Time to get your gear ready

Captain Thom Pelletier, an associate at Quaker Lane Outfitters, North Kingstown said, “Monofilament line on reels should be replaced each year” as the line has memory and can become a tangled mess quickly whereas braid line can last for a couple of years. Captain Thom poses with a display of his fluke rigs in the background.

TIME TO GET YOUR GEAR READY

Big fish are caught in early spring when you get your gear ready for the fishing season. When you are out fishing it is too late to make sure your rod, reel, line and fishing tackle is in shape to handle that big fish. And, there is nothing more frustrating than spending an hour or more of fishing time getting the day’s tackle ready.

So, before you start to fish, get your gear ready. Here are some tips from the pros on how to get your gear ready along with the drill that I use every year to prepare for the fishing season.

Line
Each year, replace most used line. This is a judgment call as to what is meant by “used”. Three out of eight of my rigs with braid line are showing signs of wear… they are a bit frayed. Two of them need all the line replaced, one of them which has plenty of line on it just needs the worn line at the beginning of the spool taken off. Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “A lot of guys cross braid line when spooling onto conventional reels to prevent the line from digging into the spool when a big fish is on.” Ken also suggests re-spooling lead line putting the used portion on the reel first, “This way you use line that is new as most anglers rarely use more than three to four colors (90’ to 120’) of line.” I plan to replace all of my reels with monofilament line. Some anglers put new line on two to three times a season depending on use. Monofilament line has memory so it tangles easily and creates bird nest tangles when it is old or has been sitting in the cold for a while. Also stretch the line, the first 100 feet (of monofilament line) to relax its memory and avoid tangles. When you change any type of line it is important to spool tight or the line may slip on the spool.

Reels
Give your reels a good cleaning, particularly when the line is off. Grease where directed by manufacturer, often times, the reel is marked where to do this. If instructions are long gone do not hesitate to stop by your local bait or tackle shop to ask where to grease. Do not be afraid to ask questions, that is what they are there for. By the way, do not grease the drag, it is not meant to be greased, if you do, it will not work. John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside, RI, said, “Anglers often forget to put oil on the line guide worm gear on bait caster reels as this is can go a long way allowing the gear to perform properly throughout its lifetime.” John says that he charges $10 to $15 to clean and grease your average spinning reel. Archie's Bait & Tackle has a new location this year at 292 Bullocks Point Road, Riverside, RI. This time of year the store is open for business 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. most days. Call 401.437.2630 if you have any questions.

Rods
Examine the rods for cracks and stress marks. Closely examine the eyes for chips or cuts that could cause line to snag, rub or break. Do not place hooks on the eyes or they will eventually create cracks that will cut line as it passes through.

Tackle
I get tackle ready in chronological order when certain species are fished… starting with tautog, striped bass, blue fish, fluke, tuna, etc. I then go through tautog rigs first, then the striped bass, etc. Make sure you have enough rigs to fish the species. Hooks should be clean and sharp (no rust), and strong enough for the size fish you are going after. Often hooks that come with lures are not quality hooks so I replace them with stronger hooks.

Leaders/Hooks
Use wire leaders for blue fish and monofilament or fluorocarbon for striped bass. Blues won’t bite though the wire and striped bass will find it harder to see the monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders. Make sure leaders have no nicks or stress marks from fish pulling. If they do, replace them. I switched most of my hooks to circle hooks, I did this so I can safely catch and release undersized or unwanted fish (particularly striped bass). Circle hooks are designed to hook the fish at the corner of the mouth and not down in the belly. All hooks should be sharp and rust free. Ken at Ray’s Bait recommends VMC hooks as they do not rust and come in all types and sizes.

Opening Day for freshwater season
Opening day is Saturday, April 9, 6:00 a.m. for salmon, trout and charr. Get you gear ready. Licenses are required for anglers fifteen (15) years of age and older. You can purchase a fishing license at city and town halls as well as at license agents. Visit the Department of Environmental Management’s web site for a list of agents, a list of trout waters that have been stocked, “Kids Only” ponds and much more at http://www.dem.ri.gov/ .

First annual recreational fishing tournament out of the Port of New Bedford
The first annual recreational fishing tournament to be held out of the port city of New Bedford is scheduled for June 17-18, 2011, with Pope’s Island Marina serving as home base. Proceeds from the charity tournament, called Fishing for a Cause, will benefit the Schwartz Center for Children. Complimentary boat slips will be provided on a first-come, first served basis and early registration is encouraged. Registration deadline is June 1, 2011. For more information visit www.schwartzcenter.org/fish-on.

Striper University
Shallow Water Striper University is March 25, 26, and 27 at the Sheraton Airport Motor Inn, Warwick, RI. This weekend long event features some of the best local professionals who make their living catching big striped bass. Registration for this event is $89. for the entire weekend. There will also be charter trip give-a-ways, raffles, prizes, and more. Contact Debbie Wood at Wood Boat & Motor, 401-739-4040 or visit http://www.shallowwaterstripers.com/ .


Shark fishing and DEM Law Enforcement featured at RISAA Seminar Monday
Captain Mike Pierdinock of CPF Charters will speak on shark fishing and his great adventure of tagging a 16 foot great white shark last year that was captured in a 20 minute video. Also the Rhode Island DEM Division of Law Enforcement will speak on the duties and mission of environmental police. Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) members can bring a guest to this meeting at no charge. Non-member donation is $10. The seminar is Monday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick. Food served 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

NE Saltwater fishing show

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show (nesaltwatershow.com ), the largest of its type in the Northeast, will have over three-hundred fishing related companies displaying, two-hundred of companies will be selling products offering show specials and discounted show prices. The show is at the Rhode Island Convention Center, this Friday through Sunday.

The Eighth Annual New England Saltwater Fishing Show sponsored by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), will be held this week March 11-13 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Friday hours are 1:00 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.

Steve Medeiros, RISAA president, said, “This is the largest saltwater fishing show in the Northeast. This year we have over three-hundred companies displaying their latest in fishing tackle and gear and two-hundred of them will be selling their products, many with show special low prices.” Most major saltwater companies will be represented including rod and reel manufactures, fishing lure companies, fishing charter boats and guides 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.

A new “Kid Zone” will be featured this year with a kids casting area and fishing game, a Sea Tow Kid’s Cannon game, a FLW Speedboat Driving Simulator and on Sunday a BIOMES Marine Center and a special scavenger hunt for children. Sunday is also family day with all women and children admitted free.

Mr. Medeiros said, “We have a great seminar series planned for the show including a series of fly fishing seminars in a special Fly Fishing Area where casting lessons will be given. There will also be a fishing simulator at the show.”

Captain Dave Monti and many other guest speakers

Seminar speakers include No Fluke columnist Captain Dave Monti. His seminar “Tautog experts and striper decline” will be presented Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. No Fluke Charters will also have a booth at the show, #522, so stop by the booth and say hello.

Other guest speakers and their topics include Captain Mike Neto, “Block Island Stripers”, Friday 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 4:30 p.m.; David Giuliano, Block Island Kayak Fishing, Friday 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 1:30 p.m.; Captain Bruce Macomber, “Light Tackle Sharking”, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m.; Captain Jim White, “Advanced Tactics for Striped Bass Fishing”, Friday and Saturday 3:30 p.m.; Lee Samson, “Fish the Surf”, Friday 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 2:30 p.m.; DJ Muller, “Surfcasting the Islands : Cuttyhunk, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island”, Friday 2:30 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m.; Ron Z. Poirier, “ Introduction to Jig & Pop Tuna Fishing”, Friday 1:30 p.m., Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Curt Caserta, “Hunting for Block Island Bass”, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 p.m.; Bob Oberg, “Wiring Up- Increase your kayak fishing productivity, safety and enjoyment with good electronics”, Saturday 10:30 a.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m.; Sheila M. Hassan, “Fly Fishing Demos/Seminars”, Saturday and Sunday 1:00 p.m. in the Fly Casting Area; Captain Bob Hines, “Intro to saltwater fly fishing”, Saturday 2:00 p.m. and Sunday 3:00 p.m. in the Fly Casting Area; and David Porreca, “How to chose a saltwater fly rod… simplify your choice”, Friday 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 5:00 p.m. in the Fly Casting Area.

Tickets are $10 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free. Learn more about the show at nesaltwatershow.com .

Resolution supports voice of fishermen when locating wind farms

Last week the Rhode Island Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee chaired by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski (D-New Shoreham and South Kingstown) passed a resolution that requests the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) to comprehensively involve Fishermen in the development of offshore energy projects. The resolution suggests that BOEMRE use the Fishermen’s Advisory Board (FAB) established by the RI Coastal Resources Management Council within the Ocean Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) as an interface between BOEMRE and the fishing industry. Fishermen are cautiously optimistic. Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association said, “We are advocating for a seat at the table as the Deepwater Wind project doubled in size overnight and sites for the turbines were placed in prime fishing grounds that would kill our industry.” Bellavance continued, “I believe windmills and fishing can exist together in Rhode Island, but fishermen need a voice at the table.” Ted Platz, president of the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (a group that represents twelve fishing associations) said, “These are prime fishing grounds and when you start blasting no one knows what is going to happen. Europeans built their wind farms with their eyes closed, with no knowledge of what impact windmill construction would have. We should take our time and make sure we do things right so we are not left with a huge government mistake here. ”

Fresh fish

Last week the RI Senate Special Task Force on Fisheries heard testimony on how to bring fresh RI fish to markets in State. The Task Force heard testimony from Perry Raso of Matunuck Oyster Farm. Mr. Raso testified to some of the challenges fishermen have and the difficulties they encounter to bring their catch to market. Janet Coit, director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) attended the meeting along with a number of Senate Task Force Committee members as Mr. Raso related the need for an enhanced DEM inspection staff to handle important fishery inspections required by Federal and Regional fishing regulators. I will continue to report on Task Force activities as their work develops.