Fishing Report | EastBayRI.com - News, Opinion, Things to Do in the East Bay

Bluefish regulations will likely be the same as last year, three fish/person/day, no minimum size, includes skipjack bluefish. Shaina Boyle caught this 36” bluefish last year fishing with Capt. Dave Monti.

How 2024 fishing regulations are shaping up

At press time the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island were all still seeking public comment and input on 2024 fishing regulations for saltwater fishing. So, the regulations list for … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 2/26/24

Claire Hodson with a healthy black sea bass caught on the charter fishing vessel Snappa. Both RI and MA will determine catch limits for black sea bass next month.

Rhode Island announces outdoor programs for the public

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced spring programs scheduled to connect Rhode Islanders with our state’s beautiful natural resources. From vernal pool night to … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 2/20/24

Measuring impacts of offshore wind farms on recreational fishing

The University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography held an online seminar last Wednesday, titled “Recreational Fishing and Offshore Wind Energy: Understanding the Changing … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 2/13/24

The Commercial Fisheries Research Center is studying the impacts of the South Fork Wind Farm on black sea brass and scup. The F/V Harvest Moon set and collected fish pots during the construction phase.

Fish pot survey is a win, win situation

It is not often you get a win, win when engaging in fisheries research. But the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) is trying to find out what impact offshore wind farms have on … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 2/6/24

Researchers from U. Mass Amherst placed acoustic tags on Hammerhead Sharks and Tarpon as part of their shark depredation study.

Killing sharks to reduce depredation is not the answer

Shark depredation, the full or partial consumption of a hooked fish by a shark before it is landed, is an increasing source of human and wildlife conflict in recreational fisheries. This summer and … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 1/30/24

John Migliori with his first of 2024.  A 21” Sebago Salmon caught at his favorite Aquidneck Island, RI pond with a Kastmaster lure.

Speed zones save right whales

\NOAA Fisheries announced the annual opening of a Seasonal Management Area (SMA) in Cape Cod Bay to protect North Atlantic right whales starting on Jan. 1, 2024, to May 15, 2024. All vessels … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 1/16/24

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is March 8, 9 and 10 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence. The Marlborough Fly Fishing Show is this weekend.

Rhody Fly Rodders celebrate 60th anniversary

The Rhody Fly Rodders, the oldest chartered saltwater fly club in America, is holding a 60th Anniversary Banquet Celebration Saturday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m.at Wright’s Farm Restaurant, 84 Inman … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 1/9/24

Capt. Chris Willi, Block Island; Capt. Jamie Boyle, Martha’s Vineyard; and Peter Jenkins, the Saltwater Edge, Middletown met with NOAA Fisheries and legislators last week.

Better recreational fishing data may be on the way

Sometimes there is a silver lining and good things come out of a bad situation. Last week anglers met with Janet Coit, assistant administrator and chief of NOAA Fisheries and her staff, to talk about … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 12/12/23

Jonathan Stone, former executive director of Save the Bay, was presented this year’s person of the year award by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse at the 14th Annual Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day.

Hats off to Senator Whitehouse for another great Leaders Day

Hats off to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and his staff for putting together the Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day, Friday, Dec. 1, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. This is the 14th year the … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 12/5/23

Tautog fishing is strong, and cod fishing is just heating up.

Goodbye, to a good friend – and there’s still time for fishing

I have made a lot of friends fishing but have made just as many at coffee shops. Sorry to say my coffee friend Marc passed away Saturday after fighting pancreatic cancer for over a year. Fishing … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 11/28/23

Walt Galloway and his fishing partner Walter Berry caught tautog to 21” earlier this week in the General Rock, North Kingstown area.

Public hearings on draft striped bass regulation options

The Atlantic coastal states of Maine through Virginia have scheduled hearings to gather public input on Draft Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 11/21/23

John Migliori with an Aquidneck Island largemouth bass: “Sunday morning I caught this nice, 17-inch largemouth using a Kastmaster lure.”

DEM announces winter programs and reopens shellfishing area

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced its winter season of outdoor programs, from fly tying to wild game cooking classes. The Aquatic Resource Education, Hunter … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 11/14/23

“Capt. Kurt Rivard of K & M Coastal Charters caught this 14-pound tautog last week with a jig when fishing off Newport,” said Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren.

Tautog bite has been outstanding – get out and fish

Fishing for tautog (also called black fish) has been outstanding in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The fish are abundant and quite large. Anglers are allowed just one trophy fish, … more

By. Capt. Dave Monti | 11/7/23

Kayak angler Tom Houde said, “Caught a stringer of keeper tog last week in the West Bay, including this 21” female which was released after a quick photo. Water temp 60 degrees, depth 20 feet.”

NOAA releases updated report on endangered Right Whales

NOAA Fisheries has released a comprehensive population viability analysis for North Atlantic right whales, along with 2023 population estimate. The analysis allows users to project how the total … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 10/31/23

Chris ‘Higgie’ Higgins with the 13.56-pound tautog he caught this week off Newport with Capt. Mike Littlefield of ArchAngel Charters.

Anglers working with Congress, and great fishing continues

Last week I was one of eight recreational fishermen who met with Rep. Seth Magaziner and his staff in their Warwick office to talk about habitat, fish and recreational fishing. He met with us … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 10/24/23

Joe Rochira of Warwick, with one of the three striped bass he caught this weekend trolling tube & worm on the east side of the shipping channel in front of Barrington Beach.

Fall fishing just keeps getting better

Fall is a great time to fish, and it is getting better every day. Last week the tuna bite for school tuna was outstanding. Reports had as many as 40 school tuna being caught and released by one … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 10/10/23

Angler Dave Hanuschak caught multiple striped bass to 29” that were feeding Sunday on the surface in Greenwich Bay.

Rhode Island waterways are stocked with trout

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is conducting fall trout stocking, in advance of the Columbus Day holiday weekend, in selected areas in Rhode Island from Thursday, … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 10/3/23

Brian Abbott, of Barrington, said, “Caught this striper (29”, 8 pounds) in 15 feet of water about 100 yards off Barrington Beach with a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow.”

Bonito and false albacore running hot, with no catch limits

There is nothing like explosive surface action from Atlantic bonito and false albacore. Last week anglers fishing in the Pt. Judith area were treated to non-stop action on Thursday, just a … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 9/26/23

Tom Hood with a false albacore caught off Narragansett from his kayak last fall.

NOAA Fisheries needs our support

The U.S. House Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024 will have a devastating impact on fish and habitat, as it reduces funding by 14 percent for NOAA Fisheries, a cut of $900 million. Yet our … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 9/19/23

Nick Papa of South Kingstown, captain of the vessel Ruthless, took first place in the Boston Bluefin Classic with this 788-pound giant bluefin tuna caught off Scarborough Beach, R.I.

Rhode Islanders dominate giant tuna tournament

If you are a woman, and think you want to learn how to fly fish, now is the time to give it a try at the Women’s Introductory Fly Fishing Clinic, Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 9/12/23

Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren, with the two false albacore he caught at the same time while working two fishing rods off Brenton Reef, Newport.

Strong reports on stripers throughout the region

Striped bass , bluefish and false albacore. East End Eddie Doherty, Cape Cod Canal fishing expert and author, said, “Experienced surf rat Andrew Kuznarowis from Centerville had a very … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 9/5/23

Greg Vespe at the stern, with his father Ric Vespe at the helm, as cousin Stephano Leoni reels in a thresher shark. Greg’s son Shawn Hayes Costello was also part of the crew.

Sharks stealing your fish?

Anglers have reported (more than usual) sharks attacking their catch before they are able to bring it to the boat. Anglers are urged to use caution when reaching in or near the water to bring in … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 8/29/23

Greg Vespe of Tiverton, brings a thresher shark to the boat, caught with a bluefish fillet.

Tips for a great fall tautog season

Tautog (or blackfish) is a great eating fish with a white delicate meat. They are not often sold in fish markets because they are difficult to harvest commercially. They are usually caught by rod and … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 8/22/23

Full limits of black sea bass and summer flounder (fluke) from youth and adult anglers on the Frances Fleet party boat this weekend.

New regulations in effect, and the strong bites continue

NOAA Fisheries has established recreational fishing measures for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock and Georges Bank cod for the 2023 fishing year. All measures are effective Aug. 14, 2023, through … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 8/15/23

Tom Houde of West Warwick with the 39” striped bass he caught trolling tube and worm with his kayak off Newport at Brenton Reef.

With water temps this high, fishermen need to change tactics

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has completed the second phase of a two-year project to develop an evaluation model on the operational costs of on-demand fishing gear technology … more

By Capt. Dave Monti | 8/7/23