Rhode Island Fishing

If you are a beginner or an expert seeking the "big one" you will be happy with  the fishing in Rhode Island.  Whether you are fishing in the peaceful waters of Narragansett Bay,  from the surf of Block Island Sound or in the severe Atlantic, you can find an abundance of gamefish in this Ocean State.

If you choose to fish offshore there are prized tuna, shark, cod, white and blue marlin and swordfish.  The bluefish and striped bass are counted as the greatest fighting fish and plentiful from May through November. You will spend less time traveling and more time fishing due to the closeness of the canyon fishing on the Continental Shelf.

About 12 miles off of Point Judith, Block Island, with it's 20 miles of shore-line access has a reputation for giant fish, especially as the striped bass in the ocean swim past the Block every early June and again in October.  Try Sandy Point and North Rip's shoal, fishing as close to the slopes bottom as possible with the tide rips.  Try the rugged eastern shoreline from Grove Point to Jerry's Point and from Ballard's Beach to Old Whale Rock.  The Southwest ledge is famous for enormous stripers, even as heavy as 60 pounds aren't out of the question.

If it is surfcasting that you enjoy, you can reach Sandy Point by Corn Neck Road beginning at Old Harbor.  Remember this land is a wildlife refuge and you need to check the local regulations for permit requirments.

If you are a freshwater angler the many rivers, ponds and/or lakes breed a large variety of game fish such as Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Crapie.  Landlocked Salmon and trout are stocked throughout the state. Southern Rhode Island is home to the beautiful rivers of Pawcatuck, Moosup, Wood are home to the best trout from spring through fall. The striped bass can reach up to 65 pounds and are found along the rocky shores to salt rivers and ponds. There are boatingramps available for freshwater anglers.

Not only is Rhode Island's saltwater fishing waters famous for their striped bass, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, bluefin and other tuna species, but it has been stated that  Cobia, triggerfish and other tropical species have also been caught in it's waters.  How much better can it get?  Take advantage of the ample salt-water boatramps available for the public.

Respect the Rules

Hook Removal

Avoid handling fish excessively.  Hold the fish firmly by the lower jaw and gently remove the hook.  Every angler should carry a hook disgorger or needle-nose pliers.  Never pull a hook from the fish's throat or stomach; it is better to cut the loine and let the hook work itself out.  Fish that are smaller than the legal length limit must be released immediately.

1.  Fish that you don't intend to keep or fish that are smaller than the legal length should be released immediately and gently.

2.  Avoid handling fish excessively.  the mucous covering the fish's body should be protected because it prevents infection.

3.  Hold the fish firmly.  A fish dropped on the ground or ina boat has a poor chance for recovery.

4. Grasp large-mouthed fishes by the lower jaw with the thumb and forefinger; smaller fishes with your hand around the mid-section, wetting hands first.  Fish with teeth may be handled by grasping them across the gill covers.

5. Never put your fingers in the gills or eye sockets

6.  Every angler should carry a hook disgorger (J-style dehooker) or needle-nose pliers.  Back the hooks out if possible.

7.  Never pull a hook from the fish's throat or stomach.  It is better to cut the oline.  Many hooks will rust away.

8.  Use hooks with barbs squeezed shut if you intend to release all fish or if you like additional challenge.

1.  Use circle hooks whenever possible.  They help prevent swallow
ed baits and gut hooks.
2.  If a fish is gut hooked, just cut the leader or line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish.  Acids in the body of the fish will dissolve the hook literally within days.

3.  Never gaff a fish you plan to release.  Open wounds from a gaff invite infection and draw  predators. NEVER gaff a fish you plan to release. Open wounds from a gaff invite infection and draw predators!

TIPS

It is time for spring cleaning!

Today's reels are practically indestructible, yet, salt and sand still sneak into places they don't belong and it's time for a good cleaning.  Let's get the necessary tools handy beginning with a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a 10-12mm open-end wrench, a soft toothbrush, some lint-free rags and some light oil.

Next, remove the handle and sideplate from the reel, using  a screwdriver that has a magnetic tip to avoid loosing the tiny screws.  Make sure you don't go further removing parts than you feel you can accurately replace.   Clean the area with the soft toothbrush and soft clean cloth to remove all of the grit.

Now, remove any excess oil and grease with a clean cloth and then using the soft toothbrush sweep over the gears.  It is important that you never use a cleaner-degreaser, such as WD-40, inside the reel.  It could cause damage to any felt drag washers and create a real mess.

Lubricate the moving parts, using a light oil, and make sure you apply oil to the clucth plate, anti-reverse and bearings.  If the bearings are "crunchy" after being lubricated, replace them.   It is now time to reassemble your reel and feel good about a job well done.