Spring Surf Fishing Club Challenge by RICHARD REICH The 2015 Annual Spring Surf Fishing Club Challenge was Dick and Richie’s Fishing Story held on the weekend of June 12 - 14. We had six clubs participate: For a change we had excellent weather with a new moon and Pioneer Valley Boat & Surf Club, Weekapaug Surfcasters, high tide around 5:00 AM. The South County beaches were un- Hartford Surf Club, Narragansett Surfcasters, Rhode Island fishable due to massive amounts of weeds, so the breachways Mobile Sportfishermen (RIMS) and RISAA. and rocky coast was the better choice. The 2015 Spring Surf Fishing Club Challenge was changed, Dick Geldard and Richie Reich teamed up for their first for the first time in the tournament’s history, to catch and release attempt at catch and release fishing. Cameras, measuring tapes of striped bass. Total length was determined with a picture and badges sounded complicated, but they made plans to meet containing a tape measure and badge for the tournament. at 3:00 AM Saturday morning and went to Dick’s secret spot. Bluefish were still weighed in at the five local bait and tackle Dick was fishing porgy chunks and Richie had handpicked shops. eels from Galilee Bait & Tackle. After Dick’s forth striper (30, 29, We chose the Rhode Island Chapter of Pink Heals as the 27 and 22 inches) Richie requested a rig and porgy chunk to calm charity this year, an organization that helps out cancer patients his nerves. Dick hooked into another fish before Richie could get and their families. Pink Heals of RI showed up at the Sunday set up. It was another decent fish measuring 40 inches. Awards Breakfast with two of the PINK vehicles, an ambulance Unfortunately, the fish was bleeding badly so the decision was and police cruiser. After it was all said and done, $760 was made not to release it. donated to Pink Heals. As usual Richie spent most of his time mating for Dick on the Overall, it was a great time. The breakfast, raffle and Awards rocks. Richie missed his first hit and set up too fast missing the ceremony was held at Snug Harbor Marina this year. Following fish. The next hit was a pick up and run. Dick kept saying, “Hit are the award winners: em! Hit em!” as Richie watch the line peel off the 706Z. More Largest Striped Bass than half the reel was emptied Richie Reich - 44 inches (released) in seconds and Richie set on Largest Bluefish the fish, it then surfaced way Cody Milardo - 2.94 lbs. out as it was now day light. The Winning Team - 1st Place fish stayed out of the rocks on R.I. Mobile Sportfishermen - 109.25 inches either side and was shortly (largest three fish length - combined in inches) landed. Both cameras were used to take pictures of the fish and release, but only one worked. Dick took a great shot of the release and length of the 44 inch fish that took largest bass. Tired and beat they made plans for a repeat Sunday Richie Reich with Largest Cody Milardo The RIMS Team morning. Sunday produced a beautiful sunrise and a couple Striped Bass Award RISAA Surfcasters finished in 2nd place, with a three-fish of taps. With preparation for total of 101 inches. the awards and breakfast at Snug Harbor they quit at 6:30 and RISAA Surfcasters said “you should have been here yesterday,” Team: (l-r) Kevin THANK YOU Robishaw, Robert We would like to thank the following groups for donations Roy, Bruce Bruni, and support: Jeff Gendron, Richie Beavertail Reel Repair • DC Plugs • Galilee Bait and Tackle Reich, Dick “The Mike’s Custom Plugs • Narrow River Rod Works • Pink Heals Dropper Dude" Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle • Quonny Bait & Tackle Geldard and Jared Sam’s Bait and Tackle • Snug Harbor Marina Henry St. Croix Rods • The Saltwater Edge - 6 - R.I.S.A.A. / July, 2015