December - Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers

Transcription

OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE
RHODE ISLAND
SALTWATER
Association
6 Arnold Road, Coventry, RI 02816
www.RISAA.org
401-826-2121
DECEMBER, 2009
Representing Over 6,500 Recreational Anglers
Governor vetoes legislation
Saltwater fishing license
rejected. Now what?
I
t passed the Rhode Island Senate and House of
Representatives, but everyone was shocked when Governor
Carcieri vetoed the saltwater license legislation on November 4.
This action suddenly raised a lot of questions and confusion
among fisheries managers and recreational anglers.
The Governor, in his veto letter, cited the fact that Rhode
Island citizens have been "free, up to now, to cast a line into
Narragansett Bay without government intrusion."
Sounds nice, but does the government have the authority
(duty) to manage marine fisheries "for the good of the
commons?"
So, where does it leave the recreational anglers of Rhode
Island?
Will we be able to fish without a license?
Without federal intrusion? Who's going to stop us?
What will it cost?
Will neighboring states let us fish in their state?
(See page 38)
Governor Patrick signs saltwater
license bill for Massachusetts
O
n Monday, November 23, Gov. Deval Patrick signed into
law the legislation requiring state licenses for saltwater
fishing in Massachusetts.
The Department of Fish and Game will
propose an individual permit fee of $10
to take effect in January.
The revenue will be deposited in the
state’s Marine Recreational Fisheries
Development Fund.
The federal government is requiring the registration as a
means of measuring non-commercial fishing activity on the
nation’s coasts. If states don’t create their own programs, the
federal government will require anglers to register online or by
telephone for a fee from $15 to $25.
A study group comprised of many saltwater fishing
representatives helped to constuct the legislation in order to
provide the best benifit for Massachusetts' anglers.
A leadership failure by
Governor Carcieri
I
think most of us have heard the phrases, “stabbed in the
back”, “blind sided”, or as Steve Medeiros put it, “kicked in
the gut”. Any of these phrases may be expressed whenever an
action or decision is rendered by a person in a position of
authority that is totally contrary to that which was expected.
That’s how I think the majority of the RISAA membership
(representing over 6,500 recreational anglers), and most
particularly, the leaders of the RI Marine Recreational License/
Registry Study Group, authorized by RI DEM Director William
Sullivan, co-chaired by Bob Ballou of the RI DEM, and Steve
Medeiros, and their 17 member study group felt when Governor
Carcieri vetoed the legislative bill to establish a Recreational
Saltwater Fishing License.
The subject of the possibility of a Rhode Island salt water
recreational fishing license had been thoroughly reported in the
RISAA Newsletter for several months. However, to briefly refresh
this issue, some of the wording in the RI legislative bill may be
helpful.
“Since 1979, recreational fishing assessments have been
derived from the marine recreational fisheries survey (MRFSS),
administered by the federal government in partnership with the
states.
In 2006, congress acknowledged major flaws in the accuracy
of the assessments provided by MRFSS, and called upon the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to undertake
programmatic reforms, including the establishment of a universal
recreational catch and effort data.
In 2008, NMFS initiated a new Marine Recreational
Information Program (MRIP) to replace MRFSS, and enacted
rules requiring marine recreational fisherman to either register
under a new national program, or be registered by a state program
that meets federal requirements.
All coastal states have enacted, or are in the process of
enacting, marine recreational fishing license or registry programs.
R.I.S.A.A. / December, 2009
A busy month: Fishing license, fluke and more
W
here to begin? So much has happened in the past month:
the saltwater license, news on fluke, sea herring, and
menhaden. There's not enough room here to tell you everything
that's been going on, but I'll try to share a little of each item.
NO SALTWATER LICENSE
The most obvious item of the month was the veto of the
saltwater license bill by Governor Carcieri. I have to admit, I was
totally shocked. I can only assume that he is so busy, and wasn't
supplied with all of the facts about WHY this was a necessary
thing. I was also disappointed that he didn't reach out to us to
share his concerns. Why let us go through 8 months of meetings
if he intended to veto the bill at the end?
There was also a lot of confusion and a general lack of
understanding by the general public about the federal registry,
etc. I guess that could be our fault.
During one of the public hearings, I heard Rep. Robert Jacquard
say something to the effect that even the leadership of RISAA
was against the license at first, and then changed their minds at
the end (not his exact words). This was true. Personally, I've
always been against at saltwater license, so I can understand why
he and others would tend to automatically oppose it.
When the study group was started last year, I went into it
figuring that in the end, I would be opposed to any license
proposal. But, as the study went on, I slowly changed my mind,
and realized that this was the best thing. We all tried our best to
do the right thing. I know that doesn't please everyone, but it was
simply the lesser of evils.
I believe the Governor was sincere when he said that Rhode
Island citizens should have the right to fish without government
intervention. Last year I would have argued the same point. But
now I think differently, and it leaves us all at the mercy of the Feds.
I've received dozens and dozens of calls from members asking
if we were going to fight it or try to get the legislature to override
the governor's veto, or maybe just try it again next year.
The RISAA Board has been working on this issue and have
been looking into our options. We'll definitely let the membership
know when a sensible plan is formulated.
which will improve the faulty data they get with MRFSS.
MENHADEN CONCERNS
I've requested that a meeting be called of the RIMFC Menhaden
Advisory Panel. There were several issues that need to be
discussed.
Last June there were many complaints about the Lakeman
Brothers boat acting irresponsibly in the Providence River. The
2009 pogy boat season went through the month of May without all
the usual complaints. This was because there were enough adult
menhaden in Narragansett Bay for both anglers AND the commercial
pogy boat seiners. RISAA members knew the new menhaden
regulations were in place and had faith that the system would work
as promised. There were no complaints about the Ark Bait boat as
there has been in years past. Recs and commercials shared the
resource, the way it should be.
But things changed by the second week of June, when the
Lakeman company's 90 foot long Taylor’s Creek, working with it’s
50' seine boat the Ugly Duck, arrived in the Bay. Recreational
fishermen started complaining about the Ugly Duck for it seemed
its captain had no respect for others on the water. There were also
accusations that they were using a net that was larger than allowed
by law.
Soon after they started fishing in the bay, the abundance of
menhaden in the bay was drastically diminished. Members began
to call with complaints of the disappearance of the menhaden.
(to page 37)
IMPORTANT DATES
Additional information on these events can be found on
the RISAA web site at www.risaa.org/events.html
R Dec 6
R Dec 6
R Dec 7
R Dec 28
R Jan 25
FLUKE
Finally, some good news! It seems that the ASMFC has
determined that Rhode Island fishermen had caught approximately
60% below the quota target set for us last year. These numbers
were from January to the end of August. Once the final 4 months
are added in, it looks like we will receive and increase in our quota
next year, and may be able to fix some of the ridiculous minimum
sizes we had to put up with recently.
This is one more reason why we need the registry/license
-2-
R Feb 20
R Feb 22
R Mar 29
RISAA Public Access Committee - 1:00 PM
RISAA Surfcasters Committee - 1:00 PM
R.I. Marine Fisheries Council Meeting - 6:00 PM
Corless Auditorium, URI Bay Campus, Narragansett
RISAA Annual Meeting - 7:00 PM
Capt. George Doucette: Fishing In Alaska for Halibut
and Salmon (see page 13)
RISAA Monthly Seminar & Annual Meeting
Capt. Pat Renna: Light Tackle Trolling
Dr. David Bengston: Trends/Changes in Narragansett
Bay
RISAA's 11th Annual Banquet - 7:00 PM
West Valley Inn, West Warwick, RI
RISAA Monthly Seminar - 7:00 PM
Capt. Bill Brown: Shark Fishing
Tom Duffy: Urban Stripers
RISAA Monthly Seminar & Quarterly Meeting
R.I. Sea Grant: The Ocean SAMP Plan
Capt. Jim White: Light Tackle Fishing in the Bay
RIDEM Fisheries Roundtable focus on
commercial summer flounder
ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Assessment
Update Finds Resource Not Overfished and
Overfishing Not Occurring
by Richard Hittinger
T
he 2009 Atlantic striped stock assessment update indicates
that the resource remains in good condition with female
spawning stock biomass (SSB) percent of the SSB target and
185 percent of the SSB threshold (see graph below). Estimated
fishing mortality rates (F) in 2008 are equal to or less than 0.21
and below the target (0.30) and threshold (0.34) rates. The
assessment provides stock status for the combination of the
three primary stocks (Hudson River, Delaware River, and
Chesapeake and tributaries). The striped bass stock complex is
determined to be not overfished with overfishing not occurring.
Atlantic Striped Bass Female Spawing Stock Biomass
Source: ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update, 2009
Although spawning stock and total biomass have remained
relatively stable over the last several years, stock abundance
declined from 2004 to 2007 with a small increase in 2008.
The decrease in abundance is reflected in a decline in
coastwide landings in 2007 and 2008. The decline is more
prevalent in areas largely dependent on contributions from the
Chesapeake stocks (such as Maine) than areas that are dominated
by the Hudson stock (such as New York).
The spawning stock has remained relatively stable due to
the growth and maturation of the 2003 year class and the
accumulation of spawning biomass from year classes prior to
1996.
The latest results of the statistical catch-at-age model also
exhibit an increasing retrospective bias where F is overestimated
and abundance and biomass underestimated. Retrospective bias
may be the result of error in catch estimates, natural mortality,
unequal stock mixing, and changes in catchability or selectivity.
Analysis of tag data also suggests an increasing natural mortality
in Chesapeake Bay, likely the result of the mycobacteriosis.
Recruitment estimates have averaged 12.5 million fish since
1995 when the stock complex was declared restored. The 2006
and 2007 estimates were the lowest in recent years at 7.4 million
and 5.8 million fish, respectively. (to page 34)
-3-
O
n November 6, 2009 RIDEM Director Sullivan
invited a broad audience interested in
fisheries issues to a Roundtable meeting held at
the URI Bay Campus. I attended due to the
advertised topic of “Quota Management” and my interest in
fluke quota management as the Chairman of the Summer Flounder
Advisory Panel for the RIMFC.
The meeting was well attended, with the room full of various
representatives of the commercial fishing industry. The only
topic of the meeting was quota management and the discussion
was focused on the non-sector fishing (excluding discussion of
the fluke sector trial lead by Chris Brown’s group).
Since this meeting was largely dealing with commercial issues
I will skip over most of the discussion. The key points were that
the commercial catch
of fluke was over the
quota by 146,000
pounds in the Winter I
period, so the Summer
and Winter II periods
were both reduced by
half that or 73,000
pounds per period.
This Winter I overage was caused by dealers being late reporting
the catch to RIDEM and by a few problems that RIDEM had
while trying to manage the fishery. The result next year will be
that 146,000 pounds of the quota that would have been allocated
to Winter I will be taken from that period and put into Summer
and Winter II.
RIDEM openly asked for comments on how we may be able
to better manage the fishery under the required quota system.
They are looking for new ideas on how to protect the fishery
without encouraging discards of dead fish.
Dead discards hurt us all – commercial and recreational
fishermen. Should they keep some of the quota available for
more months by lowering the daily possession limits so that
commercial fishermen keep the by-catch during the “off season”?
If anyone has comments they can be addressed to Director
Sullivan or Bob Ballou, the Acting Chief of Division of Fish &
Wildlife.
Although this is primarily a commercial issue it is important
that recreational fishermen keep an eye on quota management
because that is how our recreational seasons, size limits and
bag limits are currently managed. We have a recreational quota
and RIDEM uses fisheries models approved by National Marine
Fisheries Service to develop the allowed recreational limits. In
addition, there have been discussions regarding establishment
of a sector for charter boats. If established, this would be within
the recreational quota.
The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association is a member
organization of the International Game Fish Association
The purpose of the Membership Committee is to contact new
members, welcome them to the Association and answer any
questions they may have about RISAA and its activities.
Did you know? *
Welcome to the new members who
joined last month
Leo Bernardino
Joseph Creamer
North Providence, RI
Hope, RI
Elizabeth Clinton
Jerry Pesch
Havertown, PA
Henry Clinton
Havertown, PA
• One terawatt of energy equals 1 trillion watts.
• The annual amount of
chemical energy stored
by phytoplankton on
earth is roughly 63
terawatts.
Wakefield, RI
• Illegal, unreported or
unregulated
(IUU)
catches were 16 metric
tons in 2002.
YOUR NAME
should be here
phytoplankton
• IUU catches can lead to depleted fisheries or impede the
rebuilding of depleted stocks.
There are no strangers in the Rhode Island
Saltwater Anglers Association
Only friends you haven't met yet.
Share the Wealth!
The Panama flag is a frequent
flag of convenience
BRING A FRIEND TO
THE NEXT MEETING.
• One third of all seafood coming into the US is mislabeled as
another species.
RISAA members can bring a guest to the monthly
seminars, at no charge, now through December.
Striped Bass
• In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested
only 0.59% of seafood imports.
Night Fishing
Surf fishing
from
The Other Side!
• To be IGFA legal, fishing rods must have a minimum length of
40 inches.
Fly Fishing to
Offshore Big
Game
• The transition between fishes and terrestrial vertebrates
occurred over 370 million years ago.
Fishing Charters
make
GREAT GIFTS
*Published in the IGFA International Angler
Captain Al Anderson
Member
“STUFF IT”
2909 lb.
Great White
• Flags of Convenience (FOC)
allow vessels to avoid
restrictions in their own
countries. More than 1,200
industrial vessels fly FOCs
and more than 1,400 largescale fishing vessels operate
under unknown flags.
IGFA Representative/RI • IGFA Certified Captain
Capt. Joe Pagano
Sportfishing aboard the PROWLER
401-808-0452
Fast 42 foot Custom NC Express
www.stuffitcharters.com
[email protected]
www.ProwlerChartersRI.com
Small Parties
4 Persons Max.
-4-
401-783-8487
Member
SWORDS!
by Ron Nalbandian
R
ecently, there was some discussion in our email fishing group
(SNESA) regarding the TV series “SWORDS”. That
brought back a lot of memories.
Back in the early 1980’s, I had the opportunity to go longlining
on a 34 foot boat out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
The captain was a good friend of mine and one of his twoman crew had “overdone” it the night before a three day trip, so
I told him I’d fill in for a one-time venture.
Tell you what, ladies and gentlemen, I equate the experience
to Marine boot camp at Parris Island! I wouldn’t trade that
experience for a million bucks, but I wouldn’t do it again for a
million! I’ve done a lot of physical labor under miserable
conditions over the years; but, without exception, I’ve never
worked harder in my entire life!
If my memory serves me correctly, I believe we caught
around 3,000 pounds of swordfish and my take was around
$900. Not bad for three days work back then, but trust me, I
earned every penny.
When I got back home after the trip, I had a few cold beers,
a huge Porterhouse steak and slept 14 hours straight!
The fish in the pic with me standing next to it weighed in around 600 pounds
and the one on the deck was around 300 pounds. The last pic is the obvious
outcome when sharks got to a fish before we hauled in.
The obvious outcome when sharks
got to a fish before we hauled it in
Bait & Tackle
166 Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
401-364-6407
Page: 872-0322
Owners: Ron & Karleen Mouchon
-5-
Member
NOTICE . . .
ELECTION
COMMITTEE
Gary Perschau
Chairman
The purpose of Sunshine Committee is to let RISAA members know that
we care about them. Even though our Association has thousands of
members, we care about every one of them.
Annual Meeting is December 28
Hello Everyone:
I wanted to let everyone know I will be taking over the
"Sunshine" section of our monthly magazine I hope to do half
as well with this column as Jane Kearney did the past few years.
A
ll members in good standing should be advised that Election
of Officers for 2010 will take place at the Annual Meeting
on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. following the night’s
seminar.
Per our By-Laws, the Election Committee governs the voting
process, and “shall develop a slate of at least one candidate for
each Officer or Director position, soliciting input from the
current Board and the general membership of the Association.”
The Board of Directors has presented a proposed slate which
is considered the first nomination (below). In addition, the
Election Committee will accept nominations from the floor.
The By-laws also states the following:
“All Members must cast their vote in person.”
“No Member can hold more than one elected office at the
same time.”
“No two immediate family members may hold office at the
same time.”
If any member has questions about the election process,
they should contact me at 401-401-828-3464 or [email protected]
The proposed slate as presented by the Board of Directors is
as follows:
LET US KNOW
I am asking for you to please share your news with me, both
good and bad, happy or sad. The purpose of this column is to
reach out to ALL members.
If you know of ANY member who might be under the weather,
suffering a family loss or going through a tough time, please let
me know so we can send a card to help cheer them up.
We also want to know the good news in your family. Is
there a wedding, birth, graduation or milestone birthday?
NEW NAME?
On another subject, I am looking for a new name for this
column. A few examples might be something like “Member
Misc...” or “Hook, Lines and Info” or “Reel Lines”. Send me
your suggestions.
Merry Christmas to all!
Lynn
GETWELL
Our get well wishes went out to ARMAND
“Rhode
Island
Poppers”
TETREAULT recently when he had gall
Stephen J. Medeiros..... President
Richard C. Hittinger.... 1st Vice President
Bruce E. Getchell......... 2nd Vice President
Curt A. Caserta............ Secretary
J. Edwin Cook.............. Treasurer
Robert D. Masse.......... Sergeant-At-Arms
George S. Allen............ Board Member
Robert V. Blasi............. Board Member
Charles R. Bradbury..... Board Member
Edward J. Kearney..... Board Member
William S. Sosnicki....... Board Member
Michael A. Warner....... Board Member
SEATOW.COM
Capt. Kevin Scott
1-800-4SEATOW
(401) 294-2360
bladder problems. Hopefully he has a speedy
recovery.
GETWELL
PETER PALUMBO underwent
heart bypass surgery last month. We
wish him a quick recovery because we
need him back in the House of
Representatives looking out for all
saltwater anglers.
CONGRATULATIONS
Member
JACK
CARNEY’S son, John, if
the kicker for the New
Orleans Saints. With the
team in first place NFC, we’re
sure Jack is a proud father!
Member
-6-
Charter industry should support new data program
MRIP offers leadership opportunity
to for-hire sector
by Capt. Frank Blount
F
ifteen years ago, I knew there was a need for better fisheries
people trust that is collected and reported in
data. I questioned the recreational statistics as much as
ways that make sense, those debates can be
anyone. But a lot can change in 15 years, and I think some new
grounded in sound science and based on a rational discussion
initiatives that are under way are going to keep changing things
of what is in the best interests of everyone involved.
in recreational fisheries management for the better.
First, a little background: Though you sometimes wouldn’t
COOPERATIVE APPROACH
know it from all the meetings I attend, I’m first
When you think about it, fisheries
and foremost a party boat captain.
management in today’s oceans is really a
I am the owner/operator of the Frances Fleet if we all work
balancing act. First you have to balance the needs
out of Point Judith, RI, and like everyone else,
created by more and more issues and interests
I’m doing my best to make ends meet in a tough together to make it
affecting the oceans. That includes everything
economy. I got involved as an advocate for better successful, it is
from global warming to wind and wave energy
recreational fishing data when I wrote a piece
farms to inland runoff to commercial and
back in 1993 that was called “NMFS Data: Fact going to really
recreational fishing, then you have to balance
or Fiction?”
improve the quality the needs of each sector.
I am a past chairman of the New England
For charter boat captains, regulations have
Fisheries Management Council, and currently of fisheries data.
to be fair enough to allow us to make a living.
serve as chair of the Council’s Herring Committee
They also have to be prudent enough to make
as well as serving on other committees.
sure the fisheries stay productive, year after year
You will be hard-pressed to find a tougher audience or a
and season after season.
bigger skeptic than me when it comes to recreational fisheries
That’s where MRIP comes in. For almost three years now,
data collection. I live and experience both sides of the issue:
some of the best minds from both inside the fishing industry
how to use the data to implement regulations, and how to operate
and outside of it have been working together to rethink the
a business under those regulations, especially when it comes to
whole process of estimating recreational catch and effort - the
the for-hire sector.
data that underlies stock assessments and ultimately,
I am more hopeful for the future of fisheries management
management decisions - from the ground up.
than I’ve been in a long time. The reason is that it turns out the
Literally, thousands of hours have been spent tackling
old saying “You can’t fight City Hall” isn’t always true - from
complex and sometimes tough questions, such as:
my perspective, anyway. You can, I
• Who exactly will be using this data
have and we will!
and what exactly will they be using
Alongside scientists, fishermen,
it for?
managers, conservationists and
• How frequently do catch and effort
others, a lot of people in the for-hire
estimates need to be made so that
sector have helped shape a new
managers can be effective at doing
initiative that is seriously addressing
their jobs? Over how small an area?
concerns that have been raised for
• How can public trust in the data be
years about how, and how well,
restored?
recreational fisheries data is collected.
• What’s the best way to deal with
The new program is called the
situations where what the data show
Marine Recreational Information
is radically different from what
Program, or MRIP, and if we all work
fishermen think the numbers should
together to make it successful, it is
be?
going to really improve the quality of
Although no one is claiming they’ve
fisheries data. That’s important
got everything figured out, I believe
because better data means more
things are moving forward on every
accurate stock assessments and more
front. That’s especially true for charter
reliable measures for managers to use
boats, where the team looking at the
in their allocation and decisionfor-hire sector recently announced a
making processes.
series of recommendations for getting
At the end of the day, we still might not like how all the
better data.
numbers shake out, and we may have legitimate disagreements
(to page 36)
about how best to safeguard fisheries. But when we have data
-7-
Charities Committee
Joan Bradbury, Chairperson
The RISAA Charities Committee exists to lend a helping hand to others in need.
We have an operating budget, approved by the RISAA membership at the Annual Meeting.
During 2009, the Charities Committee is continuing its “Gift A Month” Program, when each member of the committee is
responsible for selecting and investigating the charity of his/her choice and then presenting it to the whole committee for
consideration.
NOVEMBER CONTRIBUTION
Make A Difference Foundation
Report by CURT CASERTA
O
ur November contribution went to the Make A Difference
Foundation.
This organization started at Thanksgiving in 1993 when Bob
McCann’s wife, Ann, read an article in the Providence Journal
that turkey donations were down for the year by over 1,000
compared to the previous year. There were less than three days
to go until Thanksgiving Day.
Bob and Ann decided to buy a turkey and bring it to a
shelter themselves. On the way back from the shelter, Ann
suggested that Bob call a few friends and get some more turkeys
donated to help some less fortunate families. Within a threeday period, enough money to purchase over 40 turkeys was
raised.
The Make A Difference Foundation was then developed as
a result of several individuals who wanted to directly benefit
families in need during the holiday season. Since that time,
their board has grown to 19 men and women from all over Rhode
Island. Because of their efforts, over 36,000 turkeys have been
distributed over the last 14 years.
These turkeys are distributed throughout Rhode Island and
100% of the monetary contributions are used for charitable
purposes. No part of the contributions goes to pay for the
expenses of travel, storage, or delivery of the food, all of which
is performed by unpaid volunteers. This is a great opportunity
to Make a Difference in the State of Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association is proud
to help this dedicated group of people and a great cause.
Make A Difference Foundation founder Bob McCann with
RISAA check last month.
To make your own donation, send a check or money order,
payable to the “Make A Difference Foundation” and send it to:
Make A Difference Foundation
1300 Division Road, Suite 203
West Warwick, RI 02893
You can also call them with questions or more information
at 401-885-9080, extension 109.
OVER 10,000 ITEMS IN
All major credit
Rhode Island’s Largest STOCK!
cards accepted
Independent Tackle Store
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RISAA member
-8-
401-294-9642
800-249-5400
ANDREW
FORBER
AL AMARAL
landed this 4 lb tautog while
fishing on September 23 with
Vic Rudowski. The pair of
RISAA members were
fishing off Hope Island.
The RISAA member
crew of Mike Spiewak’s
boat Doctor’s Orders
assisted Andrew in
landing this 222 lb
thresher shark on
9/20/09. In photo (l-r)
Andrew Forber, Mike
Spiewak, Steve West
and Ken McAlum.
8 year old Junior Member
CHASE SIMAO
landed this 20.10 pound striper all
by himself while fishing with his dad
Armando on June 28. The fish won
2nd place in the Special Spring
Striped Bass Tournament, Junior
Boat Division.
STEVE WEST
landed this Mahi Mahi on
August 26 while fishing
aboard his boat, Reel
Delight. The fish weight
was 21.80 lbs and was
briefly a new Hall of Fame
record. It’s currently in
2nd place in the Yearlong
Tournament.
BOB GUAY and
DOUG BARKER
LEN DUFFY
landed this Mahi Mahi on August 6
while fishing aboard RISAA member
Mike Spiewak’s boat, Doctors Orders,
out of Star Island, Montauk, NY
post with the 278 pound
bluefin tuna that they
landed on July 22, while
fishing at Stellwagen Bank.
aboard the Lisa and Jake of
Kayman Charters. The fish
measured 78 inches.
JILLIAN LEBLANC
LUCAS BERG
landed this monster bluefish while
fishing with her dad (Bob) aboard
the families boat Prime Time in
Greenwich bay on June 26. The
fish took a swimming lure she was
casting at the time.
Stripers, Tautogs,
Cod, Sharks,Tuna
landed this Spanish
Mackerel while fishing off
the west wall at Point
Judith on August 31.
Capt. Mike Neto
28' Ocean Runner
CAPT. JOHN OGOZALEK
(401) 573-FISH
Member
www.ogofishing.com
up to 4 anglers
672 North Main Street
Danielson, CT 06239
-9-
860-774-6924
[email protected]
Lots of good stuff for kids
Juniors Tautog Fishing Event
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Like John Lennon asked, “Another year over
and what have you done?” Well, the juniors
have done a lot this year. Not only have they
taken part in a lot of activities, but they’ve also
grown.
Sure, they’re almost all an inch taller, but that’s not what I
mean. I’m talking about the other stuff.
For instance, a week ago we had our tautog fishing trip.
Things were dead as far as the bite goes. It wasn’t long before
a couple of the juniors came by me with a bag, and they were
collecting trash from the beach.
Of course I couldn’t wait a second to start praising them.
Just as I was about to speak, James, one of our older junior
members said, “We’re just making sure we leave this spot better
than it was when we arrived.”
I was blown away! I’ve been preaching that to the kids from
the day I became chairman. It warms my heart to see them
taking stock in it. The best part of the whole thing is nobody
asked them to clean up. They just did it to pass the time while
they waited for the bite to turn on.
A couple years ago if you had asked them
what types of trash hurt fish and wildlife the
most, they might have guessed a few things
right. Now they’ve become experts! These
days they’re telling ME things I didn’t know
about the habitats we visit.
And the fishing, well let me tell you, we’re bringing up some
pretty sharp anglers here! Over the past year, they’ve had
hands-on lessons from the local experts on tautog fishing, squid
fishing and scup! These kids are going to be fishing circles
around us someday.
A LOT OF PLANS FOR 2010
But looking back is something we only have a small amount
of time to do each year. This year, the plans for the junior’s
activities are the most aggressive ever.
There will be fly tying lessons, lure building workshops, a
trip to the New England Aquarium, and expanded plans for
squid fishing. The list goes on and on.
We have at least one event a month planned right through
to July. The RISAA Juniors website has been updated with the
list of events.
This year, make it your New Year’s
resolution to visit the juniors web page
often and attend some of the events.
We look forward to seeing you there!
www.risaa.org/juniors
- 10 -
by Lamarr Wallace
O
n a sunny, crisp November morning, RISAA Junior
Members and their families came together for a fun-filled
day of tautog fishing at Fort Adams of Newport.
Upon my arrival, I was informed that I missed a sighting of
a large dolphin pod (hundreds of dolphin!).
Everyone seemed to be ready, all asking questions and
quite excited about the prospect of landing a tautog. Well as
luck would have it, at our first location there was not a fish,
bite or nibble, but the junior’s had fun with the green crabs we
used for bait.
RISAA Junior
Activity
Committee
members Mike
Fotiadesd and
Lamarr Wallace
helped the
Juniors learn
how to fish for
tautog
To the far right of us were some folks scuba diving in the
spot we had intended to fish from. We could see the dive flags
dotting the water. We moved closer to them (without
endangering them) and lined the rocks, but the tautog remained
elusive as the tide came up and a fall chill remained in the air.
With one starfish caught, we called it a day.
One more thing to Julie - THOSE WERE SOME REALLY
SNAZZY BOOTS!
Thanks to all who participated.
According to answers.com, the name tautog is
from the Narragansett language, originally
tautauog.
It is also called Oyster Fish in North Carolina,
however, many people in New Jersey and most of
New England refer to them as Blackfish.
Many of our members are serving in the military. This column
will be a way to keep in touch with friends back home.
From: PFC Kevin Robishaw
U.S. Army - Iraq
To: Fellow RISAA Members
The Fund-Raising Committee, through raffles at monthly seminars,
raises funds that support the RISAA Charities, Foundation and
Scholarship Committees.
DECEMBER meeting raffle items
A
To My Friends at RISAA,
I have arrived safely and in one piece back in Germany on
the 1st of Nov. Sorry it took me this long to get out my notice.
It just takes the Germans forever to come hook me up with the
internet here in the barricks, especially when the whole Brigade
is trying to do the same thing as me!
I am done with Iraq and look forward to getting readusted to
Germany and the whole no war type thing. It’s a wierd feeling
being home, very sureal, but it is nice. It’s very very cold, but
nice.
If anyone is interested, my address is as follows:
SPC Robishaw
CMR 415 Box 7427
APO, AE 09114
nother year is coming to an end. I am sure for some of us
that means we have put our boats away for the winter.
Others are changing over to shore fishing.
I want to say “thank you” to everyone who has supported
the raffles in whatever means. Thank you to the committee
members, ticket purchasers and those who have helped with the
raffles when the committee members were not there.
I wish everyone a Happy Holiday season and bigger fish in
the New Year.
The featured items for December’s raffle will be:
A rod & reel combo made up of an 8’ Daiwa Beef Stick
SA802MRS 30 lb class rod combo with a Penn Cativa CV26000
reel
I am gonna be busy until I come home on December 23rd for
two weeks! Can’t wait to be home for Christmas. Last Christmas
was rather depressing.
Well, I thank you all for the support and all you did for me. I
am thankful to have good friends like you all.
KECHENENY
An Offshore Innovations
Umbrella Bar with Squid/
Tuna Lures
Fish Prints & T-Shirts
A unique gift for
all occasions
Plus
An assortment of Phase II Custom Hand Made Cedar Lures
Fluke•Striped Bass•Salmon
And much, much more. Approximately $500.00 + worth of items
and many times more.
1-860-535-9987
www.kechenenyfishprints.com
From the last raffles, I would like to thank the following vendors
who contributed to the past meetings:
Anco Lures • Peter Vican • D.C. Custom Plugs
Mike Moore • Lemire's Plugworks
Full Service Propeller Facility
Remember you have to be present to win and see all the goodies.
REPAIRS ~ RECONDITIONING ~ WELDING
Middletown, RI
ke
r Mi
888-430-7767
o
f
Ask
Bring your prop in for a
FREE computer analysis
Sport Fishing Charters Aboard The
SAVE
FUEL
Lucky Lady
Slip 11 • Channel Marina • Snug Harbor, RI
Capt. Steven Palmer
www.oceanpropsri.com
10% RISAA member discount on inboard recons
Member
401-284-2869 or 860-573-3751
www.luckyladycharters.net
- 11 -
32 Luhrs Sportfisher
DECEMBER SEMINAR
Monday, December 28 • 7:00 p.m.
ALASKA FISHING FOR HALIBUT AND SALMON
ON A BUDGET!
with Capt. George Doucette
Capt. George Doucette is a charter boat skipper on Cape
Cod with 30 years experience. He runs the Cape Cod Fishing
School.
Captain George has experienced fishing at many places
around the world, but never in Alaska until the year 2000.
"I have now been to Alaska many times and have found a
gem of a fishing area that few anglers know exists," said
George. "After years of catching salmon and halibut, I can
show RISAA members the where, when and how to visit Alaska
on a budget.
He speaks excitedly as he tells of the fishing haven he now goes to over and over.
"My system gets you a complete package at a price that you won't believe," he said. "I
promise you a night to remember."
and
The
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
will follow the seminar
FOOD WILL BE SERVED* BETWEEN 5:30 - 6:30
• TONIGHT'S MENU •
Tossed salad w/roll: $2.25
Penne with meatballs, sausage & peppers: $6.95
Penne only w/roll: $3.50
Meatball sub, chips: $5.9
EVERY MEMBER WHO
ATTENDS IS ELIGIBLE TO
WIN THE NIGHT'S FREE
DOOR PRIZE
Register when you check-in
* Food is NOT included in admission and is provided by the West Valley Inn.
Pay separately at the bar.
Seminar is held at the West Vally Inn
Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI
Directions on page 14
Non-Members Welcome
NON-MEMBER ADMISSION: $10 donation to RISAA's Scholarship Fund (RISAA members attend free)
- 12 -
JANUARY SEMINAR
Monday, January 25 • 7:00 p.m.
Two Topics!
Recent trends and changes
in Narragansett Bay
Light Tackle Trolling Tubes
& Spoons
with
with
David Bengtson
Capt. Pat T-Man Renna
Owner of T-Man Custom Tackle, LLC
• Chairman, URI Dept. of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary
Sciences
• Co-principal Investigator, Sustainable Fisheries Extention
of Rhode Island Sea Grant
Popular Connecticut charter boat
captain and striper
fishing enthusiast,
he is well know for
his
innovative
striper trolling
techniques. He is
the creator of TMan Striper Tubes
& the Quick Change
Keel trolling system as well as a variety of angler proven lures.
Captain Pat has many years of trolling experience on the waters
of Long Island Sound & the Connecticut River.
A member of the Team Daiwa Pro Staff, Captain Pat has
several magazine articles and television appearances to his
credits and is a highly sought after speaker for his Light Tackle
Trolling Instructional Seminars. Many anglers have improved
their fish catching skills as a result of attending Captain Pat’s
seminars and instructional charters.
Professor Bengtson
and his graduate
students have studied
most of the species that
inhabit Narragansett
Bay, and the unique
ecological
and
environmental assets of
the Bay and the Rhode
Island coastline. He has also done much research on
aquaculture and other fisheries.
He will give an overview of the predator/prey and ecological
relationships that occur within the bay, and the changes that
have occurred over the past several years.
This is the type of seminar that all anglers should attend to
improve your personal knowledge of the marine environment.
FOOD WILL BE SERVED* BETWEEN 5:30 - 6:30
• TONIGHT'S MENU •
Tossed salad w/roll: $2.25
Chicken Parmesean with ziti: $6.95 (Ziti only: $3.95)
Meatball sub, chips: $5.95
EVERY MEMBER WHO
ATTENDS IS ELIGIBLE TO
WIN THE NIGHT'S FREE
DOOR PRIZE
* Food is NOT included in admission and is provided by the West Valley Inn.
Pay separately at the bar.
Register when you check-in
Seminar is held at the West Vally Inn
Blossom Street, West Warwick, RI
Directions on page 14
Non-Members Welcome
NON-MEMBER ADMISSION: $10 donation to RISAA's Scholarship Fund (RISAA members attend free)
- 13 -
The
FRANCES FLEET
He REALLY likes to fish for tautog!
“Catch a Good Time!”
LAMAAR WALLACE
loves tautog fishing so much that he had a picture of one
tattooed on his left arm with the words “Blackfish Master.”
COD FISHING
Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. & Sun
7:00 a.m. (thru Dec. 30)
Beginning January 2010
Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
5:00 a.m.
BLACKFISHING
Sailing daily at 6:00 a.m.
(thru Dec. 15)
Visit our shop for live and
frozen bait, ice, rods & reels,
tackle and more. Locted
across from the boats.
Call for reservations.
For more info,
visit our website:
francesfleet.com
GEORGE’S BANK SPECIAL
Dec. 5, 19
Private charters available aboard the
“Captain Frances.” Call for more info.
Located in the Port of Galilee, RI (401) 783-4988
Member
Directions to West Valley Inn, Blossom Street, West Warwick,RI
FROM WESTERLY AND POINTS SOUTH:
I-95 North to exit 11 onto I-295 North. Take Exit 1 to Rt
113 West towards West Warwick (follow directions
below)
FROM PROVIDENCE AND POINTS NORTH:
I-95 South to exit 12B to Rt 113 West (follow directions
below)
FROM NARRAGANSETTAND SOUTH COUNTY:
Route 1 North, becomes Route
4 North to end and merges
onto I-95 North, then take to
Blossom St
exit 11 onto I-295 North. Take
Exit 1 to Rt 113 West. (follow
directions below)
Ea
2
st
Av
e
ov
Pr
FROM RT 113 WEST
off I-95
id
en
c
e
St
95
Follow 113 west through 3
lights, and cross Route 2 onto
East Ave.
East Ave becomes River St
(one way). Go to light and turn
left onto Rt 33 (Providence St).
Go 8/10 mile to West Valley Inn
(entrance on right).
95
- 14 -
Every member who attends the monthly seminars can win!
Monthly Meeting Doorprizes
Every member who attends the monthly seminars will fill out a FREE doorprize raffle slip
when they check in at the door.
After the night’s seminar, one lucky name will be drawn and that person will win a
$200 GIFT CERTIFICATE *
to the Tackle Shop of your choice!
*Chose from any of these member tackle shops:
Big Bear Fishing Supply
Block Island Fishworks
Breachway Bait & Tackle
Bucko’s Parts + Tackle
Edward’s Bait & Tackle
Erickson’s Bait & Tackle
Finish Finatics
King Cove Outfitters
Ocean State Tackle
Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle
Quonny Bait & Tackle
River & Riptide Anglers
Sandy Bottom Bait & Tackle
Snug Harbor Marina
Sportsman’s Outfitter
Tackle Box
Wickford Rodworks
Rules:
• Must be an adult/regular member in good standing
• Must be present to win
• RISAA Board members not eligible
• Certificates must be redeemed within 90 days
• May not be exchanged for cash. Entire amount must be redeemed at tackle shop
• Limited to one win per calendar year
November 30 Meeting Winners
The winner of the REGULAR MEMBER door prize was
The winner of the JUNIOR MEMBER door prize was
PETER LEWIS
KATHRYN QUINN
who selected his $200 certificate for Breachway Bait & Tackle
who won a rod and reel spinning combo
It’s just another benefit of membership in the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association!
- 15 -
RISAA Tournaments: 2009 and 2010
W
ell, it is that time of year when the fishing in these parts has
come to a close as do our Special and Yearlong
tournaments. The Special Tournaments have come to a close
and the year long tournaments end December 31st. So, for you
die hards, get out there fish hard, weigh in your catches and take
pictures. As most bait shops have slimmed their hours please be
sure to check with your local bait shop (so if weather permits you
have the bait to go!)
FINAL 1999
SPECIAL TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Congratulations to the winners of the last two special
tournaments of the year. It wasn’t an easy task from boat or
shore as most days (especially weekends) were filled with storms
and the gusty fall wind.
FALL TAUTOG TOURNAMENT - Oct 30 - Nov 3
Boat Division
ADULT
JUNIOR
1st...Kyle Paparelli - 4.76
1st...Armando Simao - 8.95
2nd...
2nd..William Zanks - 8.45
3rd...
3rd...Jack Sprengel Jr - 7.95
Shore Division
JUNIOR
ADULT
1st...No entries
1st...Thomas McGuire - 6.54
2nd...
2nd..Dick Geldard - 6.40
3rd...Normand Morrissette -5.97 3rd...
COD TOURNAMENT • June 12 - 21
ADULT
1st...Jack Sprengel - 13.85
2nd..Robert Masse - 7.43
3rd..
JUNIOR
1st...No entries
2nd...
3rd...
The actual Special Tournaments schedule will be posted next
month.
The committee is also trying to come up with some creative
ways to increase the participation in the tournaments for next
year. The tournaments can be a great way for both experienced
and novice fisherman to justify bragging rights. Tournament
fishing is also a great way to get the family involved, especially
the juniors who are the future of this sport and industry.
During the winter months I will present a series of articles
here that will explain the
Governor’s Cup, Yearlong
Tournaments,
Special
Tournaments and how one
becomes the RISSA Angler of
the year. Our goal in 2010 is
increased participation and
the best way to do that is to
inform members of the
tournaments and prizes that
come with them. We want
RICH HITTINGER
everyone to hit the 2010 year displays a 4.7 pound black sea
educated and full of bass that he landed off the
enthusiasm!
west side of Block Island back
Pictures are also a big part in August. This hungry sea
of the participation for 2010 so bass hit a skipjack (small
get those cameras ready to bluefish) that Rich was using
snap shots of those prize as bait.
catches over the 2010 season.
An inexpensive digital camera
is small and takes a decent picture, but if you want to enlarge
pictures you may want to consider a better camera.
If you do not own a camera this is a great time to get one. Put
it on your Christmas list!
ATTEND THE ANNUAL BANQUET
ANNUAL MEETING - PLANS FOR 2010
As this season came to an end we started to prepare for the
next, and the Tournaments Committee held its annual meeting on
October 19th.
The Special Species Tournaments and Yearlong Tournament
for 2010 will remain the same as the 2009 season.
The only major change is that the two winter flounder
tournaments (yearlong and special) have been cancelled since
the Federal Government is imposing further restrictions on this
species. Our goal is to have fun and create some friendly
competition while not promoting the fishing of a protected fishery.
A great way to reflect on the 2009 season and tournaments is
to attend the annual banquet in February when all the prizes are
distributed. It’s a great night socializing with fellow fishermen
and families alike.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from
the 2010 Tournaments Committee
Chairman Mark Paparelli, Vice Chairman Charlie Bradbury,
Secretary Captain Jack Sprengle, and members Bruce Bruni, Paul
Karcz, Captain Bob Masse, Steven McKenna, David Minto,
Robert Moeller, Normand Morrissette and David Westfall.
- 16 -
YEARLONG
TOURNAMENT
Standings as of 11/29/09
BLUEFISH
BLACK SEABASS
BOAT DIVISION
SHORE DIVISION
ADULT (minimum 1 lb)
1st George Allen -5.85
1st Joseph Pearson -3.08
2nd Richard Swanson -5.70
2nd none yet
3rd Harry Templeton -5.10
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Kyle Paparelli -2.85
2nd Ray Vincent, III -2.68
3rd Douglas Harrison -2.50
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
COD
JUNIOR (no minimum)
2nd Lucas Berg -9.05
3rd Nicholas Berg -8.05
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Louis Manchester -8.50
2nd Jonathan Pickering -6.33
3rd none yet
FALSE ALBACORE
BOAT DIVISION
ADULT (minimum 5 lbs)
1st Jack Sprengel -14.30
2nd Donald Smith -10.10
3rd Charles Bradbury -7.91
SHORE DIVISION
1st Jack Sprengle -9.05
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
MAHI MAHI
POLLOCK
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
STRIPED BASS
JUNIOR (no minimum)
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
SHORE DIVISION
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
FLUKE
BOAT DIVISION
1st Douglas Barker -25.20
2nd Jack Sprengel -25.15
3rd Charles Bradbury-9.65
BOAT DIVISION
BOAT DIVISION
1st Jack Sprengel -25.30 1st Charles Bradbury -19.96
2nd Steven West -21.80 2nd Jack Sprengel - 14.25
3rd none yet
3rd none yet
BONITO
BOAT DIVISION
SHORE DIVISION
BOAT DIVISION
1st Jack Sprengel -13.75 1st Hedley Davidson -14.50
2nd Armando Simao -13.55 2nd Jack Sprengel -14.45 2nd Charles Bradbury -5.93
3rd Gisele Golembeski-11.47 3rd Mark Maldonis -11.80
3rd none yet
BOAT DIVISION
ADULT (minimum 2.5 lbs)
1st Donald Smith -10.70
2nd Karen Lucas -9.85
3rd Steven West -9.70
HADDOCK
SHORE DIVISION
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
BOAT DIVISION
2nd Robert Masse -6.25
3rd David Minto -6.00
JUNIOR (no minimum)
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Chase Simao -8.85
1st none yet
2nd Douglas Harrison -7.40
2nd none yet
3rd Michael Ballback Jr -5.61
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
SCUP
SQUETEAGUE
BOAT DIVISION
SHORE DIVISION
1st Lawrence Audino -2.96 1st Charles Bradbury -2.08
2nd Armando Simao -2.65 2nd Louis Manchester -1.90
3rd John Rose -2.35
3rd Lamarr Wallace -1.23
BOAT DIVISION
1st John McCurry -6.77
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
SHORE DIVISION
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Chase Simao -1.10
2nd Lucas Berg -2.20 2nd Louis Manchester,Jr -.81
3rd Chase Simao -1.90
3rd George Fotiades -.70
Tie Ben Pickering -.70
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st no entry
2nd no entry
3rd no entry
STRIPED BASS - FLY FISHING ONLY
BOAT DIVISION
1st Michael Lanni -56.40
2nd Ronald Enright -51.30
3rd Donald Smith -51.00
SHORE DIVISION
1st Kevin Johnson -37.34
2nd Robert Moeller -33.15
3rd Albert Pellini -31.55
BOAT DIVISION
1st Tom Smotherman-23.40
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
SHORE DIVISION
1st Donald Smith -15.30
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Adam Berg -40.30
3rd Douglas Harrison-32.30
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Jon Pickering -13.55
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
SHAD (Jrs only)
TUNA (no giants)
WINTER FLOUNDER
BOAT DIVISION
BOAT DIVISION
BOAT DIVISION
SHORE DIVISION
ADULT (min 1.5 lbs)
ADULT (min 1.5 lbs)
2nd none yet
1st Alan Hollandersky -1.95
1st Dick Geldard -4.40
3rd none yet
2nd Tom Smotherman-145.75
2nd none yet
2nd Charles Bradbury -1.65
3rd David Warburton -52.96
3rd none yet
3rd none yet
SHORE DIVISION
1st Jon Pickering -1.45
JUNIOR (no minimum)
JUNIOR (no minimum)
JUNIOR (no minimum)
2nd none yet
1st none yet
1st none yet
1st none yet
3rd none yet
2nd none yet
2nd none yet
2nd none yet
3rd none yet
3rd none yet
3rd none yet
• The Yearlong Tournament is a continuing tournament that runs from January to December
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.
• There are two categories: ADULT and JUNIOR member.
• There are also two divisions within each category: BOAT and SHORE.
• A complete list of tournament rules are printed on the back of every Entry Form.
- 17 -
TAUTOG
BOAT DIVISION
SHORE DIVISION
ADULT (minimum 3 lbs) ADULT (minimum 3 lbs)
1st John Rose -10.96 1st Richard Gallipeau -11.20
2nd Thomas Pelletier-9.30 2nd Thomas McGuire -7.18
3rd Robert Guay 8.30
3rd Dick Geldard -7.00
JUNIOR (no minimum)
JUNIOR (no minimum)
1st Kyle Paparelli -5.61 1st Shaine Wallace -4.00
2nd none yet
3rd Andrew Morrissette-4.42
3rd none yet
GOVERNOR’S CUP
The RISAA Governor’s Cup
Award is presented to the angler
who catches:
1) the largest striped bass,
2) in Rhode Island waters,
3) and released unharmed.
The catch shall be documented by
a photograph showing fish and
ruler.
There shall be one leader in the BOAT and
SHORE Divisions
CURRENT LEADERS:
BOAT DIVISION
DONALD SMITH
Length: 50"
Girth: 29"
SHORE DIVISION
STEVEN MCKENNA
Length: 43"
Girth: 27.5"
Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association
ANGLING HALL OF FAME
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.
SHORE DIVISION
BOAT DIVISION
SPECIES
WEIGHT
ANGLER
YEAR
SPECIES
WEIGHT
ANGLER
YEAR
Black Sea Bass
Bluefish
Bonito
Cod
False Albacore
Fluke
Haddock
Mahi Mahi
Pollock
Scup
Squeteague
Striped Bass
Tautog
Tuna (Bluefin)
Winter Flounder
6.46
17.34
12.20
49.10
16.20
15.65
7.90
25.30
27.70
3.30
10.60
76.87
16.30
168.00
4.40
Barbara Audino
Skip Stritzinger
Michael Neto
Robert Morel
Charles Bradbury
Kyle Blount
Albert Reeves
Jack Sprengel, Jr.
Harry Templeton
Christine Blount
Robert Grant
Peter Vican
Brian Droney
Jack Sprengel, Jr.
Michael Lanni
2007
1999
2004
2001
2004
2006
2003
2009
2001
2005
2003
2008
2008
2009
1998
Black Sea Bass
Bluefish
Bonito
False Albacore
Fluke
Scup
Squeteague
Striped Bass
Tautog
Winter Flounder
3.85
15.18
9.99
12.22
5.44
2.50
16.54
48.62
11.20
4.40
Joseph Pearson
David Pickering
Jack Sprengle, Jr.
Jack Sprengle, Jr.
Jonathan Pickering
Kenneth Gu
Robert Moeller
Brendan Richards
Richard Gallipeau
Dick Geldard
2009
2007
2007
2007
2003
2003
2007
2006
2009
2009
Do you make your own lead
lures and jigs?
Approved
Weigh-In Locations
All fish MUST be weighed in at one of the approved weigh-in
locations listed below. Only digital scales are acceptable.
No Exceptions!
Take part in a Mold Swap
Dave Fewster will be heading up
a new RISAA project for members
who enjoy pouring their own lead
jigs and sinkers.
“With so many people pouring
lead these days, it would be a good
idea to provide a way for members
to swap jigs,” said Dave. “ I have
at least 4 or 5 different molds that
I’m willing to swap and I’m looking to borrow a few different kinds.”
He’s betting there
are others out who
also would like to
try different molds.
“Why spend
$40 or $50 to buy a
mold that I might use only once a year ?”
This would only be a trade/borrow between members.
Dave will be set up at a table at the RISAA November 30 meeting if you’re interested in talking to him about
this project.
You can also call Dave at 401-230-8201.
Maximum
Location
Big Bear Hunting & Fishing Supply (Harmony)........ 30 lbs
•Block Island Fishworks (New Harbor)............................ 100 lbs
•Breachway Bait & Tackle (Charlestown).................... 50 lbs
•Edward's Fishing Tackle (Newport)............................ 75 lbs
•Erickson Bros. Bait & Tackle (Warwick)..................... 50 lbs
•Frances Fleet (Port of Galilee)...................................... 50 lbs
Gray’s Boat Yard (Westerly)......................................... 99 lbs
King Cove Outfitters (Stonington).............................. 100 lbs
Lucky Bait & Tackle (Warren)..................................... 330 lbs
Maridee Bait & Tackle................................................... 50 lbs
•Ocean House Marina (Charlestown)........................... 50 lbs
•Ocean State Tackle (Bristol)......................................... 50 lbs
Pete’s Bait & Tackle (Woonsocket).............................. 50 lbs
•Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle (N. Kingstown)............... 60 lbs
•Quonny Bait & Tackle (Charlestown).......................... 60 lbs
Riverside Marine (Tiverton)......................................... 30 lbs
Sam's Bait & Tackle (Middletown)............................... 50 lbs
•Sandy Bottom Bait & Tackle (Coventry).................... 50 lbs
•Snug Harbor Marina (Wakefield)................................. 200 lbs
•Tackle Box, Inc. (Warwick)............................................ 200 lbs
•Weekapaug Bait & Tackle, (Westerly)........................ 100 lbs
•Wickford Rod Works (Wickford)................................. 75 lbs
Zeek's Creek Bait Shop (Jamestown).......................... 30 lbs
• indicates RISAA member
- 18 -
RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS
Rhode Island
Federal Registry
License Required?
in 2010
Connecticut
Massachusetts
YES
YES
AMERICAN
EEL
6” minimum • 50 fish
no closed season
no closed season
no closed season
BLACK SEA
BASS
no closed season
12.5” minimum • 25 fish
no closed season
12.5” minimum • 20 fish
no closed season
BLUEFISH
no min size • 10 fish
no closed season
no closed season
no closed season
22" minimum • 10 fish
no closed season
no closed season
See MADMF for varied bag
limits
Spec regs for north of Cape
Cod
Summer Flounder
June 17 - Dec 31
19.5" minimum • 3 fish
June 15 - August 19
July 1 to August 13
HADDOCK
19" minimum • no limit
no closed season
no closed season
no closed season
POLLOCK
no closed season
no closed season
no min size • no limit
no closed season
SCUP
May 24 to September 25
(charter rules differ)
May 24 to September 26
May 24 to Sept 26
no closed season
no closed season
no closed season
24" minimum
COD
FLUKE
Porgy
STRIPED
BASS
14" minimum
16" minimum
April 15 to May 31 • 3 fish Jan 1 to April 30 • 4 fish
June 1 to June 30 • closed May 1 to June 30 • closed
July 1 to Oct 16 • 3 fish
July 1 to Aug 31 • 4 fish
Oct 17 to Dec 15 • 8 fish
Oct 1 to Dec 6 • 4 fish
TAUTOG
WEAKFISH
no closed season
Squeteague
WINTER
FLOUNDER
Spring: April 26 to May 25
Fall: September 27 to
October 26
*All of Narragansett Bay is
closed to Winter Flounder
fishing
no closed season
no closed season
no closed season
April 1 to May 30
April 25 to May 24
May 25 - Sept 25 Closed
Sept 26 to October 25
*Spec regs north of
Cape Cod
See a violation? Report it!
CTDEP CONSERVATION POLICE
860-424-3012
RIDEM ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
401-222-2284 • 402-222-3070 (24 hrs)
- 19 -
MADEP ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
781-740-1163
Hey Lamarr.
What happened to the Boat
Name List? I can’t find it
in the newsletter.
We don’t print the
list during the winer, Ed.
Don’t worry. It’ll be back in
April.
- 20 -
R.I.S.A.A. / Decemer, 2009
The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association
Political Action Committee
One of the missions of RISAA is to represent the concerns of
the recreational community on regulatory and legislative issues.
That means that we have to deal with elected officials.
Fortunately, there are a number of legislators who have worked
hard on our behalf and others who support RISAA principles. We
need to be sure those officials remain in office.
It is also important that legislators understand who we are. If
we don’t advance our own causes, no one will do it for us.
By law, our Association can not contribute funds to any
candidate, therefore we have established a legal, incorporated
and registered Political Action Committee which CAN make
contributions on our behalf.
Only donations specifically made to the RISAA PAC can be
used. Under no circumstances can any membership dues money
- or any other contribution made to the Association - be used for
the PAC. It would be a violation of state election laws for any
money from RISAA to be used for PAC purposes.
Also, all money received by the PAC must come from
individual donors. No contribution can be accepted from any
organization or business interest.
The PAC has an independent treasurer and its own bank
account.
The RISAA PAC Committee first receives requests for
contributions. If the PAC Committee approves a request, it is
then forwarded to the full RISAA Legislative Committee, which is
made up of RISAA members and delegates from all of the 29
affiliated clubs. The EP Committee then reviews the
recommendations, and if the full Committee votes to approve a
political contribution, that recommendation is forwarded to the
RISAA Board of Directors which has the final vote on all PAC
donations. Every PAC expenditure must pass this 3-step process.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. To be effective, we must
participate in the system.
With your help we can continue to work within the political system to
safeguard the rights and traditions of recreational fishing
DONATIONS MADE THIS YEAR TO DATE
BRONZE (up to $49)
Bill Place
Alfred Amaral
Joan Bradbury Richard Rheinberger
Capt. David Carter William Sosnicki
Curt Caserta
Paul Harrison
John Johnson
Howard MacMillan
Stephen McDermott
Stephen Medeiros
Stephen Nault
Ralph Orleck
SILVER ($50+)
Robert Blasi
Michael Bucko
Richard Gariepy
Richard Laurie
Jim Malley
Deborah Nelson
GOLD ($100+)
Douglas Jost
PLATINUM ($250+)
Albert Conti
Sandy & Donna Kane
Peter Vican
It's time for recreational anglers to stand up and be counted!
Please print:
Enclosed is my contribution to the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association
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, 6 Arnold Road, Coventry, RI 02816
-
21 -
CHARTER TRIP REPORTS
This year, over 100 RISAA members will be awarded fishing charter trips simply by winning random drawings at the monthly
seminars. One member on each trip usually agrees to write a short story to share the experience with all members.
* It should be noted that not every trip can be guaranteed to catch fish. The trip brings RISAA members together and
provides an enjoyable day or night on the water. Catching fish is the extra bonus.
ED COOK CHARTERS • Capt. Ed Cook
story by Jack Hardick
A
t the August 31st RISSA meeting, Robert Mattesson and I
(Jack Hardick) were the winners of a September 13th light
tackle bass and blues on Narragansett Bay charter trip, with
Captain Ed Cook.
Due to unforseen circumstances Robert had to cancel, and
member Ray Vincent took his place. He and I met Capt. Ed at
Allen’s Harbor in North Kingstown at 8:00 AM on that date. Capt
Ed had his 20 foot Aquasport clean and ready with plenty of
tackle when we arrived.
The weather forecast for that day was not promising. Winds
were expected to gust to 25 mph from the West. Capt. Ed
contemplated postponing the trip but decided to chance it.
The wind was not too bad as we motored to our first spot
outside of the mouth of Greenwhich Bay. Capt. Ed had caught
some
blues
there a few days
before and there
were
birds
working nearby.
We began a
drift, and after a
few casts with a
popper,
I
hooked and
landed an 8
pound bluefish.
Capt.
Ed
thought it was a
nice sized fish
for the Bay.
Trolling
back to where
we began our
drift, Ray tried
his favorite
swimming plug and promptly landed a short striper followed by
a nice blue. Drifting again, I lost a blue at the boat, but then
landed a 9 pounder.
The bite slackened so we moved around. We finally found
some working birds near Gould Island, but they were in an area
closed
for
testing
an
underwater
vehicle. Luckily
the breaking fish
moved north,
out of the closed
area and we were
able to catch a
couple more
large bluefish.
We
then
continued on to
Castle Hill, to try
to find some
bonito, but with
no luck.
The wind
began to kick up
and it became
difficult to fish.
Capt.
Ed
decided to try
some sheltered spots where he had caught fish in the past. We
tried the mouth of the Green River. It was calm, but nothing was
biting. We then moved to the lee side of Prudence Island. Again
it was calm, but the fish did not cooperate.
Finally, we moved back into the open Bay. It was pretty rough,
but we tried a spot known as the Boiler where a tugboat had
sunk many years ago. There was no action there. The wind
became even stronger and the waves higher so we all agreed to
call it a day.
We were back at the dock by 1:00 PM. Ray volunteered to
clean the fish. He’s the only person I know who likes to clean
fish. He and I agreed it had been a great day despite the wind.
We each caught some fish; saw much of central Narragansett
Bay and enjoyed some pleasant conversation with Captain Ed
Cook and each other.
The best time to go fishing is
when you can get away with it.
Ed Cook Charters
- Robert Traver
on Narragansett Bay - South Shore
Fly and Light Tackle Fishing
Member
Cell: 401-524-5294
- 22 -
www.edcookcharters.com
Boating and Fishing
Furuno • JRC • Sitex Koden • Seatel
Standard • Simrad • Northstar
Raymarine • KVH • Garmin
Etiquette
by David Westfall
We’ve all seen rude and inconsiderate boaters and anglers out
on the water, and wish someone would tell them how to behave.
While this monthly column probably won’t reach those people,
it will serve as a reminder to all of us on being aware of others
and the safety of everyone.
When the fishing is done
When your fishing trip is over, and you have picked up all of
your trash, it’s time to head home. Shore anglers can get in their
vehicles and are pretty much done at this point. Boaters that tie
up at slips need only to motor back safely, following the rules of
the road, tie up, stow their gear and take their catches home.
For those trailering, the journey still has a while to go.
When I get back to the dock, I tie up the boat. If I am alone
I raise the outdrive, turn off the electronics, and stow all gear
that can blow out on the road before I get off the boat. If I have
someone with me, they take care of those things while I get the
trailer.
Once I have the boat on the trailer, I pull up out of the way
and finish strapping it down and checking for loose items. This
is also when I remove the kid’s life vests.
When I get home I flush the engine and wash the boat
inside and out, UNLESS it
is late at night.
My neighbors are
mostly elderly, and some of
them go to bed as early as
8 pm. My inboard is only
120 HP, but with no muffler
or water to deaden the
sound it can roar like a
dragster while I’m flushing
it. So, if I come in late, I let
the flushing and washing
wait until the next morning.
Again, don’t play your
radio, talk loudly, or bang
things around.
CHECK THATTRAILER
One of the final things I am
going to talk about is trailer
maintenance. You should check your
tires, chains, hitch, lights and straps
before each outing. If you have
buddy bearings on the wheels,
check and grease them regularly. If
you don’t have buddy or oil bath
bearings, you should check and
repack them every season. Nothing
can ruin a day’s fishing like sitting
on the side of the road because a
wheel fell off.
MARINE ELECTRONICS
Sales/Service
Manuel Medeiros
800-446-3156 • 401-783-4778
Factory Trained / FCC Licensed Technicians
304 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, RI 02882
www.seaportcom.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Member
from
Bring this ad to save 20%
(excludes: reels, sale items, other promotions. Exp. 12/24/09)
Your #1
Bait & Tackle Shop!
Live Lobsters til Dec. 31
Gift Certificates Available by Phone
410 Gooseberry Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
401-783-7766
www.snugharbormarina.com
- 23 -
Member
The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers
Foundation
A nonprofit, IRS recognized charitable and community service foundation.
Contributions to the RISA Foundation are deductable from your federal income taxes.
C
onsider making a tax-deducitable contribution to The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Foundation. The Foundation
helps to fund community, public access, and marine fisheries projects, and donors can be assured that their contributions
will be used wisely. Any funds expended by the Foundation must satisfy strict IRS 501(c)(3) rules.
PREVIOUS AND CONTINUALLY SUPPORTED PROGRAMS
• Blackstone River fish ladders construction
• Plum Beach Lighthouse restoration
• Public access adoption programs
• College Scholarships in Marine Sciences
BY and seminars
• Eel grass planting
• Public educationN
programs
O
• Fishway construction/restoration
• Rose Island
UTILighthouse Foundation
B
I
• Fishing The Ocean State TV program
•R
Salmon-In-The-Classroom, Westerly
ES! Schools
X
ONT• Salt marsh
1 restoration
A
3
C
• Fish Tag & Release programs
09 T research programs
0
OUR EMBE• R
• JASON Expedition teacher training
program
Sea Grant
cooperative
2
Y
E
UR
• Kickemuit River fish ladder
• Tag-A-Giant
Tuna Foundation
O
AKconstruction
DEC
Y
M
N • Take-A-Kid Fishing Days
• Narragansett Bay Journal publication
O
Tteam
UCHS
• National Environthon ‘08 trip- Coventry
• Woonasquatucket River fish ladders
D
E
D
• Ninigret Park FishingN
Access
D
A
Thank you to the following who made contributions last month:
Robert Busenbark
Al Conti - Snug Harbor Marina
Tiverton, RI
Wakefield, RI
Edward Skrirz
Harry Templeton
Cumberland, RI
Pawtucket, RI
I’m making a contribution to the future of recreational angling
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______
My donation is made in the name of: _____________________________________________________________
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: RISA Foundation, 6 Arnold Road, Coventry, RI 02816
Any donation over $10 will be sent a receipt that proves your contribution for tax purposes
- 24 -
Don’s Marine staff
recognized by Yamaha
Y
amaha Marine is very proud to announce that Don's Marine
Inc. of Tiverton has recently received the distinction of
now having three Yamaha Master Technicians on staff. Don's
Marine is the only dealer
to achieve this status in
the United States, out of
approximately 2,100 Yamaha dealers in the country.
The techs are Dave Hebert, Pat Murphy, and Ray Phenix,
and together they have 35 years of experience at Don’s Marine.
Don’s Marine is a RISAA nember.
The Yamaha Master Tech program requires a minimum of
five years of experience by an authorized Yamaha dealer.
Additionally, the tech must attend at least six weeks of
intensive training at the Yamaha facility in Georgia, passing
consecutive exams each year. There are a number levels of
tests that must be met each year to sit for the Master tech exam.
Congratulations to Dave Hebert, Pat Murphy, and Ray
Phenix.
Oriental Oven-Steamed
Sea Bass
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tablespoons reducedsodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Oriental
(dark) sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large carrot, cut into very
thin matchsticks
• 4 scallions, coarsely chopped
• 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger,
cut into thin slivers
• 1-1/2 pounds cod or sea bass
fillets
• 1/4 pound snow peas
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
(optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a shallow baking pan large
enough to hold the fish in one layer with foil.
2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic,
red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
3. Scatter half the carrot, scallions, and ginger over the bottom
of the prepared baking pan. Place the fish fillets, in one layer,
on top.
4. Scatter the snow peas and remaining carrot, scallions, and
ginger on top of the fish. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture evenly
over everything.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake until the fish is opaque
throughout and just flakes when tested with a fork, 15 to 20
minutes.
6. Serve the fish with some of the vegetables, and a sprinkling
of cilantro, if desired.
Serves 4. Low-fat.
Got a recipe to share or request for a certain recipe?
Contact Sandie at [email protected]
Congratulations to Dave Hebert, Pat Murphy, and Ray
Phenix.
REQUIRED READING
If you fish anywhere, anyhow or
anytime...you MUST have this catalog.
Call or write for your FREE copy NOW!
Or e-mail us:
[email protected]
TERMINAL TACKLE CO.
120 MAIN STREET, KINGS PARK, NY 11754
(Phone) 631-269-6005
(Fax) 631-269-2920
TACKLE SUPPLIERS TO THE WORLD
- 25 -
10 YEARS AGO
Here is part of what the DECEMBER, 1999
issue of the RISAA newsletter looked like
Committee Report . . .
Atlantic States Marine Fishing
Commission Finds Rhode Island
"Out of Compliance" with Tautog FMP
JAMESTOWN BRIDGE
COMMITTEE
R.I.'s Special Fall Fishery for Charter Boats
Not Acceptable
On November 4, 1999, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Comission (ASMFC) determined that the State of Rhode Island
is out of compliance with the Commission's Fishery
Management Plan (FMP) for Tautog. This action was based on
the Tautog Management Board's determination that Rhode
Island has not implemented the required bag limit for the
recreational fishery, and was unable to demonstrate that its
alternative management program achieves the fishing mortality
target established by the FMP.
Since 1998, Rhode Island has managed its recreational
fisheries through differential bag limits. Specifically, anglers
aboard party and charter boats may possess one legal-size
tautog from January 1 through October 15, and 12 legal-size...
CHARITIES
COMMITTEE
Mike Gelineau, Chairman
The Charities Committee went shopping to provide food
baskets for needy families at Thanksgiving. Representing the
RISAA, we contacted Joe Migliaccio of the Wanskuck Boys &
Girls Club in Providence, and he provided us with the names of
the four families most in need of help.
Boxes of food ready for delivery
Peg Benton & Mike
Gelineau prepare a box
filled with food.
Nick Castrataro
Chairman
In a recent letter that was sent to Governor Almond by RISAA
President, Steve Medeiros, a number of concerns to recreational
anglers was discussed. Among those issues was the Jamestown
Bridge Fishing Pier project. A portion of that letter to the
Governor follows:
“The Jamestown Bridge Fishing Pier proposal has surfaced
in the news recently when reports of a possible Coast Guard
fine was announced.
We feel that it is
imperative that the
fishing pier portion
of the bridge project
be completed. It
would
be
a
tremendous
opportunity for nonboating
Rhode
Island families to RISAA member Kevin Reed fishing the
experience saltwater old Jamestown Bridge this past summer
fishing. It would
serve as tourism attraction just as public piers have become in
other states. Public access to our shores for anglers is
dwindling. Where access exists, parking is prohibited.......
Fishin' Photos
Here is a photo of renown
striper angler, HARLEY
BENTON displaying a
3-ounce choggie that was
taken on a recent tautog
fishing trip at Coddington
Cove. It seems that Mr.
Benton might be the champ
at catching bass to 50 lbs.,
but put anything other
than an eel at the end of his line, and he turns into a regular
angler like the rest of us! Nice catch, Harley!
- 26 -
Guide to Common Life on Narragansett Bay
A continuing series that describes the common fish, invertibrates, plants, water birds,
and marine mammals that share our Bay.
nth.....
This mo
HERMIT CRABS
Colloquial Nicknames: Long-clawed hermit crab, broad-clawed hermit crab
Scientific Name: Pagurus longicarpus, Pagurus pollicaris
Field Markings: Long-clawed
hermit crabs have reddish-tan
bodies; claws are white with a
gray or brown median stripe.
Size: up to 1.5 inches long
Broad-clawed hermit crabs are
reddish, gray or tan.
Size: up to 4 inches long
Habitat: Rocky tidal zones,
tide pools, salt marches, open
shores
Seasonal Appearance: Yearround
Distinguishing Features and Behaviors
Hermit crabs earned their name because they live in shells
created by mollusks and have a tendency to withdraw into those
shells when threatened. Two of the most common species of
hermit crabs in Narragansett Bay are the broad-clawed and the
long-clawed hermit crab, distinguished from each other by their
size and the shape of the claws.
Hermit crabs are not considered to be true crabs because
their exoskeleton does not cover the entire body. To protect
their soft abdomen, hermit crabs steal shells formed by other
mollusks - usually snails, periwinkles or whelks.
Hermit crab bodies are curved and the last pair of appendages
on the abdomen is modified to form a clamp, enabling the crab to
maintain its position in the shell. It is very difficult to pull hermit
crabs from their shells without injuring or killing them.
Long-clawed hermit crabs are the smaller species, inhabiting
vacant periwinkle and oyster drill shells. They live mostly in
shallow water and are common in tide pools and salt marshes.
The major claw is narrow and usually hairless.
The broad-clawed hermit
crab - the largest hermit crab
in Narragansett Bay - has
broad, flat major claws and
resides in large whelk or moon
snail shells. They live in
deeper waters of the Bay.
Hermit crabs are nomadic,
always searching for new
shells when they grow to big
for their old ones. They move
about actively, pausing only
for the inspection of possible
food or a new shell. A hermit
crab will never leave the
safety of its old shell until it finds a replacement. Larger crabs
will often evict smaller crabs from a choice shell by using
aggressive force.
As omnivorous scavengers, they eat small bits of fish, shore
shrimp, dead plants, algae and other hermit crabs.
Relationship to People
Hermit crabs play an important role in the benthic community.
As scavengers, they recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
The meat found in the tails of larger hermit crabs is often used as
bait in recreational fishing.
HOW TO GET YOUR OWN COPY
RISAA members can purchase their own copy of The
Uncommon Guide To Common Life on Narragansett Bay
for $15 from the RISAA Merchandise Committee. Stop by
the committee table at any monthly RISAA meeting.
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
Saltwater Fisherman
Snelled Hooks, Top and
Bottom Rigs, Lures, Tubes,
Leadheads, Umbrella Rigs
and more....
Check out our web site at
www.seawolfetackle.com
Owned and operated by
Richard and Judy Wolfe
- 27 -
The Saltwater Anglers
FOUNDATION
CMS ENTERPRISE
255 Popes Island, New Bedford, MA 02745
Committee
We’ve Moved!
Capt. Mike Warner, Chairman
Annual
To promote and assist in funding the non-profit Foundation
WINTER SALE
Verizon Foundation grant earned by
Richard Reich
on entire store inventory
Verizon employees are given the opportunity to apply for a
grant from the Verizon Foundation. The employee then has to
volunteer a number of hours with that nonprofit organization
“earning” the money that the organization will receive.
The employee’s hours are tracked and recorded on a Verizon
web site. Upon reaching 50 hours of work, the Verizon Foundation
will issue a $750 donation.
Member Richard Reich, for the second year, has obtained a
Verizon Foundation grant for the RISAA Foundation. He
volunteered many hours for RISAA by participating at the TakeA-Kid Fishing Day, working for RISAA at the Providence Boat
Show, Worcester Fishing Expo and our own Saltwater Fishing
Show.
Friday, Nov. 17 thru
Thursday, Dec. 31
OFFSHORE TACKLE GEAR
Daisy Chains • Squid Bars • Shark Gear
Braid & AFTCO Harness • AFTCO Gaffs/Gloves • Birds • Florocarbon
QUALITY WOODEN PLUGS
After Hours • Tatoo’s • Lemire’s • Guppie • Bob Hahn
Gibbs • Super Strike • JN-Ski • and much MORE!
ROD BUILDING SUPPLIES
Blanks: Lamiglass • Ron Arra • Calstar • Pac Bay
Rainshadow• American Tackle
Guides/Tops: Pac Bay • AFTCO • Fuji
Thread: Guidebrod • Pac Bay
Directions: I-195 to Exit 15 (Downtown New Bedford) to Rte 18 south.
Take Rte 6 east to Fairhaven, then first left after crossing bridge.
[email protected]
508-995-2372
Store Hours:
Mon. Tues. Wed. Sat. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thur. Fri. 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM • Closed Sundays
Member
Mike Warner (left) receives $750 Verizon check from
Richard Reich
DOCKSIDE MARINE SURVEY
Mark Sepe, AMS ® #862
Pre-Purchase and Insurance Surveys
Damage Claims and Appraisals
www.marinesurveyor.com/dockside
Member
Serving the New England Area
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel/fax 401-942-1006
- 28 -
- 29 -
LUCKY LADY CHARTERS • Capt. Steve Palmer
story by Gisele Golembeski
A
Julie Leblanc, Sue Lema and Deb Nelson at the Channel Marina
t the April monthly RISAA meeting, 6 lucky ladies were chosen
parking lot at 6:30 am. We met Capt. Steve and Mate John at 6:45
for the ladies only charter trip. Following the meeting, Captain
am and the Lucky Lady shoved off with her six-pack of lucky
Steve Palmer was contacted and confirmed that June 19th would
ladies for a half day of sun, fun, and fishing!! Our destination was
be THE day. A flurry of e-mails went out confirming the date and
Block Island and the Lucky Lady
we all eagerly awaited the day
to arrive. Unfortunately,
made the trip over in comfort and
Mother Nature had other plans
relatively short order. We were
for us as one of the worst
finally going to get to FISH!!
storms of the season bore down
Our 1 st stop was the
on Rhode Island. Captain Steve
southwest corner of the Island
called the day before to advise
where we made several passes
that we would not be sailing due
for striped bass. We had one
to the severe weather.
pole rigged with tube and worm
We quickly coordinated
and another pole rigged with an
another date, another flurry of
umbrella rig. We got a couple
e-mails went out and all agreed
of hits there, but no hookups so
that Friday, July 24th would be a
Capt Steve decided to move a
perfect day to reschedule the
little further out to the
trip…. Well, we forgot to
Southwest Ledge.
coordinate with Mother Nature.
After several more passes
Obviously she was not happy
and still no hookups, Capt Steve
The Lucky Ladies were (front) June Masterson and Sue
as probably the 2 nd nastiest
asked if we’d like to try for black
Lema and (rear) Doris Bragger, Gisele Golembeski,
storm of the season rolled into
sea bass. Eager to learn Capt
Deb Nelson and Julie Leblanc
Rhode Island on the 23rd of July.
Steve’s secret techniques and
spots for black sea bass we
The marine forecast for the 24th
quickly agreed and the Lucky Lady was maneuvered back toward
called for seas, winds, and rain to subside, so Captain Steve and
some rock piles near the southwest corner of the Island.
all of us decided to give it a shot. This time, we actually made it
We switched over to using smaller hooks tipped with squid.
out the West Gap of Point Judith, but Mother Nature was still not
Several drifts produced 12" to 15" sea bass and quite a few good
cooperating and Capt Steve had to call the trip due to VERY high
sized scup.
seas and winds. Believe me when I tell you that NO one was
At that point Capt Steve and Mate John pulled out the secret
complaining when Capt Steve turned the Lucky Lady around and
weapon – THE GOLD HOOK – immediately we started catching
headed for Port!
jumbo sea bass!! Of course, we all wanted THE GOLD HOOK and
Not to be outdone by Mother Nature, Capt Steve rescheduled
Capt. Steve and Mate John were eager to accommodate.
the trip for Saturday, September 26th. Unfortunately Lorraine Minto
and Joan Bradbury
All too soon it was time to head back to port. Upon arrival at
were unable to make the
the dock, Capt Steve expertly maneuvered the Lucky Lady into
new date, but we were
her slip and Mate John made short order of filleting the numerous
fortunate to get Deb
sea bass and scup we had caught. Each of us got a nice bag full
Nelson and Doris
of fillets to take home!
Bragger (one of our
(to page 32)
newer members) as
alternates.
Sport Fishing Charters Aboard The
Fortunately for all
of us, the third time
Lucky Lady
proved to be the charm
Slip 11 • Channel Marina • Snug Harbor, RI
and Mother Nature was
Deb Nelson with sea bass
Capt. Steven Palmer
much more cooperative
401-284-2869 or 860-573-3751
with sunny skies and the marine forecast calling for 5-10 knot
www.luckyladycharters.net
32 Luhrs Sportfisher
winds. Doris, June Masterson, and I drove up together and met
- 30 -
- 31 -
LUCKY LADY (from page 23)
BAIT & TACKLE • CUSTOM RODS • REEL REPAIR
Boston Neck Rd & Hamilton Allenton Rd
401-667-7363
www.wickfordrodworks.com
Member
St. Germain Lawn Care & Landscaping
Complete Landscape Construction & Design
Weekly/BiWeekly Lawn Maintenance • Residential/Commercial
Lawns Installed • Slice Seeding • Overseeding • Planting • Mulching
Shrubs Cut & Trimmed • Bobcat/Backhoe Service
647-2028 • 935-1498
[email protected]
Member
The Lucky Lady is a Luhrs Tournament 320 featuring 34’8" overall length. She is an all fiberglass sport fisher with twin
325 HP turbo diesels, straight
inboards and many other
amenities too numerous to list
here. Capt Steve is a USCG
Master licensed captain with 30
years of RI saltwater fishing
experience. You can check
out the Lucky Lady on the
Sue Lema has a jumbo sea
w
e
b
s
i
t
e
bass on
www.LuckyLadyCharters.net
or Captain Steve can be
reached on his cell @ 860-573-3751 or 401-284-2869 or via email @ [email protected].
I know I speak not
only for myself, but for
the rest of the lucky
ladies who went on this
charter when I say a great
big thanks to Capt Steve
and Mate John for a
great, successful, fun
trip; but more importantly
for sharing the secret of
Deb and Mate John with halfthe Lucky Lady and the
eaten scup
“Gold Hook” with us!!
Do you want a
T-top • Hart Top • Tower • Radar Arch
Rocket Launcher • Swim Platform?
NOW is the time!
Free welded rod holders with a unit BOOKED before Dec.
CANVAS work booked before
Dec. will receive 5% discount on
the invoice at the end of the job.
repairs or
custom
ATTENTION RISAA MEMBERS
If you’re one of our past customers, when you book
a service this fall/winter with us you will receive a
free “thank you” gift or service for your continued loyalty
Captain Rick Cataldi
401-458-1503
661 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889
- 32 -
RAZIN KANE CHARTERS • Capt. Sandy Kane
story by Tony Lizi
T
hose who think that
fishing
is
“roughing it” have
obviously never fished
on the Razin Kane.
Captain Sandy Kane
and first mate Jay
provide an excellent and
educational day of
fishing.
The RISAA members on this trip
included Richard
Heilman, Jim Malley,
Lary Norin, Ron Niksa,
Tom Wood and myself
(Tony Lizi).
With our original
date delayed due to a
tropical storm, we left a
week later out of
Brewer's marina in
historical Wickford Village on Saturday, September 5th at 9:00
AM. We couldn't have had better weather.
With an air-conditioned cabin complete with wood floor,
refrigerator, sectional couch, and television, Captain Sandy Kane's
vessel provides the amenities of a pleasure boat. Do not, however,
be fooled, as the Razin Kane is a serious fishing boat as evidenced
by
a
fighting
chair that
could aid
in landing
M o b y
Dick.
W e
fished
umbrella
rigs
in
various
s p o t s
around
Jamestown
and Newport with scenic views of both bridges and a myriad of
sail boats.
Our first fisherman was Ohio transplant Ron Niksa, who
caught his very first striped bass and bluefish (a little different
experience than fishing freshwater in the Midwest!).
We all took turns,
two of us fishing at a
time and everyone
caught several fish.
We landed several
stripers just short of
being keepers and
plenty of blues.
Considering news that
the bay was "dead",
we
were
very
fortunate.
Captain
Kane
called out the depth to
set the down riggers
and first mate Jay set
up everything while
coaching us on the
best way to land a fish.
We
had
an
enjoyable day with a a
great group of RISAA
members, a helpful first mate, and a Captain that could find the
fish.
A great way to end our trip was proposed by Lary Norin, who
suggested we help those not as fortunate and we donated all the
fish to the Rhode Island Food Bank.
The Razin Kane is a charter boat that will provide a great
experience to novices and seasoned fishermen alike. If you want
to impress a family member or client, take them for a day on the
Razin Kane.
Thanks again to Captain Sandy for a fine day of fishing
Razin
Kane
Sport Fishing Charters
Sport Fish in Luxury
Captain Sandy Kane
Sailing from Wickford, RI
38’ Blackfin - twin diesels
www.kanesguns.com
Day: 401-295-0642 • Eve: 401-423-1587
- 33 -
Member
STRIPED BASS ASSESSMENT (from page 3)
The 2003 cohort remains the largest since 1982 at 22.8 million
fish. Recruitment in 2008 of 13.3 million fish was slightly above
the recent average.
Striped bass are one of the most sought after species by
recreational anglers along the Atlantic coast. In 2008, recreational
anglers landed over 2.2 million striped bass weighing 12,310
metric tons (mt) (see Figure 2).
Recreational landings have ranged from a low of 336 mt in
1989 to a high of 13,814 mt in 2006. The coastwide landings in
2008 reflect a 17 percent decline from a high of 2.7 million fish in
2006. Changes in landings have varied by state, with MA, CT,
and NY showing an increase in landings and the remaining states
showing a 32% decrease on average.
Recreational discard mortalities (assuming an 8 percent
mortality of releases) in 2008 were 950,000 fish, a 64 percent
decrease from a high of 2.1 million fish in 2006.
Landings from the commercial striped bass fishery have been
consistently lower than the recreational catch. Commercial
landings increased from 63 mt in 1987 to 2,679 mt in 1997 and
have remained steady due to quota restrictions. Landings in
2008 were 3,281 mt. Gill nets are the dominant commercial gear
used to target striped bass. Other commercial fishing gears
include hook and line, pound nets, seines, and trawls.
T
he Entertainment Committee has had elections at their annual
meeting. I am now Chairperson, with Lynn Medeiros as Vice
Chair, and Joan Bradbury remaining as Secretary.
Other committee members for 2010 are Charlie and Joan
Bradbury, Bruce and Nancy Getchell, Cheryl Hovey, Ed Kearney,
Paul Laflamme, Bob Masse, Lynn and Steve Medeiros, Mary
Ouellette and Renee Wilder.
We have discussed activities for 2010. Plans for the Awards
Banquet on February 20 are in full swing, and at a January meeting
we will talk more about other activities.
The trip to Fenway Park was a big hit, so we will look into
that again for June.
A striped bass party boat trip was possibly suggested for a
Friday night in July or August. The age limit would be 16 years
old.
Two years ago, 75 people enjoyed an evening cruise on the
Southland. Maybe we could do that again.
These are only suggestions.
We invite all members to join our committee. We would
welcome your input.
Atlantic Striped Bass Commercial & Recreational Landings
Source: ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update, 2009
When your family says,
"What do you want for
Christmas this year?"
Tell them you want a
Rhode Island Saltwater
Anglers Assocation
MEMBERSHIP!
Copies of the stock assessment update will be available via the
Commission's website at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News.
For more information, please contact Nichola Meserve, Fishery
Management Plan Coordinator at (202) 289-6400 or
[email protected].
Legacy Charters
Formerly BlueByU Chaters
30’ Cruiser fully loaded
State of the art electronics
Capt. Keith Sullivan
www.bluebyu.com
401-567-5269
Licensed and Insured
Stripers, Blues, Fluke, Sea Bass, Tautog, Porgy, Tuna, Shark
Full Day • Half Day • Inshore • Offshore
Departing Daily from Point Judith
See application on last page
- 34 -
R.I.S.A.A.
VIDEO/DVD LIBRARY
RISAA maintains a library of fishing and boating DVD's and videos
that MEMBERS may borrow for FREE to enjoy at home for up to two
weeks. Simply call the RISAA at 401-826-2121 and let us know which
video you would like to borrow, and we'll arrange for you to pick it up (we do not mail). Please order by video number and please give
at least THREE DAYS NOTICE. It's just one more benefit of belonging to the RISAA!
S
THI
W
E
N
NTH
MO
NOTHING BUT SHARKS (DVD #70)
A 5-episode collection of shark fishing episodes from the "Northeast Angling" TV show. The
DVD's feature New England Sharks, Parts 1 & 2 from 2004; Marthas Vineyard, MA from 2006; and
Montauk, NY parts 1 & 2 from 2007.
12-Volts Made Easy (#1 DVD) Bennett Marine
100 Saltwater Fishing Mistakes (98) Bennett Marine
Advanced Trolling For Saltwater Fish (49) James Marsh
Atlantic Giants: The Ultimate Bluefin (80) Dennis Braid
Atlantic Speedsters: Atlantic Bonito/Little Tunny (3)
Back To Basics: Finding The Spot (92) Bennett Marine
Back To Basics: Nearshore Fishing (90) Bennett Marine
Back To Basics: Offshore Fishing (89) Bennett Marine
Basic Saltwater Fly Tying (46) Jamie Dickinson
Better Half of Fishing: How-To Fish For Women (102)
Boating Basics For First Time Boaters (4) Bennett
Bottom Fishing Techniques Vol 1 - (61) James Marsh
Bottom Fishing Techniques Vol 2 - (62) James Marsh
Cast Netting For Live Bait (5) Capt. Al Lorenzetti
Catch Big Fish from Small Boats (97) Bennett Marine
Challenge Of The Giant Tarpon - (87)
Chunking For Stripers & Blues -Capt. John Alberda (6)
Coast Guard License: Advanced Piloting (59)
Dolphin- Yellow & Green Fighting Machine (51)
Fiberglass Repair Made Easy - Two volumes
Vol 1 Fiberglass Repair & Gelcoat Damage (37)
Vol 2 How to Repair Gelcoat (38)
Fishing For Bluefish (7) Capt. Al Lorenzetti
Fishing For Giant Bluefin Tuna (8) The Fisherman
Fishing For Sharks (27) The Fisherman Video Library
Fishing For Striped Bass: Live Bait- (9) A. Lorenzetti
Fishing For Trophy Striped Bass (96) Capt. Al Lorenzetti
Fishing Knots (55) James Marsh
Fluke Fishing (10) Capt. Al Lorenzetti
Fluke Fishing: Improving Your Catch (11) D.Kamienski
Fly Fishing Success: Dry Fly Strategy (82) Joe Humphries
Fly Fishing Success: Nymphing Strategy (83) Joe Humphries
Fly Rodding For Tarpon - Leisure Time Products (84)
GPS Navigation (13) Bennett Marine
Handling Your Single Engine Inboard/Outboard (14)
Haul Out (64) Stuart Riddell
Heavy Weather Powerboat Handling (36)
How To Cast With A Saltwater Fly Rod (35) Dr. Jim Wright
How To Catch Bait Fish (53) J. Marsh
How To Catch Bluefish (15) Dr. Jim Wright
How to Catch Flounder (33) Dr Jim Wright
How to Catch Sharks (52) Dr. Jim Wright
How To Catch Striped Bass (16) Dr. Jim Wright
How To Catch Striped Bass: Tube & Worm (99) Jon Tolley
How To Catch Tautog (17) -Dr. Jim Wright
How To Catch Tuna (34) -Dr Jim Wright
How To Filet Saltwater Fish (45) Dr. Jim Wright
How To Get The Hook Out Without Pain - (47) Dr. J.Goldey
How To Paint Your Fiberglass Boat (65)
How To Rig Your Boat For Fishing (56)
How To Troll The Way The Pros Do (18) Dr. Jim Wright
How To Wire Line Troll (31) Dr. Jim Wright
Ice Fishing: The Cure For Cabin Fever (28) Babe Winkelman
Interfacing Marine Electronics - (68S) John Owen
Kayak Capsize Recovery & Rescue (101)
Let's Go Saltwater Fishing - Beginner's Guide (19)
Lures & Sinkers: Do It Yourself (29) VanSant Productions
Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance (43) Bennett Marine
Marine Gas Engine Maintenance (20) Bennett Marine
Marine Plumbing, Do-It-Yourself (50)
Nothing But Blackfish (57) 2-DVD set. Northeast Angling
Nothing But Fluke (58) 2-DVD set. Northeast Angling
Nothing But Sharks (70) Northeast Angling
On The Water's Fishing New England: Season 1 (93)
On The Water's Fishing New England: Season 1 (94)
Outboard Marine Engine Maintenance (63) Bennett
Pop Fleyes: Saltwater Patterns (63) Bob Popovics
Powerboat Navigation (67) John Rousmaniere
Reef & Wreck Fishing (21) Capt. Al Lorenzetti
Rigging Baits For Giant Bluefin (66) Capt. G. Metcalf
RISAA's 1998 Take-A-City-Kid Fishing Day (39)
RISAA's 1999 Take-A-City-Kid Fishing Day (30)
Rod Building Basics (02 DVD) Steve Petri
Saltwater Flycasting: 10 Steps To Distance & Power (86) G. Roberts
Secrets of the Party Boat Captains - Capt. Neil Delanoy (71)
Spring Commissioning & Winterizing Your Boat (22)
Stand Up To A Giant Bluefin - Dennis Braid (12)
Stripers Gone Wild - Mike Laptew (42)
Stripers In Paradise -Mike Laptew (23)
Striper Magic -Mike Laptew (24)
Surf Fishing & Distance Casting (81) Ron Arra
Surf Fishing with T.J. & Joe (44)
Top 60 Tips Saltwater - Southern Waters (100)
Trolling For Bass and Blues (41) Capt. Al Lorenzetti
Trophy Fluke Fishing (25) Capt. Charlie Nappi
Tuna, Tuna, Tuna (48) James Marsh
Twin Engine Powerboat Handling - Bennett Marine (40)
Using Downriggers To Catch Saltwater Fish (32)
U.S. Power Squadron Boating Course (60)
Varnishing Made Easy (54)
When Fish Won't Bite (91)
Winterizing Your Boat (26) see also Spring Commissioning
- 35 -
MRIP (from page 7)
UNIVERSAL LOGBOOK REPORTING
As anyone who’s followed these issues over the years knows,
NOAA Fisheries currently estimates how many people are fishing
on charter boats and how much they’re catching using a
combination of logbooks, telephone surveys, and on-board and
dockside samplings of fishermen selected at random. From the
perspective of many captains, along with NOAA scientists and
numerous other stakeholders, the value of the estimates these
methods yield has been spotty at best.
The report by the for-hire work group pointed out some of the
flaws inherent in collecting data this way; however their most
important contribution was a series of suggestions for doing
things better. The complete document
is
available
online
at
www.countmyfish.noaa.gov, but in a
nutshell, the major recommendations
are to:
• Use logbooks from every captain
to gather data instead of random
surveys of some operators. This is
something that a lot of us have
advocated for a long time. It could
mean going online once a week inseason to enter our logbooks
electronically, but it would also
provide a far more comprehensive look
at who’s taking people out and what they’re catching.
• Keep doing dockside and onboard sampling. The work group
says that a combination of logbook reporting and sampling, as
opposed to relying exclusively on one or the other, will provide
the most accurate numbers. To make sure that the sampling is
representative, NOAA will need to compile a list of for-hire boats
and landing sites.
• Whenever possible, sample everyone on a trip. For large
party boats or head boats where all the anglers just can’t be
intercepted, the work group was clear that samplers need to ensure
the people who do get counted truly reflect the trip’s catch.
I recognize these changes won’t happen overnight, and I
understand that they need to be tested in pilot projects before
they’re put to broader use. I also know that just because the
data’s better doesn’t mean the numbers will be significantly
different.
Yet, as a captain myself, these are exactly the kinds of changes
that I see as critical to getting better data. At the same time I view
this is a two-way street. The only way that universal logbook
reporting and complete counts of our passengers are going to
work is if charter boat operators give their full cooperation.
That, I know, can be a touchy issue. I’ve talked to a lot of
owners who say, “The more we report, the more they take away.”
So, in their minds there is no value in working with whatever
system is in place. While I certainly understand that frustration,
in the end it’s just counterproductive. It’s a simple fact that good
management can’t happen without good numbers, and good
numbers can’t happen unless we cooperate in the process.
OPPORTUNITY FOR GOOD
From my perspective, the real opportunity here lies not just in
cooperating, but in providing leadership. I think I can safely
argue that there are very few people in America more concerned
about the long-term health and productivity of our fisheries than
charter boat captains. If there aren’t fish to catch, we’re the first
ones to feel the pinch in terms of keeping food on the table for our
families and a roof ove their heads.
So it just makes sense that if we for-hire operators are the
people who stand to lost the most from bad policies, then we’re
also the ones to stand to gain the most from a system that works.
I’m not suggesting that MRIP is going to be some magic bullet
that puts an end to all controversies and solves all of the problems
affecting fishermen today. But I do think it’s the beginning of an
era where policies are based on sound data gathered and reported
by engaged partners who understand that every number has some
impact on some boat owner’s life and livelihood.
I also believe that the way to get from here to there won’t be
by sitting on the sidelines and hoping it happens. Rather we
should work together to make the system work for everyone.
Breton Reef Light
41°252 353 N --- 71° 232 223 W
The site of the Breton Reef Light is one of the best
fishing spots in the area. When members talk about
tautog or sea bass fishing, they always mention
“Brenton Light” and new members always asking where
it is.
It was an 87 foot tall steel tower lighthouse at the
entrance to Narragansett Bay, southeast of Beavertail.
Erected in 1962 it replaced a series of lightships that
guided boats into the Bay since 1853.
It received its power by an underwater cable from
Beavertail Light.
The Brenton Tower was decommissioned in 1989
due to its deteriorating condition, and removed in 1992.
The pieces were sunk off Long Island as part of an
artificial reef.
- 36 -
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (from page 2)
I called DEM to tell them of the many complaints that RISAA
had suddenly received about the disappearance of menhaden,
and a flyover the next day confirmed our fears: the total stock of
menhaden had reached the 50% trigger.
On June 19 DEM issued an immediate closure of all commercial
menhaden fishing.
The closure was good, but I think it was too late. That needs
to be addressed for 2011.
The AP meeting will also feature a report on the coastwide
stock status from ASMFC, a review of the 2009 Narragansett
Bay menhaden fishery, discussion of the Narragansett Bay
monitoring program, and enforcement.
The Menhaden Advisory Panel will meet on Monday, January
11 at 6:00 PM at the Coastal Institute, South Ferry Road,
Narragansett. The meeting is open to the public, and members
with concerns are encouraged to attend.
HERRINGMEETING
On November 18, I attended a meeting, at the invitation of the
Rhode Island Environment Council, with Greg Wells, the regional
herring and groundfish rep for the Pew Environmental Group.
The purpose was to discuss Atlantic sea herring concerns, and
Greg was looking for information on local river herring.
Sea herring (not the same as river herring) is an important
forage fish and is a major food source for everything from whales
to striped bass and bluefish. There has been much concern over
the drop in stocks ever since commercial pair trawling has become
popular.
Sea herring is also used for lobster bait. It is not generally
consumed by people in the US, but is sold overseas as a food
source.
Most of the sea herring is caught in offshore waters, mostly
by boats out of Gloucester, and is regulated by the New England
Fisheries Management Council in our area. In November, the
Council mandated a 45% cut in the commercial quota.
This is good news because it should help to preserve our
New England stock of sea herring, but we need to remain vigilant
because if they can't catch sea herring to sell, those Gloucester
boats could show up in Narragansett Bay looking for menhaden
to keep their lobstermen clients supplied.
We must avoid a repeat of 2009 and make sure enough
menhaden remain in the bay for recreational fishing.
Weakfish in Trouble
T
he ASMFC Weakfish Management Board has approved
measures to reduce exploitation by over 50 % in both the
recreational and commercial sectors. Addendum IV requires
states to implement a one fish recreational creel limit in addition
to commercial reductions.
The Board's action comes in response to the stock status of
weakfish. A recent peer-reviewed assessment found the weakfish
stock to be depleted, with spawning stock biomass estimated to
be three percent of an unfished stock, well below the 20 %
threshold and 30 % target reference points also approved by the
Board as part of Addendum IV. The decline in biomass reflects a
sustained rise in natural mortality after 1995, rather than fishing
mortality which has been modest and stable over the same time
period.
"The Board received a significant amount of public comment
supporting a coastwide moratorium," stated Board Chair Roy
Miller.
While the decline appears to have resulted from a change in
the natural mortality of weakfish in recent years, it is further
exacerbated by continued removals by commercial and
recreational fisheries. However, given the high mortality levels,
the stock is also unlikely to recover rapidly.
Reel & Repair
Service
Quality Fishing
Tackle
Abu-Garcia • Daiwa
Mitchell • Penn • Quantum
Shimano • Zebco
Owner: Michael J. Bucko
Phone: (508) 674-7900
Fax: (508) 674-8021
E-mail: [email protected]
Member
WWW.BuckosParts.com
- 37 -
HOW THEY VOTED
See page 42 for a list of State Senators and Representatives and how they voted on the saltwater license bills
The Governor killed the proposed saltwater license for Rhode Island.
Rhode Island saltwater anglers
must register with NOAA to fish
Because Rhode Island does not have a saltwter license, under the new federal law, Rhode Island saltwater recreational
fishermen will be required to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry before they go fishing next year.
Beginning January 1, 2010, Rhode Island fishermen will need to register if they:
• Fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal and salt waters; these are fish like smelt, shad, river herring AND STRIPED
BASS, that live in the oceans, but spawn in fresh water, OR
• Fish in the Federal waters more than three miles from the ocean shore or from the mouths of rivers or bays, OR
• Don’t meet any of the exceptions in the law.
HOW THINGS STAND:
Fee?
Proposed License ( before veto)
Federal Registry (now in effect)
$7
As of January 1, 2010 - Free
As of January 1, 2011 - $15-$25
The RISAA supported saltwater license
would have cost $7, and been the lowest in
the region.
Reciprocity
with
neighboring
states?
Who will
enforce
this?
The actual fee will be determined in late 2010. The
actual cost of running the Angler Registry will be
devided between the states that use it. As of this
writing, only Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island
did not have a marine license in place.
NO
Yes
Neighboring states would have honored a
RI license, just as R.I. would have honored
theirs, if the license had been in place
US Coast Guard
RIDEM Enforcement
A federal registry angler’s permit will only be
honored in Rhode Island or in any other state that
doesn’t have a saltwater license in place.
Rhode Island anglers who cross the border to fish
will have to obtain a NONRESIDENT license from
those states. Currently, it is $60 in Connecticut,
$15 in New York, and undetermined in
Massachusetts (license approved, but nonresident
fee not announced as of this writing).
US Coast Guard
RIDEM Enforcement
Some have said that the Coast Guard is too
busy to worry about fishing licenses and
will not enforce the law. How many RISAA
members have been stopped by USCG off
Block Island? How many have been
stopped at Point Judith or in Narragansett
Bay and boarded for boat safety checks?
In all cases: MANY!
Some have said that RIDEM Enforcement should
not have to enforce this federal law, but the fact is,
Rhode Island is under “Joint Enforcement”
agreements with the federal government, and has
also accepted grants and funding, further
committing RIDEM to assisting in enforcement.
WHY YOU SHOULD OBEY THE LAW AND REGISTER: The registry is an important tool that will help fishermen and policy makers
work together to better account for the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems and coastal economies.
It is part of a national overhaul of the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data. The goal of the initiative – known as
the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP – is to provide the most accurate information possible that can be used to
determine the health of fish stocks. Reliable, universally trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders
in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
- 38 -
- 39 -
Swarms of Mini Oceanbots Funded for Development
SAN DIEGO, California (ENS) - Swarms of miniature robotic
As they move about the ocean, the smaller AUEs will use
floats that travel with ocean currents, sense the environment
acoustic transmissions from the "mothership" AUEs to ascertain
and report their findings back to researchers have been funded
their positions, Jaffe says.
for development by a grant of nearly $1 million from the National
The miniature robots can help scientists develop marine
Science Foundation.
protected areas by following currents for determining critical
Researchers Jules Jaffe and Peter Franks at Scripps
nursery habitats. They can track harmful blooms of algae and
Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San
may eventually monitor events such as oil spills and airplane
Diego will use the funding to design and deploy autonomous
crashes, he says.
underwater explorers, AUEs.
For marine protected areas,
They say the AUEs could
AUEs can help inform debates
provide information about
about the best areas for habitat
harmful algal blooms and oil
development.
spills and help scientists
With harmful algal blooms
develop marine protected
and oil spills, the instruments
areas.
can be deployed directly onto
"AUEs will give us
outbreak patches to gauge
information and statistics to
how they develop and change
figure out how the small
over time. In the case of an
organisms survive, how they
airplane crash over the ocean,
move in the ocean and the
AUEs should be able to track
physical dynamics they
currents to determine where
experience as they get
among the wreckage a black
around," said Franks, a
box may be located.
professor of biological
By more clearly defining
oceanography
in
the
localized currents and focused
integrative oceanography
data about temperature,
division at Scripps.
salinity, pressure and
"AUEs should improve our
biological properties, Jaffe and
ocean models and eventually
Franks believe AUEs will offer
allow us to do a better job of
new and valuable information.
An artist's conception of swarms of AUEs
following the weather and
Miniscule microscopes on
climate of the ocean, as well as
a chip developed at CalTech
help us understand things like carbon fluxes," he said.
may in the future be placed on the AUEs to help scientists
Franks, who conducts research on marine
detect what tiny plants and animals the oceanbots are
phytoplankton, says the new concentration
encountering.
on dense sampling at small scales will help
During the initial pilot phase of the project, Jaffe and members
scientists understand the physical and
of his laboratory will build five or six of the soccer-ball-sized
biological properties of these microscopic
explorers and 20 of the smaller versions.
plants.
An outreach component of the project will enlist middle
"Plankton are somewhat like the balloons
school children to build and eventually deploy the AUEs.
of the ocean floating around out there," said
In a related funding award, the researchers have been given
Peter Franks
Franks. "We are trying to figure out how the
$1.5 million from the National Science Foundation's Cyberocean works at the scales that matter to the
Enabled Discovery and Innovation initiative for designing and
plankton. You put 100 of these AUEs in the ocean and let 'er rip.
developing the systems necessary to control the movement of
We'll be able to look at how they spread apart and how they
AUEs.
move to get a sense of the physics driving the flow."
That aspect of the project brings Jaffe and Franks together
Jaffe, a research oceanographer with Scripps' Marine
with researchers at the Cymer Center for Control Systems and
Physical Laboratory, envisions a system with several soccerDynamics at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering and
ball-size AUE devices deployed in conjunction with dozens or
the San Diego Supercomputer Center.
even hundreds of smaller AUE explorer robots.
- 40 -
8th Annual Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium
The Ecology of Marine Wind Farms:
Perspectives on Impact Mitigation, Siting, and Future Uses
By Richard Hittinger
T
he Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
(CRMC) invited RISAA to attend the Baird Symposium in
Newport, RI on November 3 as part of their outreach to the fishing
community during the Ocean SAMP process. Since the topic of
the symposium was “The Ecology of Wind Farms” and I am
particularly interested in how wind farms may be beneficial to
recreational fishing by creating structure as fish habitat, I attended.
The symposium was very high level, attracting speakers from
across the country and across the Atlantic. Even Governor Carcieri
was in attendance to show RI’s commitment to wind energy and
gave some opening remarks.
Some interesting things were discussed, including the
following:
• Charles Yarish, a professor from University of Connecticut,
described the growing demand for fish around the world and
how fish is the most expensive source of protein in our diet.
The US has a net trade deficit of over $9.3 billion per year
just in fish imports. That deficit is second only to our trade
deficit for oil imports.
• Dan Cohen, President of Fishermen’s Energy from New
Jersey, said that NJ is moving forward with 1000 MW of
offshore wind farms by 2015 and 3000 MW by 2020. His
company has some contracts to build some of those wind farms
and they are planning to install mooring buoys around the
base of the platforms for recreational fishing access. In
that way they will avoid any anchoring near the base of the
turbines and prevent any disturbance to the rock that is placed
as a scour shield. He said that there should be no reason to
restrict the access of recreational fishermen around the
platforms.
• Donna Schroeder, a marine biologist with the US Minerals
Management Service, indicated that these platforms should
improve recreational fishing and the MMS has no reason to
restrict access of boats less than 90’ in length in the area of
the turbines.
• Dan Sheehy, President of Aquabio, Inc., said they have
experience designing and installing constructed reef modules.
They have been installed as mitigation of fisheries impacts
for various projects, including in Boston Harbor as mitigation
for the impacts of the “Big Dig”.
• Willett Kempton, a professor at the University of Delaware,
showed how much wind energy is actually available off the
entire east coast, all the way from Maine to Florida. He showed
how offshore wind energy could be economically built and
connected along the entire coast and it would provide enough
energy to supply all of the needs of every state along the eastern
seaboard, allowing all power plants to be closed and replacing
all fossil fuel use including powering electric cars for all
drivers and heat and AC for all homes and businesses. It is a
long-range idea, but his point is that the power is there and we
are likely to move in that direction.
My overall conclusion is that we have reason to expect that
proper construction of the wind farm(s) will cause negative
impacts during construction, but IF properly designed and built
and IF recreational fishing is given access to the base of the
turbines we will see a benefit over time.
It is up to us to keep pushing for proper consideration of
recreational fishing interests during the planning, design, and
construction of these platforms.
Quinnipiac Installs First University Micro-Wind Farm
T
he first of 25 Windspire vertical wind turbines are now being
installed at the first university micro-wind farm in the
country.
The sculptural metal forms at Quinnipiac University's York
Hill Campus look decorative, but are really practical - they will
power more than 50 percent of the exterior lights on the 250acre campus.
The Windspire wind turbine is a low-cost, low-noise wind
power appliance for use in urban, suburban, rural and remote
locations. Manufactured in the United States by Mariah Power,
Windspire turbines are propeller-free, vertical-axis designs that
maximize energy conversion from wind into electric power,
regardless of changing wind speed and direction.
- 41 -
Windspires on
the Quinnipiac
University wind
terrace (Photo
courtesy QU)
HOW THEY VOTED
It is important to note which legislatators vote FOR or AGAINST the saltwater license legislation.
Many RISAA members sent emails or letters to all legislators asking them to support the bills.
Remembering which of them listened is important when election day comes around.
R.I. House of Representatives
R.I. Senate
YEAS - 35
The Honorable Speaker Murphy and Representatives Ajello,
Almeida, Azzinaro, Caprio, Carnevale, Carter, Coderre,
Corvese, Costantino, Diaz, Driver, Fellela, Ferri, Fox,
Gablinske, Gallison, Gemma, Handy, Hearn, Kennedy,
Kilmartin, Malik, Marcello, Martin, Mattiello, McCauley,
McNamara, Pacheco, M. Rice, Savage, Segal, Serpa, Sullivan,
Vaudreuil.
NAYS - 29
Representatives Baldelli-Hunt, Brien, DaSilva, DeSimone,
Edwards, Ehrhardt, Fierro, Giannini, Guthrie, Jackson,
Jacquard, Lally, Loughlin, MacBeth, Menard, Newberry,
O'Neill, Petrarca, Pollard, A. Rice, Ruggiero, Schadone, Silva,
Trillo, Walsh, Wasylyk, Watson, Williams, Winfield.
YEAS- 30
The Honorable President Paiva Weed and Senators Algiere,
Bates, Blais, Ciccone, Crowley, DaPonte, Devall, DiPalma,
Doyle, Felag, Fogarty, Gallo, Goodwin, Jabour, Lanzi, Lenihan,
Levesque, Lynch, Maher, McBurney, McCaffrey, Miller,
O'Neill, Perry, Picard, Pichardo, Raptakis, Sosnowski, Tassoni.
NAYS- 4
Senators Cote, Maselli, Metts, Pinga
Last fall, the Scholarship Committee awarded a full scholarship for the “Six-Pak/OUPV Captains License Course” courtesy of
Confident Captain/Ocean Pros (CC/OP)in Newport, RI. The recipient was Bart Wagner.
First “Charter Captain” scholarship report
by Bart Wagner
A
In fact, there was only one of us (one of the
while after I joined RISAA I remember
“kids”) that was completely unprepared for the
saying “I always knew how much I knew
test, and that was because he clearly didn’t put
about fishing, but I never knew how much I
any effort into the class time or studying.
didn’t know”. Well, after completing my
Kent made extra review and practice time
Captain’s License course, courtesy of RISAA
available for us if we needed it, and did
and Confident Captain, I can say that again, this
everything he and his staff could do for us. It
time about boating rules, safety and navigation.
was a lot of work, but well worth it.
Although there are several schedule options,
From my first call to Confident Captain to
I chose to go 2 nights per week for 4 hours each
schedule my classes all the way through the
night. In our class we had quite a cross-section
process, Capt. Kent and his staff were always
of people, backgrounds and reasons for taking
the course. There were retired Navy and Air Capt. Kent Dresser (left) pleasant, knowledgeable, professional and
Force officers, young kids (to me) that were presented award to Bart helpful. They offer every license and
endorsement you may want as well as first aid/
mates on charter boats, a crewmember from the Wagner in January.
cpr.
Block Island Ferry and others. Some wanted to
My experience with them was great and I would highly
be charter captains, some opening leasing/rental businesses, some
recommend Confident Captain to anyone looking to get their
working to further their maritime career, etc.
Captains Kent Dresser (owner) and Mike Reardon were Captain’s license. The off-season is the perfect time to sign up
great instructors. Capt. Kent warned us on the first night that this and be able to put the effort in you’ll need to get your Captain’s
was an intense amount of information and was going to require license.
If anyone would like to talk more about the license course or
concentration in class and studying outside of class if we wanted
Confident Captain I’d be happy to speak to you. You can reach
to be successful.
He was right! It was an intense course, but Kent and Mike did me at [email protected].
a great job of creating a great atmosphere for intense, but relaxed
Thank you to Confident Captain and the RISAA Scholarship
learning. They made sure that as long as we put in the work, they Committee for this course!
would make sure we knew everything we needed to pass the test.
- 42 -
FOR
SALE
CLASSIFIEDS
RISAA members may place free non-commercial classified ads with photo for three months.
All items must be fishing, boating or marine related. Send ad info to [email protected] or mail to RISAA office.
Non-members and commercial: $5 per ad, per issue. Mail ad with check to RISAA, 6 Arnold Rd, Coventry, RI 02816
BOATS FOR SALE
BOATS FOR SALE
OUTBOARDS
14' Myers Aluminum boat, 1991, weights 125
lbs, foam sponsons inside & out, oars, oarlocks.
Very good condition. $550. Call Ed at 401-3333164.
---------------------------------------------------------16' Eagle Fiberglass Fish and Ski powerboat
w/1996 Evenrude 50 HP outboard and trailer. All
excellent operating condition. Many new parts
including a custom canvas cover. $2500 or best
offer. Call Bob at 401- 921-4288
--------------------------------------------------------16' Lund, 2007, w/15 HP 4ST elec start Suzuki.
Livewell, elec bilge pump, nav lights, Lowrance
fish finder, swivel seats, etc. Loadrite Trailer.
Low hrs. $5,000. Excellent. 401-447-0052 or
401-624-6064
-------------------------------------------------------14' Mirrocraft, 1990's, w/bowdeck and
floorboards. Really rugged. 7.5 HP Honda 4stroke. Runs great. Good trailer incl. $1,800.
Call John at 617-244-0678.
---------------------------------------------------------
25' Wellcraft 248 Sportsman, 1981. Repowered
in 2002 w/Volvo Penta 5.0 GL-B engine &
outdrive, duo SS prop, 260 hrs. 1/2 tower w/full
e n c l ,
sleeps 4,
dinette,
older
electronics &
t r a i l e r.
$8,000. Email [email protected] or call 401829-7305 or 401-849-5266.
--------------------------------------------------------29' Searay Amberjack, 2000, 10-1/2 ft beam.
Ideal family fishing & cruising boat. Promaintained. 305 ci/5L engines. Sleeps 5-6 adults.
Two GPS, chartplotter w/c-chip, fishfinder,
Simrad
r a d a r ,
marine
radio w/
upgraded
antenna.
687 hrs.
New riser/
manifolds/elbows this spring. Many more
updates. Asking $67,400. All reasonable offers
considered. Call Gary at 401-828-3464.
--------------------------------------------------------30' Hydrocat 300X twin diesel catamaran,
1999. Very stable, standing room, cuddy cabin,
microwave,
full electronics, fish
boxes, many
extras. 2.5
mpg at 25
k n o t s .
$65,000.
Call 401-265-7602
3 HP Johnson OB motor, 1992. Mint condition.
Used 4 times. $450. Call Ed at 401-333-3164.
--------------------------------------------------------2001 Mercury Opti-Max 225 HP. Needs power
head. Comes w/all controls, binical mount, cables,
gauges, trim and tilt. $1,000. Stainless Steel
Mercury Prop $300. Contact Capt Jim White
401-828-9465 or Wood Boat & Motor 401-7394040
20' Grady White Overnighter, 88 w/150 HP 4stroke Yamaha, 2006, 95 hrs w/factory warranty
to 2013. Incl Furano radar, Garmin 320c FF,
Garmin 182c
GPS, Icom VHF
w/remote
speaker. SW
wash down, live
well, trim tabs,
portapotty, full
cabin encl, radar arch w/6 rod holders. Also 2007
Sea King all roller trailer w/walkway. All new
fuel lines, ss 10 micron fuel water sep, swim ladder,
twin batteries w/2 switches, spare prop. Turnkey
boat in great condition. $19,990 OBO.
[email protected] or 401-480-4492
---------------------------------------------------------
DON'T FORGET TO GIVE
US YOUR NEW ADDRESS!
All fishermen are
liars except you
and me, and to
tell you the truth,
I'm not so sure
about you!
SEND EMAIL TO: [email protected]
OR CALL 401-826-2121
- 43 -
FISHING TACKLE
Fly Fishing Gear. G. Loomis GL-4 2-pc. fly
rod 10-wieght #10810, $125 (reg $536). G.
Loomis GL-3 2-pc fly rod 10-wieght #10810,
$80 (reg $340). Scott SES fly rod 3-pc #9010/3
4.72 oz. travel rod, $150 (reg $650). St. Croix
Tide Master Travel Casting Rod. 3-pc, 7-ft, hvy
action, $65 (reg $209). All above rods like brand
new, in tubes w/cloth bags. Contact Capt Jim
White at [email protected] or 401-828-9465
-------------------------------------------------------Surf and Boat Tackle. Penn, Lamiglass, Diawa,
and more. Lots of quality tackle. Don't fish
much anymore and need to downsize. All prices
negotiable. Can be seen in Riverside, RI. Call
George at 401-437-1048.
TRAILERS
Galvanized Load Rite roller trailer, single axle,
up to 18' boat. Rebuilt 2 yrs ago w/new axle,
springs, tires, fenders and winch. Located in
Charlestown beach area. Asking $500 OBO. Call
401-284-2869 or [email protected]
HELP WANTED
First Mate willing to work full time May Nov, long term/several yrs, C- Devil II, sailing
from Pt. Judith. Job incl arrive 4:30 am, ready
gear, stow clients gear, set up rods, running deck
during charter, fillet fish, cleaning boat end of
the day. Must have outgoing personality, willing
to work 7 days during peak mos w/hrs often
near 100/wk. Must be drug free! Gen knowledge
of fishing techniques, knots, fillet skills
preferred, but not immed req. Must be willing
to train sevrl days this yr in prep for work
parttime this season and full in '10. Send Resume
to C-DEVIL II Sportfishing 331 Burdickville
Rd. Charlestown, RI 02813. No Calls Please.
From the RISAA
Mail Bag
An open letter to Governor Carcieri
by Michael Bucko
Dear Governor Carcieri,
current method of Random Digit Dialing rather then phone
book of fishermen. All recreational fishery managers agree
that the phone book of fishermen would provide not only
better estimates, but would also improve precisions of those
estimates.
Starting in 2011 precision estimates will be directly tried to
resources in the amount recreational fishery allocation
because of Annual Catch Limit (ACL) and Accountably
Measures (AM). We can now look forward in having larger
reduction of allocation of fish for RI because of this veto,
which will translate to less fish to catch .
You will have to deal with jurisdictional and authority
issue with NOAA. They will be using Coast Guard, Port
Agents and has the authority to commandeer state personnel
for compliance issues.
Although NOAA plans to educate the public at first what
will you do when thousands of RI fishermen end up in federal
court with fines. The Tenth Amendment won’t help them.
Many individuals went to dozens of meetings to design
the best bill, not only to meet the federal mandate, but that
provided the least amount of economic impact possible to
individual fishermen and tackle shops in the state.
Also, some of the seven dollars would have gone to
increase intercepts to lower the Precision estimate to increase
future allocation of fish in the recreational fishery.
I'm a little speechless at this point.
I believe you meant well in vetoing the bill H6446 on a
principle you believe in which it is a birthright to able to fish
in the salt waters of Rhode Island. I believe that the
Magnuson-Steven act took that right away when it was
signed into law by President Bush in January 2007. Rhode
Island is unique because one of the best fishing spots for
striped bass is off Block Island which require all recreational
fishermen to cross a patch of federal waters to fish Block
Island. Thousands of RI fishermen will now have to purchase
and register on the Federal Registry.
Bill H6446 was not only seven dollars, but had an
agreement with any state willing to reciprocate. This would be
New York, Connecticut , Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
based on their legislations.
The federal registry would be free 2010, but would have a
fee of between $15 - $25 in 2011, and the Federal Registry, not
the Tenth Amendment, would give us no reciprocity with
other states.
If a Rhode Islander had purchase the license based on the
bill you vetoed, and he could have fished from NY ,CT, MA,
NH and federal water for only $7. Now it would be the Fed$15, NY-$15,CT-$60, MA-$10, and NH-$15 a total $115. That’s
right, one hundred and fifteen dollars for each and every
Rhode Island fisherman that fishes in those other New
England waters.
Vetoing this bill will also hurt the RI tackle shops because
confusion will turn a lot away from fishing. The NOAA has
placed a broad scope on who should register and many
Rhode Islander who are law abiding citizens will not fish.
The data issue is very important. We will be stuck with
Sincerely yours,
Michael J Bucko
Tiverton, RI
ACCSP RI Advisor/ RI Saltwater workshop member
Subscriptions
800-826-3727
E-Mail:
[email protected]
Office
860-572-0564
Dave Anderson, Managing Editor, New England Edition
P.O. Box 211, 4 Avery Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Recreational saltwater fishing
is worth
Fishing Kayaks
$160 MILLION
to the Rhode Island economy
401-295-4400
www.Kayakcentre.com
Member
- 44 -
plus 1,000 jobs!
2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President.............................. Stephen Medeiros............... [email protected]................ 401-826-2121
1st Vice President............ Capt. Edward Kearney......... [email protected].................... 401-397-4513
2nd Vice President........... Capt. Bruce Getchell............ [email protected]............ 401-742-1129
Secretary.............................. Curt Caserta.......................... [email protected]............. 401-667-0123
Treasurer..............................Capt. Edwin Cook................ [email protected]................. 401-885-0679
Sergeant-At-Arms.............Capt. Robert Masse............. [email protected]............... 401-732-1376
Board Member................. George Allen......................... [email protected]................... 401-849-4896
Board Member.................... Robert Blasi.......................... [email protected].................. 401-527-5157
Board Member.................... Charles Bradbury................. [email protected]
Board Member.....................Richard Hittinger.................. [email protected]............ 401-739-1875
Board Member.................... William Sosnicki................... [email protected]............ 401-822-2979
Board Member.................... Michael Warner.................... [email protected]............... 401-364-0027
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Artificial Reefs............................. Richard Hittinger................ [email protected]............ 401-739-1875
Audits............................................. Sandra Gelineau................. [email protected]............ 401-828-1325
Boat & Fishing Shows................ Capt. Mike Warner............. [email protected]............... 401-364-0027
By-Laws..........................................Robert Blasi........................ [email protected]................... 401-527-5157
Charities........................................ Joan Bradbury..................... [email protected] ........... 401-647-5305
Charter Trips................................ Peter O'Biso......................... [email protected]
Dealer Discount Coordinator..... David Westfall.................... [email protected]............. 401-270-1822
Education........................................Capt. Ed Kearney............... [email protected]..................... 401-397-4513
Elections.........................................Gary Perschau.................... [email protected]................... 401-828-3464
Entertainment............................... Jane Kearney....................... [email protected]...................... 401-397-4513
Fishing Piers................................ John Troiano.................... [email protected].................. 401-253-9878
Foundation..................................... Capt. Michael Warner........ [email protected]............... 401-364-0027
Fund-Raising.................................Linton Wilder...................... [email protected] ................401-828-7795
Historian........................................ Gisele Golembeski.............. [email protected]............ 401-766-8409
Junior Activities........................... Charles Dore....................... [email protected]............... 401-683-2489
Kayak..............................................David Pollack...................... [email protected]............... 401-749-5379
Legislative..................................... George Allen....................... [email protected]................... 401-849-4896
Membership...................................Capt. Edward Kearney...... [email protected]...................... 401-397-4513
Menhaden.......................................Capt. Ed Cook..................... [email protected].. 401-885-0679
Merchandise..................................Capt. Steven Travisono.... [email protected].............. 401-218-3074
Political Action PAC.................... Stephen Medeiros............. [email protected]................. 401-826-2121
Newsletter...................................... Stephen Medeiros............. [email protected]
Public Access................................ Robert Moeller................... [email protected].............. 401-884-0117
Public Relations........................... Deborah Nelson................. [email protected]............... 401-465-8165
401-826-2121
Saltwater Fishing Show.............. Stephen Medeiros.............. [email protected]
Scholarship................................... Curt Caserta........................ [email protected].............. 401-667-0123
Striper Cup.................................... David Westfall.................... [email protected]............. 401-270-1822
Sunshine........................................ Lynn Medeiros................... [email protected].................. 401-826-0146
Surfcasters....................................Robert Moeller.................... [email protected]
Tag & Release...............................William Sosnicki................. [email protected]
Tournaments................................. Mark Paparelli..................... [email protected]................ 401-884-6724
Legal Counsel to Board of Directors..... Mitchell Riffkin, Esq
Liason to Recreational Fishing Alliance....... Douglas MacPherson
RISAA Office: (401) 826-2121
•
FAX: (401) 826-3546
Internet: WWW.RISAA.ORG
New England Saltwater Fishing Show: www.nesaltwatershow.com
- 45 -
Saltwater license vetoed by Governor Carcieri.
Good? No BAD!
by Capt. Dave Monti
On the surface the Governor’s veto of the saltwater fishing
license bill sounded good. Who wants to pay the state more taxes,
and yes, it is a birth right to fish. However, it does not make sense
for fishermen to pay a $25 federal fee compared to the proposed
$7 state fee.
And does an individual’s right to fish supersede the common
good? Do individuals have the right to overfish certain species to
the point of extinction? I think not. I believe the Governor’s veto
was the wrong move for fishermen and the wrong move for Rhode
Island.
Either I missed something or Governor Carcieri missed
something.
The Governor vetoed the saltwater license bill after his staff
and RI fishermen worked months to prepare a good law. The
Governor left his Department of Environmental Management
(DEM) Director Michael Sullivan hanging and left to try to make
lemonade out of lemons after he and senior staff worked with one
of the most significant cooperative partnerships between fishermen
and DEM to develop the bill.
The law would have saved Rhode Islander’s money and would
guarantee that funds raised through fees would go back into
protecting our recreational fishery. The recreational fishery in
Rhode Island has an annual economic impact of over $160,000,000.
The saltwater license bill the Governor vetoed would have saved
taxpayers money because anglers with a RI license would have
license reciprocity from CT, NY and other states. They would not
have to pay “out of state” license fees in these states nor would
they have to pay for a federal registry/license that will be mandated
now that we do not have a system in place by the end of this year.
The federal registry or license is expected to cost about $25
New book just released....
versus the $7 fee proposed in the Rhode Island legislation. By the
way, freshwater fishermen in Rhode Island have had to register for
years. The freshwater license is $18.
Most Rhode Islanders do not know why a law has to be passed.
This is what the Governor should have explained to Rhode Islanders.
We have to register because it is a mandate from the federal
government. They survey fishermen to identify how many fish are
being taken to guide them as they manage various species of fish
(like striped bass) so they do not disappear. You cannot conduct
surveys if you do not know who is fishing. How would you know
who to send the survey to?
So now Rhode Island fishermen will have to register with the
federal government in 2010 and be charged a fee three times as
much as the proposed Rhode Island fee in 2011 just so they can be
identified and surveyed. Maybe the Governor objected to the fact
that funds raised by a fishing registry or license in Rhode Island
would not go into the general treasury, but rather would be put in
the hands of DEM and fishermen to help direct their use to preserve
and stimulate recreational saltwater fishing in Rhode Island.
So now, after the Governor’s veto, anyone fishing in RI will
have to register with the federal government in 2010. In 2011 we
will have to register AND start paying the fee ($25). We will not
have reciprocity with neighboring states like Connecticut and New
York so we will have to pay their “out of state” fees too (a total of
$100 annually for these two states). And most importantly, we will
not be able to have a voice in the building of the resource that is
our fishery in Rhode Island for the future.
Rhode Islanders and fishermen have not come out on top on
this one. So I say the veto on the fishing license bill in Rhode
Island was a bad decision.
Over-Winter Striper Secrets
By
Capt. Al Anderson
J
ust in time for Christmas gift-giving, Capt. Al Anderson’s
latest book has just been released.
This 265 page, 21 chapter book-effort is a revealing glimpse
into the life history strategy of many Hudson River-origin striped
bass (Morone saxatilis), based on
surprising observations carried out over a
personal 13-year (1997-2009) tag and
release study, in which better than 15,000
over-wintering fish were marked for
science in the Thames River, CT.
Eight other northeast over-winter
striper contingents are profiled, seasonal
problems are identified. In addition, spin,
fly and trolling techniques are discussed,
and frequently asked questions about the
fish and their tagging are addressed.
Recent evidence of their evolutionary
history, contingent creation, estuarine
dependence for maturation, and genetic memory are discussed
and supported by published biological
research. Consequently, many related
riddles are solved, along with reasons why
the author has long been involved with
fisheries research tagging.
Copies of this $19.95 soft cover book
can be obtained from the author
([email protected]), or on-line from
either www.xlibris.com, or at
www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, or your
local bookstore.
- 46 -
RHODE ISLAND
SALTWATER
Association
6 Arnold Road, Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
401-826-2121
FAX: 401-826-3546
www.RISAA.org
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
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: _____
First
Middle Initial
Spouse Name: _________________
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 (under 18 yrs):___________________________________________
no thanks
yes (complete below)
Area(s) you fish:_____________________________________________________________________________
Prefer to fish from (check all that apply):
Rocks & Piers
Party/Charter Boats
Fly Fishing
Surfcasting
Other
Own Boat: length:___ ft Maker/Type:_____________ Boat Name:_______________ Docked at:_______________
TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP
CHECK TYPE
Regular Adult: $50/year
(additional members, immediate family, same household: 2nd = $45, 3rd = $40)
$90 for two years (save $10)
$25 age 65 or older - Date of birth: _______________
Junior Member: Free
(Up to 17 years. Requires member sponsor)
Junior's Name: (print)_______________________________________ Age:_____ Date of Birth: ________________
/
/
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ____________________
RISAA Sponsor (if parent not a member): _____________________ Relationship: _____________ Date: _________
Payment must accompany application.
Enclosed is my check for $__________ (payable to R.I.S.A.A.)
Charge to my credit card: 1. Card type (check) MasterCard
Visa
2. Amount Authorized: $_____________
3. Expiration Date: _____________ 4. CVV # _________
(3-digit number in reverse italics on back of card)
5. Name on card (print): ___________________________________ 6. Card Number: _______________________________
Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at the West Valley Inn in West Warwick, RI at 7:00
pm. (attendance not required). Membership benefits include monthly seminars • fishing tournaments •
monthly newsletter • discounts at tackle shops and marine dealers • social events • college scholarships •
video library • adds your voice to fisheries management and conservation issues.
- 47 -
Mail to: R.I.S.A.A.
6 Arnold Road
Coventry, RI 02816
6 Arnold Road
Coventry, RI 02816
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Coventry, RI
Permit No. 247
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
RHODE ISLAND
SALTWATER
Association
Happy Holidays!

December - Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers

Transcription

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