We've Moved the Line for Menhaden on August 5Th, Atlantic Menhaden (Where You Aim to Be) and Thresholds Management Reached a Critical Milestone

www.RISAA.org SEPTEMBER, 2020- • Issue 260 401-826-2121 Representing Over 7,500 Recreational Anglers We've Moved The Line For Menhaden On August 5th, Atlantic menhaden (where you aim to be) and thresholds management reached a critical milestone. The (where you want to avoid) to meet Atlantic States Marine Fisheries management objectives. Commission’s (ASMFC) Atlantic Menhaden The important difference is that ERPs Management Board voted unanimously to are designed to meet ecological adopt ecological reference points (ERPs) that objectives. In this case, menhaden will be used to set annual catch levels for the fishing mortality is set to maintain the Atlantic coast. striped bass population. When striped With so many predators – from bluefish bass needs are accounted for, the and striped bass to ospreys menhaden target and and humpback whales – threshold are lower than dependent on menhaden, the traditional “single-species” new reference points are reference points that are designed to account for based solely on menhaden menhaden’s critical role in the biology, leaving more food web. menhaden in the water as ERPs are similar to forage. traditional fishing reference (to page 33) points in that both set targets

R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Striped Bass License Plate Changes

It’s been two years since legislation that would allow groups like us, that Sep 2 • 5:00 PM • Fly Fishing passed creating the Rhode Island striped was willing to kick in $3,000 up front to Committee, Bristol Narrows bass license plate for us. help the DMV pay for the plates and When the process began I was sure drop the minimum order to 150. We Sep 4-13 • RISAA Black Sea Bass everyone would want a plate with a said YES, we would gladly pay that to Special Tournament striped bass on it. I guessed that we get the plates made. would all see the plates on our cars within The bill had a quick House Finance Sep 12 • sunrise • Surfcasters 6 months. Committee hearing in the final two days Committee, fish at Narragansett There was a quick burst of sales. of the 2019 session. The head of DMV Almost immediately, I received emails appeared and said they were too busy Sep 15 • 5:00 PM • Fly Fishing asking why the plates were only available to make special plates. Committee, Barrington Beach for passenger cars. Why not pickups, The bill was “held for further since many fishermen had sturdy.” That’s usually Sep 22 • 6:30 PM • Board of Directors trucks to tow their boats. So the death of bills, but we I contact the RI registry and were told that if they Sep 25-Oct 4 • RISAA Bluefish was told that yes, we could went back into session in Special Tournament also sell the “commercial” the fall, the bill was still and “combination” plates, active and had a good Sep 26 • 9:00 AM • Kayak Committee but it would require us to reach 600 of chance of passing. But the House fishing at Camp, Narragansett EACH type before the plates would be didn’t go back into Fall session. Don’t made. But we figured to give it a try. worry, I was told, it will be handled in Sep 28 • 9:00 AM Fly Fishing While the sale of passenger plates January session. Committee at Narrow River slowly continues to climb, the other We also planned to make a big push plates have hit a stalemate. I felt that for the striped bass plates at our New Sep 28 • 7:00 PM RISAA Monthly there was no way combination/ England Saltwater Fishing Show in Seminar commercial plates would ever reach 600 March. Everything was set! sales of each. Then COVID-19 struck and the Sep 29-Oct 1 • New England All of the license plate funds have world stopped. Fisheries Mgmt Council, Gloucester been deposited into a separate bank account to be held until the plate So now we have a couple of Oct 3 • 8:00 AM • Kayak Committee production began. RISAA-friendly Senators and fishing Camp Cronin, Narragansett Last month, the RISAA Board agreed Representatives who plan a new push and authorized cancelling the attempt on for us to get the required number Oct 9-25 RISAA Fall Tautog Special commercial and combination plates and lowered. Tournament authorized the treasurer to begin issuing In the meantime, all passenger plate refunds. funds are sitting in escrow, and when Oct 13 • 6:00 AM • Fly Fishing All of the those persons will be someone asks how long they have to Committee, Weekapaug Breachwy contacted by me via email to inform them wait, I tell them this same story, and of this decision and to confirm their always say they can have a refund at ast, Oct 17 • 8:00 AM • Kayak Committee mailing address in order to send a refund any time. Fortunately, they all say, the fishing Fogland Beach, Tiverton check. will hang on with us. But we’re not giving up on I have had many people tell me that f PASSENGER license plates. “for sure” they will get the striped bass The Official Newsletter of the Unfortunately, we are still a long way plate for their cars, but they will wait Rhode Island from 600 plate sales. We sit at 187. until they start making the plates. Saltwater Anglers Association There are other charity organizations, But duh-h-h.... Published Monthly like us, who are also trying to sell 600 If everyone didn’t wait, we might Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers license plates. actually have the plates by now. Association, Inc. Last June 22, a last-minute bill was And I want a striper plate on P.O. Box 1465 introduced in the Rhode Island House my car! Coventry, RI 02816 - 2 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 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. ASMFC Summer Meeting Many species are affected So, the big summer meeting of the ASMFC, held on coastal producer areas, regional reference points, August 3-4, has given the recreational fishing community recreational discard mortality, conservation n some good news, some puzzling news and a look at equivalencies, Recreational Accountability and coastal what we can expect going forward. commercial quota allocation. In reading the executive summary, and a reading of Menhaden the monthly meeting summaries of this group, will The ERP (Eco System Reference Point), the move from certainly raise some eyebrows. managing from a single species to this new model of prey/ There is much discussion over regional vs coastal predator dependence, has unanimously been passed by the regulations where areas such as the Chesapeake Bay fisheries Atlantic Menhaden Management have quite different ideas of what constitutes recreational and Board. This measure was widely commercial management. supported by rec’s and a long time in Another heavily debated area is whether the statistical coming. targets, certain to include SSB (spawning stock biomass), Now the reality of fishery management steps in. Over the should remain the same; how to improve the accuracy of immediate future this is not going to have much current impact recreational catch and release; reduce mortality; and of course on the current coast wide menhaden catch allowances. The our old friends, conservation equivalencies, which has let some science of how many pogies does it take to feed the striped states seriously overfish and not suffer any penalty. bass along the Atlantic Coast will be an interesting next step. As is required, this new amendment will have scheduled public hearings in all the affected states which would of course Striped Bass include Rhode Island. I know it is summer, but if you have The headline here is not unexpected. The ASMFC Striped concerns about how stripers are being managed we really need Bass Advisory Board has initiated Amendment 7 to address your participation and voices when these hearings are the train wreck this fishery became after the 2018 release of the scheduled. They are usually held in the off-months when you new MRIP (recreational survey data). are not fishing anyway. The current committee chairperson, David Borden of RI, pointed out that the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass previous amendment was in place from The Management Board for these three species has 2003 and the board needed to “focus on approved revisions to the total catch limits based upon a new addressing a number of issues that have revised “Risk Limit” policy. been at the for forefront of striped bass For Summer Flounder a revised commercial/recreational management for a long time.” harvest will increase about 8 percent from the previously set To that end a work group of 7 board limit set in December of 2019. This is reflected in the new quota members, met four times between the David Borden for the recreational fishery spring and summer meetings to generate a list of issues to be and will be an increase from incorporated into the new amendment public information the last two years. document (PID). These areas of interest range listed for How that will impact consideration are fishery goals and objectives, stock rebuilding/ current regulations is hard to time frame, management say at this point as the catch triggers, biological data from 2020 will need to reference points, be factored in. If there is an overage in recreational catch for regional this year, we may not see much benefit next year. The coastal management MRIP data for this year is likely to be very spotty due to the (recreational measures, limitations created by the current pandemic. (to page 27)

- 3 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 The purpose of the Welcome Committee is to contact new members, welcome them to the Association and answer any Foil-Roasted Cod questions they may have about RISAA and its activities. Welcome new members with Herbed Vegetables Aluminum foil packets keep cod tender while baking who joined last month! with fresh veggies and herbs Cory Carlson Mallory Lavigne Thompson, CT Warwick, RI

Donovan Cowser Noah Mincone Uncasville, CT Barrington, RI

Nancy Cowser Paul Mincone Uncasville, CT Barrington, RI

David Dube Eric Spicer Somerset, MA North Kingstown INGREDIENTS Ava Fantony Kyle Strickland • 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into thin Douglas,MA Charlestown, RI half moons • 1 fennel bulb, trimmed, halved, cored, and sliced thin Elias Heckel Coey Wood • 2 garlic cloves, minced Greenville, RI Barrington, RI • 6 scallions, sliced thin • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Luc Lavigne Richard Wood • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Warwick, RI Barrington, RI • 1/4 cup dry white wine or dry white vermouth • Table salt and ground black pepper • 4 boneless, skinless cod fillets (about 2 pounds) Have you been • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter thinking about DIRECTIONS joining RISAA? • Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 450 degrees. THEN BECOME INVOLVED! • Combine zucchini, fennel, garlic, scallions, basil, thyme, wine, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in large bowl. Dues of $50/year gets you: • Lay four 14-inch-long pieces of foil on work surface. Monthly seminars & educational programs • Place 1 fillet on lower half of each piece of foil and season Monthly news magazine with salt and pepper. Participate in Association-sponsored fishing tournaments • Top each fillet with one-quarter of vegetable mixture and 1 Family participation encouraged (children welcome) tablespoon butter. Unified voice works to control/restore dwindling fish Fold foil over fish and vegetables and crimp edges together stocks to form 4 packets. Discounts at tackle shops, marinas and boating dealers • Arrange packets in single layer on rimmed baking sheet and Charitable & community projects cook until vegetables are tender and fish is just cooked College Scholarship Fund through, 15 to 20 minutes. Dues valid for a full 12 months, no matter when you join. • Transfer packets to individual plates and carefully cut open YOU can be a part of the largest saltwater with scissors, being careful to avoid steam. Serve. fishing organization in Rhode Island history! Got a recipe to share or request for a certain recipe? (application on page 43) Contact Sandie at [email protected]

- 4 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 OPINION EEZ BASSING BOLOGNA, AGAIN by Toby Lapinski Managing Editor, The Fisherman Magazine

I was back out at Block Island recently, fishing by Technically one must remove any angling devices (hooks, boat, and working on an upcoming editorial project. lures, etc.) from the end of any rigged rods while in the transit This was the first time I’d fished the Pork Chop by zone and also in possession of striped bass, as well as refrain from stopping the boat outside of a medical or mechanical boat in a few seasons, and it pains me to say that emergency. little if anything has changed in regards to the Now there are two major takeaways I want you get from Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and striped bass. the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, and that is that Arriving an hour or so both the possession and targeting of before sunset, we set up our Atlantic striped bass is illegal in first drift well inside the 3-mile Federal waters. ...if these unscrupulous anglers spent This means that you can be line. The tide slacked out just half as much time learning to become outside 3 miles from shore, honestly after dark, then took its sweet a better angler as they did in breaking targeting other species such as time getting moving with a the law, they’d probably be twice the fluke, black sea bass or bluefin tuna, short-but-slow peak current and have a striped bass jump on sometime later that produced a angler in the end! your line (it must then be released flurry of action. as quickly and safely as possible) The night’s score was good and not face any sort of prosecution. but not great, especially by Block Island terms, but it However, this fact is used as an wasn’t the catching that had me upset; it was the ongoing excuse to break the law, and it is NOTHING MORE THAN blatant disregard and what I feel is downright neglect for AN EXCUSE, as anglers claim to be targeting Species A when in reality they’re nothing more than striped bass pirates. the law. I’ve heard so many tricks employed by dirty anglers to set While I was part of 4 - or at most 5 - boats fishing legally, I up for the inevitable when boarded by the Coast Guard that it counted between a dozen and 20 boats that were not just outside would make your head spin. As in so many other scenarios, if the 3-mile line, they showed blatant disregard for it. these unscrupulous anglers spent half as much time learning to As a matter of some brief background, on October 31, 1984, become a better angler as they did in breaking the law, they’d Federal waters (3 miles from the coastline) were designated as probably be twice the angler in the end! off-limits for the possession and targeting of Atlantic striped And then you have those who not-so-freely admit to fishing bass by way of the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act — in the EEZ for striped bass, but they do so when called out for P.L. 98-613. This effectively enacted a protection zone outside it under the guise of practicing catch and release. Here is where of 3 miles from shore in the EEZ for striped bass to do their I must refer you back to the letter of the law wherein it states, fishy thing, hopefully providing a safe haven for them to grow “Federal waters were designated as off-limits for the and continue to re-build the stock. possession and targeting of Atlantic striped bass…” Unfortunately, when this law was enacted it was done so See there? It is BOTH the possession and targeting which with a hard-and-fast line at 3 miles from shore in most places, is prohibited. So to simply say you’re not doing anything wrong with little to no thought put into how that line actually plays out by just playing catch and release, especially in today’s world in the real world. This meant that Block Island, in that it is an where half of the annual harvest is attributed to dead discards island situated more than 3 miles from the nearest mainland, (fish which perish after being released) is doubly irresponsible. was in effect an island of legal angling surrounded by waters In the end I cannot say that I am wholly in favor or which were off-limits to both targeting and possession of striped opposition to the line as it is currently drawn when it comes to bass. the waters between Block Island and Montauk Point; that is a In order to make it legal for anglers to boat and harvest a subject for another day. But what I can say, with absolute striped bass inside 3 miles at Block Island, and then return to certainty, is that for the time being the law is the law and to port in nearby Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut or simply ignore it with any excuse you can come up with so that New York, the Block Island Transit Zone was created which you can sleep at night is not right in my book. If you object to allows for the transport of catch from legal waters, through those the law, then take appropriate steps to change it. After all, isn’t which are illegal for possession, and back into legal waters once that a large part of what this country was founded on? again.

- 5 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) Board of Directors meets monthly. In order to keep all members apprised of Board business I will report here when appropriate. It is important to note that not all business will be reported here since there are often issues dealing with individual members and privacy will always be protected. Also, some Board business that doesn’t result in any action won’t be printed. RISAA Board of Directors • August 24, 2020 Meeting Summary FINANCIAL REPORTS an email would be sent to all members with a special link to view • Treasurer’s Report given by Peter O’Biso the video online at the Zoom site. Zoom will record the name/email of every member who views MEMBERSHIP the video online. • The Board was informed that a RISAA member was involved The video files are very large, and a monthly video seminar in a recent RIDEM arrest for fisheries violations, went to court uses the total file space allotted to our RISAA account. and was fined. The formal process was begun to revoke that Therefore, the file would remain online for only a few days and person’s membership. then would be deleted since all Board meetings are recorded as well as RISAA committees that chose to use the RISAA zoom. COMMUNICATIONS NEW BUSINESS • The Board approved $100 to renew RISAA membership in the American Littoral Society and also approved $500 to replenish • Insurance. our supply of tagging kits for RISAA members. The Board discussed annual RISAA insurance which is renews at the start of September. There are many aspects beyond the basic coverage which includes special riders for OLD BUSINESS the Saltwater Fishing Show, Take-A-Kid Fishing Day, Youth • Saltwater Fishing Production Fishing Camp and more. Some changes were made by the The board approved a new special project to create a special insurance company. Board approved $7,000 for our 2020-2021 video, entitled Introduction to Saltwater Fishing in RI, which coverage. will consist of a 45-minute video, with professional videographer, utilizing multiple speakers and locations. It will cover a variety • Aquaculture Applications. of topics containing all of the BASIC information a new angler For many years, every application for an aquaculture lease would need to know. This would include such things as basic in RI is sent to RISAA for review to make sure that it will not tackle, knots, baits, local fish identification, shore locations, effect a traditional recreational fishing location. 95% of them regulations, and much more. RIDEM would be invited to do not. Roger Tellier, the recreational representative on the participate. Shellfish Advisory Panel, has a meeting coming up in which Once completed, the video will be permanently posted on one of the applications DOES effect rec fishing and he will the RISAA web site, Facebook and other locations. voice RISAA concerns. The board approved $3,000 for this project via the RISA Foundation. GOOD OF THE ORDER A special subcommittee was formed with Richard Hittinger The Board discussed the fact that Quarterly Meetings of as lead, assisted by David Michel, Steve Medeiros, Dave Monti, RISAA membership are required by our By-Laws, but we Peter O’Biso and Dawn Wood. missed March and June due to COVID and no virtual capability at that time. These quarterly meetings are always held • Virtual Meetings. immediately following the night’s seminar in March, June, The Board discussed recording the monthly online seminars September and December. so that members who are unable to attend at the actual date and This would not be possible since the seminar (webinar) time, might view the seminar at another time. There was much only allows for the moderator and 5 panelists to speak and be discussion and some problems would occur. The following viewed, meaning none of the members in attendance would be was resolved. able to participate in a meeting that followed. The Board stresses that monthly seminars are an important Zoom webinars and run differently from Zoom meetings. In benefit to RISAA membership, and wishes to provide that to as the meeting format every member in attendance would be able many members as possible. to speak and have their photos displayed. Starting with the August 25 seminar, and for as long as the The Board resolved that on those quarterly meeting nights, program is successful, a recording would be made each month. we will send two links to all members: one for the actual seminar/ The seminar speaker must agree to be recorded and to share webinar, and then a second for the Quarterly Meeting which the video with members not present during live meeting. will immediately follow the end of the seminar. After the successful recording is confirmed and reviewed, -6 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 HOOKED! Have you ever had to end a great fishing trip early due to accidentally hooking yourself? by Alex McCrickard, VA DWR Safety should never be overlooked when spending time on It’s a simple push-and-pull technique that is highly effective. the water fishing. Without a doubt, it’s essential to make sure I have performed this on myself many times, but it can you are dressing for the weather, checking river flows or lake certainly be beneficial to have a family member or friend assist conditions, keeping an eye on the radar and forecast, wearing a you in the process, especially if you hooked yourself in the life jacket if you are on a boat, and staying hydrated. back or arm. However, one of the more common accidental injuries that an angler can encounter is being hooked with a fly, lure, or The tips below can help you in the process as well as hook. It’s essential to know when the injury can be handled on decipher when it’s essential to seek medical attention: the water and when it’s time to go to the emergency room. Note that I have spent a considerable amount of time teaching novice this technique fly anglers in my years as a fly fishing guide on Wyoming’s is not recom- Upper North Platte River. From experience, I will say that one mended with of the less enjoyable aspects of being a guide is getting impaled treble hooks. with your client’s fly as they are learning how to cast for the Treble first time. I have been accidentally hooked many times, hooks on lures including having pose an flies embedded in entirely my leg, arm, different back, and even situation and nose. I am lucky it’s best to seek The technique is not recommended with and have never medical treble hooks. had to take a trip attention if deeply impaled by two out of three treble hooks. to the emergency • Consider pinching the barbs on your hooks before fishing, room with any of especially for beginners. A barbless hook is a lot easier to these injuries. remove than a barbed hook. The technique • Trust your gut—if you think you need medical attention, outlined below then it’s best to go to the emergency room. If you are hooked can help you deeply in the neck or face, it is best to seek medical attention. remove an impaled hook while on the water. • Larger and heavier hooks, especially saltwater hooks that are deeply impaled, might also require a trip to the emergency The technique for removing an impaled hook is actually room. quite simple. • Always wear a hat and polarized sunglasses when fishing Start by cutting off a two- to three-foot long section of heavy on the water. Not only will sunglasses protect your eyes, but monofilament, 15 or 20 lb. test line. If you’re fly fishing, 0x they also cut down against the glare and help you spot fish in tippet will work fine. the water. Next, thread the monofilament between the shank of the • Spread out and give yourself ample casting space when hook and your skin, situating the loop of monofilament at the fishing together with friends and family. bend of the hook. Make sure you have at least 12" of • Carry a first aid kit in your car when wade fishing or in monofilament on either side of the hook. With your thumb, press your boat so you are ready when a situation arises. down on the shank of the hook until the shank is parallel to your skin. Once you have pushed down, quickly jerk the See more strategies for removing embedded hooks, complete with monofilament with your other hand in a motion parallel to the diagrams at: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0601/p2231.html shank to remove the embedded hook.

- 7 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 OPINION Menhaden ERPs: A Watershed For Forage Fish Management? by CHARLES WITEK

Last month, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries change in October, when managers will set the 2021 annual Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board agreed catch limit, although there is no reason to believe that a harvest to adopt “environmental reference points” (ERP) to govern reduction is currently on the table). menhaden management. Those actions are arguably the Another factor that probably militated in favor of the conclusion of a twenty-five year long battle to wrest menhaden environmental reference points was that most of the commercial management away from the industrial menhaden fishery and Atlantic menhaden fishery is concentrated in Virginia. There hand it over to professional fishery managers who will now are menhaden fisheries in other states, but Virginia gets nearly manage menhaden primarily as a forage fish, emphasizing its 80 percent of the quota; New Jersey, which receives slightly role in coastal ecosystems, rather than as feed stock for a less than 11 percent of the quota, sits in a very distant second reduction industry that converts menhaden into fish meal, oils place. The other 9 percent or so is shared by fourteen different and other products. jurisdictions, making it very easy for the representatives of those Congratulations go out to the many conservation groups, jurisdictions to listen to the science and their constituents’ angling organizations, and private citizens who comments, and vote for ecological reference gritted it out and saw this fight through to what points. They could do so with the confidence will hopefully be its desired end. I got involved that their local fishermen probably wouldn’t be with menhaden in the late 1990s and know that hurt by such vote and, if a few more menhaden there were people already engaged in the debate were needed, they could probably shave them for years before that. off Virginia’s quota. Thanks go out to the professional fishery That’s not necessarily true of other forage managers and others who sit on the Management Board and species, and in that regard, the debate leading up to the Mid- made this happen, to the scientists on the ASMFC’s staff and Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Unmanaged Forage elsewhere who prepared the stock assessments and other Omnibus Amendment is instructive. analysis, and to everyone else who contributed their time and In preparing that amendment, the Mid-Atlantic Council their knowledge to the effort. recognized that “Forage fish are small fish and invertebrates That includes Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and that feed on smaller marine organisms such as plankton and are his staff, who refused to let the Virginia Legislature look the in turn eaten by many species of fish, sea birds, and marine other way while Omega Protein exceeded the ASMFC’s cap on mammals. Forage species play an important role in sustaining menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay, and to Virginia Governor the productivity and structure of marine ecosystems by Ralph Northam and his natural resources staff, who looked facilitating the transfer of energy from the lowest level of the beyond Virginia’s parochial interests in the reduction fishery to food chain to higher levels.” menhaden’s importance to all of the states on the coast. That all sounds good, but it should be noted that the Having said that, what does last week’s menhaden decision Unmanaged Forage amendment, both as it was adopted and as really mean, and what does if portend for the management of it exists today, largely protects only unfished, as well as other forage species? unmanaged, forage species. That is an interesting question. There was considerable debate over including chub The ecological reference points adopted for menhaden tie mackerel, a species that only began to see significant Mid- the target menhaden biomass, and target fishing mortality rate Atlantic landings in 2013. for menhaden, to the biomass of menhaden that will maintain Even though the mackerel weren’t a traditional commercial striped bass at its target females spawning stock biomass. target in the region, the fact that a fishery was beginning to Studies indicated that striped bass, along with certain birds, develop was enough to make their inclusion in the Unmanaged were the species most sensitive to menhaden abundance, so Forage amendment a temporary one; a recent amendment has biologists believe that a menhaden biomass that will support included chub mackerel as a species covered by the Atlantic the striped bass will also be adequate to support bluefish, Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. weakfish and spiny dogfish at their target levels. So chub mackerel are forage fish, and Atlantic mackerel, In some ways, the Atlantic Menhaden Management Board’s squid, and butterfish are forage fish too, but all of them support actions were notable, because Atlantic menhaden support one lucrative commercial fisheries that operate out of a number of of the largest commercial fisheries in the nation; ecological different states, so you probably won’t see any of them being reference points have the potential of limiting that fishery’s managed for their value as forage at any time soon. landings. Instead, what you’ll probably see, in the case of forage fish But at the same time, the current estimated fishing mortality that support significant fisheries, are occasional measures to rate for Atlantic menhaden is slightly below the environmental avoid localized depletion of particular forage species, when reference points’ fishing mortality target, so no cuts in fishermen become convinced that a lack of forage is contributing menhaden landings would currently be required (that could to a lack of larger, more valuable fish. (to page 9) - 8 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 WITEK: from page 8

The New England Fishery Management Council’s proposed Amendment 8 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan is an example of that approach, where “NOAA Fisheries proposes regulations to implement Amendment 8 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. The New England Fishery Management Council developed NOTICE OF ELECTIONS Amendment 8 to specify a long-term acceptable biological catch control rule for Atlantic herring and address localized depletion In accordance with the RISAA By-Laws: and user group conflict. Article XI “This amendment would establish an acceptable biological Section 1. Election of Officers and Directors will take place catch control rule for Atlantic herring that accounts for herring’s during the Annual Meeting role in the ecosystem and prohibit midwater trawling in inshore C. The Secretary shall announce in the Association federal waters from the U.S./Canada border to the Rhode Island/ monthly newsletter for August and September that Connecticut border. the date of the Close of Nominations for the election “Amendment 8 is intended to support sustainable of Officers and Directors shall be October 15. management of the herring resource and help ensure that herring is available to minimize possible detrimental impacts on Therefore, all members are hereby notified that election predators of herring and associated socioeconomic impacts on of officers for 2020 will take place at the Annual Meeting other user groups.” to be held on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 7:00 pm That’s not as bold a step toward ecosystem management as at the West Warwick Elks, 60 Clyde St., West Warwick, the ASMFC took with Atlantic menhaden, but it’s still a RI. reasonable step in the right direction. Further, any member who wishes to run for election as So, right now, it looks like the ASMFC’s adoption of a 2021 Officer or Board Member should notify either ecological reference points was a big win for the conservation community, although we won’t know for certain just how big a myself, or the chair of the Election Committee no later win it was until the ASMFC’s October meeting, when the than October 15, 2020. Atlantic Menhaden Management Board sets the annual catch limit for 2021. If it sets that catch limit at or below the fishing mortality target, the celebrations can really begin. On the other hand, if Warning to it decides to be “flexible,” as the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition, an association that includes the largest menhaden harvesters, Connecticut Fishing urges, and allows fishing mortality to exceed the target level, we’ll know that there is still more work to be done. License Holders Thus, newspaper articles which declare that “Menhaden decision marks a new era in Atlantic fisheries management” are Scammers attempt to obtain angler information exaggerating the impact of the ASMFC’s actions. While it certainly marked a new era in Atlantic menhaden management, On Augutst 20, the Connecticut Department of Energy and its impact on Atlantic fisheries management will probably be Environmental Protection (DEEP) Marine Fisheries Division somewhat less. alerted anglers that states in the area have reported attempts by But that shouldn’t detract from our enthusiasm over the scammers to obtain personal information from fishing license ASMFC’s actions. The ASMFC clearly took the right action holders. based on the science and based on its own five-year plan, The scammers are utilizing a spoof phone number made to which supports a move toward ecosystem-based management. look like the licensing agency or providing a link to a bogus Mackerel, herring and butterfish might not benefit from the website. These scams a likely to vary, but generally include a ASMFC’s actions. warning that failure to contact them or follow the bogus link will But menhaden, and its predators, most certainly will. result in suspension of your license or a delay in your ability to renew. The scammer then asks the licensee to share or verify personal information. The CT DEEP does not ask for personal information in unsolicited emails. If you receive a suspicious call or email, do not share any personal information, and you should never click on any link in an email that you consider suspicious. If you have received an email of this type, please contact the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at [email protected]. - 9 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 PREVIOUS AND CONTINUALLY SUPPORTED PROGRAMS • Blackstone River fish ladders construction • Public access adoption programs • Striped Bass Myco Research • College Scholarships in Marine Sciences • Public education programs and seminars • Tag & Release Program • Kickemuit River fish ladder construction • Recreational Fishing Symposium 2013,2015,2018 • Tag-A-Giant Tuna Foundation • Mercury in Local Fish Research Grant • Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation • Ten Mile River fish ladders • Narragansett Bay Journal publication • Sabin Point Artificial Reef (upper Narra. Bay) • 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 Take-A-Kid Fishing Days 1998-2019 • Pawtuxet River fish passage • Special Shore Fishing Scup signs for RIDEM Youth Fishing Camps 2016-2020 2020 FOUNDATION DONORS COPPER (up to $49) Briana Thielker Herb Adams Todd Corayer Walter Galloway Eric Lundgren Richard Rheinberger Robert Thielker Louis Alarie William Crosby Dick Geldard Ronald Marafioti Joseph Roszkowski Charles Tiska Allstate Foundation Joseph Deltito Timothy Gilchrist Robert Masse Thomas Sadler John Trainor Charles Bagley Edward Desrosiers Robert Hojnoski Thomas McConnell Wayne Sargo Alfred Trombley John Boardman Carl DiRocco Russell Hubert Paul Merola Michael Smith Mark Turner Paul Boutiette Kent Dumont Paul Jutras Glenn Morin Eric Spicer Phyllis Vivari Robert Burrell Louis Einhorn Edward Kearney Ted Nataly Arthur Stentiford Daniel Watson Nicholas Califano Jason Ferschke Kevin Kelley Charles Norsigian Brad Sudol Philip Whaley Phil Capaldi Donald Forest Robert Killian James Okon Roger Tellier Joel Wood James Charette Barry Fuller Paul Laflamme Kevin Pearce Richard Terek James Zito Kenneth Anderson Gerard Brien BRONZE ($50+) Herve Pelland Steve Skenyon Richard Angelini Sam Calagione Peter Hendricks John Meserve Robert Peloquin William Sokolowski Robert Barrett Joseph Ebert F. Dean Hoxsie Scott Morrison John Pope William Sosnicki Helder Batista Richard Ferris Robert Kardys Norm Morrissette John Reid Philip Strickland Brian Beltrami Sandra Gelineau Benjamin Lenda Robert Murgo Alfred Ricci Leo Swider Rick Black Jeff Gendron John Lewis William Onosko Frank Rosebrock Michael Tripp Dickson Boenning Leon Gomlinski James Liddell Ralph Orleck Fred Ruhlemann Gary Vandemoortele Christine Bollmann Donald Goodroe Rick Marshall James Parillo Justin Serbent Dawn Wood SILVER ($100+) AmazonSmile Stuart Cohen Gisele Golembeski Stephen Medeiros Robert Roseman James Webber, III Mel Blake Kenneth Cooper David Green David Michel Snug Harbor Marina John Webber Joseph Bowden Paolo DeLuca Jack Guarnaccia Peter O’Biso Harry Templeton William Zanks Norman Buecher Joseph Eilertsen F. Charles Haigh Barry Okun Michael Testa Paul Chmura Richard Falcone Douglas Jost John Peacock John Treat Henry Clinton David Gentes Vincent Lechmanick Luca Razza Patrick Watson PLATINUM ($500+) IN MEMORY OF Gino DeFeudis Capt. Sandy Kane Darlene Smith RI Environmental Robert Donaldson Fred Kolling, III Summertime Bob Police Officers Assoc Bob Anderson Richard Hittinger David Pollack Bradley Waugh RISAA Charles Bradbury

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 - 10 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 2020 Team Fluke Win Pinch Me... I Must Be Dreaming! by Rich Hittinger Please don’t think that this is in any way boastful, but we TEAM LAWNG did it; we finally WON the Team Fluke Tournament! The years have been Bob and I were about to organize memorable – like 2014 a parade in our own honor upon this when we missed 2nd momentous occasion, but decided place by only 0.01 against it because of the pandemic. pounds to Bruce and Our wives are going to bring noise Mike Lawing. When makers to the Banquet next January we saw Bruce at the (if the pandemic allows) to celebrate RISAA meeting he said, in front of all of the RISAA members present. “I weighed the fish at This has been a story of so many near victories that Bruce Breachway Bait & The father/son team of Mike and Lawing told us at a RISAA meeting in 2016 that Rich and Gisele Tackle and when I put Bruce Lawing Golembeski had changed their boat name to Skipjack. When I the fish in the scale it kept sliding off, so I put a couple paper replied, “but they know we have that name,” he said they heard towels down under the fish.” that we renamed our boat to “Brides Maid” because of all of Or like 2017 when my grandson was born late Saturday our almost wins. night and my wife and I made previous arrangements to watch Since 2006 my fishing buddy Bob Murray and I have his older brother, so I couldn’t fish Sunday. Bob went out by rd nd finished this tournament in 3 place 5 years and 2 place 3 himself on Sunday and caught some nice fish that put our 2 day years, but even though we fished the event at least 10 different total high enough to get 2nd place, I wondered if Max had been years we never won until this crazy year of 2020. born 1 day later would we have made 1st place? No, I am sure. st We were so convinced that 1 place was not in our future We fish out of Snug Harbor, so we look for fluke anywhere that Bob often said “we will be coming down to the boat with from the West Wall to Charlestown Beach to South of Newport our walkers in early July many years from now still trying for or out to Block Island. To try to catch big fluke during this st 1 place in the RISAA Team Fluke Tournament.” particular tournament we have scouted areas further east and Its not like we are new to fluke fishing; we have owned a further south. I think we wanted this win so bad we would boat together and have been fishing together since 1989 and have gone anywhere within the capabilities of our boat to catch fluke have been one of our key targets at least for the last 15 them. On Team Fluke fishing days it wasn’t just catch fluke, years or more. but catch a few BIG fluke. Don’t worry about how many fluke – just catch some BIG ones! TEAM GOLEMBESKI We have had years when we were inundated with dogfish I think we were everywhere we went, years with strong winds that kept us at attracted to the Team the dock, days when we had mechanical issues with our boat Fluke Tournament in (that was the previous boat, our twin diesel Hydrocat that 2006 because this great constantly needed some repair). fishing pair of Rich and But we kept trying and 2020 was the year that it finally Gisele Golembeski paid off. were successful for The moral of this story is PERSERVERENCE PAYS OFF! several years. They Enjoy fishing and make your own stories – maybe even seemed like normal enter the Team Fluke Tournament next year. people at the RISAA Rich and Gisele Golembeski meetings, but clearly have been two of the best fluke turned into superheros on anglers in all of RISAA for many the water. We were in years! awe of their 4 fish total weight of 27.15 pounds in 2006 and then in 2009 they won with a total of 29.06 pounds! This was the coup de grace – we had to do better than 3rd place – could we ever match the greatness of this dynamic duo? That was very uncertain, but we were committed to try. And try we did for many more years. BOB MURRAY and RICHARD HITTINGER 2020 Team Fluke Winners - 11 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 UPCOMING SEMINAR Monday, September 28 at 7:00 PM Tautog Fishing: Tips & Techniques

featuring Capt. Charles Donilon of Snappa Charters

Capt. Charlie Donilon has been in the Rhode Island charter business for over 30 years. Although he is famous for offshore shark and tuna fishing, one of his specialties is fall tautog fishing charters. A RISAA member for 21 years, Charlie has provided seminars for us over the years on a variety of topics. He is always willing to share information with members. Charlie will usually be found fishing every fall for tautog in waters south of Newport and around Block Island, and he knows how to consistently put his customers on fish. In this seminar he will discusss many aspects of successful tautog fishing including tackle, baits, fishing areas, and more.

SPECIAL NOTICE! Due to COVID restrictions we will not be able to conduct an in- person meeting since attendance averages 150 per month. This will be a VIRTUAL ONLINE SEMINAR An e-mail with registration info will be sent to all members prior to the seminar. An online link or call-in phone number will be provided

- 12 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 5 UPCOMING SEMINAR Monday, Octoer 26 at 7:00 PM

Duties & Mission of Rhode Island's Environmental Police Who are the Environmental Police? In this webinar, an environmental officer will discuss • What are their resources? • How many officers are there? • How many are assigned to fisheries? • What kind of duties do the officers have? • What are their priorities? Dealing with poachers RI's Division of Law Enforcement has always One issue that RISAA members always ask is why arrested worked closely with violators and poachers are not severely punished? RISAA. Why not confiscate their gear and boat? Officers participate on What happens when they go to court? Take-A-Kid Fishing Day • Are deals made? patrolling Greenwich Bay • Are the judges the problem? during the fishing event, • Are laws not strict enough? and also provides instruction at theannual Youth Fishing Camp at A questions and answers Rocky Point. period will follow the presentation (time permitting)

- 13 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 How t The Incredible Diamond Jig by TOM RICHARDSON hen it comes to lures, it doesn’t get much more instead of a Spider Hitch. Either way, the connection allows Wbasic than the diamond jig. These shiny chunks of you to reel the end of the long leader inside the rod tip when it chrome-plated metal have been around for decades, yet comes to landing a fish. If bluefish cut-offs are a problem, add a short, 6-inch length still catch fish all kinds. I have taken almost every of wire to the end of the leader, or go with a very heavy mono imaginable Northeast inshore species on diamond jigs, leader. If you are not getting strikes and are marking fish on the including sea bass, fluke, striped bass, false albacore, sounder, try scaling down the size of your leader to 30- or even bonito, bluefish, scup, cod, and even tautog. When the 20-pound test. surface action dies, I often send down a diamond and I attach the diamond jig to the leader with a non-slip mono loop knot, which gives the lure more freedom of movement. see what I can dredge up. More often than not, I manage Most diamond jigs to score something. come rigged with a treble One summer I found myself trapped in a fog bank off hook. I remove the treble Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts. Fortunately, the seas were and replace it with a single calm and I was content to sit tight until the fog lifted. To kill Siwash hook, which results in better hook-sets some time, I decided to do a little jigging over the rocky bottom and also makes it easier to release undersized below. In less than an hour I had jigged up 2 keeper fluke and a fish. Adding a swivel between the split ring and sea bass, along with an assortment of smaller fish, including hook makes it more difficult for a thrashing fish scup, cunner and searobins. No a bad haul, and I even brought to “torque” the hook loose during the fight. home dinner! In recent years, some diamond-jiggers have found that Diamond jigs are so effective partly because they imitate a adding an Owner Dancing stinger hook to the top eye of the jig variety of baitfish, from squid to herring. Their flashing sides has increased their hook-up ratio, as many fish attach the jig catch the light and draw the attention of predators, which are near its “head”. also attracted to the lure’s erratic wobbling action. You can find Fishing a diamond jigs in different sizes and adorned with everything diamond jig is from bucktail to rubber tube tails. While the latter work well in pretty certain situations, such as when small sand eels are prevalent, straightforward. a plain jig rigged with a single hook usually does the job nicely. While you can cast Small 1/2- to 1-ounce diamonds work well in situations where and retrieve them peanut bunker, silversides and juvenile herring and butterfish parallel to the are on the menu. Medium jigs in the 2- to 4-ounce range are surface when fish are feeding in the great for targeting fluke and sea bass in moderate depths (15 to Stinger hooks are becomming popular upper part of the 30 feet) and current. Larger jigs in the 6- to 1o-ounce range do among serious diamond-jiggers. water column, a good job of imitating squid, bunker and herring, and are ideal (Tom Richardson photo) for fishing in deep water (20 to 60 feet) and strong current. In diamond jigs are some spots, like The Race off Long Island, 12- to 16-ounce most effective when dropped to the bottom and jigged vertically. diamond jigs are often needed to reach bottom in the swift There are several ways to vertical-jig a diamond, depending current. on the species you are targeting. For fluke, sea bass and other Diamond jigs really shine in the late fall, especially in spots bottom fish, simply hop the jig over the bottom using short, such as Long Island Sound. Here, anglers often jig them over sharp 6-inch lifts of the rod tip. Make sure the lure taps bottom deep reefs and shoals in the middle of the Sound to catch big on every drop by letting out more line as you drift along. stripers and blues that are migrating south. When jigging for striped bass in a rip/reef situation, free- I usually fish medium jigs (4 to 6 ounces) on a conventional spool the jig to the bottom, engage the reel and take 5 to 10 reel such as the Penn International 965, Penn Jigmaster or quick cranks of the reel, then free-spool the jig back to the Shimano Calcutta 400TE. I match the reel with a 7-foot graphite bottom. Be sure to keep your thumb on the spool as the jig jigging rod rated for 30-pound line. The rod should have a stiff flutters down, as many fish will hit it on the drop. If you feel a butt and midsection for muscling big fish off the bottom, and a tap or a hesitation of the jig’s descent, clamp your thumb down relatively light tip for giving the jig more action. For my main on the reel spool and lift sharply. line, I prefer 30- to 40-pound braid, which I connect to 5 feet of Another effective method is yo-yo jigging. In this situation, 50-pound-test fluorocarbon leader using a Spider-to-Bristol knot raise the rod tip sharply above your head to make the jig rocket connection. You can also use a Bimini Twist in the main line toward the surface, then slowly lower the tip to allow the jig to flutter back down. (to page 27) - 14 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 impl

Black Sea Bass & Bluefish Tournaments This Month BLACK SEA BASS The current possession limit in Rhode Island is 3 fish a day. SPECIAL TOURNAMENT Bluefish are one of the best fighting fish, pound for pound, in our local waters. There’s no better time to get out and fight This Special these beasts AND enter our tournament at the same time! Tournament was This tournament is free and open to all members and there is announced in last month’s no pre-registration required. Just go out and fish! issue, and by the time you Then have your catch weighed at any RISAA Weigh-In receive this issue, it will Station (see page 17). They all have RISAA weight slips on likely already be taking hand. Then call in the catch within 24 hours. (All directions are place. The tournament ruins from September 6 to 15. The on the weight slip.) opportunity to catch a huge sea bass if very possible this year. The tournament updates will be posted all week while the As of September 1, the Rhode Island possession limit is 7 tournament is running. That way, before you go out fishing, fish a day. you can check to see what size bluefish you need to place on Pre-registration is NOT REQUIRED for this tournament, and the leaderboard. all RISAA members are automatically eligible to enter a fish. Just to go www.risaa.org/tournaments/2020_special.html Just weigh in your black sea bass at any approved weigh-in The final results will be posted in this column in the October station and then call it in within 24 hours. It’s easy! issue. THE BLUEFISH TOURNAMENT YEARLONG TOURNAMENT UPDATE The annual Bluefish Special Tournament will run The Yearlong Tournament leaderboard is still wide open Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 4. with lots of empty slots. September and October are This has become a very usually great months to catch large fish. Bait seems to popular tournament in years move closer to shore and large schools of migrating fish past. The opportunity to catch a huge bluefish is very come in close. This provides plenty of opportunities to possible this year. catch fish for the Yearlong Tournament and place in the The amount of baitfish is top three... expecially for shore anglers and Junior unbelievable. There should be huge feeding frenzies as the members! waters cool. These fish will eat everything as they prepare for Take a look at the Yearlong Tournament on the next their migration south. page!

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.... - 15 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 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 8/27/20 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. Robert Murray: 6.58 1. Nick Sannicandro: 3.14 1. Robert Andrade: 16.12 1. Nicholas Sannicandro: 8.96 1. Nick Sannicandro: 5.40 1. Michael Tilelli: 4.06 2. Mark Pachico: 6.03 2. Gilbert Bell: 2.74 2. Thomas McGuire: 15.42 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. Thomas McGuire: 4.36 3. none yet 3. Robert Ricci: 15.26 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. Luke Lamson: 3.80 1. none yet 1. Jack Zilly: 10.80 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. none yet 2. Flynn Jansen: 3.76 2. none yet 2. Jonah Rosebrock: 9.38 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. Hayes Jansen: 3.32 3. none yet 3. Max Namba: 5.00 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 lbs) 1. Robert Murray: 9.42 1. none yet 1. none yet 1. Richard Hittinger: 11.16 1. Nicholas Sannicandro: 3.09 2. Mitchel Willsie: 8.92 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. William George: 9.50 2. Edward Bogdan: 2.54 3. Michael Lynch: 5.95 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. Phil Capaldi: 9.50 3. Frank Fraioli: 2.47

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. Flynn Jansen: 4.36 1. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. Hayes Jansen: 2.26 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. Norm Morrissette: 2.75 1. Nicholas Sannicandro: 2.79 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. Stephen Skenyon: 2.05 2. Michael Tilelli: 2.47 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. Robert Matteson: 1.62 3. Harry Potter: 2.20

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. Flynn Jansen: 2.10 1. Jonah Rosebrock: 1.38 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. Cody Ackley: 1.34 2. Flynn Jansen: 1.34 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. Hayes Jansen: 1.24 3. Hayes Jansen: .96

STRIPED BASS TAUTOG TUNA Albacore, Bluefin (no giants), Yellowfin Federal minimums apply • 1st, 2nd, 3rd each species BOAT DIVISION SHORE DIVISION BOAT DIVISION ONLY Because it has been determined by the ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (federal min.) Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and 1. none yet 1. Frank Fraioli: 9.35 1. none yet the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Managment Council that 2. none yet 2. Norm Morrissette: 7.90 2. none yet Striped Bass are currently in "Overfished" status 3. none yet 3. Thomas McGuire: 6.80 3. none yet the RISAA Tournaments Committee has removed striped bass as an eligible species for the JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (no minimum) JUNIOR (federal min.) 2020 Tournament Season. 1. Rachel Kolodziejczak: 4.36 1. none yet 1. Luke Lamson: 19.20 (bluefin) This decision will be reconsidered for 2021. 2. none yet 2. none yet 2. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet 3. none yet - 16 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 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 6.60 Michael Tilelli 2018 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 •Pete’s Bait & Tackle (Woonsocket)...... 160 lbs •Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle (N.Kingstown). 60 lbs •Quonnie Bait & Tackle (Charlestown)...... 100 lbs Riverside Marine (Tiverton)...... 75 lbs Sam’s Bait & Tckle (Middletown)...... 400 lbs •Snug Harbor Marina (Wakefield)...... 250 lbs •Tackle Box, Inc. (Warwick)...... 500 lbs •Weekapaug Bait & Tackle (Westerly)...... 100 lbs * hanging scale not certified, but flat scale is good - 17 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 ARREST AND CITATIONS: JULY, 2020 Charged Criminally in Rhode Island District or Superior Court Name, age, residence, charges * Non-marine arrests eliminated from this list • BAGLEY, Raymond J., 25, of Charlestown, RI: Operating PWC • DECORPO, Raymond B. II, 37, of Warwick, RI: Disorderly Without Cutoff Switch Lanyard Attached, Operating PWC Conduct and Failure to Move/Stop on Oral Command. Within 200’ – Swimmers, Shore, and Boating Safety Certificate • HANTASH, Ahmad J., 32, of Attleboro, MA: Boating Safety Required – 1st Offense – PWC Certificate Required – 1st Offense – PWC and Operating • BELANGER, Aaron M., 26, of Newport, RI: Disorderly Unregistered PWC Conduct, Resisting Legal or Illegal Arrest, Obstructing Officer • JEONG, Hun., 46, of Wallingford, CT: Exceeding the Daily in Execution of Duty, and Simple Assault or Battery Limit of Black Sea Bass, Possession of Undersize Summer • COUTO, Jason O., 35, of Dartmouth, MA: Operate Watercraft Flounder, No Discharge Certificate Decal Required on Vessel, Intoxicated, Chemical Test for Intoxication, Boating Safety and Sewage Discharge from Boats. *REPORT BELOW* Certificate Required – 1st Offense – PWC, and Refusal to Submit • SAVINO, Edward V., 60, of Hampton, CT: Possession of to Chemical Test – 1st Offense. Undersize Cod and Possession of Undersize Black Sea Bass • DECORPO, Amanda J., 33, of Warwick, RI: Disorderly Conduct • TREFES, Harry, 57, of Prospect, KY: Operating a Charter Boat and Obstructing Officer in Execution of Duty. Without a License.

CITATIONS: Charged with civil violations in Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal

Violation Citations Issued Violation Citations Issued SALTWATER FISHING VIOLATIONS 0 Boating Violations 26 Freshwater Fishing Violations 0 CRMC Beach Violations 0 State Property Violations 27 Motor Vehicle 284 (alcohol, disorderly, parking, dumping, etc. WARNINGS ISSUED: Verbal or Written Warnings issued to first-time offenders for a de minimis violation. Corrective action was taken at the scene and/or the occurrence was utilized as an educational opportunity in lieu of a summons. TOTAL: 139 TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE THROUGH ENFORCEMENT DISPATCH CENTER: 3,584

Charter Boat Found With Illegal Catch: Captain Charged

On July 30, while on patrol in Westerly, an customers one customer admitted to dumping Environmental Police Officer from DEM’s an overload of black sea bass in the water as the Division of Law Enforcement approached a officer approached. charter boat that had just tied to the dock. A subsequent search of the boat also As he walked up he heard one of the revealed several undersized summer flounder. customers alert everyone on board to his The captain, Hun Jeong, was charged with presence and make a quick movement over the exceeding the daily limit of black sea bass, side of the boat. possession of undersized summer flounder and When the officer reached the boat he found several boating safety violations. several black sea bass floating near by which he This particular captain was also charged in was able to recover. 2019 with several other other marine fisheries After questioning the the captain and violations.

- 18 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 The Bay Assessment & Response Team Other monitors – at every level of government, in business The Rhode Island Department of Environmental and volunteer organizations, researchers, residents, and visitors Management’s (DEM) Bay Line (401-222-8888) is a central – also suggest the need for ever more effort to nurture the Bay number to leave a recorded message about any sign of and its watershed. Improvement requires broad, cooperative, Narragansett Bay-related environmental problems throughout sustained efforts. the summer season for appropriate follow-up. It also provides Nevertheless, some threats to the Bay are urgent. For referral numbers to contact DEM for immediate assistance or example, when a ship sinks or when downpours overwhelm a to inquire about current restrictions on beaches or fishing. water treatment plant, the Bay suffers trauma. Sometimes, too, Calls can provide DEM with early warnings about emerging tiny threats subtly accumulate and then boldly surface. For issues, such as algae blooms, that might serve as precursors to example, a small shift in the weather can doom a suffering sector low-oxygen events and fish kills. of the Bay’s ecosystem: Dead fish or seaweed wash ashore; the Bay Assessment & Response Team sight and smell of them overwhelm the senses; swimming is The Bay Assessment & Response Team (BART) is part of restricted and clam beds are closed; ordinary life along the the Rhode Island DEM. Its aim is rapid, effective response to coast is disrupted or worse. For such environmental incidents, environmental incidents on Narragansett Bay. BART is prepared to: Narragansett Bay sustains much more than The Ocean State. • Receive reports Its riches are at once natural, recreational, aesthetic, cultural, • Assess impacts economic, and spiritual. • Pursue appropriate remedies But humans have been imperfect stewards. Support for that • Provide information and advice. impression abounds in monitoring projects, like those that DEM To report environmental issues, call the Bay Line: has been conducting for decades. 401-222-8888 (May 15 to Oct. 15)

My best cod fishing day ever! by RISAA Member Paul Boutiette July 31, 2020. It took awhile for my jig to heat up, When heading out to go fishing but finally I began putting them in the on my 28’ Parker, Miss Pauline, we fish locker and catching up with my usually depart the dock at the “crack buddies. of noon.” However, on this day, I It was non-stop action for three fished with two buddies and we left hours. Once the tide change around the dock "early" at 8:15 AM. noon the bit nearly shut off. We caught I headed to Shark's Ledge. It had one more cod on a jig at 1:30 and been a while since I went there, but decided to call it a day since I had a lot heard good reports lately. of work ahead of me cleaning fish. We arrived at one of my usual Total for the day was 22 keeper cod numbers at 9:00 AM. to 27 inches on ice. We also got two Seas were flat, water 74°F with a black sea bass. slow drift. The weather was pleasant Best of all NO DOGS! all day, except for 2-3 hours of very Ended up with three 5-gallon pails light rain which was not bad to fish of cod racks to use for chum the under. following Saturday. The seagulls even I began jigging and my buddies left me alone after a while as they used clams. couldn't eat another bite of cod skins. They immediately began hooking Great day on the water! up and landing some very nice Best cod fishing day ever! keepers. - 19 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Your purchase of this plate will support efforts to improve our marine environment, youth fishing programs and marine conservation. The one-time Plate Fee is $41.50 • $21.50 of each order goes to RI DMV for plate production • $20 of each order goes to the RI Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3)

TWO WAYS TO ORDER YOUR PLATE • By Mail (form on next page) or • Online at www.rifishingplate.com) Note: RI Law requires that a total of 600 license plates must be pre-ordered before production can begin.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Can I keep my current RI License plate number? 5. How much is the Saltwater plate? Where does the money go? Yes. When you switch to the Saltwater License Plate, your current For a set of two plates, the cost is $41.50 and is distributed this way: number is transferred to the new plate, as long as it is 5-digits/letters The R.I. Saltwater Anglers Foundation collects the money for the or less. Just think of it as ordering a new background design for your plate with payment made out to “R.I. Saltwater Anglers Foundation.” existing plate. $20 of the order will go to the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers 2. What if I currently have a 6-digit plate? Foundation* and $21.50 will go to the state to make the plate. Because of the artwork (striped bass), the plate is restricted 6. Do I get charged every year for the new plate? to 5 digits/letters or less. You can request to change your 6- Upon your regular registration renewals, there will be a $10 surcharge digit plate to 5 digits by going to the RI DMV in Cranston which will continue to support the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers and bring your current plates. You will need to fill out Form Foundation. 7. When can I expect to receive my plate? TR-1. It will cost $21.50 for this plate change. One you have We’re required to sell a minimum of 600 plates before the plates new 5-digit plates, you can then sign up for the Saltwater will be made. As soon as the 600 orders are received, the funds will plate. be turned over to the DMV to begin making/issuing the plates. You 3. Can I get whatever number I want? will be notified when this happens. In the meantime, your money We can only issue plates that are currently active. As a will be held in an escrow account until such time as the order is group, we cannot grant anyone different plate numbers. Only placed. the RI Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can do that. See #2 Many more questions are answered at above. www.rifishingplate.com 4. I have a commercial plate, can I get a Saltwater plate? *In the unlikely event that 600 plates are not sold, you will Yes, but the same 5-digit or less rule applies. receive a full refund. - 20 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Help support the Environment • Youth Fishing Programs • Fisheries Projects More info at www.rifishingplate.com ORDER FORM Available for (5-digit PASSENGER plates only * Registration must have 5 digits/letters or less only. If you have 6 digits on your current license plate, you first have to go to a R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles office in person and exchange your plate for a plate with 5 or fewer digits. Only after you have a 5-digit plate can you apply to transfer your number to a Saltwater Anglers plate. Questions: send email to [email protected] or call the RISAA office at 401-826-2121 The one-time Plate Fee is $42.50 $22.50 of each order goes to RI DMV for plate production • $20 of each order goes to the R.I. Saltwater Anglers Foundation and is an IRS-approved tax-deductable donation for you. TWO WAYS TO ORDER YOUR PLATE Mail this form OR order online at www.rifishingplate.com Note: RI Law requires that a total of 600 license plates must be pre-ordered before production can begin.

NOTE: All information is required to process. Please print Name: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Daytime Phone/Cell: ______Email: ______PLATE TYPE ( ) 01 PASSENGER ONLY

Current Plate Number (without hypens)

PAYMENT TYPE CHECK : make payable to “R.I. Saltwater Anglers Foundation” CREDIT CARD ( type) AmEx Discover MC VISA Card Number: ______Exp. Date ______Security #______Signature: ______Your signature authorizes the R.I. Saltwater Anglers Foundation to charge $42.50 to your credit card Mail this form and a COPY of your CURRENT REGISTRATION and FEE to: R.I. Saltwater Anglers Foundation, P.O. Box 1465, Coventry, RI 02816 - 21 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 WET The importance of a float plan Water Emergency Training A Simple Plan by Ben Rayner

In terms of water safety, there may be no better resource the key to any plan is be specific. Show someone an area on a than Bill Thompson. Thompson spent twenty-two years as an map or give as precise a location as possible.” Aviation Survival Technician (AST) with the US Coast Guard. Thompson also said any water recreationist or shore angler He was also among the original USCG personnel designated as should provide a plan to someone on shore. a Rescue Swimmer. Having been stationed from Cape Cod, to He also cautions that a float plan and any general safety Florida, to Hawaii, making countless rescues and recoveries, knowledge shouldn’t be kept by a sole individual on board a Thompson is in a unique position to provide advice for those vessel. If that one person who knows the plan, knows the on the water. emergency equipment; radio, starting the boat, etc, goes According to Thompson, “Whenever an accident occurs, overboard, or is the one who becomes incapacitated, prior someone always asks, ‘How did it happen?’ But accident planning is of little use. investigators know that accidents don’t just ‘happen’; they are “We do the same thing before very flight. As part of the created. These events can usually be traced to a combination of pilot’s checklist he gathers everyone on board and gives us the three things; conditions, judgments, and acts.” details on where and what, we will be doing. It just makes Thompson recalled a case sense to provide info to those on board,” said Thompson. from Florida in the 1990s in Thompson further recommends that any changes to your which three boaters drowned plan be communicated to people on land as well. Any fisherman while on a fishing trip in the will tell you that angling has to be fluid and mid-trip changes Gulf of Mexico. It was later often occur. Even in this day of electronics, folks in the midst determined that the men of the chase may forget to alert those on land of changes. jumped into the ocean to cool “Let someone know if you alter your plan. With the off and lost their lives when availability of electronics and gadgets these days it’s not hard they were unable to get back to do,” said Thompson. on the boat. Investigators determined that this was likely nothing According to Thompson, he has found numerous “lost” more than a quick, leisurely, cool-down swim that turned tragic. boaters at a local dockside watering hole or back at the marina Thompson said, “So when you look at the tragedy in its because of poor planning and lack of communication. An entirety, being 20 miles offshore were the “conditions.” The unnecessary search not only endangers responders, it can take decision to jump into the ocean, that far offshore without a PFD, assets away from where they may actually be needed. was poor “judgement.” The “act” of actually doing so, was the When asked to encapsulate what boaters need to do to stay final straw.” safe, Thompson reflected, “What I began to notice over the Though this type of incident is not typical, according to course of my career is that many of the Search and Rescue Thompson, it demonstrates the how lack of planning leads to cases I was dispatched on, tended to have two things in common; emergencies. lack of preparedness and poor decision-making. Sadly, in this particular case, the men did leave a float plan Never get so focused on fishing, or getting there, or doing with loved ones, but it wasn’t enough. one task that you forget about safety. Simply file a plan of the “They told people that they would be home by dark, which day’s activities with someone before you leave.” was a good thing,” Thompson recalled. “But it’s a huge ocean out there and in this case the search area was too big. The A Good Float Plan: smaller the search area, the more condensed it is, the better the • Includes not only when, but where you will be. results. Time is a luxury you don’t have in an emergency • Update your on-shore contact if plans change while underway. especially in colder waters like New England.” • Establish a check in time with someone on shore-after which contact should be made between you and them. So what is a proper float plan? • If that contact fails to be established-have a second time where According to Thompson, letting people know when you’ll your on-shore contact, then contacts the USCG if you cannot be back is only part of a float plan, where is even more vital. be reached. Thompson has witnessed numerous missing person incidents where assets lost valuable search time looking in the wrong Ben Rayner is a former survival instructor and award winning area. journalist. He is Exec. Dir. of Water Emergency Training, Inc., Thompson has several recommendations for “Proper Prior a non-profit dedicated to drowning prevention. Planning”. Bill Thompson was a member of the USCG for twenty-two “A large percentage of people don’t even file a float plan, years. He now works as the Training Safety Manager at the what I would do if I was going out-I would circle a spot on a U.S. Coast Guard’s - Underwater Egress Trainer in Elizabeth map so that people know where I’ll be,” said Thompson. “But City, NC.

- 22 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 - 23 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Technology Identifies Fish Species from Otoliths An innovative use of near-infrared technology could provide essential information for sustainable fisheries management faster Aim a beam of near-infrared light at an otolith, and it reflects These layers can be counted visually under a microscope a literal spectrum of information on the biological and to determine the age of a fish. That is the traditional method for environmental history of a fish. ageing many NOAA Fisheries scientists are developing ways to use near- commercial species infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis of otoliths (fish ear to support stones) to provide accurate information for sustainable fisheries fisheries management faster. NIRS has already proven its value as a management. time- and cost-effective method to determine the age of fish. Recent Now, for the first time, scientists have used NIRS analysis developments of of otoliths to identify fish species and populations more sophisticated . The new technique successfully differentiated 13 marine and sensitive fish species from four large marine ecosystems around the instruments have country. allowed scientists “Our study shows the potential of NIRS as a fast and reliable to explore the method of identifying fish species and populations,” said Irina microchemical Benson, Alaska Fisheries Science Center biologist. She led the information study with Age and Growth Program colleague Thomas Helser contained in Otolith pairs (two per individual fish) and Beverly Barnett of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. otoliths. Trace from an assortment of Bering Sea fish “This technology could provide information for stock chemicals reflect species. Walleye pollock (top left) and assessment and management faster than traditional methods. water properties Pacific cod (top right) are among the It expands the possibilities for collecting data to support and physiological species analyzed with NIRS as part of ecological studies. It is a big step forward for NOAA Fisheries’ changes the fish the current study. Note: otolith sizes are strategic initiative to develop NIRS technology for fisheries experienced not on a relative scale. science.” throughout its Photo: NOAA Fisheries. life.From this information scientists can reconstruct a history of the fish’s movements, diet, habitat use, and environmental conditions in addition to its age. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy NIRS is widely used in industry and science. For example, in the dairy industry, NIRS is used to determine the butterfat content of milk. In others, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, it is used as an efficient, accurate, and non- destructive way to measure product quality. In neuroscience, NIRS is being used to map cognitive brain function. To determine the age of a fish using NIRS technology, near- infrared light is focused on an otolith. The amount and Near-infrared analysis of otoliths differentiated 13 species wavelengths of light absorbed by the otolith are measured and from four large marine ecosystems around the United States. recorded by a machine called a spectrometer. These spectral data reflect the molecular make-up of the otolith, which is correlated with fish age. Biography of a Fish Scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Age and Otoliths are small calcified structures in the inner ear of a Growth Program conducted the first extensive feasibility study fish, also known as ear stones. Otoliths help fish with hearing using NIRS to age walleye pollock and balance. Their value to scientists, however, lies within their . NIRS age estimation was almost 10 times more efficient layers. An otolith grows incrementally over the lifetime of a than traditional microscope techniques. fish, recording a timeline of information about the fish’s biology It promises a faster, reliable method to meet the growing and environment. demand for fish age data. (to page 28) - 24 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 - 25 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 SEA LETTUCE

Colloquial Nicknames: Sea Lettuce Scientific name: uLVA LACTUCA

Field Markings: Green seaweed, sheetlike in appearance. RELATIONSHIP TO PEOPLE Can be white or black when dry. Tolerant of nutrient loadings that would suffocate many other Size: Ranges from 6 inches to 2 feet in diameter. aquatic plants, sea lettuce can actually thrive in moderate levels Habitat: Estuaries, high and low intertidal zones of nutrient pollution. Large volumes of sea lettuce often indicate Seasonal Appearance: Year-round, with large blooms in high levels of pollution. Growth is also stimulated by the presence the summer. of other pollutants and is often found in areas where sewage runoff is heavy. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES AND As a result, sea lettuce is used as an indicator species to BEHAVIORS monitor pollution trends. The density and location of this algae Sea lettuce is a bright green algae composed of lobed, ruffle- often indicates the presence of high amounts of nutrients. In edged leaves that are coarse and sheetlike, resembling a leaf of areas where there is a high concentration or “bloom” of sea lettuce. The leaves may appear flat, lettuce, sunlight is unable to reach then, broad and are often rounded or other submerged vegetation (such as oval, typically perforated with holes of eelgrass), preventing photosynthesis various sizes. and often killing the vegetation Almost no stalk exists at the point below. of attachment, and no true roots are When sea lettuce dies, bacteria present. Sea lettuce may be found feeding on the decomposing sea attached to rocks and shells by a lettuce use up a tremendous amount holdfast, but it is usually free floating. of oxygen in the water. This, in turn, Among the most familiar of shallow depletes the oxygen available to water seaweeds, sea lettuce is usually other species, suffocating or driving found in areas of exposed rock and in them away. stagnant tide pools. It has also been Masses of sea lettuce can hamper recorded at depths of 75 feet or more. swimmers and foul lines and fishing Sea lettuce grows in both high and low nets, but it does provide a home to intertidal zones and marshes throughout the year. When dried some invertebrates, such as amphipods. by the sun, its color can range from white to black. Like lettuce grown on land, it can be used in salads and soups. Sea lettuce is also used to make ice cream and medicine.

- 26 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 New England Fishing (from page 11) THE WATCH (from page 3) Be alert for a hit as the jig falls. Try different styles and For Scup, there will be an increase techniques of jigging until you find the one that works best. of approximately 13 percent from the In many cases, bluefish will hold in the same rip as stripers, previous set catch limits. This will still but usually stack up above the bass. If you want to avoid result in a reduction of about 6 percent hooking a blue, don’t reel your jig above the “striper zone.” on next years catch And for Black Sea About the author.... Bass, the increase is about Tom Richardson, a RISAA member and Massachusetts 9% to the overall recreational native, is passionate for the outdoors, including camping, allotment. hiking, boating and fishing. An award-winning writer, he was I have seen too many editor for Salt Water Sportsman for 15 years prior to becoming times in the past what now seems like good news (sorta) can editor of the regional boating magazine Offshore in 2004. In change by next February. 2009, he started the boating-lifestyle BoatingLocal.com, Three years later, BoatingLocal became New England Boating, a BLUEFISH multimedia brand comprising the website, a glossy magazine, The news on Bluefish and a TV show, all edited and co-hosted by Richardson. In is not good. The status quo 2016, he launched New England Fishing magazine, website and has been approved and TV show, which he also wrote and hosted. there will be no changes in 2021. Check out OTHER ISSUES Tom Richardson’s There is a lot of discussion taking place regarding how newest Project recreational catch is estimated and its shortfalls. Even though the new MRIP/Coastal Survey is in place, it seems the general 2020 Season On Air Now consensus in the councils is that some type of real time catch data is necessary to manage the species. As those most https://explorenewengland.tv impacted, we need to stay very aware what is being said. In public comments received there are strong calls for electronic reporting from other participants in the industry who insist that we (recreational anglers) should have the same accountability as they do to report our catch via some type of real time recording system. This might also include how often we fish to better calculate effort. We need to stay engaged and be part of these discussions.

All RISA members are welcome to join the RISAA Legislative Committee. If you are interested or if you have any questions, you can always contact me by email at [email protected]

- 27 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 NOAA: Otoliths (from page 24)

NOAA Fisheries funded a 5-year strategic initiative to • Same species from different geographic areas (for example, develop this technology for use nationwide. red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico versus North Atlantic) • Different species from the same area (walleye pollock, Beyond Ageing: NIRS in Fisheries Science Pacific cod, and yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea) “The project began with developing NIRS to age fish from “These results suggest that habitat, diet, and environmental different regions around the country,” said Benson. “Now we conditions such as temperature may influence the spectral are exploring new ways to get fish life history information using signature of otoliths,” said Benson. “That suggests that NIRS this technology on samples we are already collecting.” may prove useful in answering ecological questions. For Recently, scientists have begun to investigate the use of example, it could help us understand how ocean warming affects NIRS technology in biodiversity and ecological studies. But food webs.” only a few studies have looked at applications in fisheries science. Ecosystems and Oceanography “If we could identify fish species from otoliths using this NIRS discriminated otoliths of all species analyzed from technology, it could provide essential information for ecological the eastern Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean large marine studies,” said Benson. “For example, you could look at diets of ecosystems with 100 percent accuracy. North Atlantic Ocean marine predators based on NIRS analysis of otoliths in their (97 percent) and Gulf of Mexico (93 percent) ecosystems were stomachs. NIRS is much faster than other methods like otolith slightly more difficult to discriminate. shape analysis, otolith microstructure analysis, or genetic These results may reflect the oceanography and ecology research. And besides saving time, NIRS does not destroy of each region. otoliths like other methods do. It leaves them intact and ready North Pacific Ocean currents split along the U.S. West coast for other analyses.” and support different large marine ecosystems in the North Pacific and eastern Bering Sea. Differences between fish otoliths Nationwide Collaboration from the two regions may be explained in part by annual sea NOAA Fisheries scientists from across the country worked ice. It has a strong impact on marine chemistry and biology in together to apply NIRS to differentiate fish species, and the eastern Bering Sea, but not on the North Pacific Ocean. differentiate the same species from different regions. Gulf of Mexico water is transported north along the Atlantic “One of the most exciting things about this project was the coast of the United States by the Gulf Stream. Around Cape synergy,” Benson said. “We had so many people from different Hatteras, the Gulf Stream swings away from the coast. There it NOAA Fisheries labs working closely together. Everyone creates a boundary between the Gulf of Mexico and North exchanging information and progress. Scientists brought Atlantic Ocean ecosystems. Fish and fauna are known to move otoliths from their own regions all over the country. It is rare to across in both directions. have access to that.” “I participated in the NOAA Rotational Assignment Program Future Research to work at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center for about 3 months The success of this pilot project promises many future in 2019. During that time I worked closely with Tom and Irina in possibilities for NIRS analysis of otoliths. the Age and Growth lab to scan otoliths using NIRS,” said Benson describes a few paths for further exploration: Barnett. “Funny to admit, but I am always thinking about otoliths • See if NIRS can differentiate fish species that are of similar and how we can use them to make our science at NOAA appearance and difficult to identify taxonomically. Fisheries better. NIRS opens the door to do just that. There are • Take this technology out to sea on fishing boats and so many unanswered questions about the chemical and research cruises to provide immediate, real-time data for stock molecular constituents in otoliths. This project gave us the assessment and management. opportunity to learn more about these constituents and how • Look into how water temperature or other changes in water they vary among species and across different ecosystems.” chemistry associated with climate change influences the NIR signature of otoliths. Classifying Fish Species Within Ecosystems • Create a library of NIRS signatures to identify otoliths The NIRS analysis distinguished individual species, groups from the stomachs of marine predators for food web studies. of species from individual ecosystems, and groups from “We are just beginning to discover the benefits of using combined ecosystems. It had an overall accuracy of 92 percent, this technology in fisheries science,” said Benson. “As we 98 percent, and 100 percent, respectively. continue to learn how to use NIRS to read the information stored in otoliths, we will be able to answer more fisheries Species Identification and questions more quickly. It can help us better understand the big ecological picture.” Environmental Influences The accuracy of species predictions varied depending on where they came from. Most misclassifications happened between:

- 28 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 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 2020 PAC DONORS TO DATE

COPPER (up to $49) BRONZE ($50+) SILVER ($100+) GOLD ($200+) PLATINUM ($500+) Anonymous Member Robert Blasi Mel Blake Braden Kane David Pollack Stephen Medeiros Kenneth Cooper Bradley Waugh John Meserve Douglas Jost Harry Templeton John Turchetti

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 - 29 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 s

2120 Trophy WA, 2008, w/150 HP Mercury 25’ MayCraft 2550 Pilot, 2005, powered by RISAA Member retiring from tackle sales. EFI, hard top w/ 2017 Yamaha SHO VF250 w/under 400 hrs. 2019 • Super Strike Lures, new in pkg $14 ea. custom SS Axiom 9RV display & Quantum WiFi radar w/ • Super Strike Lures, used, $5 ea. enclosure w/ thru hull transducer. VHF, AM/FM, ST40 • Yozure Lures, new in boxes, $7 ea. clear plastic cockpit • Cod jigs, new $6, used $5 windows. depth • Many misc lures, $2-$3 each Garmin 741S gauge. • Penn #65 conventional reel, $25 w/box/papers, GPS, 16 mile radar, rw washdown, cushioned R/W exc condition cuddy w/potty/pump out. 2015 Venture trailer wash- • Penn #209 w/box $25. Many misc items. w/bunks and black & chrome wheels. Great down, Call Frank at 401-738-0516. family fishing boat. One owner. $23,500. Call much more. Incl 2005 Venture 7200 lb tandem ------Bill at 860-480-1871. roller trailer w/surge brakes. Many extras incl. ------All exec condition. $45,000. Call Mike at 774- 26’ Grady White 265 Express, 2003 w/twin 276-2365. F225 Yamahas. Well maintained, strict service ------9.9 HP Mercury, four-stroke, short shaft, 2015. schedule followed, 2,000 hrs. Many upgrades Bought new in 2016. Very low hours. $1,500. incl Simrad GPS/FF, VHF, stereo, speakers, fuel Call Richard Angelini at 401-762-9158. (If no lines, pumps, mids replaced on engines. Drop answer leave message) curtains, bolsters and cuddy cushions in great ------condition. 203-912-6476. Discounted to $52,000 for RISSA members. ------

Dear RISAA, Dear RISAA,

Thank you so much for I want to sincerely thank choosing me as one of the you for the scholarship that recipients of your generous has been awarded to me by scholarship. It has made this the Rhode Island Saltwater daunting transition much more Anglers. attainable. I also want to thank you This money I have set for being one of the stepping aside to cover the cost of my stones in my journey to textbooks. becoming a special education teacher. Your scholarship will help me change lives one day. Thank you again. I will miss being a Junior Member of your organization but I thank you for the opportunity. Best wishes, Elizabeth Barrett Best wishes, Hannah Gariepy

- 30 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 3 Bs. - Andy Berg Capt Hook - Paul Dauk Falcon - Thomas Poirier Helen D 101 - Ernie Theetge 3B'S - Bob Matteson Capt Quint - Clarence Moore Faracher - Steve Abdow Helm III - Capt. Ed Cook 3 D's II - Warren Diclemente Capt's Daughter-Dave Fewster Farmers Daughter - Alan Sharaf High Pressure - Capt. Joe Pagano 3-For-2 - Kevin Bristow Carol Ann - John Reid Fast Forward - Michael Valentine Hombre - Gary Paolo 33 Innings - William George Carol's Girl - Carol/Steve Mello Festivus - Al DiOrio Hooked - Christopher Connelly 4 My Girls - John Brennan Castafly - Capt. Ray Stachelek Fear Knot - John Meyer Hula Dog - Capt. Matt King Adrianna - Capt. Mike Neto Castor Oil - Charles Mazzella Finatic - John Brierley Huntress - Richard Turner Adventurer - John Stanford Cayo Hueso - Gary Zera Fin Chaser - Robert Oliveira Idle Time - F. Charles Haigh Ahab - Rod Raso C-Devil - Capt. Kelly Smth Fin And Tonic - Lisa Danforth I'm-On - Robert Celico Alaskan - Patrick Watson C-Dory - Tony Dias Fine Line - Susan Lema In-Debt - John Johnson Alf II - Richard Pastore Ceilidh - Fletcher Thomson Finesse - Capt. R. DeMello Indian Summer - Dana Weeks Alibi - Dickson Boenning Chain Reaction - David Gariepy Finish Line - Alan Stewart In Faith 2 - Anthony Rocha Allegro - Richard Terek ChaLuPa - Jeff Logioco Fin-ness - Don Guimelli Irish Jig - Capt. Dave McCormick Almost Ready - Ted Nataly Chaos - James Marasco Fin Reaper - Capt. Bruce Weinstein Irish Mist - Stephen Grennan Almost Ready - Arthur Stentiford Charlie B III - Chancellor Rosebrock Fins - Tom Grennan Isabella - Anthony Tavares Aly Ann - Augustine Comella Charlie Time - Charles Woodman Fish-Aholic - Alfred Ricci Islander - Bruce Johnson Amazing Grayce- Louis Midura Charlotte Eve - Mark Cifelli Fishbones - John Volpe Island Girl - Capt Rick Cataldi Amalye - Raymond Duggan Chill Time - Russell Anderson Fishful Thinking - Allan Peters Island Time - Dennis St.Germain Amanda C - David Aubin Chris's Craft - Christian Killam Fish Hawk - Carl DiRocco Isurus - Alan Blott Amelia J - Kevin Caisse Cindy Sea - John Chabot Fishin' Holz - Ryan Holzinger Itsy - Bob Donald Amnimax - Ralph Battista Coaster - Greg Spier Fishionardo - Bernie DiNobile Jackie C - Raymond Chamberland Angela Mary - Joseph Medeiros Compromise - Arthur/Jane Jackman Fish N Pole - Bienvenido Rodriguez Jackpot III - Cathy Muli Angler - Brad Sudol Cool Change - John Parkinson Fish N Trip - Steven Liebhauser Jahab - Jay Adelman Angler Management - David Gordon Cool Hand Fluke - Matt Davidson Fish On - Capt. John Sheriff Jay Bird - Joseph Conneally Anne K - Capt. Paul Russell Copycat - Peter Newbauer Fish Tales - Ron Hartman Jay Mar 2 - Capt. Mitch Riffkin Another Martini - Robert Parks Courtney Rose - Paul Saccoccia Fishtales 2 - Capt. Robert Masse JD7 - Jack Daniels April II - Leonard Duffy Crack Of Dawn - Gary Johnson Fish Talz - Bob Carey Jean Ann - Thomas Malone Aqua Gem - James Kaczynski Da Bac Breaka - Frank Vessella Fishworks - Capt. Randall Roberts Jessica Kate - Capt. Chris Willi Aqua Marine - Herb Obodda Dads Pride - David Morton Five Gees - Robert Gondola Joan J - Paul Jutras Aque'ne - David Howe Dale Sea - Robert Coupe Flippin Out - Capt BJ Silvia Jofish - Joe Dandeneau At Last - Bob Cavanagh Damjam II - David Miele Flo B II - Harley Benton Joyce M - Richard Laurie Bad Bait - Ray Maxwell DaniMari - Michael Imbornone Fly 'n Spear - Kenneth Cooper Joysea - Barry Wazer Badfish - Erika Wilkinson Danny Boy - Daniel DeGruttola Fortuna - Capt. Michael Beland Julia P - Nick Califano Bait & Wait - Al Torres Dauntless - James Riggs Four J's - Jason Ferschke Just Chum'N - Steven Clow Bass Boat - Robert Kelley Deadly Dick - Robert Darigan Four Play - Bob Fournier Just Ducky - Douglas Ricci Bay Bee - Mike Warner Deblin - Eugene Lewis Four Stars - Jay Starziano Kala Rose - Roland Moulin Bay Buggy - David Gervais D'fishin'sea - Ron Diggett Frantastic - Brian Bullock Kattie - Lawrence Rainey Becasse - James Tollefson Diane H - Donald Forest Frayed Knot - Richard Lipsitz Keep On Truckin' - Daniel Rubino Bella 1 - David Lopes Die Hard - Peter Lewis Fuss-Sea - Robert McCusker Key of Sea - David Dube Bella Mama - David DiSantis Dilly Dally - Ron Porter Gadzooks - Robert Silva Killa-Bite - Chris Choquette Betsea - Stephen Tetzner Dirt Cheap - Steve Beuregard Gail Frances - Capt. Frank Blount Kinsale - Bob Chew Betsy B - David Marcotte Dixie - Andreas Anusavice Gail Frances - David Carter Kiwi - Bob Beresford Big Game - Capt. Brian Bacon Doctor's Orders- Brian Sweeney Gail Leigh - Luca Razza Knot Hours - Paul Ricard Bite Me - Helder Batista Down Under - Spencer Ingram Gail Marie - Roger Arpin Knot Stable - David Loren Bitter Sweet - Duke Duclose Dreamcatcher - Ed Preczewski Gansett Ranger - Brian Beltrami KrisK - Peter Kilmartin Blackjack - Capt.Tony DaSilva Drill-1 - David Jenson Genevieve - Mark Seymour Kristian Lee - Michael Adams Blue Eyes - Orlando Savastano Duck Buster - Harold Audette Genny Time - Steve Dabkowski Kyle & Nicole - Tom Toolis Blue Heron - Ernest Heon, Jr. Duke of Fluke: Robert Burrell Get Out - Donald Goebel Lady Andrea - Craig Pincins Blue Max - John Maxwell Duranatic - Ron Nagel Get Reel - Samuel Watson Lady D - Brian Petit Blue Moon - John Blaze Early Bird - Capt Dave Preble Ginsea - Ken Anderson Lady K - Capt. Steve Babigian Blue Moon - Bill Dzilenski Easterday - Eric Easterday Goose Rocks - Frank Dizoglio Lady Karen - Capt Joe Bleczinski Blues Bros - Walt McCormick Easy Time - Donald Darnbrough Graceful Drifter - Capt Jim Turner Lady Linda - David St. Germain BobbyZ - Bob Zollo Eden - John McGinn Gray Ghost - Richard Schenk Landon Sea - Justin Larocque Brn2fish - Michael Ballback Ed's Yacht II - Edward Sivacek Great Escape - Jeffrey Folan Last Shot - John Kramer Bottom Line -Capt Fred Bowman Elephant's Butt - David Leonard Great Escape - Jeff Sidelinger Laura Elizabeth - Henry Clinton Brandywine - James Mugavero Elissa Ray - Frank Marchetti Greta Kay - Michael Welch Laura Ann - Capt. Matt Cox Breakaway - Jack Hagopian El Pesce - Paul Garlasco Gup 2 - Paul Richard Laura's Competition-Bruce Lawing Buckaneer - Bob Santurri Em 'N' O - Ryan Tellier Gusto - Bob Dabkowski Lauren Michele-Capt. Louis Mazza Buck Tail - Dick Geldard Empty Pockets - Thomas Jewett GypSea - David Nardolillo Lawn Boy - Paul Karcz Bugler - John Harvey Encore - Joe Crocker Hail Mari - Michael Ullmeyer Leading Lady - Robert Taylor Builda - Biil Ward Erin Rose - Capt Bill Heffernan Happy Executive - Peter Vican Leela - Ted Davidson Bye George - George Kates ESP II - Stephen Parente Happy Hooker-Charlie Bradbury Leen - Willard Donnell Calamity - Riley Lamson Ethanic - Charles Brown Happy Hooker - William Gravina Legacy - Capt. Keith Sullivan Cals Cutta - Calvin Ferraresso Eventide - Beth Fallon Heart Beat - Lori & Tom Kinne Letter of Marque-Charles Forsaith Cannonball - Arthur Cannon Eveready II - Nick Picchione Hearts & Shells - Reid Muller Lil Fish - Darren DeSouto Capable - Charley Soares Extra Propper - John O'Brien Heather Too - Don Bogner Continued Next Page - 31 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Linx - Ron Lewis BOATER'S LIST (from previous page) The Lawhead - Jack Peters Lit-L-Joy - Roger Tellier The Office - Richard Reich Lit'l Lady - Jake Taraksian Peggy Ann - Chris Jones Sea Pony - Jill Vilbig The Old Man - Kevin Pearce Little Blue - Richard Caldon Pelagic Magic - Roger/Sue Lema Seaquinn 2 - Richard Quinn Theresa Ann - Ronald DuVall Little Grey Gull - Walter Anderson Periwinkle - Louie Reis Sea Rigg - William Riggs Thirty Something - Mark Stevens Little Peace -Michael Kandrysawtz Persistence - Greg Spier Sea-Treat - John Treat Thom Cat - Thom Pelletier Louis Too - John Graydon Pez Grande - Dan Lacroix Sea Venture 2 - John Pacheco Tiderunner - John Schwemin Live Free - Eugene Schultz Phia-n-Zach - Fred Jarosz Sea Voyager - Benjamin Lenda Tiderunner II - John Sousa Low Tide - Jim Low Playing Hookey - John Souto Seaway - Anthony Carrao Tiderunn'R - Eric Baggeson Lucky Lily - Sy Khamsyvoravong Playing Hooky - Mike Casey Second Love - Michael DeCesare Tight Lines - Michael Miozza Lucky Strike - Anthony Milone Plug Along II - Robert Anderson Second Page - Joe Mariani Time Out - Daniel Walter Lucky's Charms - John Kelley Poga - Jim Malley Second Wind - Donald Fox Tin Lizzy - Marc Lamson Lucy - Mike O'Connell Pokerfish - George Bergeson Seek Hunt - Daniel Torre Title Wave - John McCloskey Lucy Blue - Ron Rudowsky Polark - Bill/Ginny Sosnicki Sergeant - Robert Ferioli TLC - Bob Morel Lunasea - John Rekemeyer Pomatomus - Al Daysh Shad Jac - Michael Colby Tom's Toy - Tom Ferreira Lu Sea Jay - Edward Jaworski Popcorn - Bob Brodeur Shady - John Angelini Tonic - Lee Duckworth Maddy - Michael Senecal Power Tripp - Michael Tripp Sharon C - Richard Pineault Top Cat - Ben Cray Marava - John Kubaska Prime Time - Bob LeBlanc Shearwater - Capt Steve Tombs Topper - Steve Daignault March Madne$$ - Joseph Silva Princeton Fishing Team - Leo Orsi Shernyrpyrner - David Sweet Triple F - Brian Quimby Marie Rose - Brian Quenstedt Promises Kept II - Curt Caserta Sherri Lynne - Bruce Fournier Triple Play - Capt. Rick Kilborn Marlen - Dick Fincher Protocol - Steve Secord She's Mine - Timothy Garlick Triple Threat - Jeffrey Dufficy Mary Wick - William Doyle Pura Vida - Capt. Jonathan Lewie Ship of Fools - Richard Engelman Trophy Blonde - Charles Murphy Maverick - Capt. Jack Riley Quinn Sea - Mike Quinn Side Job - Rene Bedard Tupelo - Elton Ricker McDu II - William McEvoy Rambler - Capt. John Volpe Silverback - Peter Hendricks Ulysses Freedon - Frank Corso Memories - Nick DelPozzo Rare Coynes - Don Coyne Silver Sage II - George Jacques Valhalla - Richard Swanson Mid Day Chop - David Minto Raven - Conrad Chickinski Silverside - Charles Benjamin Vitamin Sea - Fred Amaral Mi-D-Mar - James Roberts Razin Kane - Capt. Sandy Kane Sin-Bin - Jeffrey Tkacs Virginia-Joan - Capt. Dave Monti Midnight - Robert Mazzeo Reaction - Thomas Schultz Sir Reel - Alton Smith Waitin' On Dawn-Dawn & Tom Wood Mihira - Andrew Korfin Redemption- Richard Brakenwagen Skipjack - Rich Hittinger Water Crisis - Daniel daSilveira Minha Marlena - Edward Porter Red Sok's - William Sokolowski Skipjack - Robert Murray Waterfront Property - Peter Berg Miss Gina - Tony/June Jarret Reel Action - John Harrison, Jr. Skip-Jack - Frank Tavarozzi Waugh's Up! - Brad Waugh Missing Linc - Tim Gilchrist Reelaxation - Paul Capuzziello Smart Alec - Alex Sinel Whaler - Andrew Smiley Miss Kim - Capt. Mark Pachico Reelaxing - Daniel Orfan Snappa - Capt Charlie Donilon Whynot? - Christine Blount Miss Pauline - Paul Boutiette Reel Delight - Steve West Snug Harbor Express - Al Conti Wicked - Rick Black Mistress - Gregory Houde Reel Dreamer - Raymond Andro Solace - Alfred Trombley Wild Onion - David Michel Misty Lady - Ed & Mary Ouellette Reelentless - James Barrett Son Of A Bait Man - Ray Miclette Wingman - Steve Cook Misty Mer - Matt Forster Reel EZ - Capt. Rob Taylor Sound Advice - Earl Schofield XT Sea - Capt.Bryant Palazini Moon Dance - Robert Redinger Reel Lucky - Michael West Southpaw - Robert Lee Yankee - Bruce Demoranville Mox-Nix - Bob Bachand Reel Pursuit - Michael Curran Spartina - Douglas Brown Yella Dawg - Ray Vincent, Sr. Mox Nix - Clint Lovell Reel Time - Sameh Said Spearhead - Fred Schneider Zero PSI - David Howe Mrs/Z - William Zanks Release Me - Capt. Roland Guyette Spindrift III - Mark Adiletta Music - Larry Hayward Relentless - Capt. Dave Waldrip Splinters - Richard Sheridan My Butterfly - Edward Savino Remora - Kenneth Rockefeller Squid Burst - Brandon Hagopian My Surprise - Richard Mandeville Restless -Capt Richard Templeton Star II - Joseph McDowell One out of three My 3 Ladies - Robert Andrade Ria Rae - Sean Miele 1Stars & Stripers - John Tatro Natral Hi's - Hiram Haggett Ripple - Gerry Berard Stella - Capt. Robb Roach boating fatalities is Natural Nine - Capt. Glenn Hanna River Rag - Robert Sangster Stinger - Robert Young a fisherman NeNe Kat - Steve McDermott RnR - Thomas Roberts Stinky Fingers - Cory Carlson Nephron - Lawrence Audino Roberta II - Clarence Gdowski Stripers Nightmare-Capt.Mark Silveira LIFE JACKETS Netop - Frank Basile Rodeo - Steve Sikorsky Striper Swiper - Rene Blanchette Never Done - George Worth Ro Leena - David Carter Strip Strike - Jim Barr SAVE LIVES! New Beginnings-Capt Terry Tehan Roman Around - Roman Dudus Stuff It - Capt. Joe Pagano New Too - Tim Gilchrist Rosborough - John Cappelli Sturg - Doug Sturgis Niffa II - John Cunniff Rosie - Bruce Bannick Summer Blues-Tom Hessney RISAA Channel Nimia II - Henry Cugno Rubber Duckie - John Bruno Summer Salt - Earl Buckman Not A Fluke - Timothy Healy Ruby - Gabriel Matthias Summer Schoolie - Phil Capaldi Notty Buddy - Chris Sanders Ruse II - Jim Phelan Sunrise - David Zita 65 Off Hook'n - Adam Dunstan Rutroe - Joseph Marinello Sweet Meggs - Robert Konopka Off N' Runnin' - Chuck LoCurto Saint G - Roger St. Germain Sweet Pee - Howard Sweet Ohana - Peter August Sal's Dream 5 - Sal Salmoiraghi Sweet Spot - Richard Desrosiers Old School - Jim Kaczynski Salt Shaker - Dan Hannon 3 B'S - Robert Matteson REPORT Omega - Guy Dufresne SaltShaker - William Teixeira Tails Up - Mark Paparelli VIOLATIONS! On The Hook - Anthony Lisi Salty IV - Warren Wright Talia - Robert Sheldon Oscar J - John McCurry Sammy-Lou - Bart Wagner Talon - Brian Hogan Osprey - Al Amaral Sand Bar - Franklin Rosebrock Tamerlane II-Joseph Roszkowski RIDEM Enforcement Otter - Capt. Seth Megargle Sand Dollar - Paul Brousseau Tania II - Tony Lombardo 401-222-3070 Our Nest - Capt. Bob Murgo Sarah Jane - Chet Boucher Taylor Marie - Armando Simao Outcast3 - Eric Duda Sarcastic - Don Betournay Tepas Toy - Harold Redlich Massachusetts: Outer Limit - Stephen Skenyon Sea Breeze - Donald Dinucci The Big Tuna II - Michael Paolino Outrage - Stephen Jordan Sea Dog - Frank Moy The Cardinal - Chris Perreira 1-800-632-8075 Panacea - Thomas DiBona Seagar - John Turchetti The Fly - John Gutherz Connecticut: Patti Rae - James Mancini Sea Majic - John Stavrakas The Happy Executive-Peter Vican Pat Sea II - Capt. Pat Renna Sea Minor - Fred Boynton The Job - Richard Tremblay 860-424-3333 Pearl Fisher - Mel Epstein Sea Mulligan - Frank DeFiore The Lady D - Brian Campbell - 32 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 MENHADEN (from page 1) Striped bass were chosen because they are more sensitive to menhaden abundance than other predators. When there are enough menhaden to satisfy striped bass needs, the needs of other predators are likely met as well, according to a multi-species model that was approved by the ASMFC for management use earlier this year. Anglers hope that the focus on striped bass will contribute to rebuilding the stock, which is currently overfished. Menhaden are often called “the most important fish in the sea” because of their keystone role in the Atlantic’s forage base. “To think that just 8 years ago, we were celebrating the first ever coast-wide catch limit for menhaden, and now we are celebrating the adoption of ecological reference points. It’s a testament to the perseverance of a broad coalition of fishermen and conservationists who have fought for decades to protect menhaden’s role in the food web,” said Wild Oceans Executive Director Pam Lyons Gromen. Hundreds of emails, thousands of petition signatures, and dozens of group and organization letters were sent to the Menhaden Management Board ahead of the August meeting, urging the Board to move forward with ecological reference points. The ASMFC’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board will convene again in the fall to set annual catch limits for the menhaden fishery using the new ecological reference points.

- 33 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Members Share love of fishing with family

by member Wesley Devonis My dad an I fished MT hope bridge area yesterday for porgy So I just wanted to share this lesson with everyone. I know ! Made East to west drifts for scup an sea bass ! The sea bass that we have, without a doubt, some of the best anglers on the fishing left something to be desired, but the scup fishing was East Coast, but sometimes it’s not about how many fish that we good. It wasn’t lock an load, but the two of us picked up 4-5 catch or bring to the dock, it’s about doing this amazing sport fish per drift! There wasn’t much wind at all but the boat traffic that we all love and having an amazing time doing it with the had us feeling like we were fishing in 20 mph winds. I think people we love! even my 11 month old 125 lb puppy was getting sea sick.! So get out there with whoever - your son, or dad, or your We were able to manage our limit, but it wasn’t the most uncle, best friend, a neighbor or even a buddy that you see exciting day of fishing in my life, like going to Block chasing around your marina. Go fishing! 50 pounders. And remember, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have any luck But it was just amazing being out there on a gorgeous day at all (well, maybe a little...LOL), all that matters is the with my dad and reconnecting with him. And I loved having memories that we make with our loved ones! my puppy Saint on the boat with us! It was a fantastic and euphoric day!

by member Capt. Mitch Chagnon by member Alice Woods My three daughters grew up on the Sakarak. Tracey I just want to mention that it’s not about fishing with even mated for me and did an outstanding job. your dads or sons - don’t forget your daughters and moms. They are grown now with kids of their own. They too Some of my best childhood memories are fishing and live going out on the water. It is one of the best ways I camping with my dad - and mom. know of to spend time with kids. And, as a single mother of two boys, my goal was to To be a Chagnon is to have a fishing pole attached by get a boat and get them out fishing. the time you walk. It is genetic.

RISAA recognized for contributions to artificial reef The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island has erected a sign at Sabin Point to commemorate the first artificial reef on the Providence River which thanks the partnership with RIDEM and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association.

Junior Members KATE and JONAH TRACY caught these shoolies in Narragansett Bay when fishing with their dad, Mark Tracy, aboard their family boat, Fred and Judy, on May 20.

- 34 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Member Member GREG SPIER PETER LEWIS with a striper that he landed while with a 10.4 lb tautog that he trolling a tube & worm off Sakonnet Junior Member landed last November. The Point last August fish was weighed and released. DOMINIC TAMBURINO displays a 6 lb fluke that he caught off Weekapaug last July

Member Member DAVID POLLACK ARTHUR JACKMAN with a bonefish while and his grandson, Junior Member wading the flats for these ARTHUR FRIESWICK elusive fish last February. display a pair of wahoo they caught during a family vacation in Barbados in February

- 35 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Code of Conduct of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association Whereas, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (Association) is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports marine conservation and the sound management of fisheries resources; and provides a unified voice to protect the rights, traditions and the future of recreational fishing, it is required that all Members adhere to the following Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior. • Members shall not act, nor knowingly cause or encourage others to act in any manner that would bring discredit the Association. • Members may not speak for, or otherwise imply authorization to speak for, the Association without the expressed direction of the Board of Directors. • Members may not solicit any products or services in the name of the Association, without the expressed permission of the Board of Directors, except for discounts previously arranged by the Association and made publicly available to all members. • ON THE WATER ETHICS • • Members shall learn and obey fishing and boating regulations. • Members shall treat other anglers, boaters and property owners with courtesy and respect. • Members are encouraged to report, but not confront, fishing violators. • Members shall value and respect the marine environment and all living things in it and shall: - Avoid spilling, and dumping pollutants on land or in the water, - Dispose of trash, including worn-out lines, leaders and hooks and help to keep fishing sites litter-free, - Keep no more fish than needed for consumption and shall never wastefully discard fish that are retained, - Carefully handle and release all fish that are unwanted or prohibited by regulation.

Do you shop online at Amazon? If you do, you can donate to the RISA Foundation at the same time! And at NO COST TO YOU!

Our Foundation has been approved and is a registered Amazon will remember your selection, and then every nonprofit to receive donations from AmazonSmile eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a (smile.amazon.com). 0.5% donation. You still use your Amazon account. Just log in via This is an absolutely free, easy way to make donations to smile.Amazon.com and the site will work exactly the way you the RISA Foundation that only requires you to log in and make are used to with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a purchases through the special smile.amazon.com link. It portion of your purchase price to the RISA Foundation. couldn’t be easier to donate to RISAA! Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. On your first visit to AmazonSmile you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Just type in “Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation.” smile.Amazon.com - 36 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 2020 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...... Susan Lema...... [email protected]...... 401-932-3030 Treasurer...... Peter O'Biso...... [email protected]...... 401-783-2364 Sergeant-At-Arms.... David Michel...... [email protected]...... 401-952-8697 Board Member...... Lawrence Hill...... [email protected]...... 774-280-0155 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...... Dawn Filliatreault Wood.. [email protected]...... 401-263-3919 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Medeiros...... [email protected]...... 401-826-2121 RISAA CONTACTS By-Laws Committee...... Robert Blasi, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-527-5157 Charities Committee...... Ralph Orleck, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-323-0657 Charter Trips Committee...... Hal Gibson, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-524-9035 Dealer Discount Program...... Gilbert Bell, Coordinator...... [email protected]...... 401-315-2529 Education Committee...... Thomas Wood, Chair...... [email protected]... 401-263-3909 Elections Committee...... Gisele Golembeski, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-766-8409 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...... Kraig Ruth, Chair...... [email protected]...... 401-640-3679 Legislative Committee...... Douglas MacPherson, Chair.. [email protected].. 401-241-2364 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 Heffernan, Chair...... [email protected]. 401-742-9888 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 - 37 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 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 _ Breachway Bait & Tackle...... 401-364-6407 Striper Marina...... 401-245-6121 Massasoit Tool Company...... 800-648-6050 Member: David Hess (Charlestown,RI) Member: Capt. Alfred Elson (Barrington, RI Member: Jim Jaques (East Greenwich, RI) 166 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown www.stripermarina.com Stock/distribute 3M coated abrasives Lucky Bait & Tackle...... 401-247-2223 CHIROPRACTOR _ ACCOUNTING _ Member: Lorraine Danti (Warren, RI) Pruitt Chiropractic...... 401-847-8889 Disanto, Priest & Co...... 401-921-2035 www.luckybait.com discount to RISAA members Member: Dr. Craig Pruitt (Middletown, RI) Member: Raymond Marchak (Warwick, RI) Pete’s Bait & Tackle...... 401-651-6178 www.pruittchiropractic.com www.disantopriest.com Member: Raymond Miclette (Woonsocket, RI) COMPUTERS _ Medical-Dental Consultants...401-943-2200 341 Burnside Ave, Woonsocket, RI Computer & Network Services..401-921-4288 Member: Ryan J. Holzinger, CPA, MSA, MST Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle.....401-294-9642 Member: Bob LeBlanc (Warwick, RI) www.meddentconsultants.com • Cranston, RI Member: Mike Bestwick (North Kingstown, RI) 10% off all labor; $25 off complete custom sys. Roger H. St. Germain, CPA.....401-334-1848 4019 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown Freedom Technology Solutions.800-979-0040 Member: Roger H. St. Germain, CPA, MST Quonnie Bait & Tackle...... 401-637-7184 Member: Kenny Fernandez (Johnston, RI) www.stgermaincpa.com • Lincoln, RI Member: Peter Silva (Charlestown, RI) [email protected] FTSSupport.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING _ 5223 Old Post Rd, Charlestown CONSTRUCTION _ Diversified Marketing & Media.203-220-9192 Saltwater Edge...... 401-842-0062 Bryan Couture Construction...401-792-3672 Member: Michael Epstein (Trumbull, CT) Member: Peter Jenkins (Middletown, RI) Member: Bryan Couture (Narragansett, RI) www.diversemm.com 76 Valley Rd, Middletown,RI saltwateredge.com Concrete flatwork, patios, driveways, floors ANTIQUES _ Snug Harbor Marina...... 401-783-7766 DENTISTRY _ Linde Antiques & Collectibles.617-365-5356 Member: Al Conti (Wakefield, RI) Exquisite Smiles...... 508-761-5320 Member: Jay Linde (N. Scituate, RI) www.snugharbormarina.com Member: Dr. James Phelan (S. Attleboro, MA) Buying/selling, specialize in bookcases Watch Hill Outfitters...... 401-596-7217 www.exquisite-smile.com AUTHORS _ Member: Mike Wade (Westerly, RI) Forster Orthodontics...... 401-619-1888 Eddie Doherty...... 774-582-1131 157 Main St. • www.watchhilloutfitters.com Member: Dr. Matt Forster, DMD Seven Miles After Sundown, Fish the Canal Surf BOAT CANVAS _ forsterorthodontics.com [email protected] or 508-223-6349 Jackpot Enterprises...... 401-596-4089 ENGINEERING _ ATTORNEYS _ Member: Cathy Muli (Westerly, RI) RP Engineering, Inc...... 401-885-7255 Robert A. Brazil, Esq ...... 802-424-1404 zippers, windows, repairs Member: Richard Pastore (N. Kingstown, RI) Star Theater Bldv, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 BOATING NEWS _ Environmental, structural, civil and marine www.rabrazil.com [email protected] New England Boating...... 508-789-6708 ENGRAVING & ETCHING _ Henry M. Clinton, Esq...... 215-309-5567 Member: Tom Richardson (Mattapoisett, MA) Ron Nalbandian...... 401-377-4688 Law Office of Henry M. Clinton, LLC www.newenglandboating.com Westerly, RI 401-932-3890 Phila. PA [email protected] BOAT SALES _ Shop/mobile ser. - glass, wood, stone, metal Michael R. DeLuca, Esq...... 401-274-6644 Blue Water Boat Sales...... 401-241-7342 ENTERTAINMENT _ Gidley, Sarli & Marusak, L.L.P. Member: Derek Leigh (Warwick, RI) The Sleepster...... 401-862-0981 1 Turks Head Pl, Ste 900,Providence,RI 02903 New-used-brokerage. BlueWaterBoatSales.com Member: Harold J. Hemberger (Johnston, RI) Paul James Garlasco, Esq...... 860-350-4409 Inland Marine, Inc...... 401-568-0995 Stage hypnotist, parties, events, fund-raisers 83 Park Lane Rd, New Milford, CT 06776 Member: Ross Lemieux (Chepachet, RI) ESTATE APPRAISERS/CLEAN-OUTS _ [email protected] Boat sales, service and repairs Estate Services of RI...... 401-789-3646 James T. Marasco, Esq.....www.jmarascolaw.com McShane Yacht Sales, LLC...... 617-460-4530 Member: George Lovesky (Wakefield, RI) 617 Smith St., Providence 401-421-7500 Member: Dave McShane (Warwick, RI) www.estateservicesofri.com All over RI. 118 Pt. Judith Rd, Narragansett 401-789-1800 NorthCoast,Crownline, Finseeker, Yamaha FINANCIAL SERVICES _ Mitchell S. Riffkin, Esq...... 401-732-6500 Ocean House Marina...... 401-364-6040 Ameriprise Financial...... 508-497-8931 631 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886 Member: Rob Lyons (Charlestown, RI) Garth Fondo (Hopkinton, MA) Joseph J. Roszkowski, Esq...... 401-769-3447 Hydra-Sports, Steiger Craft, Maritime Skiff Certified Financial PlannerTM Justice of the Peace Petzolds Yacht Sales RI...... 401-846-8484 Financial Engines...... 401-921-3331 1625 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895 Member: Joe Nadeau (Charlestown, RI) Christian Grundel, CFP (Warwick, RI) Sammartino & Berg...... 401-274-0113 Edgewater,SeaFox, Brokerage www.petzolds.com email: [email protected] Member: Andrew Berg, Esq. (Providence, RI) South Shore Dry Dock Marine.508-636-9790 Wells Fargo Advisors...... 401-848-9949 AUTOMOTIVE _ Member: Capt. Jason Powell (Westport, MA) James Tollefson, CFP, VP-Investment Officer Moore’s Motor Service...... 401-821-4050 www.southshoredrydock.com [email protected] Member: Clarence Moore (Coventry, RI) FIREARMS SCHOOLS _ 487 Washington St, Coventry, RI American Firearms School 508-695-5869 RC Auto Repair...... 401-615-9924 Member: Matthew Medeiros (N.Attleboro) Member: Raymond Vincent, Jr. (Coventry, RI) SUPPORT THE www.AmericanFirearmsSchool.com RISAA disc. General auto repair. 10% off labor to members. FISHING APPAREL _ Star Service Auto/Marine...... 401-821-9887 COMPANIES Linesider Marine Specialties..401-439-5386 Member: Jay Starziano (Coventry, RI) ON THESE PAGES Capt. Eric Gustafson (Block Island,RI) 10% discount parts/labor to RISAA members Angling apparel. 10% off to RISAA members. BAIT & TACKLE _ They are all FISHING CHARTERS _ Block Island Fishworks...... 401-466-5392 Big Game Sportfishing...... 401-243-7046 Member: Chris Willi (Block Island, RI) RISAA Members! Capt. Brian Bacon (Snug Harbor, RI) 10% off bait/tackle to RISAA members www.biggamefishingri.com

- 38 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 Booked Off Charters...... 401-741-2580 Restless Fishing Charters....401-728-2081 Millard Wire Company...... 401-737-9330 Capt. Tony Guarini (Wakefield, RI) Capt. Rich Templeton Member: Dan LaCroix (Exeter) bookedoffcharters.com Email: [email protected] Inconel Wireline for trolling“The Real Deal” Capt. John Boats...... 508-746-2643 Seven B’s V...... 401-789-9250 Phase II Lures...... 203-226-7252 Capt. Bob Avila (Plymouth, MA) Capt. Russ Benn (Pt. Judith, RI) Member: Dick Fincher (Westport, CT) www.captjohn.com Fishing at Stellwagen Bank www.sevenbs.com Hand-carved lures that catch fish. www.phaseiilures.com Capt. Sheriff’s FishingChartersRI.com Skinny Water Charters...... 401-465-8751 SurfHog Lure Co...... 401-864-6069 Capt. John Sheriff (Warwick, RI) Capt. Jim Barr (Newport, RI) Member: Bob Neilson (North Kingstown, RI) www.FishingChartersRI.com - 401-450-2549 www.skinnywaterchartersri.com www.surfhoglureco.com Carol J Charters...... 401-207-6947 Snappa Charters...... 401-782-4040 ThomCat Fluke Rigs...... 401-828-9424 Capt. Paul Johnson, Sr. (Wakefield, RI) Capt. Charlie Donilon (Wakefield, RI) Member: Thom Pelletier (Coventry, RI) www.caroljcharters.com www.snappacharters.com [email protected] Castafly Chaters...... 401-884-3794 StuffIt Charters...... 401-764-5141 FURNITURE _ Capt. Ray Stachelek (East Greenwich, RI) Capt. Joe Pagano (Scituate, RI) Eco-Friendly Custom Furniture...... 401-439-0564 www.castaflycharters.com www.stuffitcharters.com - RISAA discount Member: Steven Sabella (Westerly, RI) Fin Reaper Charters...... 401-255-9630 Teezer77 Charters...... 401-524-7239 www.sabellastudio.com Capt. Bruce Weinstein (Snug Harbor) Capt. Eric Thomas (Portsmouth, RI) GREEN ENERGY _ B.I.stripers tuna-shark-cod finreapercharters.com www.teezer77.com Viridian Energy...... 401-602-6578 Fishnet Charters...... 508-951-9991 Tossing Chunks Charters.....508-345-4022 Member: Daryll Issa (Portsmouth, RI) Capt. Mel True (Freetown, MA) Capt. Jack Tobin (Barrington, RI) www.virdian.com/northeastgreenpower www.MelTrue.com www.tossinchunks.com GRILLING______Fish’n Tales Adventures...... 401-619-4431 Westport Pt.Fishing Charters.508-375-3464 Gilchrist’s GreatGrates...... 401-932-7397 Jeffrey O’Brien (Newport, RI) Capt. James Turner (Westport, MA) Member: Tim Gilchrist (Charlestown, RI) Party boat. FishnTalesAdventures.com WestportPointCharters.com www.greatgrate.com 15% RISAA discount Flippin Out Charters...... 401-529-2267 FISHING PRODUCTS _ HARBOR TOURS _ Capt. B.J. Silvia (Portsmouth, RI) 9er’s Lures...... 508-822-9650 Newport Yacht Charters...... 857-998-1337 www.flippinoutcharters.com Member: Eric Ferreira (Taunton, MA) Member: Capt. Charles Jenison (Newport,RI) Frances Fleet...... 401-783-4988 www.9erslures.com www.newportyachtcharters.net Capt. Frank Blount (Pt. Judith, RI) A & S Tackle...... 508-679-8122 HOME IMPROVEMENT __ www.francesfleet.com Member: Steve Abdow (Swansea, MA) Home Repair/Remodeling...401-862-5906 Here We Go Again Charters.....401-965-0445 www.astackle.com Member: Donald Smith (N. Kingstown,RI) Capt. Al Passarelli (Jerusalem, RI) Androd Custom Fishing Rods.508-399-7837 No job too small. References provided [email protected] Member: Robert Andrade (Seekonk, MA) Pro Touch Home Repair...... 401-450-6087 Hooked On A Feeling Charters..401-788-3638 www.androd.com Member: Robert Carey (S.Kingstown, RI) Capt. Joe Bleczinski (Narragansett, RI) Bill Hurley Lures...... 413-584-2421 Specializing in small home repairs Sailing from Pt. [email protected] Member: Bill Hurley (Northampton, MA) ICE CREAM _ Irish Jig Charters...... 401-499-9182 www.codandstriperlures.com Frosty Freez...... 401-846-1697 Capt. Dave McCormick (Narragansett,RI) DC’s Custom Wood Plugs....401-465-5338 Member: Mark Pachico (Middletown,RI) www.IrishJigCharters.com Member: Dick Cournoyer (Woonsocket, RI) 496 Main Rd, Middletown -10% RISAA disc Island Current Fleet...... 917-417-7557 Email: [email protected] INSTRUCTION _ ) Capt. Chris Cullen (Sailing from Snug Harbor) Fishdoc Custom Plugs...... 401-829-2967 Boatwise Marine Training..800-698-7373 m www.islandcurrent.com • $10 RISAA discount Member:Richard Mandeville (Greenville, RI) Member: Capt.Rick Kilborn (S.Hampton,NH) Lady K Charters...... 239-565-2949 Built for the fish! www.customstriperlures.com Recreational & Captains license classes Capt. Steve Babigian (Snug Harbor, RI) Jackpot Digger Jigs...... 401-596-4089 JANITORIAL SERVICES _ www.ladykcharters.com Member: Cathy Muli (Westerly, RI) Fleming’s Cleaning Service.800-605-7334 Maverick Charters...... 401-640-0865 www.jackpotdiggerjigs.com for stripers & more Member: Tim Fleming (Auburn, MA) Capt. Jack Riley (Snug Harbor, RI) Lonely Angler Lures...... 207-348-5605 Complete commercial janitorial services www.maverickchartersltd.com Member: John Wilson (Deer Isle, ME) JANITORIAL SUPPLIES _ Natural Nine Fishing...... 401-402-1963 Custom wood lures - www.lonelyangler.com Land-Tek Maintainence...... 508-252-3795 Capt. Glenn Hanna (Warwick, RI) Member: Ken Anderson (Rehoboth, MA) naturalninefishing.com supplies, paper products, cleaning equipment No Fluke Charters...... 401-480-3444 JEWELRY- CHAINS, WHOLESALE _ Capt. David Monti (Warwick, RI) Garlan Chain Co...... 508-316-3881 www.NoFlukeFishing.com SUPPORT Member: David Gariepy (N. Attleboro) Northeast Boat & Kayak Charters.. www.garlanchain.com * Wholesale Only Capt. Jerry Sparks (CT/RI) 413-219-8455 THE JEWELRY - SEA GLASS _ www.sparksfish.net • 15% RISAA Discount A Day At The Beach...... 401-487-5302 On The Rocks Charters...... 401-359-3625 Member: Michael McHenry (Tiverton, RI) Capt. Rene Letourneau (Pawtucket, RI) COMPANIES seaglassjewelrybyjane.com 10% RISAA disc www.ontherockscharters.com KAYAKS _ Pamela May Charters...... 401-742-2383 ON THESE Megrew’s Boats, Inc...... 401-322-1150 Capt. Jason Howell (Narragansett, RI) Member: Elaine Megrew (Charlestown, RI) Light tackle/fly www.pamelamaycharters.com Hobie kayaks. www.megrewsboats.com Pura Vida Charters...... 401-601-5499 PAGES The Kayak Centre of R.I.....401-295-4400 Capt. Jonathan Lewie (Narragansett, RI) Member: Jeff Shapiro (Wickford, RI) puravidacharters.org They are all www.kayakcentre.com RISAA discounts Relentless Charters...... 617-462-7885 Capt. David Waldrip (Green Harbor, MA) RISAA Members! www.relentlesscharters.com - 39 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 LAND SURVEYOR _ ORTHODONTICS _ VETERINARIANS _ Alfred W. DiOrio, RLS, Inc..401-377-8124 Ferry Orthodontics...... 401-781-2900 Robert Bolton, D.V.M...... 401-218-5557 Member: Alfred DiOrio (Ashway, RI) Member: Dr. Mike Ferry (Cranston/Wakefield) Charlestown, RI [email protected] Surveyor/land use consultant www.ferryortho.com Practice for small animals Waterman Engineering Co...01-438-5775 OUTBOARD MOTORS _ WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICE _ Member: Richard Lipsitz (E. Providence) C.L. Marine...... 401-732-6764 WasteXpress, LLC...... 401-464-6400 watermanengineering.net Member: Gene Steger (Warwick, RI) Member: John Souto (Cranston, RI) LASER ENGRAVING______Mercury sales,service,parts www.clmarineri.com res/comm containers www.wastexpressri.com Kell-Strom Tool Company....800-851-6851 OUTFITTERS WINES _ Member: Robert Kelly (Wethersfield, CT) Al Gadoury’s 6X Outfitters...406-600-1835 High Hook Oregon Wines.....413-218-0638 General machine and laser marking Member: Allan Gadoury (Bozeman, MT) Member: Mark Seymour (Leverett, MA) LAWN CARE______Guided fly fishing trips. www.6xoutfitters.com www.fishhookvineyards.com Green Wizard Landscaping.401-480-1875 PHYSICIANS _ WOODWORK - SPECIAL _ Member: Dan Patrick (Johnston, RI) Anthony V. Rocha, M.D...... 401-438-2780 Wood_n_Beauty...... 401-480-8960 Landscaping, maintenance, trim, fish ponds 387 Waterman Ave, E. Providence, RI 02914 Member: Luis Sousa (Cranston, RI) Ocean State Lawn Service....401-732-8182 Family and internal medicine Clocks/nameplates/CNCRouter [email protected] Member: Paul Karcz (Warwick, RI) PRINTING _ Fertilization programs. 10% RISAA discount Tiffany Printing Co...... 401-828-5514 MACHINING______Member: Christopher Couture (Coventry,RI) Hartwell Mfg. Co...... 401-567-7720 www.tiffanyprinting.com Member: Jerry Finkle (Chepachet, RI) REAL ESTATE______Custom machining small parts, plastics/metal Keller Williams...... 401-785-1700 Volpe Tool & Die, Inc...... 401-580-1063 Member: Julie LeBlanc (Cranston, RI) RISAA Members: Member: John Volpe (Blackstone, MA) [email protected] cell: 401-837-9050 Have your business or Custom machining of all materials Lighthouse RealEstate Group.401-935-9612 MARINE ELECTRONICS _ Member: Will Litvin (Wakefield, RI) service listed. It’s FREE. Seaport Communications.....401-783-4778 [email protected] www.lighthouseri.com Just call the RISAA office Member: Manuel Medeiros (Narragansett, RI) RI Real Estate Services...... 401-585-4180 Sales - Service - Installation Member: Shannon McCaffrey (E.Greenwich,RI) at 401-826-2121 MARINE FABRICATION _ [email protected] Sales Realtor Seaward Boatworks...... 401-739-5286 Sankey Real Estate...... 774-254-1565 Member: Rick Cataldi (Warwick, RI) Member: Eric Meyer (North Attleboro, MA) Aluminum fabrication and canvas work www.BaystateHomeSales.com IMPORTANT MARINE REPAIR _ World.net Real Estate Group.401-323-2424 Conanicut Marine...... 401-423-7158 Member: Charles Petras (Cumberland, RI) PHONE Member: Bill Munger (Jamestown, RI) [email protected] or www.TeamPetras.com NUMBERS www.conanicutmarina.com REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS _ Mill Creek Marine...... 401-294-3700 Lawrence A. Rainey...... 401-439-9083 RHODE ISLAND Member: Jim Shriner (North Kingstown, RI) Certified commercial & residental DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL marina, boat repair, engine sales, storage RISAA discount Snug Harbor Marine Serv Ctr.401-742-1840 White Appraisal Co., Inc...... 401-738-9500 MANAGEMENT Member: Joe Mollica (Exeter,RI) Member: S. Keith White, Jr, SRA,SRPA Boat Registrations Engine, marine, rod/reel repairs. Full service. Certified commercial/residential - Warwick,RI 222-6647 MARINE SUPPLIES _ RESTAURANTS _ General Information The Ship’s Store & Rigging..401-683-0457 Giuseppe’s Pizza and Bistro..401-349-3377 Member: Nick DeRosa (Portsmouth, RI) Member: Joseph Saltamachia (Greenville, RI) 401-222-6800 boating supplies, etc. www.shipstoreri.com 19 Smith St, Greenville. Italian food & Pizza ENFORCEMENT MARINE SURVEYING _ Slice Of Heaven...... ,...... 401-423-9866 401-222-2284 Down River Marine Surveyor..401-364-6400 Member: Steven Liebhauser (Jamestown,RI) Member: Roe LaBossiere (Charlestown, RI) 32 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI After Hours Hotline Master Marine Surveyor ROD & REEL REPAIR _ MARINE TOWING SERVICES _ Beavertail Rod And Reel...... 401-215-5062 401-222-3070 Safe/Sea...... 401-295-8711 Member: David Morton (N. Kingstown, RI) Member:Capt. Phil LeBlanc (Wickford, RI) www.beavertailrodandreel.com Marine Fisheries Division www.safesea.com SOLAR CONSULTANT _ 401-423-1923 TowBoatUS/New Bedford...... 508-990-3997 Newport Solar...... 401-315-2529 Member:Capt. Clint Allen (Dartmouth,MA) Member: Gil Bell (Charlestown, RI) www.boatus.com Free solar estimate. [email protected] U. S. COAST GUARD MASSAGE THERAPY______TAXIDERMIST _ Castle Hill, Newport Island Palms Massage...... 860-680-0702 Larry’s Licensed Taxidermist..508-883-8190 846-3675 Member: William Bradley LMT (Warwick, RI) Member: Larry Hayward (Blackstone, MA) Enforcement On call or in-spa. [email protected] TROPHIES/PLAQUES _ MORTGAGE/HOME LOANS _ Crown Trophy...... 401-231-0070 435-2300 Pawtucket Credit Union...... 401-541-7003 Member: John Kubaska (Smithfield, RI) Hazardous Dischanges Member: Brad Sudol (East Greenwich, RI www.crowntrophy.com 435-2300 purchase/finance great rates. c:401-465-7345 World Trophies Co...... 401-272-5846 Pt. Judith Station Seacoast Mortgage...... 401-487-2322 Member: Peter Evangelista (Providence, RI) Member: Paul Kennedy (Narragansett, RI) www.worldtrophies.com 789-0444 Email: [email protected] - 40 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 NEWPORT TIDE TABLES SEPTEMBER HIGH LOW SUN DATE AMhgt PM hgt AM hgt PM hgt rise set

Adjustments LOW HIGH Block Island Great Salt Pond +0:07 -0:02 Castle Hill +0:12 -0:05 East Greenwich +0:03 +0:13 Providence State Pier No. 1 -0:01 +0:11 Point Judith +0:17 -0:10 Sakonnet -0:01 -0:13 Warren -0:01 +0:18

Watch Hill Point +1:16 +0:41 Wickford +0:02 +0:09

APRIL Sept 17 Sept 23 Sept 2

Sept 10 Courtesy US Harbors US Courtesy

- 41 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS Rhode Island Connecticut Massachusetts New York AMERICAN 9” min • 25 fish 9” min • 25 fish 9” min • 25 fish 9” min • 25 fish EEL no closed season no closed season no closed season no closed season 15” min 15” min 15” min BLACK SEA 15” min Jun 24 - Aug 31 - 3 fish 5 fish 5 fish Jun 23-Aug 31 • 3 fish BASS Sep 1 - Dec 31 - 7 fish May 19 - Dec 31 May 18 - Sept 8 Sep 1 - Dec 31 • 7 fish no min size • 3 fish no min size • 3 fish no min size • 3 fish BLUEFISH no closed season (incl snappers) no closed season no min size • 3 fish (5 fish party/charter) no closed season (5 fish party/charter) no closed season South & east of Cape Cod 21" min • 10 fish 21 " min • 10 fish 21" min • 10 fish 22" min • 10 fish COD no closed season no closed season no closed season no closed season *North of Cape see MADMF regs South of Cape Cod HADDOCK 18" min • no limit 18" min • no limit 18" min • no limit no closed season no closed season 18" min • no limit no closed season no closed season 19" min • no limit 19" min • no limit no min size • no limit 19" min • no limit POLLOCK no closed season no closed season no closed season no closed season 9" min • 30 fish 9" min • 30 fish* 9" min • 30 fish 9" min • 30 fish no closed season April 13 to Dec 31 SCUP no closed season no closed season Porgy 8" certain shore sites *max 150 fish per boat *See Special Shore below (charter rules differ) (charter rules differ) (charter rules differ) 1 fish • 28"- <35" slot 1 fish • 28"- <35" slot STRIPED no closed season 1 fish • 28"- <35" slot 1 fish • 28"- <35" slot April 15 - Dec 15 BASS 34" must have right no closed season no closed season *special regs Hudson pectoral fin removed River, north of GW Bridge

SUMMER May 1 - Dec 31 19" min • 4 fish 17" min • 5 fish 19" min • 4 fish FLOUNDER 19" min • 6 fish May 4 - Sept 30 May 23 - Oct 9 May 4 - Sept 30 Fluke **See Special Shore below 17" certain shore sites

16" min 16" min 16" min 16" min Apr 1 to May 31 • 3 fish Open seasons: Open seasons: Apr 1-Apr 30 • 2 fish Jun 1 to Jul 31 • closed Apr 1 - Apr 30 • 2 fish Apr 1 - May 31 • 3 fish TAUTOG Aug 1 to Oct 14 • 3 fish L.I. Sound Fall May/June • closed Jun 1-Jul 31 • 1 fish Oct 11-Dec 9 • 3 fish Oct 15 to Dec 31 • 5 fish Jul 1 - Aug 31 • 2 fish Aug 1 - Oct 14 • 3 fish max 10 fish per boat NY Bight Fall Oct 10 - Nov 28 • 3 fish Oct 15 - Dec 31 • 5 fish Oct 15-Dec 22 • 4 fish WEAKFISH 16" min • 1 fish 16" min • 1 fish 16" min • 1 fish 16" min • 1 fish Squeteague no closed season no closed season no closed season no closed season

12" min • 2 fish North of Cape Cod WINTER March 1 to Dec 31 12" min • 8 fish *All of Narragansett Bay, FLOUNDER 12" min • 2 fish no closed season 12" min • 2 fish Potter Pond, Point Judith April 1 to Dec 31 Pond and the Harbor of South of Cape Cod April 1 to May 30 Refuge is closed to winter 12" min • 2 fish flounder fishing March 1 - Dec 31

RI Special Shore Angling Sites (fluke and scup): India Point Park, Providence; Conimicut Park, Warwick; Rocky Point, Warwick; Stone Bridge, Tiverton; East and West Walls (Harbor of Refuge), Narragansett; Fort Wetherill, Jamestown; and Fort Adams, Newport

*Scup at Special Shore Angling Sites: Min. size 8". Total possession 30 fish/day. **Summer Flounder at Special Shore Angling Sites: Min. size 17" (2 fish only). Total possession 6 fish: 2 may be 17", rest must be 19" and larger 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 - 42 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 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 Multiple Years (save $5/year): ___$90 (2 yrs), ___ $135 (3 yrs), ___ $180 (4 yrs), ___$225 (5 yrs) Senior (Age 65+): $25/year - req date of birth: ____/_____ or prefer ___$50 (2 yrs) ___$75 (3 yrs) 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. • fishing trips for members only • monthly news magazine • discounts at tackle shops and marine dealers • P.O. Box 1465 • social events • college scholarships • adds your voice to fisheries management and conservation issues. Coventry, RI 02816 - 43 - R.I.S.A.A. / September, 2020 P.O. Box 1465 SEPTEMBER 2020 Nonprofit Organization Coventry, RI 02816 U.S. Postage Paid Coventry, RI CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 247

The Voice of Southern New England Fishermen