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.

Tautog season heating up… here are some tips

 

 

Tautog season heats up:  Captain Dave Monti with one of the tautog (21”) caught while fishing the General Rock, North Kingstown area this weekend.

Black sea bass bite still strong: Quinn (Squid) Antonacci of West Greenwich with the 22” black sea bass he caught on his grandfather Ken Robinson’s boat in the Brenton Tower area in 75 feet of water.

Wakefield resident lands Mako: John Stavrakas (in photo) with the 221 lbs Mako shark he landed last week with his neighbor John Ott on board.

 

Bluefish bite here:  Bill Houle, Jr. of Warwick and his father found the bluefish this weekend off the Prudence Island T Wharf.

 

Tautog season heating up… here are some tips

Anglers are catching great keeper tautog in the Bay and off coastal shores.  The fish are biting Asian and green crabs. The fall tautog season is here.  Go out and fish. Don’t forget to explore and discover your own spots.  Tautog are generally anywhere there is structure… rock clusters, jetties, docks, wrecks, humps, etc. 

 

Tautog regulations.  In Rhode Island tautog have to be sixteen inches or more. The catch limit for recreational anglers from August 1 to October 14  is three fish/person/day. 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.

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. 

 

The bite.  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.

 

Where to fish, what type of bottom? 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, rock piles off Narragansett, the jetty at Coddington Cove in Middletown, General Rock in North Kingstown (we found a great tautog bite at General Rock the past two weekends with fish to 21 inches), Hope Island, around Brenton Reef in Newport, Whale Rock, Ohio Ledge in the East Passage, Nebraska Shoals off South Kingstown.

 

Bait and chumming. Asian and green crabs (with legs taken off and cut in half) are baits of choice. 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!”

John Stavrakas of Wakefield, RI lands 221 lbs. Mako shark
John Stavrakas and his Wakefield, RI neighbor John Ott caught a 221 lbs. Mako shark  last week.    John said, “We set up a chum slick for shark on the warm side of a temperature break at the Suffolk (Wreck) and drifted across the break… We caught two nice blue sharks when Mr. Mako showed up… We didn't realize it was a Mako at first - we thought it was another blue… then he took off. I thought I was going to get spooled… We decided to chase this fish… (after a good fight) we put a flying gaff in him and the harpoon. Dragged his tail through the tuna door and tied him down.”

StriperFest 2012 in Falmouth, MA this weekend

On Saturday, September 29^th at 1:00 p.m., anglers will gather to celebrate another successful striped bass season at On The Water Magazine and TV’s StriperFest.  The event will be held at Falmouth Marina Park and include live music by the Deepwater Blues Band, Budweiser beer, tasty Black Dog fare and games and attractions for the whole family.  The event celebrates the end of the 2012 Striper Cup, a five-month long fishing tournament that attracted thousands of anglers from New Jersey to Maine to compete for over $150,000 prizes.  Bonus Day, Friday, September 28^th, noon to 5:00 p.m. with ongoing seminars and demonstrations.  Visit www.OnTheWater.com .

 

DEM offers saltwater surf-casting and fly-fishing workshops, programs… even a safari

DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program is offering introduction workshops to saltwater surf-fishing and fly-fishing, a fly-fishing trip via train around Aquidneck Island, and fly-tying workshops.  Contact Kimberly Sullivan at 401.539.7333 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov for information.

“Surf Fishing: The Basics, an introductory course was held Wednesday, September 26.

“Introduction to Saltwater Fly-Fishing” Saturday, September 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Kettle Pond Visitors Center, Charlestown.  Learn about fly-tying, casting techniques, and knot-tying. $35 per-person.

“Fly-Fishing Express,” a fly-fishing safari around Aquidneck Island on the Old Colony Train Saturday, October 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop at remote public access fishing areas.  Learn about the best flies to use and fly- fishing tactics. For advanced beginner, intermediate and advanced fly-fishing anglers. Bring chest waders, other equipment provided, $35 per-person.

“Fall Fly-Tying 2012” sessions held on six Mondays beginning October 22 to December 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Kingstown Community Center. Learn beginner and intermediate fly-tying techniques for fresh and saltwater fishing. $5 for each class or $25 for all six sessions.

Where’s the bit

Tautog fishing improving. Angler Ken Robinson said, “We double anchored on the (Brenton) Tower hump … all tolled we caught about six tautog, three BSB and a half dozen scup… Oh and of course the striped bass.” Ken’s fishing partner Paul landed a 42 lbs striped bass that hit a crab while tautog fishing.  Max DiStoto caught a 6 lbs. tautog in the Nebraska Shoals area said Al Conti of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown.  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, East Providence said, “Customers are catching small tautog at Conimicut Light, no large ones yet.” 

Striped bass.  Bob Masse limited out on striped bass at Block Island while fishing with friends Saturday.  Angler Mike Swain of Coventry said, “We fished the Bay for stripers Friday night and did not have any luck.”  Al Conti of Snug Harbor Marine, South Kingstown said, “The bass bite slowed this weekend at the Southwest Ledge off Block Island…  the fish are there, the divers are getting them… there is just so much food around that you have to be fishing when they’re feeding.”  Albert and Kevin Bettencourt of East Providence are catching midsized bass at night during tide changes drifting eels.”, said John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait. 

Offshore.  Barry Bordner of South Kingstown landed a 300 lbs. bluefin tuna this weekend at the BD Buoy south/southeast of Nantucket said Al Conti of Snug Harbor.  Reports of one giant hook-up at the Mud Hole this weekend.

Green bonito and false albacore fishing is excellent all along the RI coast from Westerly to Newport.  “Albies (False Albacore) and Green Bonito are all over the place… (anglers) all along the coast are having a blast with them.” said Al Conti of Snug Harbor.

Bluefish. “The past couple of days the schools (of bluefish) have been circling the waters just southwest of the "T" wharf (Prudence Island). No frenzies yet but they have been consistently hitting bright plugs and ignoring natural colors.” said angler Bill Houle, Jr. of Warwick.

Atlantic menhaden.  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle said, “There are a million pogies in the Providence River… both small and large ones… a customer said you could have walked across them this weekend, but no fish chasing them.” 

Scup.  Scup bite strong a the East Fishing grounds, Brenton Tower area and in the Bay.  Max DiStoto caught a 3½ lbs. scup this weekend at Nebraska Shoals.

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.

Opening day big success… new tautog and fluke regulations

John Littlefield (left) of Archie’s Bait & Tackle assists customer Wayne Eccleston of Riverside with his opening day order. Wayne’s baits of choice were meal worms and Berkeley Power Baits. He planned to fish Willet Avenue Pond.

James Rothermel (right) of Warwick, RI with the 20”, four plus pound, rainbow trout he caught at 6:10 a.m. this past Saturday in South County on opening Day. Aaron Casey (left) had just landed his rainbow trout when this photo was taken.

Opening day big success… new tautog and fluke regulations

Opening day of the trout season this past Saturday was great. The Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Division of Fish & Wildlife did an outstanding job stocking trout in lakes and ponds. Although DEM said fish averaged 1.5 pounds, several anglers commented on how large the fish were. James Rothermel of Warwick, RI landed a 20”, four plus pound, rainbow trout at Silver Spring Lake in South County. Rothermel said, “It’s one of the largest trout I’ve caught. It took a while to bring in and once I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It started to flop around on shore and headed back to the water. I got wet as I stepped into the lake to save it, but it was worth it.”

According to DEM, approximately 80,000 hatchery raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout were being stocked in more than 100 ponds and streams. Many anglers will continue to fish these ponds and lakes. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for a complete listing. Bait shops throughout the state reported a brisk business the day before and opening day itself. John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, East Providence (now at a new location at 292 Bullocks Point Avenue), said, “Business has been very good today. We sold a ton of shiners… other popular baits were meal worms and Power Baits.” I caught up with Wayne Eccleston of East Providence at 2 p.m. at Archie’s, “I thought I would avoid the madness and fish later in the day. I am very anxious to try these new Berkeley Power Baits. They were recommended by my friend who is a pro bass fisherman.”

Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said, “Popular baits this year are night crawlers, trout worms and giant meal worms. We sold a lot of special trout rigs with Gulp Powerbaits selling well too.”

John’s Bait & Tackle in North Kingstown was open all night. Owner John Wunner said, “Sales were good last night”. Steve Proctor an associate said, “Many local anglers were fishing Frenchtown Park Pound in East Greenwich. It was skipped last year but stocked this year.” Popular angler bait included Gulp Power Baits and John’s Special Trout rig.

The freshwater fishing season is just starting. If you are interested in fishing licenses and trout conservation stamps (you need both to fish for trout) they can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office, authorized agents such as bait and tackle shops, at Benny’s, DEM’s office or online at www.dem.ri.gov.

New saltwater fishing regulations for 2011 DEM announced new 2011 fishing regulations for select saltwater species late last week. Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) and a member of the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council, said DEM announced a closure of the black sea bass fishery until new regulations can be established. A public hearing on black sea bass will be held on April 18 said Medeiros. Regulations announced for fluke, winter flounder and tautog were as follows. Fluke (or summer flounder) Minimum size 18.5 inches, 7 fish daily bag limit, May 1 to December 31 is the season. Winter flounder** Minimum size 12 inches, 2 fish daily bag limit, split season…spring season April 24 to May 24, fall season Sept 24 to Oct 24. **NOTE-CLOSED: All of Narragansett Bay AND (new) all of Point Judith Pond and the Harbor of Refuge. Tautog (blackfish)* Minimum size 16 inches: seasons and bag limits… April 15 to May 31 - 3 fish per day, June 1 to July 31 – closed, August 1 to October 14 - 3 fish per day, October 15 to December 15 - 6 fish. *At all times while the fishery is open, a maximum of ten (10) fish per vessel per day. Party/charter boats this year have the same minimum sizes, daily bags and seasons as other recreational anglers, except that the 10 fish per boat limit does not apply. Bluefin tuna (BFT) public hearings Now is the time to express your thoughts on the bluefin fishery via public hearings being held on April 25, 2011, 6 to 9 p.m., Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland ,ME; and April 26, 2011, 6 to 9 p.m., Seaport Inn and Marina, 110 Middle Street, Fairhaven, MA. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is taking two actions regarding the recreational Atlantic BFT fishery: (1) adjustment of the daily retention limit for the remainder of 2011, and (2) closure of the southern area trophy BFT fishery. Visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfalhms/breaking news.htm to view the proposed rule and supporting documents. You may submit comments (identified by "0648-BA65") through April 28, 2011, by using anyone of the following methods: electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov; fax to 978-281-9340, Attn: Sarah McLaughlin; or mail Sarah McLaughlin, Highly Migratory Species Management Division, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Bluefin Tuna “Weak” hooks in the Gulf of Mexico spawning grounds What a great idea, use “weak” hooks on long lines in The Gulf of Mexico spawning grounds so giant bluefin tuna can free themselves. NOAA’s Fisheries Service will require commercial fishermen who fish for yellowfin tuna, swordfish and other species with longlines in the Gulf of Mexico to use a new type of hook, called a weak hook, designed to reduce the incidental catch of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The weak hook is a circular hook constructed of thin gauge wire, and is designed to straighten when a large fish, such as bluefin tuna, is hooked, releasing it but holding on to smaller fish. The average size of bluefin tuna landed in the Gulf of Mexico longline fishery is 485 pounds, while the average for yellowfin tuna is about 86 pounds.

Where’s the bite Freshwater fishing bite has been good. Reports of bass moving into warmer water areas and anglers are reporting a strong trout bite on the over 100 Rhode Island ponds and lakes stocked by DEM.

Tautog season opens this Friday, April 15. See rules above.

Striped bass will soon arrive as the water warms. Good reports of herring. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said, “ For three weeks now, we have had thousands of herring in Little Gorton Pond which is behind our shop.” Bass cannot be far behind. Cod fishing bite still good reports Francis Fleet (Galilee, RI) party boat captains.