“Wicked Tuna” captains at Saltwater Fishing Show this weekend

Fluke experts:  Capt. Dave Monti will present a seminar on fluke (summer flounder) fishing with interviews and tips from ten top fluke anglers, charter captains and fishing guides at the Saltwater Fishing Show this weekend at 2:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Catch the Fishing Show this weekend:  The New England Saltwater Fishing Show, the largest of its type in the Northeast, will have over three-hundred fishing related exhibitors. Captains from the National Geographic Network program Wicked Tuna will be there Saturday and Sunday.

“Wicked Tuna” captains at Saltwater Fishing Show this weekend

Captains from the National Geographic Channel program Wicked Tuna will be at the 10^th Annual New England Saltwater Fishing Show this weekend at the RI Convention Center, Providence, RI.  The New England Saltwater Fishing Show runs March 8-10 and is the largest saltwater fishing show in the Northeast.  Sponsored by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), the 10th Annual Fishing Show will have over 300 exhibitors.

You'll find everything at the show, including rods, reels, all types of lures, boats, kayaks, clothing and a wide assortment of marine related services.  Many retailers will be offering low-priced show specials. Continual free seminars will be held every hour throughout the show. "Many of the top fishing experts in New England have offered their services," notes Ed Kearney, seminar chairman. “The topics include everything from inshore fishing to offshore fishing, as well as many seminars for the surf and shore angler.” said Kearney. Wicked Tuna captains from the fishing vessels Odysea, Christina and Bounty Hunter will be at the show from 1 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Show hours are Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the show is $10 for adults and children 12 and under are admitted free.   Sunday is "Family Day"… all women and children are admitted free. For the youngsters, the show features a large “Kids Zone” with casting lessons and a number of games to keep them interested.  There will also be a Scavenger Hunt on Sunday when all kids that enter will receive a Treasure Map in which they will receive small gifts at certain exhibitor booths throughout the show.

Visit the show website for more information and admission discount at www.nesaltwatershow.com .

East Bay Anglers to hold used tackle sale

The East Bay Anglers fishing club will run a used fishing tackle sale on Saturday, March 30 at the Riverside Sportsman’s Club on Mohawk Drive – just off the Wampanoag Trail in East Providence. According to Matt Newell, Club president, “Last year’s pioneering event was so well received, we’re expected to repeat it this year.”

The sale starts at 9:00 a.m. and runs untill 2:00 p.m., according to Newell. Buyers gain entry to the sale with a $2 donation. Sellers must purchase tables from the club at $25 each, and should start setting up at 8:00 a.m. Cutoff date for buying tables is March 20. Sellers should call event chairman Dave Fewster for information at 401 230-8201.

The East Bay Anglers is a 40 year old fishing organization which has promoted sportsmanship and conservation through the years and has participated in many marine conservation initiatives. Proceeds from the sale are used for educational purposes by funding speakers during the year.

Checks for tables can be paid by mail to: East Bay Anglers Tackle Sale, Box 293, Barrington, RI 02806.

Alabama man catches a 70 pound land locked striped bass

Striped bass tolerate both salt and fresh water. They live in the ocean but spawn up rivers and many are landed lock, meaning they live in lakes.  They are generally smaller in lakes, perhaps because their food supply is limited. Howeerver, a Dora, Alabama man, James R. Bramlett, 65 years old, landed a 70 pound striped bass from the Black Warrior River on February 28, 2013.

Al.com reports the fish was weighed on certified scales with officials from the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources at Bramlett's home.  The fish was 45.5 inches long and had a 37.75 inch girth.

DEM awarded $2.9-million EDA grant for work at Galilee

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) was awarded a $2.9 million grant today from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) for infrastructure improvements at the Port of Galilee.  The federal grant will support reconstruction of the 925-foot south bulkhead from Salty Brine State Beach to State Pier 3 and rehabilitation of 3,200 square feet of heavy duty work pier HH. 

The Port of Galilee is operated by DEM and is one of the largest working commercial fishing ports on the East Coast, providing fish, squid and lobster to both national and international markets.  Home to over 240 commercial vessels, the Port includes 38 docks and piers and supports hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses, hundreds of jobs, and attracts thousands of tourists.  Commerce includes fishing and related businesses, recreational charter and sightseeing boats, ferry service, restaurants, and a hotel.

March 13 public hearing on key recreational fishing issues

Recreational and commercial fishermen are urged to attend and express their thoughts on proposed amendments to a variety of management plans that regulate the length, catch limit and season of a variety of species.

The Marine Fisheries Division of the Rhode Island Department of Environment Management (DEM) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 6:00 p.m. in the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI.  Important changes to recreational and commercial fishing management plans will be on the agenda including plan amendments for recreational summer flounder; recreational and commercial tautog; recreational scup; recreational black sea bass; Narragansett Bay Atlantic Menhaden; and amendments to statutes and regulations pertaining to fish/shellfish dealer regulations in regard to the reporting of research set aside (RSA) landings.

Visit DEM’s web site at www.dem.ri.gov for additional information.

Where’s the bite

Captain Andy Dangelo of the Seven B’s reported that the storm and rough seas over the past couple of weeks has kept the cod away and boats from sailing.  However, Capt. Dangelo said Sunday, “The bite was slow all day, we went south of Block Island, to Cox’s Ledge and nothing.  Then we stopped back close to the Island and the fish finder was showing a lot of bait, likely herring.  We ended up landing some nice cod right at the end of the day.”  Overall cod fishing has been spotty.  The hope is that the seas and fishing stabilize a bit now and the season closes with a rally.

Fluke facts and tips from the experts

Warwick Firefighters Andy Sisson, Matt Goodreau, Tom Bradley and Mike Bingham with the fluke they caught aboard Priority Too Charters fishing with Capt. Rick Bellavance.

Joe Daniels of Warwick caught this 35” striped bass when fishing the channel pad east of Conimicut Light. This was one of ten bass he caught while fishing with Capt. Monti on No Fluke Charters.

Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick with the jumbo fluke he caught off Warwick Neck fishing the edge of the channel.

Fluke facts and tips from the experts
Fluke fishing this week continued to improve and will just get better over the next couple of weeks. Now is the time to give it a try. Here are some helpful fluke facts and tips from the experts.
Fluke facts
In May, fluke move in shore from deep Continental Shelf waters where they spend the winter. They stay inland until October and then move back to the deep water.
Fluke are a flat fish with two eyes on the same side of the fish. They are bottom fish that do not look aggressive, but they will chase bait aggressively and eat the same bait that bluefish and striped bass eat. The difference is that they feed off the bottom.
They can be caught from a boat (usually while drifting) or from shore with little knowledge, so they are an ideal catch for beginners and children
· Fluke are chameleons, they change color to blend with the bottom.

· Largest fluke on record is 26.6 lbs. and 36” long
Fluke tips from the experts
Capt. Rick Bellavance, Priority Too Charters, Pt. Judith, RI
“When I fluke fish with charter clients, I typically use a large style pre-rigged fluke rig which I purchase from a local bait shop. We try to use a piece of fresh bait such as the belly meat of a bluefish to act as an attractant. We use a 3-way snap swivel with a large snap to facilitate changing sinkers (which the mate does often). I believe the smallest weight that will hold bottom is best. Much of our fishing effort takes place around Block Island and just about any piece of shoreline will hold summer flounder and we always drift, usually picking the side of the island with the strongest tide or wind. When we start catching, I record the depth and I also make note of specific depths where bigger fish may be congregating… I coach our clients to drop the tip of the rod when they feel a bite and to then slowly, but deliberately, lift up on the rod to set the hook. We use circle hooks and modified wide gap hooks exclusively to reduce release mortality.”
Ken Landry, Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, RI
Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle of Warwick says big ones are on the edges of channels, drifting from low to high water often yields big fluke. Ken said, “It’s important to drift with current and wind in the same direction. Working the channel edges off Warwick Neck Light yielded close to a 15 pound fluke. If there are fluke under the boat, Ken will find them.
Additional fluke tips
· If possible, fish when the tide/current and wind are going in the same direction

· Fluke face into the current to feed, so you want to drag your bait over them, drifting with the tide and wind when in a boat or slowing pulling your bait over the bottom when on land

· When fishing slack or flood tide with no water movement try trolling perpendicular so no matter what way the fish are facing you are passing them at least on a right angle

· When it comes to fluking, squid is the bait of choice. Some anglers cut it in very fine strips to mimic sand eels, others cut it into an inch thick strip and still others like to use the whole squid.
Fresh water bite is hot
Dayton Martin and Kim Bissonnette of South County, RI fished earlier this month catching 150 bass in one outing. Ken said, “It's probably no secret that the bass are in the post spawn period. With the increase in temperatures, target fish by using warm weather patterns and strategies. Fishing is often better mornings and evenings in the cooler weather. During the day, areas of shade and other cover will produce the best. Docks, grass mats and lily pad edges will hold fish as they will be relating tighter to that type of cover. Cooler times of the day could produce a great post spawn top water bite, with slower presentations better suited as the water warms. Soft plastics like lizards, worms and stick baits work well, casting as tight to cover as possible. Don't worry about getting snagged, as it's all part of the process and helps improve casting confidence. Besides, there are still a lot of warm days ahead yet to fish this season. Sometimes downsizing to 4" can trigger a good bite as well. Slightly deeper water, along drop offs and flats, will also produce, using wacky and Carolina type rigs.”

Hess withdraws LNG proposal

Hess LNG withdrew its proposal for a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Taunton River Monday. They cited "unfavorable" economic conditions.

Take-a-kid fishing Saturday, June 18
There is still time to volunteer for the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association’s Take-a-kid fishing event Saturday morning, June 18. To volunteer, contact Steve Medeiros at 401.826.2121.
NOAA announces new aquaculture policies
Earlier this week NOAA announced national sustainable marine aquaculture policies to meet the growing demand for healthy seafood, to create jobs in coastal communities, and restore vital ecosystems. Foreign aquaculture accounts for about half of the 84 percent of seafood imported by the U.S., contributing to the $9 billion trade deficit in seafood. Learn more at http://www.noaa.gov .
Senate committee passes Seafood Marketing Collaborative bill
The Rhode Island Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture chaired by Senator Susan Sosnowski passed the Seafood Marketing Collaborative bill last week. The bill would establish an effort to facilitate the distribution and marketing of fresh RI fish to Rhode Islanders. At press time the bill was going to be moved to the Senate floor for a vote.
Where’s the bite
Striped bass. Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said he caught a number of bass Saturday at Warwick Neck using chucks of Menhaden. Ken said, “I would spot the on the fish finder, send down a chuck and then bam, we were on.” Ken said he hooked up with several fish using this method. John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside, said “Customers are catching plenty of small bass in the upper Bay with keepers mixed in. Most are catching them with live menhaden or chucks as well as clam worm.” Anglers at the North Rip, Block Island are catching bass with a lot of dog fish present.
Fluke fishing. Most anglers seem to be catching two to four keepers on an outing with a good bite around Jamestown, Newport, and Point Judith. Captain John Sheriff said, “Myself and four RISAA members discovered that you can effectively catch fluke in 20 knot East winds, 5 foot seas with 10 -12 ounces of weight. Paul Harrison of Fall River, MA caught an 8.5 lb fluke off Point Judith.”

Fluke experts share tactics

Lynn and Pelky from upset New York with the fluke they caught with Capt. John Rainone of L’il Toot Charters , Narragansett, RI.

Darrell Hatten (right) of North Kingstown with the 8 pound, 12 once fluke (summer flounder) he caught off Rose Island. He and friend Mike Swain (left) of Coventry took seven keepers Saturday, a total of fourteen fish were caught.

Ben Roach of Jamestown with the fluke he caught on his father’s boat, Capt. Rob Roach of Kettlebottom Outfitters.

Fluke experts share tactics

Fluke fishing is great. Fluke (or summer flounder) are biting off southern coastal beaches as well as favorite places at the mouth of the Bay off Newport, Jamestown, South Kingstown and Narragansett. This year with the legal minimum size reduced to 18 ½” the season promises to be a good one. Darrell Hatten of North Kingstown caught an eight pound, twelve once fluke off Rose Island, Newport this Saturday. He and friend Mike Swain of Coventry landed a total of fourteen fish, seven of them were keepers. With the recreational fluke season just starting here are some fluke fishing tips from the pros (more to come next week).

Capt. John Rainone, Li’l Toot Charters, Pt. Judith. “Now that we have larger sizes of Fluke to be legal, I have switched to a larger wide gap hook 3/0 instead of the old J style hook. It is easier to release a short fish without hurting it due to the style of the hook. Like a circle hook, it is usually hooked right in the corner of the mouth. We also have started to use bigger baits, and sometimes even a stinger hook with a very large bait. When the mate fillets a bluefish, he saves a nice long strip of the belly or underside of the bluefish for baits. Whole squids work well too, or larger strip baits of squid, instead of the old 3” strip of squid. You can also save some fluke belly or striped bass belly from your fillets to use on your next trip. Just put them in some salted water and keep cold.”

Capt. George Cioe, Patricia Anne, Pt. Judith. “I use squid strips with a sand eel or live minnows…put the hook thru the squid once. I split the trailing edge of the squid to give it some action as it moves thru the water. We often use fluke belly, especially if there is other bothersome species hitting the bait. Fluke belly is more durable and you’ll get more bottom time with the bait. There is an issue though. Because it will not tear off like squid, it is possible to pull the fluke up to the surface, even though he is not hooked, only to watch the fish let go of the bait and swim away. When you fish with belly – let the fish keep the bait a little longer before you pull him up. When I am in deeper water - 60 to 75 feet – I’ll use a whole squid – a sure recipe for catching jumbos. The slower the drift the better – but you do need to drift. I’ll use a sea anchor to slow me down.”

Capt. Robb Roach, Kettlebottom Outfitters, Jamestown, RI. “Wind and tide in line otherwise stem it. Bigger fish are on sharper edges… meaning a steeper drop off will hold the bigger fish. Don’t forget to fish in the vicinity of wrecks. Live bait works best and snapper blues are THE BEST Fluke bait. Clean the skin off of the squid when baiting”

Senate Judiciary Committee passes bill to increase fines for striped base poaching
Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), said last week at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on RISAA’s bill to increase fines for the illegal possession of striped bass, “Chief Steve Hall (Rhode Island DEM Enforcement), George Allen and I testified in favor of the bill. When done the committee held an immediate vote- unanimous in favor. It now goes to the full Senate for a vote. “The legislation would raise the fines for the illegal possession of striped bass up from the current $50 to:$100 first offense; $200 second offense and can confiscate equipment, boat, etc.; and $500 third and subsequent offenses and can confiscate equipment.

Commercial Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit established
Effective June 3 through August 31, 2011, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) adjusts the General category Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) retention limit to three large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip for commercial boats. The General category daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the commercial Atlantic tuna’s General category and the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat category while fishing commercially. For further information, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/breaking_news.htm.

Take-a-kid fishing Saturday, June 18

RISAA is looking for volunteer boats and mates as well as volunteers for land based activities during their annual Take-a-kid fishing event Saturday morning, June 18. It is a great cause. Last year over 200 children fished on 85 boats, many of them on the Bay for the first time. To volunteer, contact Steve Medeiros at 401.826.2121 or register online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TAK2011 .

Where’s the bite

Freshwater fishing is good. Angler Harold Hemberger said, “Had two decent days at Stump Pond in Smithfield this past weekend. On both days the largemouth bass bite was fairly fast. The bass were hitting anything delivered about a foot below the surface. However, fish size was small. On Sunday, pike in the 2 – 3 pound range were hitting spinner baits at dusk.”

Striped bass fishing remains good in the Bay with action around Block Island starting to pick up. Captain John Sheriff reports an outstanding bass bite with fish to 36” at the North Rip, Block Island on Monday. Captain Rick Bellavance of Priority Too Charters said, “Fishing the North End of Block Island we easily limited out on striped bass (this past weekend and Monday).” This weekend Joe Daniels of Warwick caught ten bass and three keepers with the largest fish 35” when fishing in the upper East Passage on No Fluke Charters.

Fluke (summer flounder) fishing is heating up nicely. Alan Stewart of Westport, MA reports a good fluke bite off Bailey’s Beach and Elbow Ledge near the mouth of the Sakonnet River. Stewart said, “We were surprised at how good the fishing was. We ended up with 8 keepers up to 26" and a few shorts… all on squid strips.” Darrell Hatten of North Kingstown caught an 8 pound, 12 once fluke off Rose Island, Newport while fishing with skipper Mike Swain of Coventry. They took seven keepers Saturday, a total of about fourteen fish were caught. Fancies Fleet party boat vessels our of Pt. Judith report a good fluke bite that is improving weekly.

Tuna fishing reports are good. Robb Roach of Kettlebottom Outfitters said, “Just talked to a offshore lobster friend who reports yellowfin (lots of them!) in the tails and dip. SST's support this and the heaviest break is actually northeast of the tails- 52 to 72.” Kettlebottom Outfitters is booking tuna charters on their new 35 foot Aerocat. You can get out to the tuna in two and a half hours. Contact Capt. Robb Roach at http://www.kettlebottom-outfitters.com/ .