ACCURATE FISHING REPORTS * TRUTHFUL-ISH FISH STORIES * THE OCCASIONAL LIE
Despite a lack of hard water, it really is ice fishing season. RIDEM recommends at least six inches of ice before we drag out coolers, chairs and grills while Connecticut calls for just four inches. For safety’s sake, it’s our job to check for thickness all the way out to base camp. Fishing on the … Continue reading Five tips to keep you on the right side of the ice this winter
January’s calendar page means we’re largely confined to quarters unless there’s hard water for setting tip up’s or open water for launching a daredevil kayak trip for white perch. Deer season is in full swing on Block Island but with all this cold air and these short days, the next best thing is a full … Continue reading It’s January, there’s no ice so go see East End Eddie Dougherty!
Each year we take a few weeks to look back on not just the calendar but more significantly, the characters who make this weekly stew pot of news, predictions, sarcasm and marginally accurate reports occasionally readable. This week is no exception; we get to meet some of the coolest and finest people on the water. … Continue reading A second look at a few characters from 2019
It’s a real blessing to have a job like this because everyone has a fish story, whether they caught one, knew someone who did or never could catch one but wish they could. Each year it’s pure fun to reflect on some of the characters we met. With a tip of the hat to everyone … Continue reading A year full of characters, present and past tense
Winter, with her drapings of snow, curtains of north wind and blankets of ice to freeze ponds and pines, is near. She is challenging sportsmen kicking withered leaves against breaths of cold air and long nights. Wood stoves are replacing beach fires as daylight shrinks behind bare tree shadows. E.B. White gave us “Oh, they … Continue reading One last look before closing the barn door
None more dedicated, none more focused, none more passionate about the power of words and the organization who celebrated them. The Captain who kept our ship right, Randy Julius has left us. I am a better man and writer for having known him and his loving wife Mary.
Bob Buscher has done it. With just a few weeks before we start new fishing calendars, he finished his journey. South County Rhode Island’s favorite fisherman and media star has at last caught and released one thousand pounds of largemouth bass this year. What a journey it was. We started covering Bob back when the … Continue reading Numbers don’t lie, Bob Buscher is the best of the best
Dave Henault has left us. For the winter and for Southeast Asia. Dave’s the owner of Ocean State Tackle in Providence, a very well known figure in the fishing community and a total character. This winter, he’ll be riding his bicycle across three countries for exercise, pure enjoyment and to raise money for Pan Can, … Continue reading Dave Henault has gone east for the winter
Greg Vespe and Captain BJ Silvia stood in front of a packed Elks Lodge to talk tautog. As guest speakers for November’s RI Saltwater Anglers Association meeting, lots of antsy fishermen were eagerly awaiting their words of wisdom on how to find, catch and release black fish. First, the pair let the room know that … Continue reading How to catch tautog for a lifetime with Greg Vespe and Capt. Silvia
Rich Heffernan smoothed his perfect grey mustache and surveyed the crowd. They were cold, hungry fishermen in fleece hats and sweatshirts, the salty uniforms of those who spent long nights in the surf. Rich was helping host the breakfast banquet of the 26th Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association Fall Surf Casting Club Challenge at the … Continue reading Surfcasters bragging rights sure have changed
