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/ .

Striped bass bite improves... five more ways to catch them

Michael Weaver of Plymouth, New Hampshire caught this keeper bass aboard No Fluke Charters of East Greenwich using a weighted T-Man bubble gum tube & worm while fishing in 13 feet of water north of Conimicut Light.

Alan Stewart of Westport, Massachusetts with bass he caught off Prudence Island in 80 feet of water using a whole native squid.

Craig (left) and Jay Conway (right) of North Kingstown, Rhode Island fished No Fluke Charters on Memorial Day and caught six striped bass, the largest was 32”.

Striped bass bite improves... five more ways to catch them
Striped bass fishing continues to improve in Narragansett Bay, along southern coastal shores and around Block Island. Rick Bellavance of Priority Too Charters, Pt. Judith, RI said he and his parties have been catching nice bass off Block Island. Rick said, “The keepers were 29” and in the low 30”s… perfect for eating”. Alan Stewart of Westport, MA said he “Caught a striped bass in the mid - 30”s near Prudence Island using native squid on the bottom in 80 feet of water. We also caught a 24 inch fluke in 50 feet of water - first time for a fluke in that area as the bottom was rocky.”

Tony Lauro fished outside of Allens Harbor in North Kingstown and said, “As I finished letting the line out on a white umbrella rig, I caught a fish on it before I even got it back in the rod holder. 15 minutes later, caught another on the Rapala (a diving swimming lure). Both fish were 29" and caught in 25 feet of water trolling between 3 and 3.5 knots.”

Monday the bass bite was on in the East Passage. Jay and Craig Conway caught six bass, the largest 17 pounds, 32”. Sunday morning I caught two keepers at 29” and 30” in Greenwich Bay between Sally Rock and Sandy Point. Saturday Michael Weaver of Plymouth, New Hampshire fishing on No Fluke Charters caught nine bass and two keepers north of Conimicut Light. The restricting of menhaden boats north of Conimicut Light and in Greenwich Bay has improved fishing.

Bob Oberg said he “Fished the upper bay this Saturday from 5:30 am to noon in my kayak. Caught 18 stripers, including 7 keepers to 35 inches. Most fish were in the 26" - 30" range with tube and worm. Was hoping to snag pogies, but I only saw about a 3 foot circle of them rise to the surface and they were gone by the time I could put down my fishing rod and pick up my snag rod. Saw a couple of small ripples and a couple of small clouds go under my boat, but that was it.”

There are a number of ways to catch striped bass, last week I related five methods. Here are five more:

1. Chunking fresh or frozen menhaden. You can anchor (and chum); drift fish or fish the moving bait pods with chunks. Some anglers use a weight slide to get the bait down.
2. Surface plugs or poppers. Great way to catch school bass in the spring.
3. Swimming lures. My favorite is a grey Yozuri Crystal Minnow.
4. Parachute squid jigs. Often used in ocean water (or where there are squid). Anglers successfully use this method off Newport, Narragansett and Block Island.
5. Trolling with tube and worm. The idea is to get the bait down to where the fish are. Big fish often at bottom waiting for prey. I have found less line beneficial in tight quarters where maneuvering is tough. Use lead line in Bay and wire offshore in deeper water. Use different colored tubes until you find one that works.

Bluefin tuna stays off endangered species list
After an extensive scientific review, NOAA announced today that Atlantic bluefin tuna currently do not warrant species protection under the Endangered Species Act.
NOAA has committed to revisit this decision by early 2013, when more information will be available about the effects of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill, as well as a new stock assessment from the scientific arm of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, the international body charged with the fish’s management and conservation.
NOAA is formally designating both the western Atlantic and eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stocks of bluefin tuna as “species of concern” under the Endangered Species Act. This places the species on a watch list for concerns about its status and threats to the species.
“NOAA is concerned about the status of bluefin tuna, including the potential effects of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill on the western stock of Atlantic bluefin, which spawns in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We will revisit the status of the species in early 2013 when we will have a new stock assessment and information from the Natural Resource Damage Assessment of the oil spill. We will also take action in the interim if new information indicates the need for greater protection.”

DEM opens Bay Line, call 222.888

The Department of Environmental Management announces that its seasonal 24-hour Bay Line telephone information line is now open. The Bay Line number, 222-8888, is toll-free within the state.

Bay Line provides Rhode Islanders with a central telephone number to leave a recorded message about any sign of Bay-related environmental problems throughout the summer season for appropriate follow-up. It also offers updates on water quality in Narragansett Bay, and referral numbers for information about any current restrictions on beaches or fishing. Callers may also pose questions about the Bay.

Reports of Bay water quality conditions, updated weekly on Bay Line, are compiled from data provided by a network of monitoring stations in the Bay that monitor oxygen, temperature, salinity, pH levels, and, in some cases, water clarity and the presence of algae blooms. The Department, in cooperation with the University of Rhode Island, has begun the seasonal deployment of additional monitoring instruments.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing is outstanding. Fished the upper Bay last week and the striped bass were pushing the bait to the surface, you might have thought they were bluefish. Took two fish, one 30" and one 33" fish using T-Man weighted bubble gum tubes in 13 feet of water as close to the bottom as we could get them.
Blue fish bite is good. I caught ten small blue fish off Buttonwoods in Warwick using a large surface popper this past Sunday. Lenny Lake of Warwick a fly fisherman said he has been catching 8 to 10 bass per outing in Greenwich Bay and Cove. Last Thursday he was landing a 20” striper, just ready to pull the fish into the boat, when a twelve pound blue fish came up out of the water and bit the striper in half.

Fluke fishing is good with fish just starting to get big. Francis Fleet reports fish to eleven pounds taken this past weekend with most customers taking home two to three nice fish. This fishery is expected to do nothing but accelerate over the next three to four weeks as the bio-mass has been enhanced and the legal size has been reduced to 18 ½ “ by DEM this year.

Squid fishing remains good this week. They are still here.

Favorite ways to catch striped bass

Dave Sweet of Narragansett used a Tony Accetta #14 chrome spoon with yellow feathers to catch this 33” striped bass off Narragansett. Dave said, “They mimic the sand eels pretty well”.


Favorite ways to catch striped bass

The reports are in… striped bass are all over Narragansett Bay and along southern coastal shores. Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “A customer caught a 38” fish off Hope Island and Jamestown this week.” Al Conti of Snug Harbor Marina said the bass are making their presence known at Block Island’s North Rip. Good reports of school bass with keepers mixed in all along the East Passage and even a good bite in Greenwich Bay (perhaps keeping the menhaden boats out of Greenwich Bay and the upper East Passage is working).
With all this action why is it that some days, you just cannot get a bite… you scour waters trolling lures and tube & worm, cast in the shallows and around structure with soft plastics, hard plastics and surface poppers. You hit all your favorites spots, where you have caught fish and where others have caught fish… and still… no bass.
Do not lose faith. It’s a matter of persistence, mixing it up, paying attention to water movement (tide and current) and yes trying to match what the bass are eating (or would like to eat).
Thursday at 5 a.m. I said, “Today I’ll fish Greenwich Cove… catch school bass… as the fog and time I have to fish is limiting.” Captain Jim White of White Ghost Charters (noted author and Bay fishing expert) said, “You have to mix it up… present different baits to the striped bass until you find one that works.” In the past I would try to fish with one or two favorite lures with limited success. This morning I lined up seven lures all ready to go with fluorocarbon leaders. I had two surface poppers and swimming lures and three soft plastic baits. I tried all seven, found one that worked (a Yozuri Crystal Minnow) and caught six bass in 45 minutes. So mix it up to find out what works before you settle on a bait or fishing location.


Favorite Ways to Catch Striped Bass (will share more ways to catch bass next week)
1. Trolling with umbrella rigs. Technique often used to troll off Block Island and in deeper parts of Narragansett Bay, off coastal shores with a variety of squid, shad, and eel umbrella rigs. Hook two fish at the same time and you will experience a great fight.
2. Casting soft plastics, various bait types and weights to fish different depths. Many anglers love this technique and use it successfully in the spring. Make sure the plastic baits are scented if not add some scent. Who wants to eat plastic?
3. Buck tail jigs with pork rind squid strips. Have had success with this method to get under schools of blue fish and to the striped bass on the bottom.
4. Live eels. Used by shore and boat anglers, some fishing guides use this as their primary method to catch killer stripers. Hook the eel through the mouth and out one eye.
5. Live menhaden. Snag the live bait with a weighted treble hook or net them. Hook the bait through the bridge of the nose, find a pod of fish and put the live menhaden into the pod. Used when menhaden are running strong, particularly up the Providence River in early spring.

West Bay Anglers Striper Tournament
The West Bay Anglers will hold their 2011 William Beaudry Jr. Memorial Striper Tournament from June 4, 12:01 a.m. thru June 12, 1:00 p.m. First place prize for largest fish is $500 with 2nd and 3rd place cash prices too. Prizes awarded at the Warwick FOP at 1 p.m., June 12. Rules and applications online at http://www.westbayanglers.org/ or at local bait & tackle shops including Ericson’s, Johns Bait , Lucky’s, Ray’s Bait & Tackle and the Tackle Box. Entry fee is $25, open to all anglers, must register by 5 p.m., June 3rd.

Fishing tournament June 26 for visually impaired adults
The RI Lions Sight Foundation will host its 4th annual fishing tournament for Visually Impaired Persons(VIP) of Rhode Island. The half-day tournament will be held on a Francis Fleet party boat out of Galilee RI where the participants will be competing for one of several trophies and; for an opportunity to represent Rhode Island at the Lions National VIP Tourney on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in October. Applications for the tournament and on the Lions can be found at http://www.lions4sight.org/index.htm and http://www.rilions.com/ or contact Ken Barthelemy (kenbar123@aol.com) at 401-529-6173.

Where’s the bite
Striped bass fishing is great. Bass all over the Bay and off southern coastal shores. Ken Robinson caught his first bass at 32” one mile south of Popasquash Point, Bristol. Rocco Patriarca also hit his first bass with menhaden south of Colt Sate Park on Sunday… a nice 40 ½” fish was the longest of five with the heaviest fish weighing in at 24.5 lbs. Alan Stewart reports catching 20 keepers in the Westport River mostly using surface plugs. Alan said, “I also have had some luck with 3" storm shads… one side note, I've now caught two six+ pound Tautog bouncing storm shads off the rocks on the bottom in 9' of water for stripers.”
Tautog fishing in the Bay north of Hope Island in the West Passage and in Mount Hope Bay and north all the way up the East Passage to Providence has been outstanding.
Squid fishing reports have been good. Catching them in Newport and Galilee. Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle said, “Most guys have been buying small Pink, Orange and Luminescent rigs.”

Fresh RI fish coming your way

Hannah Mellion of Farm Fresh Rhode Island talks about their fresh fish pilot project at the RI Senate Special Task Force on Fisheries chaired by Senator Sosnowski.

Fresh RI fish coming your way

How would you like to buy fresh Rhode Island cod, striped bass or flounder for dinner tonight and know where and when it was caught and a little something about the captain and crew that caught it? This is what the Local Catch Pilot project of Farm Fresh Rhode Island and Local Catch, Inc. is doing. They aim to bring fresh local fish to market at competitive prices.

Hannah Mellion of Farm Fresh Rhode Island said, “We are applying the same model we used to successfully bring fresh RI produce to restaurants, farmer markets and supermarkets and are applying it to fresh fish caught in Rhode Island.” Efforts to bring fresh RI fish to market were outlined last week by Local Catch, Inc. and Farm Fresh RI at the Special RI Senate Task Force on Fisheries chaired by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski (D-South Kingstown and New Shoreham). Larry Mouradjian and Ken Ayers of the Department of Environmental Management also spoke. Ken was responsible for helping to start the “RI Fresh” movement and said his department has set aside $20,000 in grant money to start a RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative whose purpose will be to market fresh Rhode Island fish.

Another speaker a last week’s hearing was Eric Reid from Deep Sea Fish of Rhode Island, a RI seafood wholesaler, who said stable markets are needed to bring fresh RI fish to market, “We can’t have derby fishing.” Relating to the way fisheries are often managed by dictating that they must only fish on a limited number of days taking away their flexibility and ability to bring fish to market in a consistent, reliable manner (see below story on successful fisheries sector management techniques).

Steve Brustein, chef/manager of The Met, a Rhode Island School of Design campus restaurant, is a Farm Fresh Rhode Island customer. He said, “We loved it when Farm Fresh RI organized farmers and offered fresh produce to chefs, now we are very excited about the opportunity to purchase fresh fish.”

Branding Rhode Island fish as fresh, wholesome, nutritious and reasonably priced is something that I think is a great idea. Branding RI fish in this manner will help recreational fishing in RI as well as commercial fishing.

NOAA points to success of “sector” fisheries management
Under a new fisheries management program effective since last May, revenues increased for the Northeast groundfishery during the first nine months of the 2010 fishing year compared to same period in 2009.

Higher average prices for all species accounted for the increased revenues. These are among the findings in an interim report released by NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Researchers looked at gross revenues, fishing effort, average vessel performance, distribution of revenues, and employment for the first nine months of the 2007 through 2010 fishing years. Among the new trends are increased revenues and prices. Revenues from all species on all trips by groundfish vessels in the first nine months of 2010 were up about $24 million over the same period in 2009.

New England groundfish management measures which took effect in 2010 include annual catch limits to prevent overfishing and rebuild overfished stocks and two options for controlling fishing effort. Fishermen can either form groups and fish an allotted share of the total allowed catch (like the RI Fluke Sector Pilot mentioned below) or fish individually with a limit on the number of days spent fishing.

Another successful example of “Sector” management is the commercial RI Fluke Sector Pilot which is now in its third year. Since its inception this Pilot Fluke Sector has grown, new members have been added as fishermen saw the benefits of flexibility… being able to fish when other species were not available or when market demand is highest. The sector has proven to be a very effective way to sustain the resource as well with record low discard rates compared to the days a sea method.

Rhode Island recreation saltwater fishing license challenge
Last week I received an e-mail from reader Tom Poirier who said he supported the Rhode Island bill that would “make the fishing license free”, Rhode Island House Bill # 5584 introduced by Rep. Gallison of Bristol. Tom said, “The state of NY just put a two year moratorium on their license… (In RI) we are paying for something (data collection and research) that is not going to happen.”

The Federal Government mandated that all coastal states have a registry (or license program) that supplied contact information on all saltwater anglers for surveys and data collection to obtain more accurate fishery data to manage better. The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) worked with DEM to write the Saltwater Fishing License law we presently have. Funds raised by the license will go into a separate fund that must be used to enhance the fishery. It does not go into the general fund. The Federal Government will use the data collected by the State to study recreational fishing.

Last week Gary Leatherberry, an avid angler and associate at Erickson’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said during a NBC Channel 10 interview that he supported the existing State license law, saw the need for data collection to better manage and had faith that the funds collected would be properly used. This is a view shared by many anglers including RISAA, an organization that represents over 6,000 recreational anglers in Rhode Island. The State of RI is in tough fiscal condition. Funds to implement a state registry with no fee would likely make the situation worse.

Where’s the bite
Striped bass fishing continues to improve. Rich Di Giuseppe of North Kingstown caught a nice keeper bass (very clean fish) in Greenwich Bay on No Fluke Charters Friday night. John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown reports keeper bass being caught by customers at Mt. View in North Kingstown and in Greenwich Bay. Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said school bass are being caught in Apponaug and Greenwich coves. Bob Oberg fished the East Bay Friday night from his kayak, at sundown on an outgoing tide, he said “Caught four fish in about twenty minutes, including a 29-incher and a 27-incher… using tube and worm with a light rod.”
The squid are in and are being taken at Goat Island and Ft. Wetherill said John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle. Charlie Santos of Tiverton said, “The squid fishers are shoulder to shoulder at the Calamari Causeway (Goat Island) Newport…(they are also likely) at Fort Getty in Jamestown, Sakonnet Point in Little Compton, Pt. Judith docks, on the Cape in Falmouth and the Woods Hole town docks.”

Fluke. Bruce an associate at Breachway Bait & Tackle in Charlestown said customers have been catching small fluke with some keepers off southern coastal beaches. Similar reports from Francis Fleet vessels.
Tautog bite remains good in the bay with hot action taking place in the upper bay. John Wunner said, “Bullocks Point, Rocky Point, Conimicut Light and other East Bay areas are producing good sized tautog.”

Tautog bite excellent, striped bass make their presence known

Peter Nilsen of Barrington, RI and a member of the Rhody Fly Rodders caught this 24” school striped bass on a chartreuse and white Clouser streamer in the Narrow River in Narragansett last week.

Chris Catucci of Warwick caught this 9 pond tautog in just four feet of water off a dock in Warwick Neck. Chris said, “This fish hit a green crab with the legs and claw cut off on a 5\0 Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp octopus hook.”

Lary Norin of Cumberland, Rhode Island with the 10 pound, 25” tautog he caught along Narragansett, RI’s rocky coast. Lary caught the fish in 30’ of water while using green crabs as bait.

Tautog bite excellent, striped bass make their presence known

The tautog bite improved a great deal this week with some big fish in the nine and ten pound range being caught (see “Where’s the bite” below).
An important tip when fishing for tautog is chumming, attracting fish to the area with your bait of choice in addition to what is on your hook. Kevin Bettencourt from the East Bay Anglers and his Dad Albert have been fishing for tautog in Narragansett Bay and southern coastal water off Newport, Jamestown and Narragansett for many years. Kevin 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/green crabs. Don't be afraid to feed them! If you don't, they won't stick around long!” Robb Roach of Kettlebottom Outfitters from Jamestown said chumming is very important… “I chum with crushed mussels or crushed periwinkles.”
When fishing alongside a bulkhead or pier, barnacles and growth attached to the structure can serve as a great natural chum bait. Take an oar and scrape the structure allowing barnacles to fall in the water below serving as natural chum bait.
I like to use a mixture of crab legs and sea clams cut up into small pieces. One of the most useful tips for getting the chum where you want it appeared on the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) blog last year. Place chum in a small paper bag with a heavy rock inside at the bottom of the bag, secure the top of the bag with a line and place the bag in the water where you want the chum. The bag sinks to the bottom, wait a minute or two, the paper bag gets soaked, yank on the line a couple of times… the rock breaks through the bag and the chum lands under the vessel where you want it rather than having strong currents taking it away from the boat before it reaches the bottom.

New black sea bass and squid recommendations
The Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council (RIMFC) met last week to address the black sea bass fishery which has been designated as an overfished species. The council voted to recommend to DEM director Janet Coit a daily black sea bass limit of fifteen fish with a minimum size of thirteen inches and a season of July 11 to December 31. DEM’s preferred option was ten fish so the director may override the council’s recommendation. The council also recommended a proposal to require a saltwater fishing license when fishing for squid. Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, said the topic brought much discussion at the council meeting, “…if squid was exempt, anyone out fishing without a license, who didn’t have a fish in the bucket yet, would just say they were fishing for squid.” The council also recommended that anglers should not be required to carry a photo ID in addition to a salt water license. Medeiros continued to say that the council recommended that shore-based spear fishermen had to have a license available “within a nearby car or other locations that is within in a five minute walk from the point of exit from the water”. Director Janet Coit is expected to consider RIMFC recommendations and rule on regulations this month.

Senate action on fisheries
Last week two bills hit the RI Senate floor pertaining to fishing. Bill 2011-S 850 titled “Senate Resolution Respectfully Urging Congress to Support the Marketing of Rhode Island Seafood” and bill 2011-S 846 titled “Senate Resolution Respectfully Urging the Rhode Eland Congressional Delegation to Give Rhode Island Representation on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Council.” Both bills were recommended by the Environment & Agriculture committee chaired by Senator Susan Sosnowski.
This Wednesday the Special Marine Fisheries Task Force chaired by Senator Sosnowski was held in the Senate Lounge. The topic discussed was the establishment of a Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative. This is a good next step to brand and market Rhode Island fish to consumers in and out of the State of Rhode Island.

Economic impact of fishing being assessed
The port of Galilee in Narragansett, Rhode Island is undergoing an economic development assessment May 9 through May 11, 2011 by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other federal agencies. The assessment team will hold meetings with local leaders to help identify economic development challenges and opportunities facing local fishing industries and communities. The goal of the visit is to provide customized technical assistance to the region, which has experienced reductions in ground fish fishing revenues in recent years. After the assessment, the EDA will present a report that captures economic development best practices and customized strategies for the region’s long-term strategic economic development. Narragansett is one of six fishing communities in the Northeast selected to participate in the economic development assessment project. The other communities are Portland, ME; Seabrook, NH; New Bedford, MA; Gloucester, MA; and Montauk, NY.

Where’s the bite
Tautog fishing improved a great deal this week. I received reports of good sized tautog being caught in the lower, mid and upper bay regions. Lary Norin of Cumberland caught a number of tautog including a 25”, 10 pound tautog when fishing along the rocky Narragansett coastline. The big tautog (and two 23” cod) were caught in about 30 feet of water using green crabs. Chris Catucci of Warwick landed a 9 pound tautog using green crabs while fishing off a dock in Warwick Neck. Reports of tautog being caught off Hope Island, General Rock in North Kingstown, and at the Bullocks Point concrete marker in Barrington.
Striped bass fishing continues to improve with school bass being caught in Greenwich Bay, the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and along the Rhode Island coastal shores. Fish are spotty but they are here. No reports of big fish being caught yet. Chris Catucci reports catching school bass off Rocky Pont. Chris said, “School striped bass are in. I caught a 20 inch bass on my first cast with a Yozuri.” Dave Sweet reports catching twelve school striped bass in the Narrow River, “...tagged and released 12 school stripers for the ALS, all about 14" long. I'm sure they were all winter hold-overs, no sea lice present. Fishing in 3-10 feet of water, low to slack low tide in the upper river. All fish caught on either a 3" Storm shad, a chrome Tony Acceta #14 spoon with yellow teaser feather, or a Cocahoe minnow.” Sunday night, I caught my first striped bass in Greenwich Bay and, believe it or not, my first bluefish of the season.

Tautog tips, great cod and fresh water bite and top NOAA administrator visits Rhode Island

Henry Fisette of Coventry caught this catfish and a 19.13 pound carp last week at Lake Tiogue, Coventry.

Matt Mull (bottom) of Saunderstown, RI and Mike Casey of Danbury, CT caught these 20 pound cod fish last weekend while aboard the charter boat Drifter (Capt. Rich Chatowsky) out of Snug Harbor, RI.

Tautog tips, great cod and fresh water bite and top NOAA administrator visits Rhode Island

The Tautog bite improved last weekend in the east Bay and Mt. Hope Bay and heated up in the west Bay this week. I fished the jetty at Coddington Cove in Middletown Saturday and caught one keeper and two smalls on an outgoing tide. This Tuesday Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said, “The tautog are in. We fished Hope Island and caught six nice fish in one and a half hours. The largest was seven pounds.” Dave Henault, of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, reports anglers catching big tautog in the east Bay… a seven pound tautog caught in the Barrington River at the bridge and a nine pound tautog caught on the Warren River. Tautog bite will improve for the spring so get ready. Here are six tips to keep in mind.

1. Find structure to find tautog. Tautog can be fished from shore or boat and in both cases they like structure (rocks, wrecks, bridge piers, dock pilings, holes along the coast, etc. )

2. Fish where the fish are. This is particularly true with tautog because they are a territorial species, you have to find the tautog, they are not going to find you. So if you get no bites, move to another spot.

3. Green crabs are the bait of choice in the fall, however, in the spring clam worms and clams work well as the tautog seem to like soft baits. When using crabs make it easy for the tautog to bite and take the bait. Break off claws and legs, cut the crab in half and hook it through one leg socket and out another.

4. 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.” On the second or third tap I raise the rod up firmly feeling 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 in not able to run for cover.

5. Use braid line with little drag. Braid line allows you to feel the fish tap. Monofilament line will stretch allowing the fish to run for cover.

6. Where to fish for Tautog. From shore look for rocky coastline like Beavertail Point on Jamestown, locations off Newport and off breakwater rock walls at South County beaches. From a boat, I have had good luck at Plum Point light house next to the Jamestown Bridge, the rock wall north of Coddington Cove in Portsmouth, off Hope Island, around Brenton Reef in Newport, Whale Rock, Ohio Ledge in the East Passage and any other place there is structure, debris, rock clusters, wrecks, etc.

Report on Rhode Island’s Ports: “Opportunities for Growth”
The RI Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team (BRWCT) last week released an assessment of development opportunities for Rhode Island’s three major port areas, Providence, Davisville and Newport. The purpose of the report is to provide a review of Rhode Island’s existing port infrastructure, the marine cargo market of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard, and, based upon those analyses, recommend port investments with the greatest potential to bolster job creation and grow the State’s maritime economy.

The report confirms that the auto imports/exports sector, which has made substantial gains at the Port of Davisville, as well as ProvPort, has continued growth potential. It identifies growth opportunities in break bulk imports (perishables). It cautions that the scale and timing of the expansion of port facilities to support offshore wind facility development depend primarily upon successful power purchase agreements being struck between wind farm developers and electric utilities. Finally, it reviews the challenges to developing infrastructure in the Newport Harbor area that could inspire growth in cruise ship visits to Newport. An executive summary of the full report is available for download from the BRWCT website: http://www.coordinationteam.ri.gov/.

DEM announces free fishing days May 7 and 8
The Department of Environmental Management announces that Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 are free fishing days in Rhode Island. During those two days, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in freshwaters without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp.
Anglers will have an opportunity to catch a prized Golden Rainbow trout on Saturday, May 7 during a fishing tournament sponsored by DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at Little Round Top and Big Round Top Ponds in Burrillville. DEM’s hatchery staff will stock the Rhode Island hatchery-raised Golden Rainbow trout at these two fishing access areas for the event, and prizes will be awarded to the lucky anglers who catch a Golden Rainbow. There will also be loaner fishing rods and bait available.

Eric Schwab, one of NOAA’s chief fisheries administrators, visits Rhode Island
Eric Schwab, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) assistant administrator for fisheries was in Rhode Island last week to review a recent study conducted on inter agency/council cooperation between groups studying and managing fisheries in the Northeast. Groups studied included the NE Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC), the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) and NOAA’s Northeast Regional Office (NER). The idea of the study was to identify ways the groups can work together more efficiently, effectively with cooperation as a priority.

Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association said, “... it is very important for the industry to get the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with Mr. Schwab … Eric relayed a commitment on behalf of NOAA to follow through with the review recommendations and to continue to look for ways to improve the relationship between NOAA, NMFS and the Industry. “

Where’s the bite
Fresh water bite is very strong. Last week Henry Fisette of Coventry, RI caught a 19.13 pound carp in Lake Tiogue, Coventry using his home made chick pea scented bait. He followed this with a 9 pound cat fish and several trout he caught in the Pawtucket River in Coventry. Chris Catucci of Warwick found Lake Tiogue hot for bass fishing using jigs slowly retrieved or dead sticking a Senko. Chris’s gear included Eagle Claw Hooks a Wright and McGill fishing rod.
Tautog bite improved this week as mentioned above. Scott Bianco reports catching three keepers with little effort in Mt. Hope Bay.
Striped bass bite is on. Anglers along coastal shores in RI report catching striped bass with keepers mixed in with school bass. Reports on the RISAA blog of anglers in Saunderstown catching keeper stripers on clam works as they fished for tautog.
Cod fishing was great this weekend off RI. Matt Mull of Jamestown, RI reports catching a boatload of Cod at the Southeast Fishing Grounds on the charter boat Drifter (Capt. Rich Chatowsky) out of Snug Harbor, RI Saturday. After a couple of hours of fishing he, his friend Mike Casey from Danbury, CT and the rest of the party limited out. A dozen fish over 20 pounds were caught with very few throw backs.