Fishing and boating has big impact; and Rocky Point Park

 Spring (fishing?) break: school vacation turned out to be a fishing holiday for Carlin O’Hara of Cranston. The Rhode Island angler landed red and yellowtail snapper off Riviera Beach (near West Palm Beach) in Florida while on vacation with his family.

Boating talk:  Rick Bellavance, president of the RI Party & Charter Boat, and Kim Hapgood of Sail Newport at SeaPlan’s marine industry boating workshop held last week at Save the Bay.

Fishing and boating has big impact

Over the past month there has been a lot of talk about recreational fishing, and a lot of talk about boating, and the impact they have on Rhode Island.  As one might expect these industries bolster tourism… and come to find out… they do have a huge direct impact on our economy. But the greatest impact for me is not financial, but rather the recreational benefits… the peace of mind one gets by being close to or on the water and the fun and bonding that goes on between friends and family members when they are fishing or boating in Rhode Island.

All the fishing and boating talk started this month with the 2013 Southern New England Recreational Fishing Symposium held on April 2 in Warwick.  This symposium was hosted by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association in conjunction with the URI Coastal Institute.  One week later the symposium was followed by the release of a new for-hire (charter and party boat) economic impact study by the National Oceanographic an d Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) regional research center.  And then, last week, preliminary results for the 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey were released at a coastal boating and marine industry workshop held at Save the Bay’s headquarters in Providence.  The workshop and study were sponsored by SeaPlan, an independent nonprofit ocean science and policy group.

By the numbers

Add it all up and the economic impact recreational fishing and boating have on Rhode Island is very impressive.  NOAA’s estimate on the annual economic impact of recreational fishing in Rhode Island totaled $179-million.  In the Northeast the impact of the for-hire industry was estimated at $334-million and preliminary data from the 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey indicated that the economic impact of recreational boating could be as high as $220-million in Rhode Island. 

The data, much of it available for the first time, tells a story. Even though some industry segments are missing and others may be counted twice, the data leads me to believe that it is in the best interest of all Rhode Islanders to advocate for the boating industry, recreational fishing, the environment and fish that live in our waters because they have a great impact on all of us.  Now add the impact of commercial fishing and boating (shipping) and the economic impact is all that much greater.  Visit the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association website for results of the Recreational Fishing Symposium at www.risaa.org (symposium highlights soon to be posted), visit NOAA’s website for information on the recreational fishing and for-hire industry studies at www.nefsc.noaa.gov/publications .  Final results of SeaPlan’s boater survey is not complete yet but their website for the future is www.seaplan.org.  

Reeling in ideas for Rocky Point Park

Visit Rocky Point Park Saturday, May 4, at noon to see officials reel in ideas for the development of Rocky Point Park.  The reeling in event will be held at the beach in front of what was the salt water pool just inside the park entrance off Rocky Point Avenue in Warwick. It is being co-hosted by the Rocky Point Foundation and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association. The intent of the event is to get people thinking about possible uses of the park that was recently acquired by the state and to illustrate that people across the state have a stake in its development. It's also meant to be fun and in the process promote a public workshop Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. This will be the first hearing to solicit ideas for the park's future. 

Where’s the bite

Striped bass bite exploded this week with school bass and keepers mixed in being caught in greater numbers along the southern coastal shore with fish moving up into the Bay.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, said, “A customer caught a 32 striped bass in the Seekonk River Sunday.  Not sure if it was a new fish or one that wintered here. The angler that caught it said it was a fairly round fish so it may have been a new migrating fish.” Ken Landry of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Customers have not been catching striped bass yet, however, the water is expected to warm this week and bring the fish into the Bay.”  If you have not already done so, now is the time to start fishing for spring striped bass, they are here along the coast,  in the Bay and will be here in stronger numbers by the end of the week.

Tautog fishing reports still trickling in with some keeper fish being cauth in Mt. Hope Bay, India Pint Park in Providence and in the Warren River.  Overall tautog fishing is slow, warming water will help here too.

Squid are starting to appear. “Some squid are here, customers are catching them but in no great numbers.” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle. The Francis Fleet begins their squid fishing trips this Friday, May 3, contact them at www.francesfleet.com .

   

Herring migrations into our bays, rivers and salt ponds have been heavy this year.  As early as four weeks ago Craig Castro of Erickson’s Bait & Tackle said, “The herring are thick in Little Gorton’s Pond behind my shop.”  Traditionally Atlantic Menhaden come after the herring, flowed by striped bass chasing them.  Let’s hope that this is what happens this week as the water warms.

Great boats… great prices… great cause; and how to buy a boat

Good cause, great values: Capt. Ray Roberts, Boat Manger and Teri Woodbine of the URI Foundation Boat Donation and Sales Program, offer both used power boats and sail boats for sale in all price ranges like this Four Winns 21.5 footer they are standing in front of.  It is for sale for $4,250.

Great boats… great prices… great cause

“One of the nicer sail boats we have is this 31’ C & C.  It’s sailed back and forth to Ireland twice… it is a great boat and a great value.” said Capt. Ray Roberts, boat manger, of the URI Foundation Boat Donation & Sales Program.   Roberts said, “I tell anyone interested in a boat to bring a lunch and sit on the boat, make a list of all the things you hate about the boat, and then we talk about the price.” 

Teri Woodbine is the URI Foundation staff person managing the Boat Donation and Sales Program and this Saturday was their Annual Spring Open House.  Teri said, “We sold about fifty boats last year and this year we started with 61 and are now down to 38 but boats come in all the time.  About half are power boats and half sail boats.”

The URI Foundation Boat Donation & Sales Program has been in existence for over thirty years.  Donated boats are offered to various marine-oriented departments at the University and if no use is found, they sell the boat and place the money into an endowment for support of marine related programs.  Donors can also specify a University programmatic end use.  And, those donating their boat generally benefit from a charitable tax deduction.

For those looking to purchase a boat, power and sail boats in all price ranges are available.  Like the 1987 Four Winns 21.5’ for sale for $4,250.  Capt. Roberts said, “This boat is in great condition.  The owners were so particular they insisted on bringing it here themselves so it would not get damaged.  It has a 175 HP V6  Mercurser inboard/outboard engine.” 

Teri Woodbine said that they have a brochure with current inventory and prices for buyers and they take in donated vessel and sell them all year round.  Their yard, where you can see inventory by appointment, is at the URI Bay Campus on South Ferry Road, Narragansett.  They can be reached at 401.874.5273 or visit them at www.uri.foundation.org  .

How to buy a boat

One of the first steps to buying a boat is determining what you want to use a boat for i.e. what type of fishing, family outings, swimming, overnight or day cruising or a combination of uses. The use of the vessel will dictate the type of boat you should buy.  The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has a great online tool to help you determine the type of boat you might be interested in.  It can be found at www.discoverboating.com.  This web site will ask you the intended use and relate the advantages and disadvantages of each boat type recommended.

Should you buy new or used

Another major decision in the boat selection process is whether to buy a new or used boat. Used boats cost less and are an option for those who are uncertain about boat use.  A used boat is also a good option for those who cannot afford to purchase new.  Make sure you add the cost of repairs to the purchase price of used boats.  A helpful way to determine repair cost is to commission a boat survey.  A boat survey is similar to a home inspection.  Surveys are conducted by certified surveyors who closely examine the vessels hull, structure, electrical system and engine(s).  Engine tests are conducted and running time hours are verified.  Surveys but can give you estimates on repairs which you can use to negotiate the sale price.

Like automobiles, new boats come with warrantees.  If something goes wrong (and with boats something often goes wrong) you want a warrantee behind you.  New boats and warrantees are important, particularly if you do not want to spend your time repairing and restoring a boat yourself.  Often times old boats need more time to prepare for the season and will have a greater frequency of repair due to their age.  A higher frequency of repair means more time off the water.  So there are trade-offs between new and used boats.

Test drive if possible

Before you purchase a boat, if possible, take it for a test run under the conditions you intend to use the boat.  For example, I like to troll at a slow speed at or below two miles per hour.  So, when I test drive a boat I want to see how it runs at two miles an hour, at recommended cruising speeds and how it handles rough seas.

RISAA seminar Monday, April 29

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) will hold a seminar Monday, April 29, 7:00 p.m., at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick on weather for boaters and fishermen with meteorologist Fred Campagna. Mr. Campagna is former chief meteorologist at WLNE-TV ABC6 in Providence and currently owns his own weather service, Right Weather. Also at the seminar, RISAA members Roger and Sue Lema will speak on fishing for striped bass during the annual worm hatches in South County.  Capt. Dave Porreca will also speak about fishing the cider worm hatches… with fly fishing gear.  Non-members are requested to make a $10 donation to the RISAA scholarship fund, members attend free.  The event will be preceded by dinner paid separately and served by the West Valley Inn starting at 5:30 p.m.

Free seminar… Fly Tying in America,  Sunday, May 5

On Sunday, May 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, MA the United Fly Tyers and New England Fly Tyers will demonstrate fly trying skills and teach fly tying to veterans, breast cancer survivors, children and adults. Project Healing Waters and Casting for Recovery will be at the event to answer questions. The “Bug Man”, Bob McMenemy, a trout stream entomology enthusiast, will be on hand with live aquatic insects. For information e-mail ajflyfish@yahoo.com .

Where’s the bite

Tautog fishing got off to a slow start last week.  Many suspect that the water is still too cold.  I fished at General Rock, North Kingstown for about a half hour after launching my boat for the season this past Tuesday and didn’t get a bite.  The surface temperature of the water was 47 degrees. Nicholas DeRosa wrote on the RISAA blog, “Folks, I'm doing a scuba class with Steve and Deb of Scuba Made Easy of Jamestown who dive multiple times a week off the Island and they say they have seen zero fish yet this spring, water is too cold still, will be a late start this year.”  Bob Chew reports, “Fished for a short time (Monday) at the Stone Bridge (on the Sakonnet River) from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. today and although I did not catch anything, I saw four large tautog caught and worms seemed to outfish crabs.”

Freshwater fishing hot thanks to DEM, 2013 saltwater regulations

Birthday trout: Kyra Anderson of North Kingstown turned seven on opening day.  She caught this rainbow trout while fishing with family and friends at Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown, RI.

 Family affair: Michaela Dora (right) landed this trout at Willet Avenue Pond, East Providence, RI while fishing with her dad Michael Dora (left).  Three generations of the Dora family fished on opening day.

Fishing opening day still fun:  John Bergantini (91 years old) of Narragansett, RI has fished opening day for 70 years.

Freshwater fishing hot thanks to DEM

Opening day this past Saturday didn’t let anyone down.  I traveled to ponds in South County and to the East Bay and although the morning was cold the excitement was contagious. Excitement from the likes of Kyra Anderson… seven years old on opening day… who was the only one in her group that caught a fish and just as she was saying “It’s my birthday!” she reeled her second rainbow trout at Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown, RI. John Bergantini, ninety-one years old, from Narragansett, RI was proud to share, “I’ve been fishing opening day for seventy years.”   It was exciting for Michaela Doro of East Providence too.  Just as she said, “I am doing pretty good.” her father Michael picked up her rod and she reeled in another trout at Willet Avenue Pond in Riverside.  Three Doro family generations fished opening day Saturday.

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) estimated that about 20,000 anglers fished opening day which is the official opening of trout season and the official opening day of the freshwater season.  At 6:25 a.m. when I caught up with Sergeant Frances Ethier, of DEM’s Environmental Police she said, “Everything is going well today.  Even though the weather is cool anglers have turned out to fish.” John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown said, “I lot of customers were catching fish, I think they (DEM) did a much better job stocking our ponds and lakes.”

DEM’s Fish & Wildlife Division said approximately 80,000 hatchery- raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds were stocked in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day (visit www.dem.ri.gov for a complete listing and for license). 

Business was brisk opening day week for Lorraine Danti, owner, and Manny Macedo, manager, of Lucky Bait & Tackle in Warren, RI.  They sold more freshwater licenses than ever before.  Macedo said, “The number of both fresh and saltwater licenses has been rising since Lorraine took over the shop in 2007.  We believe we are gaining market share too.”  Lucky Bait & Tackle is one of the more sophisticated bait and tackle shops I have visited.   Their entire inventory is bar-coded.  They have a wide selection of fresh/saltwater fishing gear, tackle and bait as well as all types of recreational clam and quahog equipment.  They even carry Asian crabs (as well as green crabs) for tautog anglers.

Tautog season opens

The spring tautog season runs from April 15 to May 31 with a 16” minimum size and a three fish bag limit.  It is closed June 1 to July 31 during the spawning season and reopens August.  Tautog anglers often use soft baits in the spring such as grass shrimp and clam works but green crabs and Asian crabs work well too. 

RISAA seminar Monday, April 29

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) will hold a seminar Monday, April 29, 7:00 p.m., at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick on weather for boaters and fishermen with meteorologist Fred Campagna. Mr. Campagna is former chief meteorologist at WLNE-TV ABC6 in Providence and currently owns his own weather service, Right Weather, which offers in-depth weather coverage on a website and through multiple wireless media outlets.  Also at the seminar, RISAA members Roger and Sue Lema will speak on fishing for striped bass during the annual worm hatches in South County.  Capt. Dave Porreca will also speak about fishing the cider worm hatches… with fly fishing gear.  He is owner of River & Riptide Anglers, a fishing guide business.  Non-members are requested to make a $10 donation to the RISAA scholarship fund, members attend free.  The event will be preceded by dinner paid separately and served by the West Valley Inn starting at 5:30 p.m.

URI Boat Donation and sales program open house

The URI Foundation boat donation and sales program will hold an open house Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the URI Bay Campus, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI. Visit the open house and see the great boat inventory and values they have. For more information visit their website at www.urifoundation.org or contact Teri Woodbine, Boat Program coordinator at 401.874.5273.

Final 2013 saltwater fishing regulations

DEM posted final 2013 saltwater fishing regulations last week with some liberalization to scup and fluke regulations but more restrictive regulations on black sea bass as Rhode Island has to take a 32% reduction in total catch.  Here are regulation highlights, for a complete listing visit DEM’s web site at www.dem.ri.gov.

Black sea bass: 13” minimum size, June 15-Aug. 31, 3 fish/person/day; Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 4 fish/person/day.

Bluefish: no minimum size, no closed season, 15 fish/person/day.

Cod: 22” minimum size, no closed season, 10 fish/person/day.

Summer flounder (fluke): 18” minimum size, May 1-Dec. 31, 8 fish/person/day.

Scup (shore and private), 10” minimum size, May 1- Dec. 31, 30 fish/person/day; Special area provisions (this is new)… while fishing from shore at India Point Part, Providence, Conimicut Park, Warwick or at Stone Bridge, Tiverton, anglers may possess up to 30 scup 9 inches or greater in length from May 1 to Dec. 31; Scup (party and charter boasts), 10” minimum size, May 1 –Aug. 31, 30 fish/person/day, Sept. 1-Oct. 31 45 fish/person/day and Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 30 fish/person/day.

Striped bass: 28” minimum size, no closed season, 2 fish/person/day.

Tautog: 16” minimum, April 15-May 31, 3 fish/person/day; June 1 –July 31, CLOSED;  August 1 –Oct. 19, 3 fish/person/day and Oct. 20-Dec. 15 6 fish/person/day (maximum of 10 fish/vessel during all periods)… Tautog (party and charter), same spring seasons and closed periods as recreational plus Aug. 1-Oct. 14, 3 fish/person/day and Oct. 15-Dec,. 15 6 fish/person/day (no vessel maximum).

Weakfish (squeteague), 16” minimum size, no closed season 1 fish/person/day.

Where’s the bite

Fresh water fishing got off to a great start this week.  John Wunner of John’s Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown said “A customer weighed in a 2 pound 15 once rainbow trout caught at Hunts River in North Kingstown.”  Manny Macedo of Lucky bait, Warren, RI said, “We sold more fresh water licenses and trout stamps that ever before.”  Thirty minutes into opening day , Rocco Dangelo of South Kingstown had caught two trout already. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for a listing of ponds and lakes that have been stocked.  Trout fishing is expected to remain good.

Striped bass fishing has started with anglers landing school striped bass at the West Wall of the Harbor or Refuge, Galilee.  Craig Castro of Erickson Brothers Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “Some bass have been caught in Greenwich Bay at the end of last week.” 

Tautog season started Monday, April 15.  Bait shops throughout the area have fresh green crabs, clam worms and some are now stocking Asian crabs… all good tautog baits for spring .

“Wicked Tuna” captains at Saltwater Fishing Show this weekend

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

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

“Wicked Tuna” captains at Saltwater Fishing Show this weekend

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

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

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

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

East Bay Anglers to hold used tackle sale

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

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

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

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

Alabama man catches a 70 pound land locked striped bass

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

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

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

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

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

March 13 public hearing on key recreational fishing issues

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

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

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

Where’s the bite

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

New commercial fishing licenses available but limited… renewals due this week

Public access advocate:  RI Attorney General Peter Kilmartin (right) received a Leadership Award from RISAA at their annual banquet Saturday for his efforts to help prevent Misquamicut landowners from blocking shoreline access.  Steve Medeiros (left), president and Rich Hittinger (center), vice president of RISAA presented the award.

Joey Scrofani of Wakefield, RI was recognized as junior angler of the year Saturday by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA).  Joey shown with the award and jacket he received Saturday and with a black sea bass and scup he caught in a tournament last season.

New commercial fishing licenses available but limited… renewals due this week

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced that a limited number of new commercial fishing licenses will be made available this year. A total of 23 new quahog, 11 new soft-shell clam, and six new restricted finfish endorsements on commercial fishing licenses will be available for the 2013 fishing season. The new restricted finfish endorsements will allow for the commercial harvest of any of the six species of restricted finfish: summer flounder, scup, striped bass, black sea bass, tautog, and winter flounder.  Applications for the new endorsements must be filed with DEM by February 28, 2013. The applications will be screened, and the new endorsements awarded, on the basis of the priority selection process set forth in the commercial licensing regulations. 

Rhode Island residents may also obtain, without limits or restrictions, new commercial fishing licenses with the following endorsements: shellfish other, non-restricted finfish, and non-lobster crustacean. Also, any resident aged 65 or older may obtain a 65 & Over Shellfish license, and any resident who is a full-time student and under the age of 23 as of February 28^th of the license year may obtain a Student Shellfish license (both of which allow for the commercial harvest of quahogs). Applications for all new licenses must be filed with DEM by February 28, 2013.  Interested applicants are encouraged to review all guidance documents and applications located at www.dem.ri.gov.

Licenses may be renewed online through April 29 via DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov. License holders are reminded that prior to license renewal, all logbooks must be up to date with DEM's Marine Fisheries Program located at 3 Fort Wetherill Road in Jamestown. For questions concerning the log books, call the Marine Fisheries office at 401-423-1926.

In December, DEM’s Office of Boat Registration & Licensing mailed approximately 4,500 marine license renewal applications to all commercial marine license holders as well as those applicants holding recreational pot/diver licenses, vessel declarations, and marine dealer licenses.  Questions regarding licenses or endorsements may be directed to the licensing office at 401-222-6647.

  

RISAA holds annual banquet, honors top anglers and fishing advocates

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) held their 15^th Anniversary Banquet Saturday at the West Valley Inn, West Warwick RI. Community fishing advocates were recognized at the event as well as anglers who were recognized as winners of their annual fishing tournament. Plaques for anglers in adult and junior categories in both boat and shore divisions were awarded for a variety of species such as fluke (summer flounder), striped bass, tautog and bluefish. Charles Bradbury was awarded angler of the year posthumously.  This was the fifth angler of the year award to Bradbury; his sons Michael and Raymond Bradbury received the award on his behalf. Others receiving awards included Joey Scrofani of Wakefield, RI who received the junior angler of the year award; RI Attorney General Peter Kilmartin and Alfred DiOrio, Professional Land Surveyors of Ashaway, RI, for their work in the area of public access to the shore; Larry Mouradjian, associate director of DEM’s Bureau of Natural Resources and Steve Wright, director of Parks and Recreation, Narragansett, RI for their work with the Galilee fishing tournament and seafood festival.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council revises black sea bass catch limits

In a move that has relieved recreational and commercial fishers, last week the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) approved an acceptable biological catch (ABC) limit of 5.5 million pounds for black sea bass for both 2013 and 2014. If approved the ABC would result in a recreational harvest limit of 2.26 million pounds and a commercial quota of 2.17 million pounds. Black sea bass have been managed with a 4.5 million pound constant catch level since 2010. The Council’s decision to increase the ABC was based on recommendations from its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).

Recreational fishermen often target and catch black sea bass as a by-catch when targeting other species. The recreational black sea bass fishery closed two months early last year after preliminary catch estimates indicated that the 1.32 million pound recreational harvest limit had been exceeded. This closure and the possibility of future quota reductions and/or closures sparked frustration among members of the recreational fishing community, many of whom felt that the overage was caused by an underestimation of the black sea bass stock size. The Council discussed this issue at the December 2012 meeting and requested that the SSC reconsider the 2013 ABC and develop a recommendation for 2014 in light of recent stock and landings information.

The SSC met in January and initially concluded that the additional information relative to fishery performance, stock size, and recruitment were insufficient to justify an ABC adjustment for black sea bass. However, after evaluating the constant catch level that has been in place for three years, the SSC concluded that the 4.5 million pound ABC is “extremely conservative” and recommended an increase to 5.5 million pounds for the next two years.

March 13 public hearing on key recreational fishing issues

Fly Rodders land awards:  Gene Matterson (left) a club advisor and board member of the Rhody Fly Rodders for over 20 years is given a ‘Lifetime Membership’ award by Armand Corchaine, club president.  Dave Loren, past president and board member and John Pope who serves as secretary/treasurer of the club also received a Lifetime Membership award. An ‘Outstanding Service Award’ was given to retiring vice president, Jim Burden.

March 13 public hearing on key recreational fishing issues

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

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

Visit DEM’s web site at www.dem.ri.gov for additional information on all of these proposed amendments.  Written comments may also be submitted in advance of the meeting by 12:00 p.m. on March 13, 2013 to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, 3 Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown, RI 02835.

State parks active during school vacation week

As part of ongoing efforts encouraging children, families and individuals to enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities offered at our state parks and to increase levels of physical activity, the Department of Environmental Management will hold a series of free activities during February school vacation.

On Wednesday, February 20, DEM Parks & Recreation staff will lead guided hikes and walks around Peck Pond and other trails in Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area in Glocester.  Participants will able to explore beaver dams around Peck Pond and learn about trees native to Rhode Island. The hikes will take place on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Hikers should meet at the warm-up hut/pavilion in the beach area. Also, feel free to bring your cross country skis, snow shoes or sleds to enjoy Pulaski’s groomed trails and snow-covered hills.

On Thursday, February 21, the Department will offer tours of the Lafayette Fish Hatchery in North Kingstown. The tours will run continuously from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lafayette Fish Hatchery is one of three hatcheries where DEM raises fish until they are stocked in the state's waters. During the tours, personnel from DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife will explain the functions and procedures of the Hatchery as well as the life stages of fish. 

For more information contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at 222-2632 or visit the website at www.dem.ri.gov.

Atlantic Menhaden advisory panel

The Atlantic Menhaden advisory panel of the RI Marine Fisheries Council met last week to review stock status, 2012 performance and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Amendment 2 and its impact on Rhode Island.  DEM regulation recommendations as they pertain to Atlantic Menhaden were status quo compared to last year.  One proposal was discussed and voted on at the AP meeting… to reduce the amount of fish required before commercial boats can return to fish after the fishery has been shut down.  This proposal was moved to public hearing with a vote of non support from the Advisory Panel.  DEM has one of the most advanced Atlantic Menhaden species management plans on the east coast that includes commercial vessel reporting before and after a vessel is fishing an area, weekly stock assessments via spotter plane and helicopter (counting schools of fish) and a management model that includes a static biomass threshold, a dynamic fishing cap based on stock assessments, vessel capacity regulations and a host of gear requirements. Atlantic Menhaden management plan recommendations from the AP will now move to public hearing on March 13 before the RI Marine Fisheries Council votes on recommendations that they will make to DEM director Janet Coit.

What’s new at the Miami Boat Show?

The Boat US newsletter and website had a good review of new items they saw this past weekend at the Miami International Boart Show, the largest show of its type in the world.  Here a few items that caught my eye. 

 Helm Master offers a revolutionary level of control, even in tight quarters for Yamaha and Mercury outboard motors.  It not only makes docking easier, Helm Master also incorporates additional boat control functions, such as automatic trim, speed and automatic steering friction control.  With Yamaha Engines, the new Helm Master system integrates multiple components. They include, but are not limited to, exclusive Helm Master Digital Steering Helm, Electronic Key Switch (EKS), digital remote control, electronic control units, steering cylinders and pumps, joystick and Command Link Plus^® 6Y9 gauge.  At the touch of a button, the system integrates all boat control devices while eliminating the need for bow thrusters in most boats. In addition, a user-selectable high mode allows the engines to operate at higher rpm for increased control when docking.

Propane outboards.  LEHR Corporation introduced their new propane outboard engines at the Miami Boat Show.  LEHR relates on their website that they first ran propane outboards on research vessels in the North Sea.  Captain Bernardo Jorge Herzer, CEO and founder of Lehr said, “Propane is just safer, more efficient and more reliable… that’s why we used it on our ships.”  In addition to outboards LEHR makes propane trimmers and edges for lawn work, lawnmowers and leaf blowers.  The outboards come in 9.9, 5 and 2.5 horsepower sizes.  The 2.5 horsepower engine uses a standard 16.4 oz. (1 lb.) propane canister (like those small tanks commonly used with Coleman stoves).  A tank of this size would last about 2.5 hrs and at top end the 2.5 horsepower engine runs at 3,000 to 3,500 RPMs.  Visit LEHR a www.golehr.com .

Sealegs amphibious vessels have three wheels that role down when on land.  The Rigid Hull Inflatable (RHI) comes in 20 ft and 23 ft lengths (they also have a 23.5 ft cabin model).  They cannot be built smaller due to the size and weight of the hydraulic equipment required to make the amphibian perform in various conditions.   It is ideal for when vessels are stored nearby in a yard and you do not want to trailer the boat. Vessels travel about 10 mph on land and 30 to 35 mph on the water.  Continuous use on land is limited to 10 minutes as Sealegs is driven hydraulically by an air-cooled motor under the seat.  The air-cooled motor is a 24 horsepower Honda, 2 cylinder, 4 stroke which uses the same fuel tank as the outboard.  Visit Sealegs at www.sealegs.com .  

New England Fishing Show expands learning experience

All in the family. Elisa Jackman with her father Al Conti of Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown, RI will have a major presence at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show once again this year.  The show will take place March 8-10.

New England Fishing Show expands learning experience

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) has increased the number of seminars, demonstrations and workshops to over 60 during their Friday, March 8^th to Sunday, March 10^th New England Fishing Show taking place at the RI Convention Center.  The show is the largest of its type in the Northeast with over 250 exhibitors including tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothing and much more.

The seminars will take place in four different locations… the “Main Stage”, a 200-seat area that will continue to present some of the top anglers on the East Coast; “Workshops” in a more personal 50-seat seminar area; a “Casting Lane”, to demonstrate surf casting and fly fishing; and a “Demo area” with no seats designed so anglers can see gear, products, and the speakers close up. “All four areas will be in continual operation during the weekend with seminars and demos running every hour.” said Steve Medeiros, RISAA president.

Seminar topics presented by some of the best regional fishing guides and captains include fishing for daytime stripers by Capt. BJ Silvia and Greg Vespe; secrets for catching big tautog by Capt. Greg Meyers; Block Island stripers by Pete Vican and Don Smith; how and where to catch bigger fluke by Capt. Dave Monti; light tackle sharking by Capt. Bruce Macomber; and a host of other topics.  Check topics, speakers, seminar times at www.risaa.org.

Tickets for the show are $8.00 each online (minimum purchase of two tickets online) with a special $1 online discount coupon at www.nesaltwatershow.com , or you can call for advance tickets at 401.826.2121.  Sunday is family day, all women and children 12 and under admitted free.

Learn how to land hard-tail species at Rhody Fly Rodders meeting

Captain Eric Thomas, fishing guide for 25 years, will be the guest speaker at the Tuesday, February 19 Rhody Fly Rodders meeting at the Riverside Sportsman’s Club, East Providence.  Captain Thomas will talk about how to land different hard-tail species including Atlantic Bonito, false albacore, skipjack tuna, and school bluefin tuna. He will concentrate on Atlantic Bonito and false albacore as they are the species that have consistently been showing up off coastal shores in recent years. Learn about the tackle he uses, for both fly and spinning rods, and the baitfish, flies, lures he uses as well as  location, boat tactics, landing and releasing these super fast fish.

The meeting will start with some fly tying at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. Monthly bucket raffles with free coffee and cookies. Bar refreshments are available.  Directions to the Riverside Sportsman’s Club: from Providence take Rt. 195 east to Exit 7 Route 114. Travel south approx. 4 miles. Take left reversing direction at median entering Barrington just after WPRO Radio Station. Continue north for one mile; take right at Riverside Sportsman’s club sign on Mohawk Drive.

Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council meetings

There is 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.

The process for regulation recommendations includes input and discussion at the species advisory panels, then on to a public hearing for comment (usually several species considered at the same meeting), and then recommendations move to the RIMFC for consideration.  The Council takes formal votes on recommendations and passes them on to DEM director Janet Coit for consideration.  The next RIMFC meeting to discuss AP and public hearing recommendations is scheduled for March 4, 2013.

RISAA seminar Monday, January 28

A RISAA seminar will be held Monday, February 28, 7:00 p.m. at the West Valley Inn, 4 Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI.  Topics to include a presentation of sea disasters by Michael Tougias author of “A Storm Too Soon”, which tells the story of a storm with 70’ waves. "... I like to transport the audience into the heart of the storm so that they ask themselves 'what would I have done?’… I enjoy doing these programs.” said Tougias.  The second topic for the evening will be on Fishing Safety with Dr. Craig Pruitt who will speak on health for boaters and fishermen, a subject he knows well as he is an avid outdoorsman himself.  Dinner served by West Valley Inn between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Public is invited to attend with a $10 donation to the scholarship fund, RISAA members no charge. Cost of dinner is separate.

Where’s the bite

Cod fishing is still about the only saltwater fishing game in town.  Last week the cod bite was mixed, good earlier in the week and then it softened as the storm approached.  Contact the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com or Frances Fleet boats at www.francesfleet.com .  The Seven B’s reported a good day of fishing Wednesday, “The fish started biting about an hour after setting anchor. Several limits on the boat and everyone went home with fish. Some nice size Pollack in the mix.”