No Fluke: Study highlights need for angler access, fishing quality and convenience

Young anglers, female anglers and fishermen in urban areas are most likely to go years without fishing regardless of where in the country they live, a follow-up report commissioned by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has revealed.

The report, developed from a study on angler churn rates performed by Southwick Associates of Fernandina Beach, Florida, does however highlight some regional differences in today's anglers.

Fishing participation is growing in roughly one-third of all states. Between 2004 and 2013, 17 states saw angler numbers climb, while the rest experienced declines or remained steady. Anglers in the Northeast and Midwest are more likely to remain active, with more than 20 percent of anglers buying a license 5 out of 5 years. And regionally, the rate of not renewing fishing licenses is highest in the Southeast (53 percent) and lowest in the Midwest (28 percent).

"We know the primary reasons why people fish is to have fun with friends and family in an outdoor setting," Rob Southwick, Southwick Associates' president said "This latest research shows that, with some regional differences, younger anglers, women and urbanites are more likely to find other ways to achieve these benefits besides fishing. If fishing participation is to grow, we need to ensure fishing provides these benefits conveniently and competitively."

"I think the most important thing we've discovered is that our challenge may not be as much about getting people to take up fishing as it is keeping people fishing from year-to-year," said Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. He noted that after buying a license one year, approximately 15 million people-almost half of all anglers-do not buy one the following year.

Nussman noted how important it is for game and fish agencies, as well angling organizations, to work together to improve access, fishing quality and convenience in order to entice more anglers to buy a license every year.

For copies of the executive summary or the full report, visit asafishing.org.

The Hinckley Company hires new sales VP

The Hinckley Company of Portsmouth has hired industry veteran Nick Bischoff to lead sales of its Hinckley sailboats, powerboats and Hunt Yachts. Bischoff brings twenty years of experience to the role, having held similar positions at Sunseeker, Tiara and Allied Richard Bertram. In announcing the appointment, Hinckley President and CEO Jim McManus wrote “Nick will be responsible for the leadership of the Hinckley and Hunt sales organizations and expanding distribution opportunities.” Currently the sales group comprises 19 brokers and two independent agents in ten locations around the U.S.

Where’s the bite

Tautog fishing continues to be robust with many anglers able to reach their limit all along the coastal shore. Rock piles and structured bottom off Narragansett, Scarborough Beach, Pt. Judith and all along the southern coastal shore have been good with rock piles from Newport to the Sakonnet River bearing fruit too. Mike Kwok of Palisades Park, New Jersey landed a 14.8 pound tautog while fishing the Frances Fleet early last week before storms. Capt. Frank Blount said, “Fishing remained strong with many angler limits recorded and many others who came close plus lots of short tog to keep everyone catching fish at the rail in between keepers.” John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside said, “Tautog is just about the only game in town. Anglers were doing well from shore at the Wharf Tavern, the Warren Bridge and Colt State Park, however this weekend the bite was off. More anglers are trying today (Monday).” Water may still be turbid from high winds and seas earlier in the week.  As the water settles down tautog fishing will likely improve.

Capt. Charlie Donilon of Snappa Charters fished this weekend with good results, “Due to the strong winds we experienced Saturday, we fished one mile east of Narragansett town beach. Results couldn’t have been better. Both groups just missed filling the quota of six fish/per angler by only a few fish. Largest fish were between six and seven pounds. Earlier in the week we fished three miles south of Newport with very good results. The largest fish caught in the deeper water was around ten pounds.”  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle Warwick said, “Tautog fishing is still very strong but it is cold out there, anglers are starting early to fish before the wind picks up.” Early last week Capt. Rene Letourneau of On the Rocks Charters said, “Still plenty of tautog in the Bay. Fishing this week with great weather, the tog bite has been consistent along Jamestown. We had a solid bite in Newport also. I released many good fish and had an eight pound fish with a few six pound fish. Fished with Gil Valentine last week, we could have had a limit but took only a few for the table."

Cod fishing has been good. Capt. Frank Blount said, “A few bigger cod found their way aboard the Gail Frances on Sunday with a half dozen fish in the teens with two of them just south of the 20 pound mark. A decent amount of fishers had two to four cod apiece to take home but not everyone left with keeper cod fish. Still all in all signs are encouraging and cod fish are being found on just about every rock pile sampled.”  Ken Ferrara said, “I had four customers catch cod fish, some in the bay while tautog fishing. Two at General Rock in North Kingstown and two off Newport. Fish ranged from 22” to 31”. I saw the pictures, they were very nice fish.”

“Squid fishing is still very good off Newport and off Jamestown with Ft. Wetherill experience a particularly good bite,” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence. “Fresh water fishing has been good with a strong largemouth bass bite particularly at Lincoln Woods and Stump Pond.”

Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shellfishing for over 40 years. He holds a captain’s master license and a charter fishing license. Visit Captain Dave’s No Fluke website at www.noflukefishing.com or e-mail him with your fishing news and photos at dmontifish@verizon.net.