Winter meeting sets table for RI fishing regulations

Students enhance navigation, seamanship and boating skills at U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary classes.

Winter meeting sets table for RI fishing regulations

 The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) winter meeting being held in Alexandria, Virginia this week will finalize many fishery management plan (FMP) recommendations for a variety of species we fish for in Rhode Island.  The ASMFC develops management plans and regulations for summer flounder (fluke), winter flounder, Atlantic menhaden, striped bass, black sea bass, scup and other species that travel up and down the east coast.

Robert Ballou, one of Rhode Island’s ASMFC commissioners from the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM), said at an input meeting held in RI last week, “We had representation from the for-hire charter captains and private recreational anglers.  Interest was high on the striped bass agenda item; particularly the for-hire (charter and party boats) industry conservation equivalency proposal.” 

 The ASMFC approved one fish at a 28” minimum size for recreational anglers coastwide at their last meeting in 2014, this represented a 31% reduction in harvest.  The 2013 striped bass stock assessment determined that the female spawning stock biomass (SBB) has continued to decline since 2004 and is estimated at 128 million pounds just above the SSB threshold of 127 million pounds, and below the SSB target of 159 million pounds. So something had to be done to curtail harvest.  Last year anglers could take two fish at 28”.  

The ASMFC also approved a conservation equivalency plan accepting state proposals that aim to reduce the number of fish taken by 25%.  Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the RI Party & Charter Boat Association said, “Our proposal for two fish at 32” (a 27% decrease in harvest) is above the 25% reduction threshold for conservation equivalency plans.”  Bellavance said “We need two fish at 32” to insure customers continue to fish on our vessels.”

The ASMFC’s striped bass technical committee related options provided to reduce fish landings by 25% only have a 50% chance of working.  They only have a 50% chance working because the technical committee developing options were concerned that if reductions were too severe or too conservative that they would be harmful to the social and economic well being of those harvesting striped bass for a living (quotas for commercial striped bass fishermen have also been reduced by 25%).

Many private recreational anglers are advocating for one fish for all recreational anglers and others say that any conservation equivalency plan for the for-hire charter and party industry should achieve a least a 31% reduction.  Robert Ballou said, “We along with our neighboring states (CT, MA, NY) are on the same page with a two fish solution for the for-hire industry that will be the same for all.” 

Last week ten bait & tackle shops in Rhode Island expressed their concern over the support ASMFC representatives have given the 27% RI Party & Charter Boat Association proposal. The letter said, “We urge you to maintain the 31% harvest reduction your public demanded.  If you consider a “two fish” option the recreational anglers of Rhode Island would ask the charter boat captains and mates contribute to reducing mortality by not taking their recreational share while on a “for-hire” trip (presently captains and mates are allowed to take two fish each on charter trips).  This will help mitigate the negative impacts of a continued harvest of two reproducing females by each of their paying customers.”

The ten bait and tackle shops that signed the letter included The Saltwater Edge,  Watch Hill Outfitters, Quaker Lane Outfitters, Ocean State Tackle, The Tackle Box,  Breachway Bait & Tackle, Block Island Fishworks, Cardinal Bait & Tackle, Pete’s Bait & Tackle, and Quonny Bait & Tackle.

Summer flounder (fluke) data shared at a January ASMFC input meeting showed that RI overfished last year and more conservative regulations may be on the way. In 2014 the projected harvest was 126,724 fish and through Wave 5 RI’s share of the regional harvest was 181,601 fish.

Travis Barrio, RISAA board member and ASMFC summer flounder advisory panel member said “We are advocating for adaptive regional management like last year allowing Rhode Island to be separate and not making it accountable for fish caught in other regions along with guidelines for one year rather than two.” Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the RIPCBA said, “Combining with others could reduce our (recreational) bag limit, enhance our minimum size and shorten our season.” 

Atlantic menhaden’s management plan recommendations are also in dispute pitting recreational anglers against the interests of the commercial Atlantic menhaden fishery.  A recent 2015 stock assessment indicates the species is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.

 

However, Wild Oceans’ president Ken Hinmand said “Some in the menhaden industry would have you believe it (the new assessment) means there are plenty of fish out there; that there’s no need for catch limits now, including those put in place two years ago… (However)  the concern of anglers and environmentalists about the status of menhaden has always been about its vital role as a prey species for predators up and down the east coast (like striped bass, blue fish, tuna, etc.). So it’s important to understand that this latest evaluation of the menhaden stock addresses only its ability to sustain harvest and avoid depletion, not its capacity to provide adequate forage for other species in the ecosystem. In this way it’s no different than every other assessment performed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission since 1999, when an expert review panel recommended future assessments use a reference point responsive to menhaden as a forage species…which maximizes population abundance. Unfortunately, that change in the way we judge the status of Atlantic menhaden is still on the ASMFC’s “to-do” list 15 years later.”

 
Black sea bass is still problematic for the ASMFC.  A new stock assessment is not scheduled to be available for use by fish mangers until 2016. Present data indicates that anglers are overfishing quotas yet private and commercial fishermen claim there are an abundance fish in our local waters. 

Black sea bass abundance has moved north in recent years as the ocean water has warmed. So you might say climate change has impacted this fishery in a positive way for Rhode Island fishermen.   With this abundance shift and the importance of the species to both commercial and recreational fishing in Rhode Island fish managers need to take climate change into account when developing plans.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2016 for the new stock assessment to play a role in managing black sea bass.  For now, in 2015, recreational bag limits, fishing seasons and minimum sizes will likely be more conservative.

Visit the ASMFC website for this week’s meeting agenda, supplemental meeting material and news at http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/Winter2015/CombinedSupplementalFiles_Jan2015.pdf. 

Rhode Island will hold a 4:30 p.m. workshop and 7:00 p.m. public meeting on Monday, February 16 to discuss how ASMFC regulations will impact specie management plans and recreational fishing in Rhode Island.  Anglers are urged to attend. Once reviewed by the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council and approved by DEM director Janet Coit, these will become saltwater fishing regulations for 2015.

Visit www.providencejournal.com/sports for State Park winter fun ideas (ice fishing, skating, cross county skiing and more).  Also see information on boating, sailing and navigation skill courses being offered by the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary this winter.

Where’s the bite

Ice fishing (and skating) is taking place on some ponds in Northern Rhode Island.  Check with recreational departments in cities and towns for safe ice conditions.  For lakes and ponds in state parks call the DEM ice information telephone line at 401-667-6222.

Cod fishing is still on but party boats have been unable to sail due to bad weather conditions.  

Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shell fishing on Narragansett Bay for over 40 years.  He holds a captain’s master license and a charter fishing license. Contact or forward fishing news and photos to Capt. Dave at dmontifish@verizon.net or visit his website at www.noflukefishing.com.  

Now is the time to sharpen your boating and navigation skills

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is once again offering some outstanding boating courses to help boaters develop and/or sharpen their skills.  Local Flotilla’s, which is the basic organizational unit of the Auxiliary,  are offering courses in a number of locations. 

This winter the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary North Star Flotilla of Warwick is offering three courses starting this week at Toll Gate High School (building B), 575 Centerville Road, Warwick.  With all the snow we have been getting it is important to note that if Warwick Schools are canceled, then the boating classes are CANCELLED. The courses include Boating Skills & Seamanship, Sailing Skills & Seamanship and Navigation (Beginning & Advanced).  The Power ($85) and Sail ($105) classes meet twice a week on Monday and Thursday for eight weeks. The navigation class meets Thursdays for 15 weeks and the cost is $160, the first three weeks for beginners is $45 and the rest of the course (advanced navigation) is $115. 

 Courses, originally scheduled to start Monday will now start Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m.  It is not too late to register as classes are taught in module style.  Students can park in back behind the school by the football field.

You can visit the Flotilla’s web site at www.northstarflotilla.com or call Capt. Nick Butziger at 401.739.6028.

DEM urges all to enjoy State parks

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is encouraging children, families and individuals to get outdoors and enjoy the recreational resources that Rhode Island state parks and management areas have to offer.  Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing are among the many outdoor activities that residents and visitors can experience at state parks and recreation areas across Rhode Island. 

Ice Fishing

DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife has stocked about 3,000 trout in ponds throughout Rhode Island for the winter fishing season.   Locations include Carbuncle Pond, Coventry; Olney Pond, Lincoln; Barber Pond, South Kingstown; Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown; Upper Melville Pond, Portsmouth; Meadowbrook Pond, Richmond; and Round Top Ponds, Burrillville. 

Fish & Wildlife staff routinely clears the parking lots at many fishing and hunting access areas in the winter, including the upper and lower lots at Browning Mill Pond in Arcadia Management Area, Tefft Hill, Frosty Hollow Road, and Breakheart Pond.

DEM reminds fishers that ice on the ponds must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe.

Ponds not suitable for skating

At press time, the ice at monitored areas at Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, and Meshanticut State Park in Cranston is unsuitable for skating at the present time. For the latest information on ice conditions at these three locations, call DEM's 24-hour Ice Information telephone line, 401-667-6222.

Residents should contact their local recreation departments regarding skating opportunities and conditions in individual communities.  Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe.  DEM has an ice safety guide that can be found online at website, www.riparks.com .

Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The Department is reporting good snow conditions for cross-country skiing at Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area in Glocester.  Due to deep snow conditions, the trails have been partially tracked and all routes are open.  DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation maintains four one-way loop ski trails at Pulaski, ranging from less than one mile to four miles long. The management area's 10 miles of tracked trails offer beginner and expert cross-country skiers a variety of terrain on which to ski. For example, the half-mile long Pulaski trail has several small inclines and stays close to the start point. The three other trails – Hemlock Glen trail, Covered Bridge trail, and Woods trail – cover longer distances, and each has some downhill terrain.

While Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area is the only state facility offering tracked ski trails, Colt, Goddard, and Lincoln Woods State Parks and state management areas, including Arcadia in Exeter and Big River in West Greenwich offer open areas where patrons can enjoy snow-related recreational activities. 

All users of state management areas are reminded that they must wear 200 square inches of fluorescent orange material -- equivalent to a hat or cap -- during the hunting season which ends on February 28.

Snowmobiling

George Washington Management Area in Glocester provides designated trails for those operating snowmobiles. Snowmobiling is also permitted on the roadways in Arcadia, Burlingame, Wickaboxet and Woody Hill Management Areas, Burlingame State Park and Campground, Lincoln Woods State Park, Snake Den State Park, and on open fields at Colt State Park. All snowmobiles must be registered by DEM's Office of Licensing and Registration, located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence.

Regulations regarding snowmobile use in state parks and management areas are available online at http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/regs/regs/fishwild/parkmgmt.pdf .

                                                                               

RI’s DeFusco takes national fishing stage with George Poveromo

George Poveromo (shown with dolphin) was host  of the Saltwater Sportsman’s national fishing seminar series this Saturday at the Casey Theatre, Regis College, MA. 

Capt. Lois DeFusco of Hot Reels Sportfishing charters, Pt. Judith, RI likes using jigs for black sea bass.

RI’s DeFusco on national fishing stage

How do I get started tuna fishing? How do I catch large black sea bass? What lures work best for striped bass in the spring?  These questions and others were answered Saturday at George Poveromo’s 28^th Salt Water Sportsman’s National Fishing Seminar series held at Regis College in Weston, MA. Poveromo is an editor-at-large for Salt Water Sportsman and is the host of George Poveromo’s World of Salt Water Fishing television program on NBC Sports.

Poveromo and co-host Tom Richardson, host of New England  Boating TV and former editor at Salt Water Sportsman led panel discussions on a variety of fish species on how, where and when to catch them.

Dr. Mitchell Roffer of Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service (www.roffs.com) was one of the national speakers.  Dr. Roffer is an authority on locating productive water surface temperature breaks and ocean-circulation features for near shore and offshore game fish. His satellite images provide anglers with maps showing real time temperature breaks and water circulation patterns.

National and local captains like Louis DeFusco of Hot Reels Sportfishing charters (www.hot-reels.com), Pt. Judith, RI provided anglers with information on how to enhance their odds of catching more and larger fish.

Capt. DeFusco, one of the black sea bass and tautog session panelists said, “My greatest success fishing for black sea bass has been  in areas where there are rock piles and structure like Nebraska Shoal (between Charlestown and South Kingstown) using jigs rather than bait rigs to target them.”

DeFusco’s favorite places to target tautog include reefs off Beavertail, Jamestown and Brenton Reef, Newport.  “Around Thanksgiving I am fishing n in 65 to 70 feet of water.  In the spring and early fall they are in 10 or 12 feet of water.” said DeFusco.

Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (www.RISAA.org), who was in the seminar display area with an information table said, “George Poveromo runs a great seminar and has been very gracious allowing RISAA to share membership information with anglers and promote our New England Saltwater Fishing Show taking place at the RI Convention Center February 27 to March 1.” 

With prizes from national sponsors such as Bass Pro Shops, Mako boats and Penn reels/rods and many others Poveromo’s National Seminar series was a big hit with anglers once again here in New England.  Visit www.nationalseminarseries.com for the seminar schedule as it visits other east coast locations.

Ice fishing for charity

The annual Kevin Thatcher Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament will be helped Saturday, January 31, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Crystal Lake.  The tournament will benefit “Between the Cracks.”, a local non-profit charity that helps families in need. Crystal Lake Golf Course, Big Bear Bait & Tackle and Ted’s Bait Shop are tournament sponsors.  The entry fee is $10 and sign-up will start at 6:00 a.m. at the Crystal Lake Golf Course parking lot on Rt 202, Bronco Hwy on the Burrillville/Glocester Line.  Cash prizes for the largest bass, pickerel and perch.  Best cook on the ice award will receive the “Golden Pork Chop Trophy”.  Contact Steve Rawson for information at 401.568.4244.

Rhody Fly Rodders meet January 20th

The Rhody Fly Rodders will meet Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. with Capt. Ray Sachelek of Cast-a-fly Charters as guest speaker.  Capt. Sachelek (a noted fly fishing guide and tyer) will give a presentation called “Tuna Helper – A Recipe for Success”.  Peter Nilsen, president of Rhody Fly Rodders said, “The presentation will be all about the hunt for false albacore, bonito and small tuna. This will be a comprehensive presentation with a wealth of information on the subject.” Seminar is open to the public.  The meeting which will take place at the Riverside Sportsmen’s Association, 19 Mohawk Dr., East Providence, RI is open to the public.  For information contact Peter Nilsen at 401-245-7172.

 
Joe Carr passes

Joe Carr, owner and operator of Carr's Fly Shop in Hope, RI passed away this weekend.  Peter Nilsen of Barrington, president of the Rhody Fly Rodders, said, “There will never be another fly shop like Joe's.  He was a great guy; always willing to help and really enjoyed the members of Trout Unlimited TU225 (fishing club) who visited his store.  Joe was a key supporter of our local fly fishing community, and he was well-respected by all of us fly anglers.  We all will miss Joe.”

Anglers aim to separate RI from other states

 The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) held an input meeting at the URI Bay Campus last week on Draft Addendum XXVI for the summer flounder fishery management plan (FMP).  The ASMFC develops management plans and regulations for summer flounder fishing in RI and other coastal states.  The meeting was chaired by Kirby Rootes-Murdy, ASMFC fishery management plan coordinator. Robert Ballou, one of Rhode Island’s ASMFC commissioners from the RI Department of Environmental Management, interested recreational anglers as well as representatives from the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association (RIPCBA) and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) were in attendance.

Travis Barrio, RISAA board member and representative said “We are advocating for adaptive regional management like last year allowing Rhode Island to be separate and not making it accountable for fish caught in other regions along with guidelines for one year rather than two.” Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the RIPCBA said, “We are concerned about the options that bring RI into the same region as other states, mostly because of the uncertain data and how dramatically it can change from year to year. Combining with others could reduce our (recreational) bag limit to even less fish and shorten our season by quite a few days.”  Capt. Bellavance has also disputed the accuracy of the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data used to measure effort and catch to develop harvest estimates. Both the RISAA and RIPCBA were in agreement on the summer flounder management plan options the ASMFC should consider for Rhode Island.

 Summer flounder abundance has moved north in recent years as the ocean water has warmed. So you might say climate change has impacted this fishery in a positive way for Rhode Island fishermen.   With this abundance shift and the importance of the species to both commercial and recreational fishing in Rhode Island, fish managers believe it is time to look at old and new data and science to consider changes to the way summer flounder are managed. A summer flounder management plan amendment that address a lot of these issues is in the works for the future.  Last year a public scoping meeting on the issue was held.  However, the scoping meeting is just one of the first steps in the long process of amendment development. It will be followed by selection of key issues, a draft amendment and implementation options as well as a number of public hearings.

 However for the time being, 2015 will likely bring more restrictive fishing regulations for recreational anglers in RI as the summer flounder projected relational harvest was overfished last year.  In 2014 the projected harvest was 126,724 fish and through Wave 5 fish managers say Rhode Island’s share of the regional harvest was 181,601 fish.  The ASMFC board plans to select management measures and approve them next month (February) at their next.  Public comment on the draft addendum (which can be found at www.asmfc.org) can be sent to Krootes-murdy@asmf.org , the subject title in the email should read:  Draft Addendum XXVI.

Where’s the bite

For ice conditions in your city or town check with local police and at Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park, call DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation at 667-6200.  DEM has an ice safety guide that can be found online on its parks website at www.riparks.com .

Cod fishing is very good with vessels reporting more cod compared to the same time last year. Boats were not able to sail most of last week due to sever cold and bad weather, however, the Frances Fleet sailed Sunday with good results.  Top fish for the day was 20 pounds with bait rigs and jigs both working well.  Party boats sailing for cod fish at this time include the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com, the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com and Island Current at www.islandcurrent.com

Black sea bass stock status and regulations in question

 Catch big fish:  Anglers learned how to catch large striped bass with live eels (shown in photo), lures, while trolling and much more at the George Poveromo Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar held Saturday.  Approximately 700 anglers attended.  

First Aid for anglers:  Gary Johnson (with appreciation plaque), a 26 year veteran with the Coventry Fire Department, presented “First Aid for Fishermen” at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association meeting last week. 

Black sea bass stock status and regulations in question

The stock status and 2013 quota for black sea bass, a species often targeted by local anglers, is in question.  The quota may be reduced as much as 39% to 46%.  It is likely that regulations for both commercial and recreational fishing will change imposing new and more severe catch restrictions for 2013.  These restrictions may include limiting the number of fish that can be taken, the length of the fishing season and/or the minimum length of fish allowed to be taken.

In 2012 the RI recreational black sea bass season ran from June 15 to December 31 with a minimum size of 13” and a catch limit of fifteen fish.

Anglers say we have plenty of black sea bass.  In fact, more and larger black sea bass have been caught in the past couple of years.  And, some science seems to support this.  The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) sets coastwide quotas for the species.  The ASMFC stock peer review set the rebuilding goal at 27.6 million pounds of spawning stock biomass and the current spawning stock size is at or above the biomass goal.  However, limited information on black sea bass was integrated into a mathematical model called a statistical catch at length model (SCALE).  Despite the applied modeling approach, black sea bass is still considered a “data poor” stock said Jamie McNamee, marine biologist in Marine Fisheries for the RI Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Fish & Wildlife Division.

Last week at an advisory panel meeting for the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) McNamee said, “There are still gaps in critical life history information for black sea bass and the current sampling gear may not be optimal to assess the population.”  Presenting on black sea bass recreational performance McNamee said, “The crux of the problem is and remained an exceptionally small quota for what appears to be a healthy stock, which was in place in 2012.”

Recreational black sea bass landings and targets were analyzed on a coastwide basis until 2011.  Landings were in check until 2009, when the harvest target was exceeded by 104%.  In 2010 we experienced a 70% overage with led to the ASMFC allowing states to manage targets and landings. 

In 2012 harvest targets are projected to be exceeded by well over 100% (data still being analyzed).  So, this year the ASMFC is working on Addendum XXIII which will come forward to establish harvest targets for 2013 which are expected to translate into more restrictive recreational (and commercial) fishing regulations. 

The good news is that the ASMFC realizes that the health of the stock and target catch limits are not in sync.

At a special Science and Statics (SCS) committee meeting on January 23^rd, the constant catch reference period was raised, increasing harvest targets for both commercial and recreational fisheries and likely avoiding a complete fishery shut down for 2014.  Some other good news is that black sea bass in about to have an ASMFC “operational assessment” in 2013. This assessment is expected to enhance analysis which is expected to put harvest targets more in line with the health of the fishery that everyone seems to be experiencing.  But for 2013, more rigid regulations are coming.

Black sea bass facts

Black sea bass (BSB) is a delicate, sweet-tasting saltwater fish. The firm, white flesh of this species is a favorite of many.  They have the ability to adjust their color to blend in with the bottom in colors ranging from grey, brown and black to a deep indigo hue.  They spend most of their time around the bottom and can be found near rocky areas, jetties, rips and, like a lot of bottom fish, they like structure. BSB are hermaphroditic fish… they begin life as female then turn male.  They put up a good feisty fight but do not grow to be huge fish in the Northeast.  The largest black sea bass caught was 9 pounds, 8 ounces and about 19.7” long.   Ideal water temperature for black sea bass is 59 to 64 degrees.

Other RIMFC news

Scup advisory panel (AP) met last week.  Stock is considered rebuilt and is not considered overfished and is not currently experiencing overfishing. The AP recommended a reduced minimum size from 10.5 to 10” and a possession limit of 25 (form 20) with a season from May 1 to December 31.  For party and charter boats the AP recommended a minimum size of 11”, a limit of 20 fish with a special 45 fish season running September 1 to October 31.

Summer flounder (fluke) is not overfished and the stock is considered rebuilt. Current recruitment is slightly below average (and has been in each subsequent stock assessment update). Target recreational landings for RI in 2012 were 157,855 fish; projected landings for 2012 are 103,669 fish.  This is approximately a 36.6% underage.  The AP recommended a minimum size of 18” (rather than the current 18.5”), a catch limit of eight fish and a May 1 to December 31 season.

Tautog stock is considered overfished with the regional stock assessment looking like overfishing is not occurring in 2012.  A benchmark assessment is scheduled for 2013.  DEM proposed no changes for commercial and recreational tautog for 2013.  There was an AP proposal to start the season March 1.  Minimum size still 16” with a catch limit of three fish from April 15 to May 31 and August 1 to October 19 (season closed during spawning from June 1 to July 31).  Catch limit increases to six from October 20 to December 31 with a vessel limit of ten fish in all open periods (which does not apply to party and charter boats).

RIMFC meetings

The next RIMFC meeting to discuss AP and public hearing recommendations is scheduled for March 4, 2013.  In the meantime there is an Atlantic Menhaden advisory panel meeting scheduled for February 11 and a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 19 to consider management plan recommendations on striped bass, spiny dogfish, sharks and lobster management plans.  The hearing will take plans at 6:00 p.m. in the URI Bay Campus Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI.  Check AP and public hearing details at www.dem.ri.gov.

Saltwater Sportsman National Seminar big success

The Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series held Saturday was a huge success with approximately 700 people in attendance. George Poveromo, host of George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing on the NBC Sports Network, and editor-at-large for Salt Water Sportsman ran an informative and entertaining seminar. He was assisted by Tom Richardson, noted New England angler and a prominent fishing writer and editor.  Eleven captains and fishing experts were on and off the stage addressing how to catch species such as striped bass, fluke, tuna, black sea bass, tautog and more.  I had the honor of being on stage with the pros as a local captain and couldn’t have been happier talking about fishing with anglers for the entire day.

Where’s the bite

Ice fishing. Tom Mooney of Johnston said he was taking advantage of the good ice fishing weather last week. He landed some nice perch and pickerel in the 3 to 4 lbs range fishing at Indian Lake in South County.  Bill Gill on the RISAA blog this week reported that two ice fishing tournaments have been rescheduled for February 9, 2013.  They are the Between the Cracks Tournament at Crystal Lake/Sucker Pond in Maplesville, RI (call 401.651.5680 for information) and the Valley Angler Jig and Pig tournament at Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield, CT (call 303.792.8324 for information.

Cod fishing.  Andy Dangelo has been captaining the Seven B’s party boat this winter.  Andy said, “The cod bite has been excellent but with high winds and seas we haven’t been able to get out much.”  Visit www.sevenbs.com or call 401.789.9250 to check sailing schedules.  Visit www.francesfleet.com for the sailing schedule of Frances Fleet boats.