2017 Fishing Review and What's I Store for 2018

www.RISAA.org FEBRUARY, 2018 • Issue 230 401-826-2121 Representing Over 7,500 Recreational Anglers

The Watch... 2017 Fishing Review and What’s I Store For 2018 The 2017 season was a mixed bag Everything seemed delayed about commonly called ‘albies’ in the three weeks in 2017 due in part to water northeast. temperatures. In the spring the water They went deep into upper was cool and the striped bass took a Narragansett Bay all the way to while to arrive. And in the fall, the Barrington Beach and around water was warm; still 63 degrees in Conimicut Light. False albacore have November so the tautog, squid and not been seen this far up the Bay in 25 cod seasons were delayed. years. Here are some highs and lows of The most intense contact was the 2017 fishing season and what we around Pt. Judith both toward can expect in 2018. Westerly and north to Narragansett Beach. Many believe it was the Epic false albacore bite RISAA member SUSAN LEMA displays a 11+ pounds volume of peanut bunker (immature The false albacore run was the false albacore that she landed on October 9 while Atlantic menhaden) that caused the best in years in 2017. False albacore fishing off Point Judith epic false albacore run. are part of the tuna family and are (continued on page 3)

R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Recognizing a few important people It was great to see so many of you at him so he attended our banquet and we Feb 6-8 • ASMFC Winter Meeting, our 20th Anniversary Annual Banquet on gave him our Appreciation Award. Arlington, VA January 20. We had 150 members and Jonathan Stone, Save The Bay guests who shared the evening. This award was presented by Rich Feb 20 • 6:30 PM RISAA Board of While the Tournaments Committee Hittinger, our first VP, who had recently Directors gives awards to the top anglers, each year working with Jonathan during efforts to the Board of Directors present awards to protect menhaden. Feb 26 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly Seminar people we feel deserve recognition from Rich said, “I am honored to present us. So here’s a few words about this year’s this next award to someone who leads the Mar 9-11 • 15th Annual New England special recipients. largest environmental protection group in Saltwater Fishing Show Kimberly Sullivan - RIDEM the State or RI. RISAA recognizes the For many years we have been fortunate dedication of his organization and his Mar 20 • 6:30 PM RISAA Board of to have a great working relationship with personal commitment to Narragansett Bay, Directors our R.I. DEM staff, especially in Marine the watershed, and all of the abundant Fisheries. But when it comes to working wildlife in the Bay. One of the many Mar 26 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly with kids we go to their Aquatic Resources examples of how Save the Bay has worked Seminar and Quarterly Meeting Education division, and that means to protect the resources of the Bay was Apr 9 • 7:00 PM Fly Fishing Committee working with Kim Sullivan. the effort put forth during 2017 to protect Spring Meeting In recognition of her dedication and the abundance of Atlantic menhaden. I am, service to teaching the youth of Rhode pleased to present this Conservation Apr 16 • 7:00 PM Kayak Committee Island, and for her advocacy in bringing Award to Jonathan Stone, Executive Spring Meeting awareness of the outdoors through Director of Save the Bay. education to the public, and for her MEMBERS OF THE YEAR Apr 24 • 6:30 PM RISAA Board of assistance to the RISAA with the Youth Each year the Board selects the member Directors Fishing Camp and other projects, we who has done the most for our Apr 30 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly proudly presented Kim with our Award of organization during the proceeding year. Seminar Appreciation. This year, the board felt TWO awards BRADLEY WAUGH needed to be presented. May 21 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly After he joined RISAA 16 years ago, GARY JOHNSON has been a member Seminar he introduced himself and became friends for 7 years; attends every Take-A-Kid with several board members at the time. Fishing Day, helped at the Youth Fishing June 23 • Take-A-Kid Fishing Day Most members don’t know his name, and Camp, volunteers for our N.E. Saltwater that’s because he always worked in the Fishing Show from move-in to move-out June 25 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly background. and every minute in between and chairs Seminar He convinced us that we needed to not our Merchandise Committee, one of the July 27 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly only be involved in fisheries management, hardest jobs. Seminar but also politically, and was instrumental MICHAEL WARNER has not been in us forming a Political Action Committee. eligible to received this since he has been Aug 27 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly After we held two successful winter on the Board for the past 9 years (Board Seminar seminars, renting the Coventry High School members can’t receive this award), but auditorium and cafeteria with a mini trade now that he has retired form the board, it Sept 24 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly show, he said we needed to go big. With was our chance to thank him for 15 years Seminar his connections he convinced the bosses of service to RISAA The Official Newsletter of the at the RI Convention Center to give us a Rhode Island chance. Because of his urging we started Saltwater Anglers Association the New England Saltwater Fishing Show. PLEASE REGISTER TO HELP Published Monthly Over the years, he has also financially N.E. SALTWATER FISHING Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers supported RISAA, our Foundation and our SHOW SIGN UP Association, Inc. PAC - always in the background. We need YOUR help! P.O. Box 1465 He now lives in Ft. Lauderdale but was https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SWShow Coventry, RI 02816 visiting RI and it was our chance to thank - 2 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The RISAA Legislative Committee’s mission is to provide, in partnership with the Affiliated Clubs, a forum for improving the knowledge and understanding of fishery-related and government issues that affect recreational anglers. An informed membership encourages involvement and advocacy. The Legislative Committee will strive to advocate responsible fishery decision. The Committee is comprised of RISAA Members and delegates from the Affiliated Clubs. The Committee meets two or three times a year, depending on the number of fishery and/or legislative issues that develop. 2017 Fishing Review and What’s I Store For 2018 (continued from page 1) This was offset with a good, but spotty summer flounder Striped bass Cape Cod Canal bite best in years bite in the area of the wind farm at Block Island with a very “The striped bass bite for customers fishing the Cape Cod strong black sea bass bite there. n Canal has been staggering. It is better than it has been in The bite was fair to good along the southern coastal shore. years,” said Dimitri Mancini of Continental Bait & Tackle, Cranston. What’s in store for 2018 and a preliminary look at “Hogy soft plastic lures are working well. It has been a regulations? very successful lure for our customers fishing the Canal and (Official RI regulations to come in March) comes in a variety of colors with white and pink working the best lately,” Mancini continued. STRIPED BASS “The striped bass bite at the Cape Cod Canal continues to The striped bass season should be solid in 2018 as be outstanding,” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, recruitment classes are good with many fish maturing to Providence. “Anglers are landing bass in the 40 pound range minimum size of 28 inches. This, coupled with a good supply of from shore. The Whip-It Fish, a soft plastic lure by Al Gag’s Atlantic menhaden (one of their primary food sources) in the Lures is working very well for Canal fishermen.” water, should Regarding Narragansett Bay and Mt. Hope Bay, many said be good the striped bass season was half as good as 2016. Anglers did striped bass catch large fish in the Bay, just not as many. season in The striped bass season for anglers fishing from shore, 2018. along the southern coastal shore from Narragansett to Watch Striped Hill, was good. bass regulations for 2018 will likely remain the same, one fish/ Steve McKenna, noted person/day with a minimum size of 28". shore angler and author, The stock is not overfished; however, it is close to having said in November, “Fishing “overfishing occurring” as the spawning stock biomass (SSB) from shore for striped bass is just above the threshold, but below the target as was the case has been great. Since last year. September I have landed 2015 was a good recruitment year and the 2017 Maryland about 300 striped bass. One Young of the Year Survey indicated a high abundance relative or two in the 30 pound to 2016 so there is room for optimism. range, many in the twenties and teens.” SUMMER FLOUNDER (fluke) Large fish (but fewer Summer flounder fishing will likely remain challenging as it fish) were caught at Block was last year as the stock is still in questionable shape overall Island this year. Capt. Andy with overfishing Dangelo of Maridee II occurring the past Charters said this fall, “We Steve McKenna seven years relative to had a lot of big fish on the the biological south side of the Island this week. Charter boats had five or six reference points. fish over 50 pounds. We caught our big fish trolling umbrella 2018 regulations rigs.” will likely stay similar to last year in Rhode Fair summer flounder and black sea bass season Island with a possible Another surprise was that we had a fair summer flounder bag limit increase. and black sea bass bite in the Bay, off Newport and along the (to page 35) coast to the Sakonnet River in Massachusetts. - 3 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The purpose of the Welcome Committee is to contact new members, welcome them to the Association and answer any questions they may have about RISAA and its activities. Sauteed Mackerel with Welcome new members Tomatoes and Onions who joined last month! We shared this recipe back in 2008, but it’s worth repeating

Alan Brownstein Bill McWha Somerset, MA South Kingstown, RI

Pat Conte Joseph Nadeau INGREDIENTS Charlestown, RI Charlestown, RI • 8 Mackerel Fillets Joseph Ebert Arianna Roberts • 1/2 cup Flour, white • 1/2 cup Cornmeal Medway, MA Leverett, MA • Canola oil, for sauté Robert Long • Basil, fresh, for garnish YOUR NAME Tomato Sauce Warwick, RI Should be here • 1 cup Sweet onion, sliced • 2 tbsp. Garlic, chopped William McCusker • 1/2 cup Rice vinegar or cider vinegar Wakefield, RI • 8 Tomatoes, large, peeled and chopped

DIRECTIONS • Cook onions in a stainless pan to release juices and simmer, do not brown, oil is not necessary. • Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add vinegar, turn up heat and reduce to half. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, and season to taste. • Filets should be cut in half to remove the dark line and bones that run from head of the fillet to the tail. • Mix flour and cornmeal and dredge mackerel filets in the mix- ture. • Sauté over high heat in just enough oil to avoid burning the fish. Cook approximately 1-1/2 minutes per side. • Remove fish and wipe out pan. Return fish to pan and add sauce. Cook for 2 minutes more. • Serve on a warm platter and garnish with fresh basil. Serve mackerel dish with steamed potatoes or pasta.

Got a recipe to share or request for a certain recipe? Contact Sandie at [email protected]

- 4 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Federal Climate Science Report for U.S. The U.S. Global Change Research Program’s (USGCRP) Climate Science Special Report (CSSR) has been released. It serves as Volume I of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4), and describes current trends in the climate globally and for the U.S., and projects trends in temperature, precipitation, sea-level rise and Arctic sea ice for the remainder of this century. Findings include: Global and U.S. temperatures continue to rise • The annual average temperature for the globe and the contiguous U.S. has increased 1.8 degrees F from 1901 to 2016. • Sixteen of the warmest years on record for the globe occurred in the last 17 years; the last three years were the warmest. Variability in temperature and precipitation is increasing • Heavy precipitation has increased in intensity and frequency across most parts of the U.S. since 1901, though there are important regional differences. • Heatwaves have become more frequent in the U.S. since the 1960s. • Cold temperatures and cold waves have decreased since the early 1900s. • Annual trends toward earlier spring snowmelt and reduced snowpack are already affecting water resources in the western U.S. Ocean temperatures are warming and an increase in sea level • Global average sea level has risen by about 7-8 inches since 1900. • Global average sea level is expected to rise by several inches in the next 15 years. Temperature increases in Alaska and across Arctic are greater than the rest of the globe • Annual average near-surface air temperature in Alaska and across the Arctic has increased over the last 50 years at a rate more than twice as fast as the global average temperature. • Since the early 1980s, Arctic sea ice extent has decreased between 3.5 percent and 4.1 percent per decade, has become thinner by between 4.3 and 7.5 feet, and on average the season of melting lasts 15 more days per year.

NOAA is one of 13 USGCRP federal agencies that contributed significantly to the CSSR. To view the report online go to https://science2017.globalchange.gov/

- 5 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Regional Implementation Plan Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) are managed Additionally, 262 tournaments pursuing HMS registered with under the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery NOAA Fisheries in 2016. Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act The collection of precise and timely catch and effort data is (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention essential to the effective management of these fisheries, and a Act (ATCA). Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA multitude of data collection methods are currently employed. Fisheries must manage fisheries to Many of these data collections fall prevent overfishing while achieving, under the umbrella of the Marine on a continuing basis, the optimum Recreational Information Program yield for each fishery. Under ATCA, (MRIP) including the Large Pelagic NOAA Fisheries is authorized to Survey (LPS). promulgate regulations, as may be The purpose of the Atlantic HMS necessary and appropriate, to MRIP Implementation Plan is to implement the recommendations summarize the data needs associated from the International Commission with Atlantic HMS science and for the Conservation of Atlantic management, evaluate the existing Tunas (ICCAT). recreational data collections, set Currently, Atlantic sharks, tunas, priorities for their improvement and swordfish, and billfish are managed expansion, and identify the steps and under the 2006 Consolidated funding needed to accomplish those Atlantic HMS Fishery Management improvements. Concurrent regional Plan (FMP), and its amendments. plans are also under development for The Atlantic HMS Management the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Division oversees the domestic Caribbean to address these needs for management of these fisheries in the their respective regional fisheries. The Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic HMS Management Division Caribbean with the support of is also participating in development various NOAA Fisheries partners of the Caribbean regional plan. including the Office of Science and Technology, regional offices, and ATLANTIC HMS DATA NEEDS science centers. The Atlantic HMS MRIP Implementation Plan examines Significant recreational fisheries exist for most Atlantic recreational fishing effort and catch data for continued scientific HMS. In 2016, nearly 24,000 vessel permits (20,020 HMS understanding and management of HMS fisheries, and is divided Angling and 3,594 HMS Charter/Headboat) were issued for into two parts: scientific data needs and management data needs. the recreational pursuit of Atlantic tunas, billfish, swordfish, (to page 30) and sharks in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean.

P.O. Box 763 Londonderry, NH 03053 Tel: 603-434-4689 Fax: 603-432-3902 E-mail: [email protected] Manufacturer of Fine Terminal Tackle for the Check out our web site at Saltwater Fisherman www.seawolfetackle.com Snelled Hooks, Top and Bottom Rigs, Lures, Tubes, Owned and operated by Leadheads, Umbrella Rigs Richard and Judy Wolfe and more.... - 6 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 OPINION Of Slower Boats and Faster Fishing by CHARLES WITEK Charles Witek, from Greenwich CT, has spent over 50 years on the water, and is a well-known author and blogger. Witek said, “I have realized that without strong fisheries laws and effective conservation measures, the future of salt water fishing, and America's living marine resources, is dim.”

About a week ago, I was invited to speak at a local fishing harbors locked in ice. There was no need to chum, or to look for club, to give them an update about changes in the regulations bars and holes on an LCD display; during spring and fall seasons, and laws that might affect their fishing. After all of the upcoming you just went onto the “flats”—mud-bottomed expanses changes to this year’s regulations were fully discussed, the alongside the dredged channel—tossed out an anchor and conversation inevitably arrived at the Modernizing Recreational dropped down your bait, and the flounder would come. Usually Fisheries Management Act of 2017 or, as it’s better known, the by the pailfull, sometimes by the bushel and sometimes—when infamous “Modern Fish Act.” things were slow—just by the dozen or two. I described how that legislation sought to abolish annual Go to the same places today, at the same times, and you’d catch limits recreational fisheries, and delay the rebuilding of be lucky to land just two. Not two pailfulls, not two dozen, just important recreational stocks, with an aside about how Modern two. And if everybody aboard got their two fish, you’d say Fish Act supporters celebrated the recreational overfishing of that you did really well. Gulf of Mexico red snapper this year. By the time I was done, I I talked about that sort of thing to the club, and about what saw a roomful of folks shaking their heads, with more than one “good fishing” and what that really means. asking something like “How can the industry be so stupid, to We tend to say we had a “good day” when we catch a lot of put their own futures at risk?” fish and, if we’re talking about foodfish species like black sea The way I explained it, in a bit less detail, went a little bass, haddock, rockfish or snapper, when we come back to the something like this: dock with a cooler that is substantially heavier than it was in the I’ve been fishing for a very long time. morning. On those good days, we’ll thoughtlessly comment How long? that “there’s a lot of fish out there” without thinking about how Let’s just say that when I started kindergarten in the fall of far we had to travel, and how much time, fuel and other resources ’59, I already sort-of knew how to cast. I wasn’t good at it, but we had to expend to have that success. I could stand on the shore of a local town park and put my In a lot of cases, if we stopped to think about it, we’d realize pieces of sandworm out where flounders could find them with that we’re working a lot harder, going a lot farther and expending a minimum of backlashes (because yes, I was using a revolving- a lot more resources than we used to, in order to catch the same spool reel—and old Pfleuger Trump that still resides in my number of fish. basement somewhere). That should cause us a bit of concern. In the 58 years that have passed since then, I’ve seen a lot Last summer, when the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries of things change. Boats are faster. Tackle is better. Commission held meetings on new, more restrictive tautog Electronics that weren’t even dreamed of in the Sputnik era management measures, party and charter boat captains flooded are now—well, let’s put it this way: I’ve got a color depthfinder the New York meeting in an undisciplined mob, cursing and with “structure scan” and GPS set up on a canoe… complaining that such measures weren’t needed, because And all of those changes affect how we view the biggest “There are plenty of blackfish [another, local name for tautog] change of all—how we perceive a “good day” of fishing. in Long Island Sound!” Back in the ‘60s, anglers seemed to have the odds set against A party boat captain who sails out of Huntington, which them, and yet they caught fish—and caught them in numbers— sits almost directly across the Sound from my one-time largely without fishfinders, GPS (or its predecessor LORAN), Connecticut home, talked at great length about how many fish graphite rods, braided lines or boats that cruised at 30-knots- his customers were catching, and how healthy he believed the plus. population to be. Angling was primarily local; when I was young, my father I was the only person in the room who appeared to disagree, bought an 18-foot Lyman Islander, a lapstrake wooden boat and who supported more restrictive measures. Based on my with a 60-horsepower engine. While small by today’s standards, experience, the population has, in fact, crashed. I have a friend it was the biggest boat allowed to tie up at the town dock back in Connecticut who I’ve fished with since the ‘70s; he gave up then; anything larger had to be moored in open water. It seemed fishing for tautog a few years ago, because they had grown so a generation beyond the 14-foot rowboats that made up most scarce. of the fleet. At first, I was disgusted with the other folks in the room, We rarely fished more than two or three miles from the dock, thinking that they were just denying reality so that they could and a trip from our Connecticut shore “all the way” across the milk a few more dollars out of a declining resource before fish Sound to Long Island seemed, at the time, almost like a crossing grew too scarce to exploit. But as I thought about it a little to Europe. Yet we caught all the fish that we wanted, and more. more, I realized that we were just seeing things from very different We caught winter flounder year-round, or at least any time perspectives. but the actual winter, when the boats were on land and the (to page 31) - 7 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 PREVIOUS AND CONTINUALLY SUPPORTED PROGRAMS • Blackstone River fish ladders construction • Plum Beach Lighthouse restoration • Striped Bass Myco Research • College Scholarships in Marine Sciences • Public access adoption programs • Tag & Release Program • Kickemuit River fish ladder construction • Public education programs and seminars • Tag-A-Giant Tuna Foundation • Mercury in Local Fish Research Grant • Recreational Fishing Symposium 2013 & 2015 • Ten Mile River fish ladders • Narragansett Bay Journal publication • Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation • Woonasquatucket River fish ladders • Newport fishermen’s ladder repairs • Saugatucket River fish passage, Westerly RISAA/RIDEM Adopt-A-Ramp Signs • Ninigret Park Fishing Access • Sea Grant research programs RISAA Take-A-Kid Fishing Days • Pawtuxet River fish passage • Special Shore Fishing Scup signs for RIDEM RISAA Youth Fishing Camp 2018 FOUNDATION DONORS COPPER (up to $49) Make your We need YOUR Richard Ferris donation now Daniel Watson and your name name here will be listed here all year BRONZE ($50+) Brian Beltrami Peter Hendricks William Sokolowski Earl Buckman Benjamin Lenda William Sosnicki Robert Hawthorne Francis Sawicki

SILVER ($100+) Mel Blake Capt. Sandy Kane David Michel Harry Templeton Giacomo Guarnaccia Fred Kolling, III Luca Razza Michael Testa David Green Stephen Medeiros John Silva William Zanks F.Charles Haigh

PLATINUM ($500+) IN MEMORY OF Robert Donaldson Robert Anderson Walter Krupinski Richard Hittinger Charles Bradbury Richard Mandeville Snug Harbor Marina Donna Kane Stephen Therrien

Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution to The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, created to provide an educational and public service forum for recreational saltwater anglers and the general community; to foster sportsmanship; to support marine conservation and the sound management of fisheries resources. Please print: Name: ______Phone: ______Address: ______no. street city state zip Enclosed is cash or check for: $5 $10 $25 $50 $100 other______ It is OK to print my name Do NOT print my name Donation made in the name of: ______Mail to: RISA Foundation, P.O. Box 1465, Coventry, RI 02816 Any donation over $10 will be sent a receipt that proves your contribution for tax purposes - 8 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 A Memorial to Lucas

by ORLANDO SAVASTANO

My grandson, Lucas Salem, passed away last February in a tragic automobile accident. Recently my daughter, Mary Salem, was organizing Lucas’ room and discuverd this story he typed, entitles “Fisherman Lucas Salem.” He was about 14years old when he typed it. Upon reading the story, you can envisiion the passion and love he had for fishing and the people in the industry. Here is a copy of the story and a photo of Lucas and the tautog he caught on one of our last fishing trips.

Editor’s Note: Member Lucas Salem died on February 4, 2017 as a result of injuries he suffered as a passenger in an auto accident. He was 20 years old. The following is presented exactly as written by the 14 year old Lucas. “FISHERMAN LUCAS SALEM” “The love and passion of fishing for me started at a very young the dock around 5:30 A.M. steaming toward the famous age, around six or seven. As a young child, my grandfather, Mudhole. Friends of mine thought I was crazy trying to reel in Orlando Savastano, would take me off the docks of Rhode a shark. And they had no faith in me. I was going to prove Island during the summer to catch porgies, sea bass, and even them wrong. fluke (summer flounder). Every day we went, it would be just a “The day seemed as if we were day of memories. All good never going to get a bite. It times we had, even if we didn’t was a very slow day, but all catch fish, it was still a great Charlie said is you need that day doing the thing I loved to one minute for that bite, so we do. waited. Around the last of our trip, I was talking to Charlie “As I grew into my body and about all the offshore species got a little older, my and pelagic species. When grandfather started to take me all of a sudden I see a fin go on the Frances Fleet, which is by the boat. Charlie yells out a party boat sailing for all kinds “BLUE SHARK, BLUE of species of fish from Pt. SHARK, REEL IN THE Judith Rhode Island. LINES.” Before I knew they had me strapped in the chair “When I started to get more with all the gear and a Penn 50 interested in the sport, I joined and I was ready to go. Charlie RHODE ISLAND watched closely to see the SALTWATER ANGLERS behavior of the shark. He also ASSOCIATION. A member told me that this shark organization in Rhode Island weighed about 250 lbs. and for saltwater fisherman. From was about 8.5 feet long. That there we went to private got me really excited. It took charters. Catching species of me about 20-25 minutes to reel fluke, sea bass, porgy’s, the beast in. As it got closer striped bass, blue fish and cod. Lucas Salem to the boat, Charlie took out There were great trips, and I his tagging device and tagged met some great life long friends, including captains. I learned the shark. After it was released for science. more that you could read in 10 books from these first mates and captains. This made me want to expand my horizons and wanted “Beautiful calm seas, a beautiful shark, and my family to see me to learn about the off shore game. reel it in. I could not have asked for a better day. Some day I hope to be like Charlie and own my own boat and company. I “It was when I was about 13 years old and the time had come. want to travel the ocean searching for the most magnificent My father, Norman Salem, my grandfather, my uncle and I creatures the ocean and nobody is going to tell me otherwise.” planned a shark trip for August. We were going with a great friend and Captain Charlie Donilon of Snappa Charters. We left

- 9 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 2018 College Scholarships Program We encourage the participation of every member by helping us to raise awareness of our scholarship programs. Please let your friends and family know about this program and tell them to spread the word.

Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS • Any RISAA member in good standing or their immediate family, specifically, their children or stepchildren, grandchildren, brother or sister, or stepbrother or stepsister, who is currently a high school senior and will attend ANY college or university within one year, may apply for the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association Member Scholarship. • The student does NOT have to pursue a marine science. Any degree program at any college is acceptable. • $500 scholarships are awarded.

Copies of the MEMBER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION are available at the MONTHLY MEETINGS

Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers FOUNDATION AWARDS

FISHERIES AND MARINE SCIENCES FISHERIES AND MARINE SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIP CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP Awared to any Rhode Island high school senior who Awarded to any to any student currently enrolled will be attending either the University of Rhode Island at either the University of Rhode Island or Roger or Roger Williams University, in a Fisheries or Marine Williams University, and entering his/her second year Sciences program, within 1 year. in a Marine Sciences program. Three $500 Scholarships are awarded, and the $500 Scholarships are awarded, to one student at recipient does not have to be connected with RISAA each University. in any way.

Stephen J. Therrien Memorial Scholarship The Stephen J. Therrien Memorial Scholarship is RISAA's most prestigious merit-based award and recognizes students who show outstanding academic achievement and commitment. Therrien Scholars are intellectually curious and have demonstrated passion, experiences, or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinary people. All qualified candidates who apply for either the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation's "Fisheries and Marine Sciences Scholarship" or the "Marine Sciences Continuing Education Scholarship" will be considered for this award. These are $500 Scholarships. How to apply If you have a child who is a high school senior, or know someone who is eligible to apply, let them know about our scholarship programs. Applications and information is available: • At the January, February or March seminar. See David Michel at the Scholarships Committee table. • E-mail to [email protected] • RISAA web site. Go to www.risaa.org and click on the “Scholarships” button. • Call the RISAA office at 401-826-2121 • School's Guidance Office. Every Rhode Island high school guidance office has been sent a copy of our Fisheries & Marine Sciences Award application. • Application must be postmarked or received by May 5, 2018 - 10 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 - 11 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 NOAA Names Michael Pentony to Lead Greater Atlantic Region

On January 11 NOAA Fisheries announced that Michael cils, the states, the fishing industry, and other stakeholders to Pentony is the new Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries manage federal commercial and recreational fisheries, marine Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office in Gloucester, Massa- mammals, habitat, and much more. As Administrator, he will also chusetts. He will assumed his new duties on January 22, 2018. oversee critical aspects of international fisheries conservation Mr. Pentony has been with the agency since and management in the region. 2002, serving in a series of positions including as Mr. Pentony has extensive experience lead- the Assistant Regional Administrator for the Sus- ing the development and implementation of the tainable Fisheries Division since 2014. He suc- fishery management plans and regulations es- ceeds retiring Regional Administrator John tablished by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Bullard who had been in the position since 2012. Fishery Management Councils and the Atlantic “I am extremely pleased to announce this ap- States Marine Fisheries Commission. In his role pointment,” said NOAA Fisheries’ director Chris as the region’s lead for sustainable fisheries man- Oliver. “Michael’s deep experience in every as- agement, he oversaw all aspects of 14 manage- pect of sustainable fisheries management, both ment plans targeting 42 species valued at nearly commercial and recreational, positions him per- $1.6 billion annually. fectly for this job. He is going to hit the ground Michael Pentony Prior to taking the Assistant Regional Ad- running.” ministrator position in 2014, Mr. Pentony served In his new role, Pentony will head the agency’s regional of- for 12 years as a team supervisor in the sustainable fisheries fice, which has responsibility for managing approximately 100,000 division. square miles of the Northwest Atlantic, the large marine ecosys- “Under Michael’s leadership, the region’s sustainable fish- tem from Maine to Cape Hatteras and the Great Lakes. To do eries team worked hard to meet the needs of fishermen and that, the office works closely with two fishery management coun- fishing communities from Maine to North Carolina. (to page 31)

- 12 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The RISAA Charities Committee exists to lend a helping hand to others in need,and is a way of giving back to our community. THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTION Report by Institute for the RALPH Study & Practice of Nonviolence ORLECK In the year 2000, thirty people were murdered in Providence been conducted for diverse groups such as the Adult and forty-five people were killed statewide. One of the more Correctional Institution, Providence College, the Boston notorious events was the slaying of 15 year old Jennifer Rivera. University School of Theology, and others. She was gunned down in front of her house the day before she The Institute will also support its clients with education and was expected to testify as the state’s key witness in a murder training. They have developed a program with the support of trial. The data shows this was not an isolated incident. the RI Mentoring Partnership called “Let’s Make This Work” Clearly, there was the need to do more to which is a 10 month intensive job readiness address the challenges posed by crime and program to focus at risk youth in a positive violence. The following year, Sister Ann Keefe direction. Its goal is to develop skills in and Father Ray Malm founded the Institute participants to enable them to successfully for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence gain employment. (ISPN) in the rectory of St Michael’s church Other services include Reentry Services in South Providence. The core philosophy and Living Victim Support. Reentry Services of the organization is to build upon the work with incarcerated individuals prior to principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, which is release to prepare them to succeed in the incorporated into their mission. community. Victim Support services include The mission of the ISPN is to “teach, by P.J. Fox, Executive Director, received help with Victims Compensation application word and example, the principles and practices RISAA check from Ralph Orleck assistance, healthcare advocacy, legal/law of nonviolence, and to foster a community enforcement advocacy, and basic case that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent management services. solutions.” The Institute offers a number of programs and Programs such these can have a huge impact in a person’s services to fulfill its mission. life. The Institute’s “Master Trainer” Sal Monteiro earned his The Streetworker Outreach team goes into the community GED as a student of mine while incarcerated at the ACI in the to build relationships, gather information and mediate conflicts early 90’s. Sal was incarcerated for over 12 years (1992-2004). to prevent violence. Streetworkers can be found at school Sal started as a streetworker for the ISPN and received his dismissals, after school programs, community events, and bachelor’s degree from College Unbound in the spring of 2017. anywhere where they see the potential for violence to occur. When reviewing his profile online, I feel a sense of pride in the They provide mentoring and advocacy in an effort to serve as man Sal has become and feel the work of the ISPN can help positive role models for high risk youth. others turn their lives around as Sal did. The ISPN’s training program will teach the principles of To learn more about the ISPN or make a donation, please nonviolence to any group upon request. The training has visit their website at https://nonviolenceinstitute.org.

- 13 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Cod is King of Winter by Capt. Dave Monti In Rhode Island cod is the saltwater king of winter. the same way now as it Winter cod fishing generally starts mid-December and always did - if you find the ends in February. The minimum size for cod in Rhode bait (herring and mackerel) you find the fish.” Island is 22" with a catch limit of 10 fish/person/day. “In the past two years Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party fishing has been better. & Charter Boat Association (RIPCBA), said, “The winter cod We fish south of Bock Island as well as at Cox Ledge. In the fishery in Rhode Island can be amazing. The cod will school in winter we often get a shoal water south of Block Island and offer an awesome pile of fish and when opportunity to get out on the water during the winter months.” they are here the fishing Few private boats are still in the water after Thanksgiving, is good, and then it may but in Rhode Island three party boats and a handful of charter shut off. The fish may boast fish throughout the winter for cod. In recent years I have move after a storm then fished in the winter on some of these boats with good success. it is a matter of finding where they are again.” The cod fishery said Capt. Andy When my father was a young man, Rhode Islanders caught Dangelo who runs the cod from shore. An angler could catch as many as ten fish to Seven B’s party boat in sixty pounds from shore in one outing. Fishing from shore for winter months when it cod is no longer possible. There are few cod close to shore as fishes for cod. they have received so much commercial fishing pressure over Capt. Tony Guarino the years that they are no longer plentiful. of the charter boat Cod are a cold water fish and with climate change and Booked Off said, “Over RISAA Member, Capt. Shamus warming water along the northeast continental shelf some the past five years the Mara of Big Game Sportfishing scientist believe that cod are headed for deeper cooler water. fishing is getting better, However, Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet believes good winter and southern New England cod are not following normal climate summer fishing, we do about 130 trips a year and 60 to70 of change patterns. them are cod trips, both winter and summer trips.” “The fishing is getting better with Where to find cod anglers catching cod Cod are bottom fish that are basically lazy. They are not closer to shore now aggressively hunting, they pretty much stay on the bottom, when fishing for tautog often near structure in the fall. I am not a (underwater wrecks, scientist, but believe rock piles, holes, humps there are three distinct and drop offs), waiting cod stocks and the for prey (cod like to feed southern New England on maceral and herring) stock is doing well, the to come by. So you Gulf of Maine stock is have to go to where the slowly improving and cod are to catch them. the George’s Bank stock They are not likely is not in very good going to come to you. shape,” said Blount. Capt. Rusty Benn of Capt. Peter Bacon of RISAA Member, Capt. Wade Baker the Seven B’s party boat Big Game Sport Fishing of Booked Off Charters with a pair said, “Winter cod Charters said, “Since of 25 lb. cod jigged up last January Mike Kwok of Palisades Park, NJ fishing has been pretty recreational fishing good. The cod have closed in the Gulf of with the 15 pound cod and 4 pound black sea bass he caught last year been left alone most of Maine, the fish off Rhode Island seem to have been getting the season up as on the Frances Fleet. larger. We always caught nice market cod, but not the 35 pound anglers are targeting fish we have been catching recently.” different species so we find them pretty regularly right around Capt. Chris Cullen, owner of the Island Current III party Block Island in December and January. We like to fish an open boat said, “Overall fishing last season was very good. We had bottom near structure. One of the biggest problems are epic years in 2010 and 2011 right around Block Island. It works dogfish.” (to page 40) - 14 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 CONDOLENCES CONDOLENCES It is with deepest sympathy that we report the loss of member It is with deepest sympathy that we report the loss of member Richard J. Mandeville Robert A. Brodeur 71, of Greenville, RI on January 17. He was the 85, of North Kingstown, RI on January 5. He was the beloved beloved husband of Anne M. (Broderick) husband of the late Irma L. (Caione) Brodeur. Mandeville. He was a US Air Force Veteran In addition to his wife, he is survived by his who served during the Korean children Jessica Mandeville-Loyd of Bedford, War in Alaska and Minnesota MA, Seth Mandeville of Lincoln, RI and where he attained the rank of Staff Matthew Mandeville of Stowe, MA. Sargent. He was a biology teacher at Lincoln High School for 33 Bob was an outdoorsman who years before retiring in 1999. enjoyed skiing winters as well as Dick was a member of the R.I. being an active fisherman, and Saltwater Anglers Association boater. He really enjoyed fixing and the Narragansett Surfcasters. and restoring old boats. He also He was known by fellow was a scuba diver, seasonal anglers as “Fishdoc” and was a lobsterman, and bowler. He loved craftsman who made custom spending time with his family fishing lures. Often he would most of all. attend RISAA monthly meetings He was a 20-year member of the R.I. Saltwater Anglers and set up a table selling his Association and a long time member of the East Bay Anglers. Fishdoc Custom Lures.

CONDOLENCES It is with deepest sympathy that we report the loss of member CONDOLENCES We offer our deepest sympathies to William R. Teixeira member CAPTAIN SANDY 73, of Fall River, MA on November 25. He was the husband of Janice (Hubert) Teixara. KANE who lost is wife Donna Billy was born in Lisbon, Portugal and (Linton) Kane, age 67, of lived in Fall River most of his life. He is Jamestown, RI on December 29. She was survived by his son William Teixeira III and an avid tennis player and loved the water, daughter Amy Padilla, both of Fall River. especially clamming and boating. They Billy enjoyed working with his hands and have two children, Braden Kane of Nashville, TN and Andrea fishing. He was a member of the R.I. St. Ives of Braintree, MA Saltwater Anglers Association.

RECOVERING Member DAVID POLLACK GET WELL underwent cardiac surgery last month to Member DANIEL PATRICK called to say he was sorry replace a heart valve. As part of a special that he missed the past few meetings and would be unable to study, it was done via a new arthroscopic attend our Anniversary Banquet. He was scheduled to have a procedure at R.I. Hospital. Instead of back operation on January 16 which will lay him up for a while, days recovering in the hospital he was but hopefully will give him the freedom to be pain free going sent home the next day, with instructions forward. not to lift anything heavy for ten days and no driving for a week.

- 15 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Should I Swim For It? by BEN RAYNOR Executive Director, Water Emergency Training, Inc.

So you find yourself alone in the water far from safety, when The benefits at that all survivors are together, and the sharing do you swim for it? The decision can be a matter of life or death of body heat. Like any movement, however, this formation will in an emergency. There are a number of variables: still be an energy drain. • Are you injured? I instruct all my students to go with the flow. Humans are • When did you last eat? (You’ll need those calories) not efficient in the water. Even a strong swimmer can only • How cold is the water? Your movements may be of benefit, mange one mile per hour or so. Just a half-knot current will but it will cost you energy, energy that you need to survive. rapidly exhaust you. If forces are pushing you, even if it is away Today’s thinking is to swim only short distances for very from land or safety, go along for the ride. specific reasons; to get to something good (safety) or to get Case histories can be found of people making epic swims, away from something bad (Fire/fuel, debris). but they are truly the exception rather than the rule. For every case of a victim DON’T SWIM FOR SWIMMING attempting and making a long SAKE Swim only short distances... to get to swim, there are dozens in which If possible, adopt the HELP people have perished when position or Carpet Formation, or somthing good (safety) or get away attempting to make it by simply float on your back. (See from the bad (fire, fuel, debris) swimming. RISAA Nov. 2017, issue 227) Your survival instinct may be WHEN TO SWIM ON YOUR telling you to do something, but in BACK many cases staying put is the best Also, swim on your back if alternative. Also, rescuers will be you have a flotation device. looking for you close to the sinking Natural swimming styles with a or overboard location. The farther donned vest will be very difficult you swim from that locale, the harder to manage and burn far more it will be for rescuers to find you. energy. Simply lay on your back, If you are with other survivors, utilize slow lazy back strokes, always swim as a group toward the and conserve those calories. target. In case histories where one individual was tasked with trying to swim for help or a life raft, they Ben Rayner is a former either perish or are the only underwater-egress and sea- survivor. survival instructor. He is also an award-winning investigative THE CHAIN FORMATION journalist as senior staff writer The best technique is the at Shore Publishing in Madison, “Chain Formation.” With all Connecticut. His articles and survivors facing the same direction features have seen print in a hook your legs around the person wide variety of publications, in front of you, and your feet should including Sailing magazine, Air go underneath the person who is Beat magazine, Atlantic Coast two in front of you. The person at Fisheries News, and the Block the head of the chain is the captain Island Times. and should shout out a cadence Rayner is executive with as few syllables as possible, director of Water Emergency such as, “arms up-stroke” or simply Training, Inc., a nonprofit “arms-stroke”. organization dedicated to saving This formation works most lives through drowning- effectively when it is done in unison. prevention education and The person at the end of the chain training. should not stroke, but keep the Go to chain together and lightly flutter The Chain Formation is the most efficient method to www.wateremergencytraining.org kick so as to lessen the drag. move as a group.

- 16 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Tournament Awards Presented At Banquet On Saturday, January 20, RISAA’s 20th Anniversary Banquet was held at the Quonset ‘O’ Club in North Kingstown. The 2017 Tournament awards were presented to the adult and junior anglers present. In 2017 there were 69 individual members who entered a fish during the year. Of those there were 35 Adults and 13 Juniors that “placed” (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) during the year and eligible for an award. Congratulations to all of the winners!

RISAA’S TOP ANGLERS The 2017 Angler of the Year (AOY) and Junior Angler of the Year were announced at the Banquet. In order to achieve this honor, the AOY is determined by total number of points earned during the tournament season. Points are awarded as 1st place: 3 points, 2nd place: 2 points, 3rd place: 1 point. In addition the AOY must also exhibit good sportsmanship, versatility, consistency and the ability to catch fish quality fish. Also, at least one point must be earned from both boat and shore, and earn at least one point from at least four different species. Congratulations to Mike and Corey!

ANGLER OF THE YEAR JUNIOR ANGLER OF THE YEAR Michael Tilelli Corey Templeton

YEARLONG TOURNAMENT YEARLONG TOURNAMENT Boat Division Boat Division 1st Place Pollack - 5.90 lbs. 1st Place Bluefish - 14.98 lbs. Shore Division 1st Place Bluefin Tuna - 23.48 lbs. 1st Place Fluke - 2.88 lbs. 1st Place Mahi Mahi - 15.72 lbs. 2nd Place False Albacore - 9.42 lbs. 2nd Place Cod - 5.60 lbs. 3rd place Scup - 1.50 lbs. 2nd Place Fluke - 3.96 lbs. 3rd Place Black Sea Bass - 3.40 lbs SPECIAL TOURNAMENTS 3rd Place Striped Bass - 16.26 lbs. Shore Division Shore Division Fluke: 1st Place - 3.82 lbs. 1st Place False Albacore - 6.70 lbs. Fall Tautog: 3rd Place - 3.12 - 17 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The Yearlong Tournament is a continuing tournament that runs from January 1 to December 15 each year. All RISAA members are eligible to participate, and there are no fees. Official Weight Slips are available at each monthly meeting and at all sanctioned bait shops. Only authorized weigh-in stations with certified digital scales may be used. A complete list of rules is printed on the back of every weight slip. There are two categories: ADULT and JUNIOR member. There are also two divisions within each category: BOAT and SHORE. Standings as of of 1/26/18 BLACK SEA BASS BLUEFISH BONITO

BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION ADULT (minimum 1 lb) ADULT (minimum 1 lb) ADULT (minimum 8 lbs) ADULT (minimum 8 lbs) ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet

JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet

COD FALSE ALBACORE FLUKE

BOAT DIVISION BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION ADULT (minimum 8 lbs) ADULT (minimum 5 lbs) ADULT (minimum 5 lbs) ADULT (minimum 2.5 lbs) ADULT (minimum 2 lb) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet

JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet

HADDOCK MAHI MAHI POLLOCK SCUP

BOAT DIVISION BOAT DIVISION BOAT DIVISION BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (minimum 6 lbs) ADULT (minimum 5 lbs) ADULT (minimum 1 lb) ADULT (minimum 1 lb) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet

STRIPED BASS TAUTOG TUNA Albacore, Bluefin (no giants), Yellowfin Federal minimums apply • 1st, 2nd, 3rd each species BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION BOAT DIVISION ONLY ADULT (minimum 15 lbs) ADULT (minimum 15 lbs) ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (federal min.) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet

JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (federal min.) 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet - 18 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The RISAA Angler Hall Of Fame lists the largest tournament entry of each approved species. Any angler who enters a catch that surpases an Angler Hall Of Fame record shall, upon verification of the catch, become the new record holder for that species. In addition, the angler shall receive 5 points toward Angler of the Year. BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION SPECIES WEIGHT ANGLER YEAR SPECIESWEIGHT ANGLER YEAR Black Sea Bass 7.20 Raymond Morrocco 2012 Black Sea Bass 3.85 Joseph Pearson 2009 Bluefish 20.46 Robert Matteson 2017 Bluefish 16.90 Gilbert Bell 2016 Bonito 12.20 Michael Neto 2004 Bonito 9.99 Jack Sprengel, Jr. 2007 Cod 49.10 Robert Morel 2001 False Albacore 12.22 Jack Sprengel, Jr. 2007 False Albacore 16.20 Charles Bradbury 2004 Fluke 5.44 Jonathan Pickering 2003 Fluke 15.65 Kyle Blount 2006 Scup 2.60 Charles Underhill 2012 Haddock 7.85 Nicholas Blount 2004 Shad 1.75 Jonathan Pickering 2008 Mahi Mahi 37.80 Jack Sprengel, Jr. 2010 Squeteague 16.54 Robert Moeller 2007 Pollock 27.70 Harry Templeton 2001 Striped Bass 51.66 Richard Reich 2013 Scup 3.74 Jack Sprengel, Jr. 2014 Tautog 11.20 Richard Gallipeau 2009 Shad 3.80 Kyle Paparelli 2009 Winter Flounder 4.40 Dick Geldard 2009 Squeteague 10.50 Robert Roy 2006 Striped Bass 77.40 Peter Vican 2011 Tautog 18.90 Joseph Bleczinski 2015 Tuna -Albacore 55.00 Harley Benton 1999 Tuna -Bluefin 193.88 Jack Sprengel, Jr. 2009 Tuna -Yellowfin 112.00 Randy Pereschino 2001 Winter Flounder 4.40 Michael Lanni 1998

• indicates RISAA member * note at bottom those marked

Location Maximum AW Marina, (New London, CT)...... 60 lbs •Block Island Fishworks (New Harbor)...... 200 lbs •Breachway Bait & Tackle (Charlestown,RI).. 50 lbs •Frances Fleet/Captains Catch (Galilee)..... 100 lbs •Lucky Bait & Tackle* (Warren)...... 200 lbs Maridee Bait & Tackle...... 50 lbs •Misquamicut Bait & Tackle (Westerly)...... 100 lbs •Pete’s Bait & Tackle (Woonsocket)...... 160 lbs •Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle (N.Kingstown) 60 lbs Riverside Marine (Tiverton)...... 75 lbs Sam’s Bait & Tckle (Middletown)...... 400 lbs •Snug Harbor Marina (Wakefield)...... 250 lbs •Tackle Box, Inc. (Warwick)...... 200 lbs

* hanging scale not certified, but flat scale is good - 19 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 UPCOMING SEMINAR Monday, February 26 at 7:00 PM How to Select A Perfect Rod Great info before attending the Saltwater Fishing Show! featuring

Robert Andrade and Robert Murray Bob Andrade has Bob Murray been striped bass fishing has been since 1966 when, after freshwater and returning from his saltwater fishing all honeymoon, his dad his life, and has took him to Black Point, fished for Narragansett when he everything from caught his first bass. He winter flounder to has been at it ever since. giant bluefin tuna. Bob has been Today he is both a building rods since 1971 recreational and and still has the first rod commercial rod & he built, a 9' Lamiglas reel fisherman. spinning rod. Since then He typically his knowledge and reputation has grown. fishes 50-60 days per year from late April to early December. He operates Androd Custom Fishing Rods out of Seekonk. He has been a RISAA member since 2004 and has served on The Standard Times did an article on him a few years ago, the RISAA Board since 2014. and he has the privilege to build a custom 9' Lamiglas spinning Bob makes all his own fishing rigs and he began building rod for President Obama! True story! fishing rods for himself and friends in 1992. He has built more His specialty is to custom fit and build every rod to the than 30 rods ranging from light rods for seabass and fluke up to customer, including colors, type, person's name, boat, etc. 50 lb. class stand-up rods for tuna. He also made his own rod He is proud of the fact that he enjoys teaching young people wrapping rig from common materials that can be found around how to build rods, giving them a hobby that they can be proud most home shops and he hand-turns all of the rods he has built. of and keeps them out of trouble. Bob's primary interest is in building and using relatively In this seminar he will show how to select a blank, assemble lightweight rods to maximize the fun in hooking and landing and build a custom rod. almost any gamefish found in local waters.

EVERY MEMBER WHO ATTENDS IS ELIGIBLE TO WIN THE NIGHT'S FREE DOOR PRIZE: BRING A FRIEND! A $200 Gift Certificate RISAA members can bring a guest ONE TIME To Any Member Tackle Shop to the meeting at no charge so they can see (see page 22) what RISAA seminars are like

FOOD WILL BE SERVED* BETWEEN 5:30 - 6:30 Seminar is held at the West Warwick Elks TONIGHT'S MENU 60 Clyde Street, West Warwick, RI • Tossed salad w/roll: $3.50 Directions on page 22 • Baked meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn: $7.95 • Sausage w/peppers & onions sub: $6.95 Non-Members Welcome NON-MEMBER ADMISSION: $10 donation * Food is NOT included in admission and to RISAA's Scholarship Fund (RISAA members attend free) is provided by the Elks. Pay separately at the bar. - 20 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 UPCOMING SEMINAR Monday, March 26 at 7:00 PM A Fresh Look at Striped Bass Fishing Using Freshwater Approaches

featuring BILL CARSON Bill Carson has been an angler his entire life and fishes both fresh and saltwater. While he primarily chases striped bass he fishes for almost all species.

Bill started his career fishing with the ad agency managing Shimano where he started the Shimano Fishing Tour. He started and ran the FLW Striped Bass Tour, was Director of Sales for FLW, served as Promotions Manager for Bass Pro Shops and served as super prostaff for several key companies in the fishing industry. Currently Bill is the Field Marketing Manager for the Johnson Outdoors Fishing Group which owns Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon brands. In his present position he oversees all saltwater prostaff, TV celebrities, Fieldstaff, Search and Rescue and events. Bill is an expert on use of electronics. He loves to teach others how to use new technology for success and does so in fishermen terms. He focuses on fishing techniques, sonar and GPS use. You will learn from Bill so bring your pen and notebook.

FOOD WILL BE SERVED* BETWEEN 5:30 - 6:30 Seminar is held at the West Warwick Elks TONIGHT'S MENU 60 Clyde Street, West Warwick, RI • Tossed salad w/roll: $3.50 Directions on page 23 • Baked haddock, potato, vegetable: $7.95 • Meatball parmesan sub: $6.95 Non-Members Welcome NON-MEMBER ADMISSION: $10 donation *Food NOT included in admission and is provided by the Elks. to RISAA's Scholarship Fund (RISAA members attend free) Pay separately at buffet line. - 21 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Directions to

West Warwick Elks Exit 12B 60 Clyde St., West Warwick, RI 401-821-9807 FROM PROVIDENCE AND POINTS NORTH: (map 1) I-95 South to exit 12B (RI-113W/East Ave). Pass R.I. Mall to light at Rt 2. (map 3) Straight across onto East Ave, then slight right to River St. to next light. Straight across onto Wakefield St. FROM I-95 (map 4) Go 1.8 miles, then turn left onto Grandview Dr. NORTH TO Grandview Dr (.13 mi) becomes Clyde St. Elks is (.07 mi) EAST AVE 1 on right.

FROM WESTERLY AND POINTS SOUTH: (map 2) I-95 North to exit 11 (left lane) onto I-295 North, then take Exit 1 from 295N onto East Ave (RI-113W). (map 3) Straight across onto East Ave, then slight right to River St. to next light. Straight across onto Wakefield St. (map 4) Go 1.8 miles, then turn left onto Grandview Dr. Grandview Dr (.13 mi) becomes Clyde St. Elks is (.07 mi) on right. FROM NARRAGANSETT AND SOUTH COUNTY: FROM I-95 Route 1 North to Route 4 North. Merge onto I-95 North. SOUTH TO (map 2) I-95 North to exit 11 (left lane) onto I-295 North, I-295 and to then take Exit 1 from 295N onto East Ave (RI-113W). 2 EAST AVE (map 3) Straight across onto East Ave, then slight right to River St. to next light. Straight across onto Wakefield St. FROM EAST AVE (map 4) Go 1.8 miles, then turn left onto Grandview Dr. Grandview Dr (.13 mi) becomes Clyde St. Elks is (.07 mi) TO WAKEFIELD ST on right.

Google satellite view

4 WAKEFIELD ST TO ELKS, 60 CLYDE ST

- 22 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 *Chose from any of these member tackle shops: Block Island Fishworks Pete’s Bait & Tackle Snug Harbor Marina Lucky Bait & Tackle Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle The Tackle Box Misquamicut Bait & Tackle Saltwater Edge Watch Hill Outfitters

• Must be an adult/regular member in good standing • Must be present to win • RISAA Board members not eligible Rules: • Certificates must be redeemed within 90 days or is forfeited • Limited to one win per calendar year • May not be exchanged for cash • Entire amount must be redeemed at tackle shop January Meeting Door Prize Winners

Because of an early printing deadline for this February issue, the January Meeting Winners will be announced next month

It’s just another benefit of membership in the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association!

- 23 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Atlantic silverside Colloquial Nickname: Silverside, baitfish Scientific name: Menidia menidia

Field Markings: Translucent gray-green above and pale below are favored prey for larger predatory fish, such as mackerel, with thick, dark brown speckles on its upper sides. Distinctive striped bass and bluefish, and are eaten by birds such as terns silver band along the sides. The top of the head, nose and chin and cormorants. are dusky gray. The Atlantic silverside frequently interacts with another Size: Up to 5.5 inches long similar species, the inland, or waxen silverside (Menidia berylina). Habitat: Sandy or gravel shores, brackish estuaries, salt water The inland silverside is smaller and stouter than the Atlantic river mouths. silverside and duller in color. These two species occasionally Seasonal Appearance: Year-round school together and can coexist without significant competition for habitat, food or space. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES AND BEHAVIORS RELATIONSHIP TO PEOPLE The Atlantic silverside is a long, The Atlantic silverside is the most slender and thin-bodied fish with two abundant fish in Narragansett Bay. dorsal fins, a round white belly, and large Silversides are an important food source scales. It has a short head with lrge eyes for young bluefish, mackerel, striped and a small mouth. Along each side, from bass and most shorebirds. Silversides the pectoral fin to its caudal fin, is a are used to bait eel pots. Flocks of birds distinct silver band outlined by a narrow hovering and diving usually indicate the black stripe. Silversides resemble presence of silversides being fed upon anchovies, differning mainly by its mouth size. by a school of juvenile bluefish or stripers. Atlantic silversides congregate in large schools that usually The silverside is a common subject for scientific research consist of similar-sized fish. They are found along the shore, because of its sensitivity to extreme environmental conditions often within a few feet of the water’s edge. The silverside is such as low oxygen levels, drastic temperature changes and commonly seen swimming among submerged grasses in brackish contaminants in the water. waters where streams and rivers meet the sea. In summer, they are rarely found in water deeper than a few feet, but will descend to greater depths in the winter to avoid teh HOW TO GET YOUR OWN COPY cold temperatures of shallow water. RISAA members can purchase their own copy of The This omnivorous fish feeds on zooplankton, copepods, Uncommon Guide To Common Life on Narragansett Bay shrimp, amphipods, young squid, worms, insects and algae. They for $15 from the RISAA Merchandise Committee. Stop by the committee table at any monthly RISAA meeting.

- 24 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Our 2017 event was Here’s how it works.... cancelled because of a All members, boats and kids will arrive at the marina large rain storm. It was by 8:00 a.m and fishing in the first time we had to Greenwich Bay will be from cancel in 19 years. 9:00 to 11:30 A.M. Then everyone returns to the marina But now we’re ready for a cookout at noon! to plan again, and All members are hopefully we can urged to participate duplicate our last Take- It doesn't matter if your boat A-Kid Fishing Day in can carry only two children and a chaperone, or if you can handle 4 or 5 youngsters, we still 2016 (TAK) when we had 54 BOATS and 154 need you’re help! volunteers and we took 140 kids from 15 organizations out fishing! All of the kids are between 6-13 years old. They come from Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, inner-city neighborhood groups and several Providence Recreational Department rec centers. They all have one thing The Food Crew in common - they were kids who got to WE NEED MEMBERS WITHOUT BOATS experience a day they TOO! will never forgot! Each boat will need at least one person to act as a "mate" to Some of these kids have watch the children, help taking fish off hooks, etc., so this means never visited the bay and never had the chance to catch a fish. that members who don't have a boat will also be needed. Most have never been on a boat before! We are also seeking members to help ON SHORE with early The number of kids that get to participate this year will be help gettng the boats docked, kid assign-ments, and later with determined by the number of members who sign up. the cooking or serving after the fishing is done. The folks at Brewer Cowesett Marina of Warwick will again Everything is taken care of! All we need is for you to sign up host the event for us. and promise to help! Sign me up for the TAKE-A-CITY-KID FISHING DAY! Name: ______Evening Phone: ______Cell______

R I have a boat and am willing to use it. Besides myself & mate, I can take _____ children and ______adults. Boat: Size______ft Type/Brand: ______Boat Name: ______R I will bring my own mate. Mate's name:______R I need someone to mate on my boat. R I don't have a boat to use, but would like to help in one of the boats If possible, we prefer you to R I will help ashore at the marina (cooking, serving, etc.) R I can't participate but here’s a donation to help with expenses SIGN UP ONLINE at Mail form to: R.I.S.A.A., P.O. Box 1465, Coventry, RI 02816 www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAK2018 - 25 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 WANTED RISAA Members to help at our New England Saltwater Fishing Show March 9 - 11 at the R.I. Convention Center Each year, 100 members will volunteer to help at the show, staffing various booths or positions during the weekend. There are no hard jobs and you won’t be alone. We always have a minimum of 2 members stationed together. This is a chance for you to see the show and HELP YOUR CLUB! We have made it easy to sign up. Just use your computer and go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SWShow You will be able to select the days and times that fit your schedule. You’ll also be able to tell us the kind of assignment you might want (or don’t want).

- 26 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 - 27 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Company Location Company Location Company Location 3D Fishing Products, Inc. 0609 ComMar Sales, LLC 0308 Hanta Rods & Lures 1209-1210 9ER’s Lures 0729-0732 Copper Fish Sculptures 1122 Harbor Lights Marina 1203-1204 A & S Tackle Corp. 1004 Corrado’s Canvas & Cushions 0409-0411 Harrington Graphics 0735 ACCSP 0306 Costa Del Mar 0523 Hayward Performance Tackle 1011-1012 Accurate Fishing Products 0408 Crafty One Customs 1023 Heidi Jo’s Jerky 0423-0424 Advanced Fishing-USA, LLC 0433 CT Charter & Party Boat Assn 0522 Herring Alliance 0333 AIM Marine 0610 Custom Marine Plastics, Inc. 0413-0415 High Hook Wines 0807 Al Gag’s Custom Lures 0224-0225 Cutco Cutlery 0309 Hull Bait & Tackle 0428 Alliance Sports Group, LLC 0513-0515 D.J. Muller Surfcasting 0625 Humminbird 0308 Amesbury Dory B-08 Daiwa Corporation 0329-0330 Inland Marine, Inc. B-07 Anglers Art 1121 DEEP Ocean Apparel 0803 Ipswich Bay Marine 0830 AquaSkinz Corp. 1009-1010 Dockside Survey Inspections 0728 Island Jewelers 0501 Aquidneck Island Rod 1206 Don Coffey Co. 0523-0528 J & B Tackle Co. #2 0723-0724 Builders Double Haul Anglers 0734 J & B Tackle Company 0703-0707 Arrigoni Design, Ltd. 0601-0602 Double Trouble Sport Fishing 0932 Jay Jigs Custom Rod & Tackle 0627 Atlantic States Marine 0326 East Coast Charters, LLC 1001 JC’s Offshore Tackle 0831-0832 Fisheries Commission E-Fish360, LLC 1130 Jerky Hut 0810 Aubut Rods 0711 Extratuf Boots 0403 Jetty Ghost Tackle 0834-0835 B & D Enterprises 1129 Falmouth Bait & Tackle Co. 0905-0908 JIG N POP 0221 Bass Pro Shops 0903 Fancy Fluke Fishing Co. 0933 Jigging World 1005-1008 Battery Junction 0924 Fin-Nor Reels 0404-0405 Joey’s Rod Building N. Tackle 0510-0512 Bayside Navigation 0412 Fish Bandit Premier Clothing 1231 John Skinner Fishing 0334 Beavertail Rod & Reel 0622 Fisherman’s World, Inc. 0529-0535 JohnnyO Tackle 0321-0322 Berkley Tackle 0712 Fishing Solutions 0833 Jones & Company Northeast 0329-0330 Big Game Sportfishing 0921-0922 Fishnet Charters B-05 Ken’s Custom Flies 0721 Bill Hurley Lures 0226 Flippin’ Out Charters 0307 Kettle Creek Outfitters 0715 Bimini Bay Outfitters Ltd. 1124-1128 Fluid Film 0708 Lady Ann Candies 0901-0902 Black Hole USA 0222-0223 Flying Tail Cuff 0627 Laura Jay Charters 0801 Block Island Giant Shark 1029 Fork Length Fashion 0332 Life Raft & Survival Equip., Inc.0207-0208 Tournament Formula X2 0607 Line Stretcher Tackle Co. 0833 BRD Fishing 1211 Frank’s Classic Tackle 1101-1102 Lonely Angler 0401-0402 Brewer Cowesett Marina 0331 Frank’s Live Bait & Tackle 0116 Lowrance-Navico 0327-0328 C. L. Marine, Inc. 0733 Freedom Boat Club 0910 LTB Distributing 0607 Canal Bait & Tackle 0421-0422 Fuel Ox 1108 Lunker City Fishing Specialties0507-0508 Cannon Downriggers 0308 G & B Fishing Systems, Inc. 1024-1025 Mako Eyewear USA 0911 Canyon Reels, LLC 0101-0102 G. Loomis 0526-0527 Manhattan Tackle 1014 Cape Cod Fishing 0923 Game On! 1114-1115 Marine Max B-04 Capt. Bruce Sportfishing, LLC 0335 Garmin International 0228 Maritime Insurance Int’l, LLC 0109 Capt. John Boats 1021 Gear-Up Surfcasting 1013 Maritime Solutions, Inc. 0909-0910 Carlson Offshore Tackle 0925-0926 Gibbs Lures, Inc. 0802-0803 Massachusetts Beach Buggy 1212 Carroll Custom Rods 0305 Gloucester Fleet 1230 Association C-Devil II Sportfishing, Inc. 1031 Goose Hummock Shop 0822-0826 Massachusetts Division of 0311-0312 Century Rods 0433 Grainger Pottery, Sandwich 1022 Marine Fisheries Chasing Tail 0204 Grillie 0829 Maui Jim Sunglasses 0325 Chatter Lures 0502-0503 GT Ice Cream Plugs 0514 Maxima Fishing Line 0504 Cheeky Fishing 0431-0432 GT-Lures 0709 Megrew’s Boats, Inc. 0316-0317 Coastal Angler Magazine 0904 Guppy Lure Co. 0806 Minn Kota Motors 0308 Coastal Resources Mgmt 0323 Guy Cotten, Inc. 0701-0702 Mister B’s Jerky Co. 1113 Council (CRMC) H.P. Agency 1026 Murski-Breeding Sales, Inc. 0403-0407

- 28 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Company Location Company Location Company Location Mustad 0514 RISAA Kayak Committee 1106-1107 The Art of Tools Co., Ltd. 0710 My Fishing Cape Cod 0804 RISAA Membership 1221-1225 The Fisherman Magazine 0827-0828 Narrow River Custom Rods 0808 RISAA Merchandise 1226-1228 The Fisherman’s Line 0811-0812 National Wildlife Federation 0310 Roberts Lures, Inc. 0425 The Kayak Centre of RI 0201-0203 Nautinav Marine Electronics 0229 Safe/Sea 0927-0928 The Mighty Fish.com Casting B-01 - B-02 New Bedford Marine Rescue 1015 Safe/Sea Boating Simulator 0927 Pool New England Propeller 0112-0113 Saltwater Edge 0301-0303 Titone Custom Metalworks 0814 Newport Jerky Company 0114 Salty’s 0614-0615 Tomo’s Tackle, Inc. 1027-1028 Newport Marine Outfitters & 0231 Saucy Lures, LLC 0930 TowBoat US 1015 Electronics Savage Gear 0513 Tuna.Com, LLC 1201-1202 No Fluke Charters 0205 Scotty Fishing & Paddlesport 0315 U.S. Sportswear 0521 NOAA Fisheries Service 0206 Products U.S. Veterans Administration 1104-1105 Noble Fresh, LLC 0805 Sea Hunt Boats B-07 U-Dek by Ultralon Foam 0813 Nonpareil 1232 Sea Tow R.I. 0110-0111 Van Staal 0304 North Atlantic Jigs & Tackle 0722 Seaport Communications Co. 0324 Veteran Angler Charters 1103 North Atlantic Monster Shark Seaward Boatworks 0119-0121 Viking Eyewear 1030 Tournament 0604 Seigler Fishing Reels 0429-0430 Vintage Fish Company 0628 North Coast Boats B-09 Shimano USA 0524-0525 Voodoo Offshore Lures &Baits0613 Northeast Tackle Co. 0629-0631 Shore Power, Inc. 0924 Wood Boat & Motor, Inc. 0209-0210 Offshore Innovations, Inc. 0929 Shu-Fly Fishing Lures, Inc. 0725-0727 Worm Bar 0934-0935 Offshore Sport Fishing, Inc. 1207-1208 Skurge of the Sea 0623-0624 XSpot Archery 0213-0214 Okuma Fishing Tackle 0515 Snappa Charters 0621 Yamaha Outboards B-07 On The Water 0103-0106 Snug Harbor Marina #2 1213-1215 Yankee Fleet 0603 Otter Lure and Tackle, LLC 0335 Snug Harbor Marina, Inc. 1133-1135 Yo-Zuri America, Inc. 0821 Owner Hooks 0612 SoCool Products, LLC 0314 Zombait 1229 Penn Fishing 0713 Solar Eyewear 0107-0108 Pink Heals R.I. 0211-0212 Solar Eyewear #2 0232 Plum Island Swimbaits 1123 South Coast Power Coating 0815 Poon Harpoons 0929 South Shore Dry Dock Marine 1233-1234 PowerPro 0528 SpiderWire 0714 Pure Fishing 0712-714 St. Croix Rods 0505-0506 New Exhibitors are Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle 1002-1003 Standish Boat Yard, Inc. B-09 being added daily Quantum Fishing 0406 Star Rods 0611 RayMarine, Inc. 0434-0435 Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat 0509 Red Cedar Trail 0313 Association Visit the show web site Red Top Sporting Goods, Inc. 0912-0915 Stone Silo Foods, Inc. 0115 for an Redemption Center 1235 StormR Technology 0407 Reel Cast Charters 0230 Striper Maine-iac Custom 0426-0427 up-to-date Reel Deal 1109-1112 Tackle list of exhibitors: Reel Easy Custom Rods 0626 Striper Marina, Inc. B-03 Reel Psychos, Inc. 0809 Stur-Dee Boat Co. B-08 www.nesaltwatershow.com Rhode Island Saltwater 1236 Suggs-Nicholas-Shea, Inc. 0611-0612 Anglers Foundation (RISAF) Surfcaster’s Journal Magazine 0608 RI Division of Fish & Wildlife 0118 Tackle Deals 0605-0606 Richard Associates, Inc. 0501 Tady Lure Corporation 0931 RIDEM Enforcement Division 0117 Tanaku Lodge 0227 Rip Lips Fishing B-10 Tarbox Toyota B-06 RISAA Fly Fishing Committee 1205 Temple Fork Outfitters 1131-1132

- 29 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 NOAA HMS (from page 6) Scientific Data Needs: 5. Date of fishing Catch & Effort Data Needs for Stock Assessments Biological Data Needs for Stock Assessments Coverage: Currently, the Large Pelagic Survey (LPS) Hard part collection (otoliths, spines, etc.) - Ongoing, provides good coverage on bluefin tuna and other HMS catch representative sampling is desirable, but at the very least the and effort data from Maine to Virginia during the June to October capacity for periodic sampling to meet specific research needs period that corresponds to the recreational fishing season in should be implemented throughout the full HMS region. Other the northeast. However, greater coverage is needed throughout sampling needs include soft tissue for genetics analysis (e.g., the southeast region (North Carolina through Texas); such fin clips), and reproductive organs for assessment of maturity coverage would need to include additional months since and spawning condition. These efforts may be ongoing or to recreational fishing for HMS is not season-limited in the southern support a specific research study. areas. Straight fork length – or other measurement appropriate to Currently, MRIP surveys such as the Access Point Angler species, such as lower jaw fork length for billfish – is preferred Intercept Survey (APAIS) and the Fishing Effort Survey (FES) to support stock assessments. Curved fork length may be provide estimates of HMS catch and effort in the South Atlantic acceptable, but measurement type must be specified. Weight and Gulf of Mexico regions, but these surveys produce low can be collected in addition to length. Sampling should be precision estimates as they do not target offshore access sites representative, and with adequate sample sizes to support stock like the LPS does. assessment analyses (historical sample sizes have generally To improve coverage in the southeast, it will be necessary been low). to stratify sampling time and location to ensure adequate and Management Data Needs by Species Groups representative observations of HMS directed trips. Trip Bluefin Tuna selection should also be unbiased (e.g., no tendency to select For quota monitoring purposes, landings data for bluefin trips with greater or lesser catch). tuna are needed to monitor 3 size category quotas: School (27” Resolution: Area stratification minimally needed to assign to less than 47”), Large School or Small Medium (47” to less HMS catch and effort to ICCAT statistical areas, which vary by than 73”), and Large species (35 degree N is relevant dividing line for the United Medium or Giant States for bluefin tuna), is needed to support ICCAT stock (73” or greater). assessments, but finer resolution is desirable when possible. Anglers are Estimates of total effort, using an appropriate unit of effort required to report (hours, hook-hours, days), at 1X1 or 5X5 degree resolution all bluefin tuna (spatial: latitude/longitude) is desirable for ICCAT reporting, landings either but not presently available. directly to NOAA Fisheries via the Automated Landings Precision: Percent standard errors (PSE) are a measure of Reporting System (ALRS) or through the North Carolina or precision, or the level of variability, presented with all MRIP Maryland catch card programs. However, reporting is not and LPS estimates. Highly precise estimates (PSE < 10) are required for bluefin tuna released alive, nor do they capture desired for annual estimates by species for all HMS, and by comprehensive data on bluefin tuna fishing effort as reporting size class for bluefin tuna to support stock assessments. However is only required for trips that land bluefin tuna. accomplishing this level of precision is challenging for all HMS Coverage: Currently, the LPS provides good coverage on as many are rare event species in the MRIP surveys even the bluefin tuna catch and fishing effort data from Maine to Virginia LPS. during the June to October period that corresponds to the Timeliness: Updated cumulative estimates by month are recreational fishing season in the northeast. However, greater desired for all HMS. coverage is needed in North Carolina where a significant winter CPUE: Fishing effort related data enabling the fishery has developed for trophy bluefin tuna. standardization of catch per unit effort (CPUE) estimates is Resolution: Estimates are primarily needed at the regional essential to supporting HMS stock assessments. Specific data level - North Atlantic (Maine to Virginia), South Atlantic (North desired per observation for these calculations include: Carolina to Florida), and Gulf of Mexico (Florida to Texas) - as 1. Vessel type (e.g. charter, private, party) the Trophy quota is split between these areas. 2. Units of effort – anglers, lines, hooks, hours fished Precision: High precision estimates are needed to support 3. Target species, regardless of whether the species is international and domestic reporting requirements for bluefin successfully caught on a given trip (effort assigned to target, if tuna. Mandatory landings reports should be exact, but LPS/ possible, if multiple on a trip) MRIP estimates used to validate them and estimate under a. Gear/Fishing strategy (troll, chunking/chumming, deep- reporting should target the 10% PSE level at most for annual drop etc. estimates of total catch. b. Bait (type, live/dead, artificial) Timeliness: Anglers are currently required to report all c. Other techniques that may affect catch rates (kites, etc.) bluefin tuna landings and dead discards within 24 hours by 4. Location of fishing (latitude/longitude [preferred], fishing phone or online, or through the North Carolina or Maryland spot [“Mud Hole”, “Cigars”], or as small an area assignment as catch card programs. possible), plus distance from shore (to page 32)

- 30 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 OF SLOWER BOATS (from page 7)

I started fishing for tautog decades ago, when the fish were very abundant and not subject to much fishing pressure. They Scientists call it the were the “big game” of my youth, before striped bass and “shifting baseline syndrome.” bluefish became regular targets. During the spring and the fall, The phrase was first used by Daniel Pauly in 1995, who we caught dozens of them from shore, and when we targeted wrote that “each generation of fisheries scientists accepts as a them from a boat, no depthfinder or GPS was needed; we just baseline the stock size and species composition that occurred anchored up over any rocky bottom or, when we were being at the beginning of their careers, and uses this to evaluate extra diligent, maybe used some rough shore bearings to get changes. When the next generation starts its career, the stocks closer to a particular pile of stones. And we caught tautog by have further declined, but it is the stocks at that time that serve the score. as a new baseline. The result obviously is a gradual shift of the You can’t do that anymore. But if you’re a good fisherman— baseline, a gradual accommodation of the creeping and the party and charter boat fishermen at the ASMFC meeting disappearance of resource species…” were, if nothing else, very good fishermen—and you have a What is true for fisheries scientists is even more true for good set of GPS numbers for some wrecks and rockpiles, you fishermen, who have their views of abundance distorted not can still anchor up over structure that holds enough fish to only by time, but by improvements in boats, techniques and keep your customers busy. That doesn’t mean that there are gear that allow them to catch a larger percentage of what few “plenty” of fish around; it just means that someone who knows fish remain. how to catch tautog, buys good equipment and knows how to I see the “syndrome” affect people’s view of the southern use it, can still catch some fish when the population is down. New England cod fishery. I first codfished out of Rhode Island Their success leads them to believe that there are still a lot in the 1960s, aboard the Sea Squirrel, an old party boat that of fish around and, often, that scientists don’t know what they’re took 2 ½ hours to travel from the harbor at Galilee to Cox’ doing when they say that the stock is depleted and in need of Ledge, about 25 miles offshore. We had non-stop fishing that additional protection. day, and my father shared the “pool”—the prize for the biggest Perhaps worse, they believe that the current state of the fish of the day—with another passenger after they landed an fishery is normal, and forget how much more abundant fish identical pair of 35-pound cod. used to be—and could be again, if managers are given the (to page 33) power to do the right thing.

NOAA PENTONY (from page 12) In doing so, they have implemented successful, innovative approaches to protecting and restoring stocks, habitat, and marine mammals. They also paved the way for an expansion of the aquaculture industry in the region by working hard to break through barriers to that industry,” said Oliver. Before joining NOAA Fisheries in 2002, Mr. Pentony worked for five years as a policy analyst for the New England Fishery Management Council, primarily on issues related to habitat, marine protected areas, and the deep-sea red crab fishery. He has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Duke University in North Carolina, and a Master’s of Environmental Management from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Between college and graduate school, Mr. Pentony served for six years as an officer in the United States Air Force as an engineering project manager on a variety of military satellite and launch vehicle programs. Michael grew up in the town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, where he spent his summers fishing for bluefish and fluke at the Manasquan Inlet. He currently lives in New Hampshire with his family including his wife and daughter. In his free time he enjoys traveling with his family, cheering on his daughter at swim meets, cycling the back roads of New Hampshire, and trying to learn to play the bass guitar.

- 31 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 NOAA HMS (from page 30) BAYS (Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin, Skipjack) Tuna landings against the same sub-quota. Anglers and tournament At this time, NOAA Fisheries has not implemented organizers are required to report all swordfish landings either recreational quotas for BAYS tuna; however, an accurate time directly to NOAA Fisheries or through the NC or MD catch series of effort and catch data is needed for assessing future card programs. However, mandatory reporting is not required management actions and for stock assessment purposes. for swordfish released alive, nor does mandatory reporting Coverage: Currently, the LPS provides good coverage on capture data necessary to estimate swordfish fishing effort. BAYS tuna catch and effort data from Maine to Virginia during Coverage: Currently, the LPS provides good coverage on the June to October period that corresponds to the recreational swordfish catch and effort data from Maine to Virginia during fishing season in the northeast. MRIP surveys provide estimates the June to October period that corresponds to the recreational of BAYS catch and effort in the South Atlantic and Gulf of fishing season in the northeast. MRIP surveys provide estimates Mexico regions, but these surveys produce high PSE estimates of swordfish catch and effort in the South Atlantic and Gulf of as they do not target offshore access sites like the LPS does Mexico throughout the year when trips landing or targeting Resolution: Estimates are primarily needed at the regional swordfish are intercepted, but these surveys produce high PSEs level (New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf of as they do not target offshore access sites as the LPS does. Mexico) as the BAYS fishery has regionally specific fishing Swordfish are also commonly targeted at night, and many of seasons. For example, the yellowfin tuna season in the mid- these trips may be missed by the current intercept surveys Atlantic is primarily concentrated in the summer months. which only conduct surveys during the day. Precision: PSEs for annual catch estimates by species Resolution: Estimates are primarily needed at the regional should ideally approach 10% or less, and be no higher than level (New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of 20% for monthly or wave estimates. Mexico) as the swordfish fishery has regionally specific seasons. Timeliness: Preliminary LPS and MRIP estimates should For example, the swordfish season in the Gulf of Mexico peaks be available within 2 months of the end of each sampling wave. in the early spring, while it in the northeast it peaks in the late Billfish summer. (Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Roundscale Precision: PSEs for annual catch estimates should approach Spearfish) 10%, and be no higher than 20%. This can be challenging given NOAA Fisheries maintains an annual landings limit of 250 the rare event nature of swordfish catches. billfish (blue and white marlin and roundscale spearfish) in the Timeliness: Anglers are currently required to report all Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico under a Recommendation from swordfish landings within 24 hours by phone or online, or ICCAT. Anglers or tournament organizers are required to report through the North Carolina or Maryland catch card programs. all billfish landings either directly to NOAA Fisheries or through Preliminary LPS/MRIP estimates within 2 months of the end of the North Carolina or Maryland catch card programs. However, a sampling wave should suffice for other purposes. reporting is not required for billfish released alive, nor do they Sharks (Pelagic and Coastal Species) capture comprehensive data on billfish fishing effort. NOAA Fisheries monitors recreational interactions and Coverage: Currently, the LPS provides good coverage on landings for 19 species of sharks that recreational anglers are billfish catch and effort data from Maine to Virginia during the authorized to retain, and 21 species of sharks for which retention June to October period that corresponds to the recreational is prohibited. Lists of these species by management group can fishing season in the northeast. MRIP surveys provide estimates be found in the HMS Recreational Compliance Guide (http:// of billfish catch and effort in the South Atlantic and Gulf of www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/compliance/guides/documents/ Mexico, but these surveys produce high PSEs as they do not rec_sharks.pdf). target offshore access sites like the LPS does. While NOAA Resolution: Estimates are primarily needed at the regional Fisheries does not level (New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf of monitor recreational Mexico) as the billfish fishery has regionally specific seasons. quotas in real time For example, the sailfish season in Florida is primarily for sharks (as is concentrated in the winter months. done for commercial Precision: PSEs for annual catch estimates should be no quotas), recreational shark landings are monitored on an annual higher than 20%, but this can be challenging given the rare basis, and the estimated landings count towards overall annual event nature of billfish catches. The need for highly precise catch limits (ACL) for all shark species or management groups. MRIP estimates for billfish is mitigated by the fact that anglers Accurate time series of effort and catch data are needed for are required to report all billfish landings through the RBS. assessing future management actions and to ensure shark ACLs Timeliness: Anglers are currently required to report all and overfishing limits (OFL) are not exceeded. Anglers in billfish landings within 24 hours by phone or online, or through Maryland and North Carolina are required to report shark the North Carolina or Maryland catch card programs. catches through the state catch card programs. Preliminary LPS/MRIP estimates within 2 months of the end of Coverage: Currently, the LPS provides some coverage of a sampling wave should suffice for other purposes. pelagic, large coastal, and some prohibited shark catch and Swordfish effort data from Maine to Virginia during the June to October For quota purposes, NOAA Fisheries counts both period that corresponds to the recreational fishing season in recreationally landed swordfish and commercial incidental the northeast. (to page 33) - 32 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 NOAA HMS (from page 32) OF SLOWER BOATS (from page 31) MRIP surveys provide estimates of shark catch and effort I fished out of Galilee on a regular basis for many years after in mid- and North Atlantic along with the south Atlantic and that, but never saw a pool fish smaller than those two 35- Gulf of Mexico. Both surveys produce high PSEs depending on pounders. Yet today, when I hear news of “great” codfishing the species as many are rare event species. Frequently caught out of Rhode Island, I’m hearing about so-called “market cod”— coastal sharks such as blacktip or Atlantic sharpnose sharks fish under 10 pounds—and pool fish that, more often than not, tend to have better PSEs as trips landing them are intercepted barely break 20. more frequently. In the old days, that sort of fishing would have made me Resolution: Estimates are primarily needed at the regional stay home… level (New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico) as the predominate shark fisheries vary by region. Splits Offshore fisheries provide even more extreme examples. between the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic regions are needed Here on Long Island, there are still active anglers who used because many shark species, particularly small coastal sharks, to chase tuna from slow wooden boats that cruised at around have two genetically differentiated stocks between those 10 knots. Lacking electronics, they called the NA Buoy which, regions. For sharks, the boundary between the Gulf of Mexico until it was removed by the Coast Guard a few years ago, sat region and the Atlantic region is defined as a line beginning on just 12 miles offshore, the “Confidence Buoy” because, when the east coast of Florida at the mainland at 25°20.42 N. lat. they saw it, they were finally confident that they knew where (around Miami), proceeding due east. Any water and land to they were. the south and west of that boundary is considered, for the Those old boats didn’t stray too far from the inlets, but they purposes of quota monitoring and setting of quotas, to be within once caught plenty of tuna throughout the summer the Gulf of Mexico region. Any water and land to the north and Today, Long Island fishermen often run forty, fifty or sixty east of that boundary, for the purposes of quota monitoring miles to catch a few bluefin, and when they do, they say that and setting of quotas, is considered to be within the Atlantic “fishing is really good…” region. When I used to fish out of Rhode Island, the party boats all Precision: PSEs for annual estimates of catch for commonly- carried harpoons on board, in case they came across a swordfish targeted shark species (e.g., shortfin mako, common thresher, finning out on the surface on their way to Cox’s Ledge. blacktip sharks) should ideally be approaching or below 10%, Back then, finning swordfish were common, and those fish and no higher than 20%. PSEs for annual estimates for all other were good-sized. Today, we’re told that swordfish are again shark species would abundant, but the sight of one finning out close to shore is a ideally approach 20%. It very rare thing; back then, no one posed for photos with sub- has proven to be 100 pound “rats;” the sort of little swords that too often appear extremely difficult to in present-day “hero shots.” collect precise estimates As for white marlin, I baited my first at the Whistle Buoy, of catch and harvest for just off Block Island, and remember when they sometimes finned most recreational shark within sight of Fire Island Inlet, New York. You don’t see them fisheries. This is due to so close to shore any more. several factors including 1) the rare event nature of shark fishing Those of us who chase billfish and tuna are now told that, trips in MRIP surveys, 2) the fact that many anglers that because we “have to travel longer distances than [our] southern incidentally catch sharks are not able to reliably identify them counterparts to get to the numerous canyons that dot the 100- to species, and 3) the fact that many shark fishing trips occur at fathom curve” in order to find such fish, we need boats with night when MRIP intercept surveys are not being conducted. “fuel tanks…anywhere from 350 to 1,000 gallons…[and a] 12- Timeliness: Preliminary LPS and MRIP estimates should hour cruising range or more.” be available within 2 months of the end of each sampling wave. Modern-day writers conveniently ignore the fact that past generations could catch their billfish and tuna from a 30-foot WANT MORE INFO? wooden boat, with a single gas engine, that never strayed more The HMS MRIP Program document contains much more than 20 miles from shore. information and the full 32-page document is available for Thus, I explained to the club, the industry focuses on full download at coolers rather than full oceans, and tries to weaken American https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/webdam/download/63855350 fishery laws, knowing full well that in order to fill those coolers, anglers will need to purchase bigger boats, better electronics For anyone who really wants to get into the document and more sophisticated tackle, in order to be able to get to and further, it contains additional information on: harvest whatever remains of diminished fish stocks. • Current Atlantic HMS Recreational Data Collections But conservationists, and we anglers who still can recall the • Atlantic HMS Priority Rankings abundance of seasons long past, want to keep the Magnuson- • Recommended Studies and Considerations for Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act strong, Improvement, Integration and Optimization so that future generations can also enjoy the kind of quality • Estimated Costs, Overall and for Individual HMS angling we knew back in the days when boats were ill-equipped collections and slow, but fishing was fast, yet still close to home.

- 33 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 19’ Mako Center Console, 1970, w/115 HP Lowrance HDS-8 Generation 2 chart recorder Orvis 4 piece rods with case, used, 8, 9, 10, 11 Suzuki, w/structure scan (both side & down scan), like weight dual new, w/LSS structure scan rods. All batteries. module, 2 transducers (455/800 models Incl. long kHz structure scan and 50/200 $200- trailer, kHz skimmer), power cable, $400, Penn GTi spare cover, stored at home Helios and 330 reel & when not in use. $800. Call Helios 2. 6.5’ pole Steve at 508-542-1477 or Call Rene at 401-359-3625 w/100 yds wire line, two 80” dive tanks, 100’ [email protected] ------dive hose. $4,300. Call Bob at 401-578-2223 ------Vintage Bamboo Fly Rod, Heddon ------Featherweight Thoroughbred #14-8. Near perfect 23’ Grady White Gulfstream hardtop, w/225 condition, all original, never refinished, no cracks, HP Yamaha 4-stroke, remote windlass, new no warping. Rod with two original tips, must Garmin electronics w/10” screen, new VHS, FW see to washdown, SW washdown, head, sink, ice box, app- 10’ outriggers, duel batteries, live bait well, reciate. $37,500. Call Chuck at 401-527-8344 Asking ------$300. Call Norm for more photos 401-340-6255 ------

- 34 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The Watch (cont’d from page 3) Last year the minimum size was 19" with a nice long season from May 1 to December 31 and a four fish/person/day limit. The door is open for a possible bag limit increase in 2018 due to recreational fishing under-harvesting the limit last year. Jason McNamee, DEM’s Chief of Marine Resource Management, said, “We have a fifteen percent increase in quota for 2018, but this increase does not give Rhode Island much to work with in the way of liberalization of a minimum size decrease, Jason McNamee but we could consider a bag limit adjustment.”

BLACK SEA BASS Black sea bass (BSB) regulations are expected to be similar COD to last year with a 15 inch minimu size. However, an adjustment RISAA member Steve Brustein of Portlane, Maine (above) in the split season is possible. with a cod caught off Block Island last December. Cod regulations Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party are expected to remain the same in 2018: 22 inch minimum size, & Charter Boat Association said, “We are advocating keeping ten fish per person/day. the black sea bass season open from September 22 to October 21 when the Federal fishery is closed. Our boats target and SCUP catch black sea bass during the start of the tautog season. Scup are not overfished and Often this is all we have to fish on this time of year.” overfishing is not occurring. To accommodate an open recreational season when the The stock is in good shape with Federal fishery is closed, it would likely mean reducing or fishing mortality estimated to be eliminating most of the Spring BSB season. Last year the black .139, below the threshold F sea bass season opened on May 25 which allowed shore and reference point of .22. bay anglers (see bar chart) to harvest BSB in the spring when Additionally, the spawning the water in the Bay is cooler and the bait and fish are there as stock biomass is above the well as when anglers were summer flounder fishing in the spring. threshold, so a large increase in scup quota is expected for 2018. 2017 RECREATIONAL BLACK SEA BASS PERFORMANCE

When the season opened last year on May 25 there was a three fish/person/day possession limit until August 31 when the limit jumped to seven fish, closing on September 22 when the Federal fishery closed. The season reopened on October 22 and ran until December 31 with a seven fish/person/day limit. Black sea bass are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Possible options being discussed include a reduction in the Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and at press time their BSB minimum size to nine inches (was ten inches in 2017). Addendum XXX was still out for public review. Decisions on Additionally, a reduction to eight inches in special shore harvest limit options with regional configurations and conditional areas is being considered. management units were all out for review. So, decisions on (to page 36) BSB will be made sometime in February.

- 35 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The Watch (from page 35) TAUTOG Tautog are managed by the ASMFC. Rhode Island has been placed in a region with Massachusetts for the 2018 season. Two changes in last year’s regulations have been suggested by DEM to make Rhode Island regulations similar to regional partner Massachusetts. The first change is to start the spring season two weeks earlier on April 1 (rather than April 15) and run until May 31 with a three fish/person/day bag limit; close June 1 to July 31 during the spawning season; reopen on August 1 to the third Saturday in October with a three fish/person/day limit. The daily limit will increase to five fish/person/day from the third Saturday in October to December 15. The five fish limit in this period is a reduction from six fish last year and was recommended in part to dovetail with Massachusetts regulations. In all above periods a ten fish/vessel/day limit applies which is not applicable for party and charter boats.

BLUEFISH Bluefish are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. Regulations will likely be the same as last year with no minimum size, a year- round season and a possession limit of 15 fish/ person/day.

TIMELINE FOR REGULATIONS Rhode Island’s fishing regulation timeline includes a public hearing on February 19 with a public comment period closing February 26. The public comments, along with DEM recommendations, go before the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council on March 5. DEM Director Janet Coit is expected to establish official Rhode Island fishing regulations by the second or third week of March.

- 36 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Fish Wrapping Up 2017 by TODD CORAYER So it is, the end of another year and we’ve Over the year, we been so fortunate to report on people covered several speakers searching for and catching fish, people and adventures with the R.I. protecting the resources and people who were Saltwater Anglers as they just straight away characters. donated boats, sweat and We started by meeting Mike Lee, proud new owner of Al’s time to keep kids fishing and Goldfish Lure Ciompany, the perfect lure that’s likely caught a stocks healthy. million trout. Mike’s added a Saltwater Series to his tackle box Newport’s Richard and from my hours of swinging it through some salt ponds, it’s Laurie offered us simple a serious fish finder. fluke fishing counsel like, By the end of the “Trailer Trash” saga (printed the RISAA “You just gotta be where the News Magazine last year) we found resolution after a Richard Laurie bait is” and, “We stop disturbingly torturous episode with a DMV worker who could fishing for the season when only repeat, “There’s nothing I can do for you,” with the most they stop biting.” Class dismissed. wonderful Lisa Egan who made everything right and even, a little fun. Cheers to you, Lisa. “Whatever I catch, I’m going to say it was three times bigger,” said 13 year old Tim Roberts. Just prior to opening day of trout season, we met RIDEM biologist Ken Fernstrom who has spent 18 years raising fish and this year, he cared for 200,000 rainbows, 48,000 brookies, 50,00 brown trout and 40,000 salmon at North Kingstown’s Lafayette Fish Hatchery. We met Walter Eddy at the Walter Eddy knee deep in Carolina Trout Hatchery rainbows where he’s been since 1955. That’s the ace, Tim Roberts on the left. He only paused for a “I started working here when I was 14,” he said. “I started moment before catching yet another fish during the RISAA part-time, never left.” Standing in icy raceway water, topped Youth Fishing Camp with a wonderful shock of silver hair, he stood seemingly Tim caught a boatload during last summer’s R.I. Saltwater unaware of 18" rainbows gliding between his feet. Anglers Association’s Youth Fishing Camp. Kids’ thumbs may be fast as lighting when LOL-ing, but real world skills Then came Orvis fly-fishing ambassador and Saltwater Edge like knot tying, boating safety and how to read a compass are owner Peter Jenkins at his Retro-Fit Plug Night where grilling what RISAA volunteers teach them for a lifetime on the water. steak tips and (to page 40) Allman Brothers riffs marinated the air, fishermen gripped tall bottles while winter doldrums gripped us all. Outside, roads were tight with dirty Peter Jenkins, teacher at his desk snow; it felt like years since we’ve been fishing. Peter Jenkins, shopkeeper, guide, tier of flies, relentless fisherman, consummate gentleman, stood shaking hands over the glass counter. Peter created a temporary oasis on a February night. - 37 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 MICHAEL SHERIDAN RICHARD HITTINGER BENJAMIN CRAY with a 44.56 lb striped bass that he caught displays a 7.8 pound fluke that he caught at with a large striper landed off Block Island on July 6 while fishing with eels off Block Block Island on June 1 on his boat Skipjack. last July while drifting an eel. The fish Island aboard David Howe’s boat, Zero was released after the photo was taken. PSI.

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- 38 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association Photo Contest Winners RISAA 4th Bi-Annual Photo Contest ran January 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017 A total of 67 entries were received from members in three categories: Prized Catch • Rhode Island Fishing • Scenic New England In each category there was one FIRST PLACE winner and three HONORAL MENTION winners. Each 1st Place winner received a framed enlargement of the photo and a $100 tackle shop gift certificate. First place winners are shown here. Other photos will be printed in future issues as space permits

1st Place: Rhode Island Fishing “Fish On” 1st Place: Scenic New England Richard Mandeville “Safe Anchorage” Surfcasters on Westerly beach on a cold October day catching a Leo Boliver mix of bass and blues Menemsha Harbor in Chilmark, MA

1st Place: Prized Catch “Straining To Smile” Ray West

Natalie’s personal best - cast, caught and reeled in all on her own - 39”, 22 lbs. She released it too. It was a little heavy for her, but she was ready to do it again.

Natalie and Ray West received a canvas enlargement of the winning photo at RISAA’s Annual Banquet - 39 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Cod is King (from page 14) CORAYER 2017 (from page 37) Rick Bellavance said, “If fishing on your own boat for cod We tipped the camo hat to the man in a camo hat when a plan to move around a bit, keep the bottom machine going and Good Samaritan on RT. 95 alerted Captain Jerry Sparks that try each hump and bump. Try each spot at different times of the his trailer hubs were ablaze. If not for the consideration of trip, focus on one area and hit the spots in that area hard. Take someone who never gave their name, that situation would have notes throughout the day and over time you will have the info been much worse. you need to have success each time you go. “ “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a Recreational angler Rich Hittinger and RISAA 1st Vice good deed in a weary world,” William Shakespeare wrote. President said to find cod, it is very useful to have a good fish Cheers to the human spirit. finder. “Cod have a developed swim bladder and they show up well on a good fish finder. Many trips we have spent 30 minutes Happenstance by way of Elisa Conti at Snug Harbor Marina driving around the area until we see good piles of fish and brought us to the brightest moment of the year when two young when we stop right on them we hit them immediately.” and happy fishermen, seven year old Michael and five year old Cod rigs and bait Gabriel Simpson hauled in A hook or two, a bank sinker that holds the bottom and sea a really big fish, went back clams are often used as bait to catch cod. Jigs of various sizes, to catch another one and color and weight depending on conditions are used too. Cod best of all, shared their will generally eat anything that is in front of them. They are not stories with us. picky, but you have to get their They are imaginative attention and jigs usually do a adventurers, budding good job of this. A common comedians and rig used is a diamond jig with wonderfully silly young a colored teaser tied about 12 kids who love to fish with inches above the jig. their grandfather, Bob Kolb Sometimes anglers tip the jig in his Whaler, Speedy and teaser with fresh bait (a McSkiff. piece of sea clam). With their mom Krista, “We fish hi/low rigs but they also are a Gold Star bait the bottom hook with clam Family. They lost their dad, but then put plastic bait like a Army SSG Michael H. shad or worm on the top hook. Simpson of C Company, One half or our hits come on Capt. Peter Bacon of Big 4th BN, 1st Special Forces the top hook with artificial bait. Game Charters with a Group (Airborne), a Green This works particularly well January cod off RI last year Beret with a chest full of when sand ells are running and it helps keep the dog fish away,” pride for his country and a heart full of love for his family, said Capt. Tony Guarino of Booked Off Charters. “But jigs are defending all of us. my favorite way to catch cod. We use a slow pitch jig made by I feel blessed to have met the Simpson family and hope Yo-Zuri that we buy in Japan, fish usually hit the jig on the those boys share more stories in 2018. drop.” Cod fishing experts generally use seven to eight foot rods RISAA member Todd Corayer is a lifelong fisherman who lives with a big of backbone. Shimano, Daiwa and Penn are popular not far from the Saugatucket River with his wife, who supports names when talking cod fishing rods and reels. his fishing mainly to get him out of the house and a young son Some party boat captains suggest customers use who regularly catches more fish than him. monofilament line to avoid timely tangles with fellow customers. Yet, most captains suggest braid to create the most direct line of contact with the fish. Capt. D’Angelo said, “Braid line is important to create that direct contact with the fish, the less line out the better, there’s no big bow in your line when using braid compared to monofilament.” Who’s fishing for cod? Party boats (inspected vessels that take more than six anglers, often 50 to 75 anglers) out of Rhode Island fishing for cod this winter include: the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com, the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com and Island Current III at www.islandcurrent.com. Rates per angler for cod fishing are about $100. Article originally printed in On The Water, January 2018 - 40 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 One of the missions of RISAA is to represent the Only donations specifically made to the RISAA PAC can be concerns of the recreational community on regulatory and used. Under no circumstances can any membership dues legislative issues. That means that we have to deal with money - or any other contribution made to the Association - elected officials. be used for the PAC. It would be a violation of state election Fortunately, there are a number of legislators who have laws for any money from RISAA to be used for PAC purposes. worked hard on our behalf and others who support RISAA Also, all money received by the PAC must come from principles. We need to be sure those officials remain in individual donors. No contribution can be accepted from any office. organization or business interest. How it works. The RISAA PAC Committee first receives It is also important that legislators understand who we requests for contributions. If the PAC Committee determines a are. If we don’t advance our own causes, no one will do it candidate is pro-recreational fishing, pro-environment, etc. it can for us. approve a request, that recommendation is forwarded to the By law, our Association can not contribute funds to any RISAA Board of Directors which has the final vote on all PAC candidate, therefore we have established a legal, donations. Every PAC expenditure must pass this 2-step process. incorporated and registered Political Action Democracy is not a spectator sport. Committee which CAN make contributions on our behalf. To be effective, we must participate in the system. It has an independent treasurer and its own bank account.

With your help we can continue to work within the political system to safeguard the rights and traditions of recreational fishing 2018 PAC DONORS TO DATE

COPPER (up to $49) BRONZE ($50+) SILVER ($100+) GOLD ($200+) PLATINUM ($500+) - Leo Boliver Melvyn Blake ------Stephen Medeiros Kenneth Cooper Harry Templeton Richard Hittinger Capt. Sandy Kane

It's time for recreational anglers to stand up and be counted! Enclosed is my contribution to the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association

Please print: POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE. 1) Name: ______2) Phone: ______3) Address: ______no. street city state zip 4) Place of employment: ______(required by law) Address:______no. street city state zip 5) Enclosed is cash or check for: $10 $25 $50 $100 other____ (make payble to: RISAA PAC) 6) Donations can ONLY be accepted from individuals. No company or organization check can be accepted. (R.I. law) 7) From time to time we will acknowledge the names of contributors in our newsletter, but you can remain anonymous, if you prefer. It is OK to print my name Do NOT print my name Mail to: RISAA PAC, P.O. Box 1465, Coventry, RI 02816 - 41 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Have you ever needed a plumber or auto mechanic and didn’t know who to call? Ever needed to have an item on your boat or home repaired, but had no idea where to call? Rather than calling a stranger or looking in the yellow pages, call another RISAA member! EVERY MEMBER WHO RUNS A BUSINESS OR PERFORMS A SERVICE is encouraged to sign up. It is totally FREE! Want to get yourself listed? Call the RISAA office (401-826-2121) and leave your name and number. Someone will get back to you. ABRASIVES _ Pete’s Bait & Tackle...... 401-651-6178 ENGINEERING _ Massasoit Tool Company...... 800-648-6050 Member: Raymond Miclette (Woonsocket, RI) RP Engineering, Inc...... 401-885-7255 Member: Jim Jaques (East Greenwich, RI) 341 Burnside Ave, Woonsocket, RI Member: Richard Pastore (N. Kingstown, RI) Stock/distribute 3M coated abrasives Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle.....401-294-9642 Environmental, structural, civil and marine ACCOUNTING _ Member: Mike Bestwick (North Kingstown, RI) ENGRAVING & ETCHING _ Jane Davis & Associates, LLC..860-774-3277 4019 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown Ron Nalbandian...... 401-377-4688 Member: Jane Davis, MBA/EA (Brooklyn, CT) Saltwater Edge...... 401-842-0062 Westerly, RI 401-932-3890 www.janedavisassociates.com Member: Peter Jenkins (Middletown, RI) Shop/mobile ser. - glass, wood, stone, metal Disanto, Priest & Co...... 401-921-2035 76 Valley Rd, Middletown,RI saltwateredge.com ENTERTAINMENT _ Member: Raymond Marchak (Warwick, RI) Snug Harbor Marina...... 401-783-7766 A Bluegrass Invitation Band....401-624-9517 www.disantopriest.com Member: Al Conti (Wakefield, RI) Member: Charlie Santos (Tiverton, RI) Medical-Dental Consultants...401-943-2200 www.snugharbormarina.com www.bluegrassinvitation.com Member: Ryan J. Holzinger, CPA, MSA, MST The Tackle Box...... 401-736-0605 The Sleepster...... 401-351-3518 www.meddentconsultants.com • Cranston, RI Member: Tom Giddings (Warwick,RI) Member: Harold J. Hemberger (Johnston, RI) Roger H. St. Germain, CPA.....401-334-1848 443 West Shore Rd, Warwick, RI Stage hypnotist, parties, events, fund-raisers Member: Roger H. St. Germain, CPA, MST Watch Hill Outfitters...... 401-596-7217 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES _ www.stgermaincpa.com • Lincoln, RI Member: Mike Wade (Westerly, RI) Alliance Environmental Group 401-732-7600 ATTORNEYS _ 10% RISAA disc. • www.watchhilloutfitters.com Member: Richard C. Hittinger (Warwick, RI) Henry M. Clinton, Esq...... 215-309-5567 BOAT CANVAS _ Envir assessment, compliance, clean-up svcs Law Office of Henry M. Clinton, LLC Jackpot Enterprises...... 401-596-4089 ESTATE APPRAISERS/CLEAN-OUTS _ Phila. PA [email protected] Member: Cathy Muli (Westerly, RI) Estate Services of RI...... 401-789-3646 Michael R. DeLuca, Esq...... 401-274-6644 zippers, windows, repairs Member: George Lovesky (Wakefield, RI) Gidley, Sarli & Marusak, L.L.P. BOATING NEWS _ www.estateservicesofri.com All over RI. 1 Turks Head Pl, Ste 900,Providence,RI 02903 New England Boating...... 508-789-6708 FINANCIAL SERVICES _ Paul James Garlasco, Esq...... 860-350-4409 Member: Tom Richardson (Mattapoisett, MA) Ameriprise Financial...... 508-497-8931 83 Park Lane Rd, New Milford, CT 06776 www.newenglandboating.com Garth Fondo (Hopkinton, MA) [email protected] BOAT SALES _ Certified Financial PlannerTM James T. Marasco, Esq.....www.jmarascolaw.com Inland Marine, Inc...... 401-568-0995 Financial Engines...... 401-921-3331 617 Smith St., Providence 401-421-7500 Member: Ross Lemieux (Chepachet, RI) Christian Grundel, CFP (Warwick, RI) 118 Pt. Judith Rd, Narragansett 401-789-1800 Boat sales, service and repairs email: [email protected] Mitchell S. Riffkin, Esq...... 401-732-6500 Ocean House Marina...... 401-364-6040 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC...... 401-848-9949 631 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886 Member: Rob Lyons (Charlestown, RI) James Tollefson, CFP, VP-Investment Officer Joseph J. Roszkowski, Esq...... 401-769-3447 Hydra-Sports, Steiger Craft, Maritime Skiff [email protected] Justice of the Peace Petzolds Yacht Sales RI...... 401-846-8484 FIREARMS SCHOOLS _ 1625 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895 Member: Joe Nadeau (Charlestown, RI) American Firearms School 508-695-5869 Sammartino & Berg...... 401-274-0113 Edgewater Boats&Brokerage www.petzolds.com Member: Matthew Medeiros (N.Attleboro) Member: Andrew Berg, Esq. (Providence, RI) South Shore Dry Dock Marine.508-636-9790 www.AmericanFirearmsSchool.com RISAA disc. AUTOMOTIVE _ Member: Capt. Jason Powell (Westport, MA) FISHING APPAREL _ Moore’s Motor Service...... 401-821-4050 www.southshoredrydock.com Linesider Marine Specialties..401-439-5386 Member: Clarence Moore (Coventry, RI) Striper Marina...... 401-245-6121 Capt. Eric Gustafson (Block Island,RI) 487 Washington St, Coventry, RI Member: Capt. Alfred Elson (Barrington, RI Angling apparel. 10% off to RISAA members. RC Auto Repair...... 401-615-9924 www.stripermarina.com FISHING CHARTERS _ Member: Raymond Vincent, Jr. (Coventry, RI) CHIROPRACTOR _ Big Game Sportfishing...... 401-243-7046 General auto repair. 10% off labor to members. Pruitt Chiropractic...... 401-847-8889 Capt. Brian Bacon (Snug Harbor, RI) Star Service Auto/Marine...... 401-821-9887 Member: Dr. Craig Pruitt (Middletown, RI) www.biggamefishingri.com Member: Jay Starziano (Coventry, RI) www.pruittchiropractic.com Booked Off Charters...... 401-741-2580 10% discount parts/labor to RISAA members COMPUTERS _ Capt. Tony Guarini (Wakefield, RI) BAIT & TACKLE _ Computer & Network Services..401-921-4288 bookedoffcharters.com Block Island Fishworks...... 401-466-5392 Member: Bob LeBlanc (Warwick, RI) Capt. Bruce Sportfishing...... 860-235-6095 Member: Chris Willi (Block Island, RI) 10% off all labor; $25 off complete custom sys. Capt. Bruce Millar (Groton, CT) 10% off bait/tackle to RISAA members CONSTRUCTION _ www.captainbrucesportfishing.com Breachway Bait & Tackle...... 401-364-6407 Bryan Couture Construction...401-792-3672 Capt. John Boats...... 508-746-2643 Member: David Hess (Charlestown,RI) Member: Bryan Couture (Narragansett, RI) Capt. Bob Avila (Plymouth, MA) 166 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown Concrete flatwork, patios, driveways, floors www.captjohn.com Fishing at Stellwagen Bank Bucko’s Tackle Service...... 508-674-7900 CUSTOM RODS _ Capt. Sheriff’s FishingChartersRI.com Member: Michael Bucko (Fall River, MA) Crafty One Customs...... 401-297-6062 Capt. John Sheriff (Charlestown, RI) Saltwater rods, reels, tackle, reel & rod repair Member: Ralph Craft (Portsmouth, RI) www.FishingChartersRI.com - 401-450-2549 Lucky Bait & Tackle...... 401-247-2223 custom rods/repairs www.craftyonecustoms.com Carol J Charters...... 401-783-5572 Member: Lorraine Danti (Warren, RI) DENTISTRY _ Capt. Paul Johnson, Sr. (Wakefield, RI) www.luckybait.com discount to RISAA members Exquisite Smiles...... 508-761-5320 www.caroljcharters.com Misquamicut Bait & Tackle...... 401-322-7297 Member: Dr. James Phelan (S. Attleboro, MA) East Coast Charters...... 401-338-1752 Member: Tony Pocchia (Westerly, RI) www.exquisite-smile.com Capt. Jack Sprengel Discount to RISAA members www.eastcoastchartersri.com

- 42 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Fin Reaper Charters...... 401-255-9630 StuffIt Charters...... 401-764-5141 HARBOR TOURS _ Capt. Bruce Weinstein (Snug Harbor) Capt. Joe Pagano (Scituate, RI) Newport Yacht Charters...... 857-998-1337 B.I.stripers tuna-shark-cod finreapercharters.com www.stuffitcharters.com - RISAA discount Member: Capt. Charles Jenison (Newport,RI) Fishnet Charters...... 508-951-9991 Teezer77 Charters...... 401-524-7239 www.newportyachtcharters.net Capt. Mel True (Freetown, MA) Capt. Eric Thomas (Portsmouth, RI) HOME IMPROVEMENT __ www.MelTrue.com www.teezer77.com Home Repair/Remodeling...401-295-4205 Fish’n Tales Adventures...... 401-619-4431 Tossing Chunks Charters.....508-345-4022 Member: Donald Smith (N. Kingstown,RI) Jeffrey O’Brien (Newport, RI) Capt. Jack Tobin (Barrington, RI) No job too small. References provided Party boat. FishnTalesAdventures.com www.tossinchunks.com ICE CREAM _ Flippin Out Charters...... 401-529-2267 FISHING NEWS _ Frosty Freez...... 401-846-1697 Capt. B.J. Silvia (Portsmouth, RI) Coastal Angler MagazineRI..203-321-7635 Member: Mark Pachico (Middletown,RI) www.flippinoutcharters.com Lisa Danforth • 25% RISAA discount 496 Main Rd, Middletown -10% RISAA disc Frances Fleet...... 401-783-4988 [email protected] INSTRUCTION _ Capt. Frank Blount (Pt. Judith, RI) FISHING PRODUCTS _ Boatwise Marine Training..800-698-7373 www.francesfleet.com/ 9er’s Lures...... 508-822-9650 Member: Capt.Rick Kilborn (S.Hampton,NH) Here We Go Again Charters.....401-965-0445 Member: Eric Ferreira (Taunton, MA) Recreational & Captains license classes Capt. Al Passarelli (Jerusalem, RI) www.9erslures.com JANITORIAL SERVICES _ [email protected] A & S Tackle...... 508-679-8122 Fleming’s Cleaning Service.800-605-7334 Hooked On A Feeling Charters..401-788-3638 Member: Steve Abdow (Swansea, MA) Member: Tim Fleming (Auburn, MA) Capt. Joe Bleczinski (Narragansett, RI) www.astackle.com Complete commercial janitorial services Sailing from Pt. [email protected] Androd Custom Fishing Rods.508-399-7837 JANITORIAL SUPPLIES _ Hook-Em Charters...... 401-595-6970 Member: Robert Andrade (Seekonk, MA) Land-Tek Maintainence...... 508-252-3795 Capt. Michael Lawing (Richmond, RI) www.androd.com Member: Ken Anderson (Rehoboth, MA) [email protected] Bill Hurley Lures...... 413-584-2421 supplies, paper products, cleaning equipment Irish Jig Charters...... 401-499-9182 Member: Bill Hurley (Northampton, MA) JEWELRY - SEA GLASS _ Capt. Dave McCormick (Narragansett,RI) www.codandstriperlures.com A Day At The Beach...... 401-487-5302 www.IrishJigCharters.com DC’s Custom Wood Plugs....401-465-5338 Member: Michael McHenry (Tiverton, RI) Island Current Fleet...... 917-417-7557 Member: Dick Cournoyer (Woonsocket, RI) seaglassjewelrybyjane.com 10% RISAA disc Capt. Chris Cullen (Sailing from Snug Harbor) Email: [email protected] KAYAKS _ www.islandcurrent.com • $10 RISAA discount Fishdoc Custom Plugs...... 401-829-2967 The Kayak Centre of R.I.....401-295-4400 Lady K Charters...... 239-565-2949 Member:Richard Mandeville (Greenville, RI) Member: Jeff Shapiro (Wickford, RI) Capt. Steve Babigian (Snug Harbor, RI) Built for the fish! www.customstriperlures.com www.kayakcentre.com RISAA discounts www.ladykcharters.com Jackpot Digger Jigs...... 401-596-4089 LAND SURVEYOR _ Linesider Fishing Charters..401-439-5386 Member: Cathy Muli (Westerly, RI) Alfred W. DiOrio, RLS, Inc..401-377-8124 Capt. Eric Gustafson (Block Island, RI) www.jackpotdiggerjigs.com for stripers & more Member: Alfred DiOrio (Ashway, RI) www.linesiderfishing.com Lonely Angler Lures...... 207-348-5605 [email protected] Surveyor/land use consultant Maverick Charters...... 401-640-0865 Member: John Wilson (Deer Isle, ME) Waterman Engineering Co...01-438-5775 Capt. Jack Riley (Snug Harbor, RI) Custom wood lures - www.lonelyangler.com Member: Richard Lipsitz (E. Providence) www.maverickchartersltd.com Millard Wire Company...... 401-737-9330 watermanengineering.net No Fluke Charters...... 401-480-3444 Member: Dan LaCroix (Exeter) LASER ENGRAVING______Capt. David Monti (Warwick, RI) Inconel Wireline for trolling“The Real Deal” Kell-Strom Tool Company....800-851-6851 www.NoFlukeFishing.com Narrow River Rods...... 401-678-0313 Member: Robert Kelly (Wethersfield, CT) Northeast Boat & Kayak Charters.. Member: Howard Reed(Wakefield, RI) General machine and laser marking Capt. Jerry Sparks (CT/RI) 413-219-8455 Custom rods. email: [email protected] LAWN CARE______www.sparksfish.net • 15% RISAA Discount Phase II Lures...... 203-226-7252 Green Wizard Landscaping.401-480-1875 On The Rocks Charters...... 401-359-3625 Member: Dick Fincher (Westport, CT) Member: Dan Patrick (Johnston, RI) Capt. Rene Letourneau (Pawtucket, RI) Hand-carved lures that catch fish. www.phaseiilures.com Landscaping, maintenance, trim, fish ponds www.ontherockscharters.com SurfHog Lure Co...... 401-864-6069 Ocean State Lawn Service....401-732-8182 Pamela May Charters...... 401-742-2383 Member: Bob Neilson (North Kingstown, RI) Member: Paul Karcz (Warwick, RI) Capt. Jason Howell (Narragansett, RI) www.surfhoglureco.com Fertilization programs. 10% RISAA discount Light tackle/fly www.pamelamaycharters.com Terminal Tackle Co...... 631-269-6005 MACHINING______Puravida Charters...... 401-601-5499 Member: John Richy (Kings Park, NY) Hartwell Mfg. Co...... 401-567-7720 Capt. Jonathan Lewie (Narragansett, RI) www.terminaltackleco.com or call for catalog Member: Jerry Finkle (Chepachet, RI) puravidacharters.org ThomCat Fluke Rigs...... 401-828-9424 Custom machining small parts, plastics/metal Relentless Charters...... 617-462-7885 Member: Thom Pelletier (Coventry, RI) Volpe Tool & Die, Inc...... 401-580-1063 Capt. David Waldrip (Green Harbor, MA) [email protected] Member: John Volpe (Blackstone, MA) www.relentlesscharters.com FURNITURE _ Custom machining of all materials Restless Fishing Charters....401-728-2081 Eco-Friendly Custom Furniture...... 401-439-0564 MARINE ELECTRONICS _ Capt. Rich Templeton Member: Steven Sabella (Westerly, RI) Seaport Communications.....401-783-4778 Email: [email protected] www.sabellastudio.com Member: Manuel Medeiros (Narragansett, RI) Seven B’s V...... 401-789-9250 GREEN ENERGY _ Sales - Service - Installation Capt. Russ Benn (Pt. Judith, RI) Viridian Energy...... 401-602-6578 MARINE FABRICATION _ www.sevenbs.com Member: Daryll Issa (Portsmouth, RI) Seaward Boatworks...... 401-739-5286 Skinny Water Charters...... 401-465-8751 www.virdian.com/northeastgreenpower Member: Rick Cataldi (Warwick, RI) Capt. Jim Barr (Newport, RI) GRILLING______Aluminum fabrication and canvas work www.skinnywaterchartersri.com Gilchrist’s GreatGrates...... 401-932-7397 MARINE REPAIR _ Snappa Charters...... 401-782-4040 Member: Tim Gilchrist (Charlestown, RI) Conanicut Marine...... 401-423-7158 Capt. Charlie Donilon (Wakefield, RI) www.greatgrate.com 15% RISAA discount Member: Bull Munger (Jamestown, RI) www.snappacharters.com www.conanicutmarina.com - 43 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 Snug Harbor Marine Serv Ctr.401-789-7680 [email protected] cell: 401-837-9050 Member: Joe Mollica (Wakefield,RI) Lighthouse RealEstate Group.401-935-9612 Engine, marine, rod/reel repairs. Full service. Member: Will Litvin (Wakefield, RI) SUPPORT MARINE SUPPLIES _ [email protected] www.lighthouseri.com The Ship’s Store & Rigging..401-683-0457 Sankey Real Estate...... 774-254-1565 THE Member: Nick DeRosa (Portsmouth, RI) Member: Eric Meyer (North Attleboro, MA) boating supplies, etc. www.shipstoreri.com www.BaystateHomeSales.com MARINE SURVEYING _ World.net Real Estate Group.401-323-2424 COMPANIES Down River Marine Surveyor..401-364-6400 Member: Charles Petras (Cumberland, RI) Member: Roe LaBossiere (Charlestown, RI) [email protected] or www.TeamPetras.com ON THESE Master Marine Surveyor REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS _ MARINE TOWING SERVICES _ Lawrence A. Rainey...... 401-439-9083 Safe/Sea...... 401-295-8711 Certified commercial & residental PAGES Member:Capt. Phil LeBlanc (Wickford, RI) RISAA discount www.safesea.com White Appraisal Co., Inc...... 401-738-9500 They are all Sea Tow of Rhode Island...... 401-294-2360 Member: S. Keith White, Jr, SRA,SRPA Member: Kevin Scott (N.Kingstown) Certified commercial/residential - Warwick,RI RISAA Members! www.seatow.com RESTAURANTS _ TowBoatUS/New Bedford...... 508-990-3997 Luigi’s Restaurant...... 401-861-3850 Member:Capt. Clint Allen (Dartmouth,MA) Member: Ralph Battista (Johnston, RI) www.boatus.com 357 Hartford Ave, Johnston. Fine Italian food MORTGAGE/HOME LOANS _ Slice Of Heaven...... ,...... 401-423-9866 RISAA Members: Pawtucket Credit Union...... 401-541-7003 Member: Steven Liebhauser (Jamestown,RI) Have your business or service Member: Brad Sudol (East Greenwich, RI 32 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI purchase/finance great rates. c:401-465-7345 ROD & REEL REPAIR _ listed by calling 401-826-2121 Seacoast Mortgage...... 401-487-2322 Beavertail Rod And Reel...... 401-215-5062 Member: Paul Kennedy (Narragansett, RI) Member: David Morton (N. Kingstown, RI) Email: [email protected] www.beavertailrodandreel.com ORTHODONTICS _ SOLAR CONSULTANT _ Ferry Orthodontics...... 401-781-2900 RGS Energy...... 401-315-2529 Member: Dr. Mike Ferry (Cranston/Wakefield) Member: Gil Bell (Charlestown, RI) IMPORTANT www.ferryortho.com Free solar estimate. [email protected] OUTBOARD MOTORS _ TAXIDERMIST _ PHONE Conanicut Marine...... 401-423-7158 Larry’s Licensed Taxidermist..508-883-8190 Member: Gene Steger (Jamestown, RI) Member: Larry Hayward (Blackstone, MA) NUMBERS Fly fishing, bird hunts. www.6xoutfitters.com TREE SERVICES _ OUTFITTERS CUTTING EDGE TREE...... 401-439-7999 RHODE ISLAND Al Gadoury’s 6X Outfitters...406-600-1835 Member: Kevin Robishaw (W. Greenwich, RI) DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL Member: Allan Gadoury (Bozeman, MT) Lic/insured arborist. All apects tree care/maint. MANAGEMENT Guided fly fishing trips. www.6xoutfitters.com TROPHIES/PLAQUES _ PAINT & SUPPLIES _ Crown Trophy...... 401-231-0070 Boat Registrations ICI Paints...... 401-751-7300 Member: John Kubaska (Smithfield, RI) 222-6647 Member: Bob Marco (Pawtucket, RI) www.crowntrophy.com General Information We sell interior and exterior paint World Trophies Co...... 401-272-5846 401-222-6800 PEST CONTROL _ Member: Peter Evangelista (Providence, RI) Moran Pest Control...... 401-294-4592 www.worldtrophies.com ENFORCEMENT Timothy Moran (North Kingstown, RI) VETERINARIANS _ 401-222-2284 Insect/rodent control -moranpestcontrol.com Richmond Veterinary Clinic..401-539-2683 Pest Patrol...... 401-463-3116 Member: Robert Bolton (Wyoming, RI) After Hours Hotline Member: Robert Todisco (Johnston, RI) Practice for small animals 401-222-3070 Full pest management. 24/7 wildlife services VIDEO PRODUCTIONS _ PHYSICIANS _ On The Outs Productions...... 401-300-7258 Anthony V. Rocha, M.D...... 401-438-2780 Member: Don Coyne (Saunderstown, RI) Marine Fisheries Division 387 Waterman Ave, E. Providence, RI 02914 www.fishingtheoceanstate.com 401-423-1923 Family and internal medicine WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICE _ PICTURE FRAMING _ WasteXpress, LLC...... 401-464-6400 U. S. COAST GUARD Crestar...... 401-885-0300 Member: John Souto (Cranston, RI) Castle Hill, Newport Member: Jason Dittleman (E. Greenwich, RI) res/comm containers www.wastexpressri.com www.crestarmfg.com WINES _ 846-3675 PRINTING _ High Hook Oregon Wines.....413-218-0638 Enforcement Tiffany Printing Co...... 401-828-5514 Member: Mark Seymour (Leverett, MA) 435-2300 Member: Christopher Couture (Coventry,RI) www.fishhookvineyards.com Hazardous Dischanges www.tiffanyprinting.com REAL ESTATE______435-2300 Home Smart Professionals...401-578-9809 Pt. Judith Station Member: Al Iacobbo (East Greenwich, RI) 789-0444 e-mail: [email protected] Keller Williams...... 401-785-1700 Member: Julie LeBlanc (Cranston, RI) - 44 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 2018 OFFICERS and BOARD OF DIRECTORS President...... Stephen Medeiros...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 1st Vice President..... Capt. Richard Hittinger... [email protected]...... 401-739-1875 2nd Vice President.... Capt. David Monti...... [email protected]...... 401-480-3444 Secretary...... Travis Barao...... [email protected]...... 401-301-7944 Treasurer...... Peter O'Biso...... [email protected]...... 401-783-2364 Sergeant-At-Arms.... Richard Reich...... [email protected]...... 401-742-2020 Board Member...... Gary Johnson...... [email protected]...... 401-787-5981 Board Member...... Douglas MacPherson..... [email protected]... 401-241-2364 Board Member...... Robert Murray...... [email protected]...... 401-378-5895 Board Member...... Roger Tellier...... [email protected]...... 401-398-2670 Board Member...... Diane Valerien...... [email protected]...... 401-523-9050 Board Member...... Greg Vespe...... [email protected]...... 401-662-5573 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Medeiros...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 RISAA CONTACTS By-Laws Committee...... Robert Blasi, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-527-5157 Charities Committee...... Tom Meade, Chair...... [email protected] ...... 401-741-0362 Charter Trips Committee...... Hal Gibson, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-524-9035 Dealer Discount Program...... Gilbert Bell, Coordinator...... [email protected]...... 401-315-2529 Education Committee...... Greg Vespe, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-662-5573 Elections Committee...... Gary Perschau, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-828-3464 Entertainment Committee...... Lynn Medeiros, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 Financial Review Committee...... Raymond Marchak, CPA...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 Fly Fishing Committee...... David Pollack, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-749-5379 Foundation Committee...... Michael Warner, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-364-0027 Fund-Raising Committee...... Lawrence Hill, Chair...... [email protected] ...... 774-280-0155 Kayak Committee...... David Pollack, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-749-5379 Legislative Committee...... David Monti, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-480-3444 Artificial Reefs Subcommittee..... Richard Hittinger, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-739-1875 Menhaden Subcommittee...... David Monti, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-480-3444 Public Access Subcommittee...... Peter Jenkins, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 Merchandise Committee...... Gary Johnson, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-787-5981 Political Action Committee...... Stephen Medeiros, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 Newsletter...... Stephen Medeiros, Editor...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 Saltwater Fishing Show...... Stephen Medeiros, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 Scholarship Committee...... David Michel, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-952-8697 Surfcasters Committee...... Richard Reich, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-742-2020 Tag & Release Program...... Robert Murray, [email protected]...... 401-378-5895 Tournaments Committee...... John Volpe, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-580-1063 Welcome Committee...... Edward Kearney, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-397-4513 Legal Counsel to Board of Directors.....Mitchell S. Riffkin, Esq RISAA Office: (401) 826-2121 • FAX: (401) 826-3546 Mail Address: P.O. Box 1465, Coventry, RI 02816 WWW.RISAA.ORG New England Saltwater Fishing Show: www.nesaltwatershow.com - 45 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS Licensed required in CT/MA/RI Rhode Island Connecticut Massachusetts AMERICAN 9” minimum • 25 fish 9” minimum • 25 fish 9” minimum • 25 fish EEL no closed season no closed season no closed season 15” minimum May 25 - Aug 31 - 3 fish 15” minimum • 5 fish 15” minimum • 5 fish BLACK SEA Sep 1 - Sep 21 - 7 fish May 1 - Dec 31 May 20 - Aug 29 BASS Sep 22 - Oct 21 - closed Oct 22 - Dec 31 - 7 fish BLUEFISH no min size • 15 fish no min size • 10 fish no min size • 10 fish no closed season no closed season no closed season South & east of Cape Cod 22" minimum • 10 fish 22 " minimum • 10 fish 22" minimum • 10 fish COD no closed season no closed season no closed season *North of Cape Cod see MADMF regs 19" minimum • no limit 18" minimum • no limit South of Cape Cod 18" minimum • no limit HADDOCK no closed season no closed season no closed season

POLLOCK 19" minimum • no limit 19" minimum • no limit no min size • no limit no closed season no closed season no closed season 10" minimum • 30 fish May 1 to Dec 31 10" minimum • 30 fish SCUP 9" from shore at Conimicut May 1 to Dec 31 10" minimum • 30 fish Porgy Park, India Point Park, Stone 9" at certain shore sites May 1 to Dec 31 Bridge/Tiverton, East & West (charter rules differ) (charter rules differ) Walls/Narragansett, Ft Adams, Ft Wetherill, Rocky Point 19" minimum • 3 fish SUMMER FLOUNDER 19" minimum • 4 fish 17" minimum • 4 fish May 17 - Sept 21 Fluke May 1 - Dec 31 May 22 - Sept 23 17" at certain shore sites 28" minimum • 1 fish STRIPED no closed season 28" minimum • 1 fish 28" minimum • 1 fish BASS 34" & larger must have no closed season no closed season right pectoral fin removed 16" minimum 16" minimum April 15 to May 31 • 3 fish Open seasons: June 1 to July 31 • closed Apr 1 - Apr 30: 2 fish 16" minimum • 3 fish TAUTOG Aug 1 to Oct 14 • 3 fish July 1 - Aug 31: 2 fish no closed season Oct 15 to Dec 15 • 6 fish Oct 10 - Dec 6: 4 fish max of 10 fish per boat

WEAKFISH 16" minimum • 1 fish 16" minimum • 1 fish 16" minimum • 1 fish Squeteague no closed season no closed season no closed season 12" minimum • 2 fish North of Cape Cod March 1 to Dec 31 12" minimum • 2 fish 12" minimum • 8 fish *All of Narragansett Bay, WINTER April 1 to Dec 31 no closed season FLOUNDER Potter Pond, Point Judith Pond and the Harbor of South of Cape Cod Refuge is closed 12" minimum • 2 fish to winter flounder fishing March 1 - Dec 31 See a violation? Report it! CTDEP CONSERVATION POLICE RIDEM ENFORCEMENT DIVISION MADEP ENFORCEMENT DIVISION 860-424-3333 401-222-3070 (24 hrs) 800-632-8075 - 46 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association is a nonprofit Association established to provide a forum for saltwater anglers; to provide education to members concerning fishing techniques and overall enjoyment of fishing; to foster sportsmanship; to support marine conservation and the sound management of fisheries resources; and provide a unified voice to preserve and protect the rights, traditions and the future of recreational fishing.

PRINT Name: ______Age: _____ Spouse Name: ______First Middle Initial Last Address: ______City: ______State: ____ Zip:______Put me on RISAA e-mail list: Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______E-mail:______ yes no thanks

Occupation: ______Employed At: ______You can register them as Junior Members (free) Children (up to 17 yrs):______ no thanks yes (complete below) INFORMATION Prefer to fish from ( check all that apply): Rocks & Piers Charter Boats Party Boats Fly Fishing Surfcasting Other ______ Own Boat: Length:___ ft Maker/Type:______Boat Name:______Docked at:______How did you hear about RISAA? Friend Tackle Shop Facebook News article RISAA Newsletter Fishing Show Web site Saw Advertisement at - Internet Magazine Newspaper TV

CHECK TYPE TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP Regular Adult: $50/year (additional members, immediate family, same household: 2nd = $45, 3rd = $40) Multiple Years (save $5/year): ___$90 (2 yrs), ___ $135 (3 yrs), ___ $180 (4 yrs) Senior (Age 65+): $25/year - requires date of birth: ______/ / Life Member: $500 (one time, single payment) Student (college/trade school): $25/year (max 6 yrs) -requires copy of current student ID card Junior Member: Free (Up to 17 years. Requires parent membership or a RISAA sponsor) Junior's Name: (print)______Age:_____ Date of Birth: ______/ / Junior's Name: (print)______Age:_____ Date of Birth: ______/ / RISAA Sponsor (if parent not a member): ______Relationship: ______Payment must accompany application. Enclosed is my check for $______(payable to R.I.S.A.A.) Charge to my credit card: (check) AmEx* Discover MasterCard Visa Amount Authorized: $______Exp. date (mo/yr): ______CVV # ______(3-digit number on back of card) *AmEx is 4 nos on front Name on card (print): ______Card Number: ______

Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the West Warwick Elks in West Warwick, RI at 7:00 pm. (attendance not required). Membership benefits include monthly seminars • fishing tournaments • Mail to: R.I.S.A.A. monthly newsletter • discounts at tackle shops and marine dealers • social events • college scholarships • P.O. Box 1465 DVD library • adds your voice to fisheries management and conservation issues. Coventry, RI 02816 - 47 - R.I.S.A.A. / February, 2018 P.O. Box 1465 FEBRUARY, 2018 Nonprofit Organization Coventry, RI 02816 U.S. Postage Paid Coventry, RI CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 247

The Voice of Southern New England Fishermen