being caught in covers, at the month of rivers and on the troll. Last week I caught my first keeper of the season in East Greenwich Cove. It was 29”, healthy with a medium sized girth for this time of year. All the fish this spring have been very aggressive. This one took a Yozuri Crystal Mino plastic swimming lure just before it was pulled out of the water. Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, reports a good bass bite in the Seekonk and Taunton Rivers. Customers catching bass on the troll up to the mouth of Omega Pond in East Providence.

Tautog. Captain Steve Sherriff reports tautog at several Bay locations “We fished the upper Bay for Tautog on Saturday morning with no luck. Very dirty water. Moved to lower bay North of
Jamestown Bridge near General Rock and Hope Island. (We) caught 17 keepers on Asian and Green crabs in 10 to 20 feet of water. 5.5 pounds was largest fish.” Captain Robb Roach experienced similar good luck last week in the East and West passage of the Bay (see above report). A 16 plus pound tautog was caught last week by Captain Billy Silvia of Can’t Imagine Charters, Bristol, RI.

Squid fishing has been mixed this week. Captain Rick Bellavance said, “We are exploring squid fishing trips in the next week or two at a special rate”. Many anglers catch squid and freeze it for use as bait throughout the season. You can reach Captain Bellavance at www.priorityfishingcharters.com . Francis Fleet and Seven B’s vessels out of Galilee, RI are also taking anglers fishing for squid.

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.

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.

New England Saltwater Fishing Show

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show, the largest show of its type in the Northeast, will have about three-hundred companies displaying fishing tackle, gear and much more. Many manufacturers, distributors and retailers will be offering show specials and discounted show prices. The Fishing Show is at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

New England Saltwater Fishing Show this week

The Ninth Annual New England Saltwater Fishing Show sponsored by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), will be held this week March 9-11 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Friday hours are 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free. Learn more about the show at nesaltwatershow.com and get $1.00 off your admission ticket with an on-line coupon.

Steve Medeiros, RISAA president, said, “This is the largest saltwater fishing show in the Northeast.” The show promises to be the best ever with warm winter weather giving anglers an early desire to get ready to fish. This year close to three hundred companies are expected to be showing the latest in fishing gear and tackle. Medeiros said, “Many exhibitors will be offering show discounts and product specials,” Most major saltwater companies will be represented including rod and reel manufacturers, fishing lure companies, charter fishing boat and guide companies and makers of clothing, fly fishing gear, boats, kayaks and much more. You will even be able to get a Rhode Island or Massachusetts fishing license at the show (visit nesaltwatershow.com for a list of exhibitors).

There will be something for everyone at the show. A popular “Kid Zone” will again be featured this year with a casting area where children who hit a target receive a prize. There will be a variety of free games for children and Sunday is family day with all women and children admitted free. Attendees can also enter to win a free fishing charter on Priority Fishing Charters with Capt. Rick Bellavance or a 13 foot Duke Canoe.

Mr. Medeiros said, “We have a non-stop seminar series going on in two different areas with an all-star lineup of regional talent that could keep any fishing enthusiast busy for hours.”

I will be speaking about “Fluke Fishing Tips from the Pros” at four different seminar times. No Fluke Fishing will be at Booth # 422 and I welcome readers to stop by and say hello and enter to win a free charter fishing trip and sign up to receive an electronic fishing newsletter and access to weekly fishing reports.

At press time the Saltwater Fishing Show seminar schedule is as follows:

Friday, March 11: Main Seminar Stage

1:00 p.m. Capt. Rick Kilborn: Finding Fish with a GPS

2:00 p.m. Capt. Pat Renna: Light Tackle Trolling

3:00 p.m. Ron Poirier: Jigging Soft Baits For Bass & Tuna

4:00 p.m. Capt. B.J. Silvia: Newport Bass & Fluke

5:00 p.m. D.J. Muller: Strategies & Techniques for Catching Large Stripers from the Surf

6:00 p.m. Capt. Dave Monti: Fluke Fishing Tips from the Pros

7:00 p.m. Capt. Bruce Millar: Precise Trolling Patters for Trophy Bass

8:00 p.m. Capt. John Sheriff: Tautog Fishing

Friday, March 11: Mini-Seminar Area

12:30 p.m. Capt. Dave Monti: Fluke Fishing Tips

1:30 p.m. David Stingo: Jigging & Popping for Bluefin

2:30 p.m. Greg Debrule: Fishing for Stripers in the Race

3:30 p.m. Capt. John Sheriff: Benefits of Synthetic Oil

3:30 p.m. Ryan White: Long Distance Surf Casting (Casting Lane)

4:30 p.m. George Kellar: Use of Alabama-style rigs

5:30 p.m. Rob Lyons: What's new from Yamaha, From Phone Apps to 4.2 Liter V6

6:30 p.m. Capt. Alan Hastbacka: Rigging Soft Plastics

Saturday, March 12: Main Seminar Stage

10:00 a.m. Capt. Pat Renna: Light Tackle Trolling

11:00 a.m. Capt. John Sheriff: Tautog Fishing

12:00 a.m. Capt. Rick Bellavance: Shark Fishing

1:00 p.m. Capt. Jack Sprengel: Advanced Vertical Jigging Strategies

2:00 p.m. Peter Vican & Don Smith: Block Island Stripers

3:00 p.m. Capt. Bruce Millar: Precise Trolling Patters for Trophy Bass

4:00 p.m. Ron Poirier: Jigging Soft Baits for Bass & Tuna

5:00 p.m. Capt. Rick Kilborn: Finding Fish with a GPS

Saturday, March 12: Mimi-Seminar Area

9:30 a.m. Capt. Jerry Sparks & Capt. Al Reed: Fishing From Kayaks

10:30 a.m. D.J. Muller: Surf Casting Techniques & Selecting the Right Rod

11:30 a.m. Alan Lemire: Fishing Techniques when Using Plugs

12:30 p.m. Capt. Peter Meyers: Jigging for Tautog (Blackfish)

1:30 p.m. Capt. Matt Baryshyan: Small Boat Canyon Fishing

2:30 p.m. Capt. Greg Dubrule: Fishing For Stripers in the Race

3:30 p.m. Capt. Alan Hastbacka: Rigging Soft Plastics

4:30 p.m. Carl Welshman: How to Create a Custom Designed Lighted Nautical Chart

5:30 p.m. Rob Lyons: What's new from Yamaha, From Phone Apps to 4.2 Liter V6

Saturday, March 12: Casting Lane/Demo Area

11:30 a.m. Capt. Jim Barr: 15 Tips for Fly Rodding Saltwater

12:30 p.m. Ryan White: Long Distance Surf Casting

1:30 p.m. Sheila Hassan: Fly Casting for Striped Bass

2:30 p.m. Brenda Sears: Fly Casting for Women

3:30 p.m. Capt. Bob Hines: Tips on Fly Fishing RI Stripers and False Albacore

4:30 p.m. TBA: Basic Fly Fishing Instruction

5:30 p.m. TBA: Basic Fly Fishing Instruction

Sunday, March 11: Main Seminar Stage

10:30 a.m. D.J. Muller: Strategies Techniques for Catching Large Stripers from the Surf

11:30 a.m. Capt. B.J. Silvia: Newport Bass & Fluke

12:30 p.m. Capt. Jack Sprengel: Advanced Vertical Jigging Strategies

1:30 p.m. Capt. Dave Monti: Fluke Fishing Tips from The Pros

2:30 p.m. Peter Vican & Don Smith: Block Island Stripers

3:30 p.m. Capt. Rick Bellavance: Shark Fishing

Sunday, March 11: Mini-Seminar Area

11:00 a.m. Capt. Dave Monti: Fluke Fishing Tips

12:00 p.m. Alex Peru: Bonito & False Albacore on Soft Plastics

1:00 p.m. David Stingo: Jigging & Popping for Bluefin Tuna

2:00 p.m. D. J. Muller: Surf Casting Techniques and Choosing the Right Rod

3:00 p.m. Capt. John Sheriff: Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Sunday, March 11: Casting Lane/Demo Area

11:00 a.m. Capt. Bob Hines: Tips on Fly Fishing RI Stripers and False Albacore

12:00 p.m. Capt. Jim Barr: 15 Tips for Fly Rodding Saltwater

1:00 p.m. Sheila Hassan: Fly Casting for Striped Bass

2:00 p.m. Brenda Sears: Fly Casting for Women

3:00 p.m. Michael Kulick: Long Distance Surf Casting

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.





Fishing regulations for 2012

Fishing regulations for 2012

OK, so most recreational saltwater fishing regulations have not been established at press time, however, we do have a good idea of what they might be. Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) species Advisory Panels (AP) review stock assessments, past fishing activity, regulation options and solicit public comment on proposals. Some of these panels have met and others have not. But thanks to Jason McNamee, marine biologist for the Marine Fisheries Division and his associates at the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), we have a good idea of what fishing regulations will ultimately be in for 2012. I interviewed Jason at press time; here is a summary of what we can expect for 2012 recreational regulations.

The striped bass AP met January 17th to review both commercial and recreational regulations. Stock assessments have been deemed healthy so recreational regulations for 2012 are likely to be status quo… 28” minimum size, no closed season with a possession limit of two fish/ person/ day. Commercial regulations are likely to be status quo too. However, Jason McNamee said, “There was public comment on the start date of the spring commercial striped bass season, so there may be further discussion on this start date at the next public hearing.”

Summer flounder (fluke) recruitment stock assessments used by the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission (ASMFC) offered conflicting information last year. The June recruitment was at 80 million fish, and the August was 60 million. Jason McNamee said, “The conflicting data would have created a need for a 2012 adjustment. However, recreational fishing experienced an under harvest in 2011.” The under harvest was so great that even with lower recruitment we may still experience a liberalization in recreational fluke regulations this year. The 2011 regulations included an 18.5” minimum length with a May 1 to December 31 season and seven fish/person/day. An increase to eight or nine fish will be explored, vetted both at the January 31st AP meeting and the February 22nd public hearing. So overall we have good news for fluke in 2012… status quo or a slight liberalization.

Black sea bass are regulated both the ASMFC and States. At a recent ASMFC public hearing, species management plan options discussed included managing the species state by state or by two different regional options. The Rhode Island black sea bass AP discussed these options on January 19th and sentiment came down on the side of the state by state option. Stock assessments have been good so an early season start might be in order along with an increased bag limit of one or two fish. So 2012 regulations are likely to be liberalized with the season starting July 1st, rather than July 11th as it was last year, and run through December 31. The 13” minimum size will likely stay the same with an enhanced possession limit from 12 fish/person/day to possibly 13 or 14 fish/person/day.

The Scup stock assessment is good and the species was under fished in 2011, “Recreational landings were about one half of what was allowed.” said McNamee. The species is managed regionally with CT, NY, MA and RI. The RI season was extended to December 31st last year and this is likely to occur again in 2012. Additionally, there will likely be a liberalization in the number of fish allowed. In 2011 the minimum size for the private angler was 10.5” with a 10 fish/person/day bag limit. However, for party and charter boats the minimum size was 11” with a special season possession limit that jumped from 10 fish to 40 fish/person/day from September 7 to October 11. The enhanced bag limit allows charter and party boats to fish the species when other fish are not as available, yet they have to catch fish at least 11”. McNamee said, “There was some sentiment at the AP meeting to make the season onsistent with one set of regulations meaning a 10.5” fish for party and charter boasts as well as private anglers with a 25 fish bag limit.” This proposed change would likely receive some push back from the charter and party boat industry as they rely on the enhanced bag limit to allow their businesses to function when other species are not aggressively fished. Overall, it is good news for recreational anglers targeting scup in 2012, the season will likely be lengthened and the bag limit may be enhanced.

Tautog harvest numbers were low in 2011, however the assessment does not include “Wave 6” which in November and December. The tautog AP will meet February 6. Liberalization will likely not occur in 2012, regulations will likely be status quo. Split seasons with a 16” minimum size. An April 15 to May 31 spring season with three fish/person/day, a closed season June 1 to July 31 and then a three fish/person/day season from August 1 to October 12. The bag limit increases to six fish from October 15 to December 15 with a ten fish per boat limit in all periods except for charter and party boats which do not have to adhere to the ten fish per boat limit.

Menhaden. Jason McNamee said, “We believe recreational anglers were happy about how things worked out last year.” McNamee was referring to the closed sections of Narragansett Bay… Greenwich Bay and north of Conimicut Light were closed to commercial boats. When asked about the apparent abundance of menhaden in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay in the fall McNamee said he did not think new restrictions and enhanced weekly monitoring (with air surveillance to manage better) had an impact on the volume of fish in the Bay. However, McNamee said, “Perhaps the schools were not fished as often commercially and this kept them together. So less commercial fishing may have created an apparent enhanced volume of fish.” He continued to say that the impact of lower targets imposed by the ASMFC will hopefully be seen over the next few years and menhaden will be more plentiful along the east coast and in Narragansett Bay.

Striped bass fishing outstanding around Block Island

Rick Sustello or North Kingstown, RI with the Bonito he caught Sunday off Scarborough Beach, Narragansett, RI.

Jim Malachowski of Cranston, RI (left) and Keith White (right) of Johnson, RI with the striped bass they caught this weekend. Captain Dave Monti fished with them on Keith White’s boat, the trio drifted eels at the North Rip off Block Island.

Striped bass fishing outstanding around Block Island
Striped bass fishing is outstanding. Big fish have been caught all summer long. Peter Vican of East Greenwich, RI caught a state record striped bass that weighted 77.40 pounds on June 19, 2011 off Block Island. This was one pound shy of the national record. The national record was then shattered on August 8, 2011 when North Bradford, CT resident Greg Myerson landed an 81.88 pound striped bass off the Connecticut shore (in both cases anglers were drifting eels). All summer long recreational anglers have been catching big fish in and around Block Island making it one of the hottest striped bass fishing spots in the Northeast. Striped bass often surfaced at the North Rip and fish at the Southwest Ledge have been consistently large.
How large is large?
I spoke with Captain Neil Vitullo of “Played for It Charters” from Warren, RI. I saw Neil with some monster striped bass at the State boat ramp dock in Galilee, RI when returning from a fishing trip this weekend. I called Neil the next day as he was “drifting eels” with his charter on the southwest side of Block Island, he said, “Fishing around Block Island has been outstanding. Out largest fish this week was 46 pounds and the largest fish today (so far) is 43 pounds”.
Al Conti of Sung Harbor Marina said, “Striped Bass fishing has been the best I have seen it in a while. Recreational anglers have been catching big fish all summer and today the commercial season started and I must have gotten twenty fish all over 40 pounds.”
Where do these big fish hang out and how do you catch them?
Big bass often live deep. Pods of bait will bring striped bass up to feed on the surface, to the shallow water or to the surf near coastal beaches. But seldom can you catch a monster striper on the surface. When fishing offshore or in Narragansett Bay, the largest bass are deep, close to the bottom and near structure (humps, holes, rocks, etc.). Not necessarily in deep water but deep in the water column because they wait to see what falls their way from fish feeding frenzies above. Striped bass also stage on the bottom near structure because it gives them cover so they can strike out at prey with little warning. The trick is getting your bait down low to elicit a strike.
How low are the striped bass?
From what I have experienced, read and heard the larger fish are very low in the water column. Often times when you take fish up quickly from the bottom off Block Island they will still have mud on their bellies from laying low on the bottom.
The largest fish I have caught (or witnessed being caught) all had one thing in common, they were on the bottom and the bait was presented to them low in the water column. Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle (Warwick) has often said when trolling if you are not checking and picking weeds off your bait or losing gear every now and then due to bottom tie-ups you are likely not getting your bait down low enough in the water column.
So how do you get your bait low enough?
This year the bait of choice for the big striped bass has been eels. Eels allow anglers to get their bait low in the water column, one to three feet from the bottom by just lowering the eel and then once it touches bottom reeling up a couple of turns. Anglers spot bass on their fish finder usually at their favorite spots that usually hold bass such as the North Rip or Southwest Ledge off Block Island. Often anglers use two or four ounces of weight to get the eels down low quickly to avoid and prevent blue fish from stealing their bait as they generally feed higher in the water column.
Another popular way to catch big bass is trolling with tube and worm. Lead core line is generally used in low water 10 to 25 feet and wire line for deeper water. When trolling offshore with tube and worm with 65 lb test wire line and letting out 300 feet of line you are down thirty to thirty-five feet depending on your bait’s weight, leader length, current, boat speed, etc. But sometimes 30 to 35 feet is not enough. If you are in fifty-five feet of water and want to get down to forty-five to fifty feet, you just cannot get there with 300 feet of wire. So fishing in water low enough so you to get low in the water column is important.
Striper decline
Many anglers and striped bass advocates have expressed concern that striped bass are on the decline. Historically big fish (and fewer smaller fish) show up when a fishery is about to crash. State, regional and federal fish mangers are in the process of gathering new data to determine if striped bass are in decline and if they are regulations may be put in place to protect large egg bearing fish. We will have to wait and see what happens.
Where’s the bite
Striped bass fishing has been outstanding around Block Island. Fish in the 30 and 40 pound range have been common. Bait of choice continues to be eels. Fish are being caught on jigs (underneath feeding birds) as well as with tube and worm. Striped bass fishing in the Narragansett Bay is still spotty.
Fluke fishing remains strong. Al Conti of Sung Harbor Marina said, “Often times when you get a big storm this time of year the fluke go away.” They start to migrate off shore. But that has not been the case. The southern coastal shoreline from Watch Hill to Galilee has been holding fluke after the storm. “Eric Taylor of Charlestown caught some great fish this weekend off Charlestown Beach”, said Conti.
Tuna fishing was slow after the storm so far. Reports of several anglers giving the Mud Hole a try with no luck.
Green Bonito. Rick Sustello from the RISAA blog said, “As we headed up the coast (from Pt. Judith to Narrow River), I immediately saw birds working in small groups. I figured they were blues, so we could have some great fun on light spinning gear. I got us up wind of the birds and drifted into them. I put on a 2 oz. Crippled Herring and started casting into the birds jigging with fast retrievals. On the second cast I hooked up with what I thought was a nice blue. After a great fight with several runs, it jumped about 20 ft. from the boat; Green Bonito! … In about an hour and a half, we landed two bonito, five 25” stripers and some blues.”
Bluefish off southern coastal shores, Newport and Block Island have been plentiful and large. When fishing with Keith White of Johnston, RI this weekend we caught two large blue fish in the 11 to 12 pound range. Some of the largest bluefish I have seen in a while.