Dave Lussier, President of The Better Bay Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing boating safety in Rhode Island Waters underscored the significance of proactive communication with the public regarding upcoming operations that could affect boating safety including the installation of the wind farm and cabling in Narragansett Bay.

Lussier said, “The Better Bay Alliance’s is not in any partnership with Ørsted  and we are not an endorsing or supporting organization, but rather simply an interested party that wants the boating public to fully understand what their plans are so that boating safety in our waters remains a priority for all users of our waterways.”

In response to the need for information, The Better Bay Alliance has developed a LIVE CHART product. This tool illustrates specific areas and schedules for the cable laying process, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed. Additionally, the organization disseminates news about various events and activities on the water. LIVE CHART is free and easily accessible on the BBA website: www.betterbayalliance.org .

Information about wind farm developer activities in and out of Narragansett Bay can do nothing but help mariner safety. The hope is that more information meetings like the one held by The Better Bay Alliance occur in other parts of the Bay as needed so boating safety remains a priority.

Making merit badges on the fly

The Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) partnered with the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and offered twenty-five scouts the opportunity to earn their Fly-Fishing Merit Badge

Jeff Perry of the WPWA said, “The Scouts came from NY, MA, CT and RI to participate in this two-day comprehensive endeavor. Ten volunteer instructors from Trout Unlimited, the United Fly Tiers of RI, the RI Saltwater Anglers Association, Fly Fishing International and the Rhody Fly Rodders helped these scouts accomplish ten of the eleven requirements, (the fish however were not cooperative).”

Many of the scouts had no fly fishing experience. And, before and during the outings, they were able to false cast and roll cast 30’, tie two flies, tie five knots, discuss environmental issues, safe practices, and other requirements. 

Jeff Perry said, “The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association and the Boy Scouts hope to continue this program in the future.”

Annual Spring trawl survey

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) will be conducting its annual spring trawl survey throughout state coastal waters beginning May 6, 2024. Surveys have been conducted each May and September since 1978 to provide a consistent sampling of benthic fishes and mobile invertebrates.

Survey data is used to monitor the condition of various marine stocks. The data is also used to inform the environmental review process, which advises on ways to minimize construction impacts on fisheries resources.

Where’s the bite?

Freshwater fishing. Fishing for trout continues to remain strong at stocked ponds. For a list of stocked ponds, and in Rhode Island visit Designated Trout Waters | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (ri.gov), in Massachusetts visit Freshwater Fishing | Mass.gov. Fishing for largemouth bass continues to improve as we swing into the prespawn season as fish begin to stage in warmer shallow water.

Striped bass. Ed Lombardo, fly fishing expert, instructor and guide, said, “Fished the Narrow River (Narragansett) last week and the weekend and things were very slow landing four bass in three days.  The water temperature on the upper river is 52 degrees, we generally look for 58 degrees this time of year. Not much bait around either,” Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle, Charlestown, said, “We had stripers up to 25 inches long taken at the Breachway this week. More than a few very small school bass were caught as well, mostly in the white wash at your feet. The large numbers have not yet materialized, but they could at any tide. We have luck with white lures in the spring 1 1/2 once bucktails, 5” storm shad, Cotton Cordell bone pencil popper, and Yo-Zuri hydro twitch bait as some of the lures that have been effective.” 

Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence said, “Striped bass to 40” have been caught inn the upper reaches of the Providence River with more larger fish being caught every day. White and bone colored swimming and surface lures are working for customers.”

Tautog. Matt Conti of  Snug Harbor Marina, said, “The tautog bite has been good. Fishing for anglers is improving along the coastal shore and at the jetties.” 

Angler John Migliori who fished Aquidneck Island for tautog from shore Sunday, said, “I sure did recognize the nice bite when it hit and I reacted just in time to set the hook, and knew right away that I had a good fish on. But surely was surprised how big it really was when I landed it. 21 Inches and 6.52 pounds.”  O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle, said, “In the spring tautog females migrate along the coast to spawn, typically depositing their eggs in mussel beds. Tautog fluctuate with the seasons to maintain their ideal temperature range of 50 to 68 degrees.”

Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verison.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.