Learning saltwater angling during a 3-day fishing camp for youths

“I want to catch fish, bigger fish and more fish.”

“We caught a big striped bass but it broke off at the boat. We probably should have used a net.”

“I’ve never caught a saltwater fish — actually, I have never caught a fish.”

Those are some of the comments campers made at the start of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and the Department of Environmental Management youth fishing camp held last week at Rocky Point State Park in Warwick.  The campers, from 7 to 12 years old, are from Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  Camp is funded by the RISAA, the DEM and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Fishing appeals to our sense of adventure, teaches us patience and how to take care of the environment.  Scott Travers, executive director of the RISAA, who kicked off the camp with a fishing safety discussion, said: “It is great to fish, but put safety first. Keep more than a rod’s distance from those fishing or standing near you as rod tips and hooks are dangerous.”

Terrence Gray, director of the DEM, said: “We are excited to partner with RISAA on their sixth annual Youth Fishing Camp at Rocky Point. The camp provides hands-on opportunities for children to get outdoors and experience the thrill of casting a line and reeling in that first fish on our beautiful Narragansett Bay. It is through efforts like this that we forge the next generation of environmental stewards.”

Topics covered over the three-day camp include fish identification, conservation, use of spinning and conventional gear and tackle, basic marine biology, how and why to use different baits and lures,  boating safety, casting from shore and fishing from private boats as well as from a party or charter boat.  And this year, instruction in fly-tying and an introduction to fly fishing were provided.

Hats off to the RISAA, DEM, the United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island and Safe Harbor Greenwich Bay Marina for donating dockage for vessels during the camp.

We need more youth fishing initiatives such as that camp to encourage our next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Visit the RISAA fishing camp YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/8k2P0zMeb8o .

Where’s the bite?

Striped bass and bluefish. “Anglers are catching some nice striped bass out in front off Newport at Brenton Reef and in the Bay as well," said Nick Krajewski of Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle in North Kingstown. "If anglers cannot find pogies, they are using eels but also trolling umbrella rigs and tube and worm with success.” Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle in Providence reported: “The striped bass and bluefish are mixed in together with the best bite off Newport.”  "East End" Eddie Doherty, Cape Cod Canal fishing expert and author, said: “Mackerel and bunker have entered the canal and hopefully will stick around. A whale gracefully gliding through the east end was the biggest action for a while until 15-year-old Matt Sadr, already an experienced surfcaster, convinced an 18-pound line sider to swallow his Striper Gear on a mid-morning west tide. A 37-inch bass fell for this Canal Rat’s Striper Gear green mack Rocket in between heavy downpours on a breaking tide. The well-fed, fat fish took line off my reel and fought much higher than his weight class.” Tom Olson of Ponaug Bait & Tackle in Warwick reported: “The bass and bluefish bite have been way off this year in Greenwich Bay. Reports of anglers catching short fluke, scup and squeteague off Warwick light.”

Fluke (summer flounder), black sea bass and scup. “Some very nice fluke are being caught off Newport with the bait and rig of choice being bucktails and native squid," Krajewski said. "Anglers are catching keepers; however, no reports of a good fluke bite in the bay.” Tom Giddings of the Tackle Box in Warwick said: “The fluke bite is on. We had one customer catch two keeper fluke to 22 inches in front of Cole Farm in Warwick, north of Conimicut Point. And 14-inch scup are being caught at Rocky Point.” Henault reported: “Big scup continue to be caught throughout the Narragansett Bay with no reports of fluke in the bay but great action off Newport. Those caching fish seem to be catching large fish in the 10-plus-pound range."

The bluefin tuna bite has been fairly good from 20 miles south of Block Island to just a couple of miles south of the wind farm. “Customers have had success catching school bluefin tuna south of Block Island," Henault said. "Most are trolling for them and getting good results.”

Freshwater. “With some nice vegetation growth in lakes and ponds, anglers are doing well with top-water frogs to catch largemouth bass,” Krajewski said.  “Johnston Pond, Coventry, and Sandy Pond, Warwick, continue to produce some nice largemouth bass for customers," Giddings said. "Shiners seem to be working well for them.” Henault said: “The rout bite in stocked ponds is still on with a good largemouth bass bite in Stump Pond, Coventry; Turner Reservoir, East Providence; and Olney Pond, Lincoln Woods.”

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 that focuses on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy and fisheries-related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net or visit noflukefishing.com

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Learning saltwater angling during a 3-day fishing camp for youths