Fishing Pier named after Larry Mouradjian

“I knew something was up, but nothing like this. I can’t believe all these people, look there’s my son, there’s my family,” said Larry Mouradjian, Associate Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), at his surprise retirement dinner. Two hundred friends, family members and associates gathered to honor him Friday night at the Twelve Acres Restaurant in Smithfield.

Since graduating from the University of Rhode Island’s College of Resource Development in 1978, Larry has known no other career. His tenure at DEM has included a host of achievements such as the hosting of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals at Ft. Adams State Park, the development of Ft. Getty in Jamestown and most recently, the development of Rocky Point State Park in Warwick. All were made possible with Larry as a driving force.

Speaker after speaker took to the podium to honor Larry and his 37 year DEM career. He started as a laborer and ended up as Associate Director, the number two spot at DEM. I couldn’t help notice two common threads about every speaker’s comments. First they spoke of his commitment to protect the natural resources of Rhode Island so they can be passed on to future generations. The second common thread was that Larry was always an open book which earned him the respect of those who worked with him and for him.

Highlights of the speaking program include comments from Janet Coit, DEM Director and from Scot Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick. Mayor Avedisian said, “A few weeks ago Director Coit and I were talking about Larry’s retirement and a fitting gift. So, it is my honor to name the fishing pier at Rocky Point the Larry Mouradjian Rocky Point Fishing Pier.” It was a fitting gift for a man who worked hard to provide access to anglers and preserve open spaces and parks for all Rhode Islanders for so many years.

What I liked at the boat show

The Providence Boat Show was held this past weekend at the Rhode Island Convention Center. I spoke with Mrs. Wood of Wood Boat & Motor, Warwick two hours after the show opened. "We're very excited," she said. "We already sold our first boat.” It was a show special, a 19’ Clearwater center console equipped with a 115 HP Honda motor.

Clearwater 19’ Center Console
I have to say the fit and finish was eye catching on this show special in the Wood Boat & Motor booth and it was a real fishing machine. If you are looking for the balance between fishing needs and budget, this may be a boat to consider. Marty Castle, sales representative, said, “Clearwater makes a strong, full sized boat with a wide beam. The larger center consoles have a 9.5’ bean and this 19 foot vessel has an 8.5’ beam.” They are built for fishing first. The 1900 CC at the show featured a large aerated live well in the forward seat and a cooler seat with backrest at the helm and a large storage foredeck locker with extra room for fish or gear. The manufacturers’ suggested retail price was $28,999 for boat, motor and trailer… the show special, last year’s demo model, sold for just over $21,000.

Minn Kota electric motors with Spot-Lock
Minn Kota electric motors are now being used even on larger mid-sized boats to help keep you over the fish. Their saltwater Riptide Ulterra model with i-Pilot or i-Pilot with Link features Spot-Lock, a GPS anchor. Just hit a button and lock onto any spot you chose automatically. For saltwater or freshwater anglers this means over structure, on a bank, next to a dock or jetty that is holding fish (saltwater bottom fish such as tautog, scup or black sea bass).

“Capt. Silvia installed one on his Parker (a heavy vessel in the 25’ range), and it worked very well last year. The motor with the Spot-Lock feature and mount was about $4,000.” said Greg Vespe noted local angler and mate on Flippin Out Charters. Visit www.minnkotamotors.com for information and dealer listing.

Pursuit S 328
The S 328 is a new sport center console with an oversized fiberglass integrated hardtop and windshield system and all the luxury features you expect from Pursuit. “Pursuit has some of the largest and beamiest boats in their class,” said Randy Jernigan, Business Development Manager for Pursuit. The S 328 he was showing me had a 10’10” beam and featured a side dive door. The cabin has a two person berth that converts to an aft facing seat with large open storage areas on port and starboard sides. The S 328 is available at Striper Marine, Barrington who recently completed a new showroom. With twin 300 HP Yamahas the manufactures suggested retail price on the vessel is $315,495.

Scout XSF 23
“The XSF 235 center console is new this year to Scout’s Sportfish collection. It features a rear door with ample room on the swim platform to step out to fight or retrieve a fish,” said Rob Lyons, owner of Ocean House Marina, Charlestown. This spacious 23 foot center console has a wide beam and a very nice fit and finish that Scout boats are known for. The boat, powered by a 300 HP Yamaha, has a manufactures suggested retail price of $108,619. Visit www.oceanhousemarina.com.

Hobie Eclipse and the Bote Rover
“We’re at the boat show with some very unique boats,” said Matt Bosgraaf, manager of the Kayak Centre of Rhode Island in Wickford. “Like the Hobie Eclipse that’s a paddle board you can peddle much like a Stairmaster, or a new boat for us, the Bote Rover. It’s a 14’ motorized paddle board they are marketing as a skiff.” The Rover tops out at 18 miles per hour with up to a six horsepower engine on it. Visit www.kayakcentre.com.

Narragansett Surfcasters’ Fishing Tackle Show
The 5th annual Narragansett Surfcasters' saltwater fishing tackle show is schedules for Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Narragansett Community Center, 53 Mumford Rd., Narragansett (behind Sprague Park tennis courts and to the right of the elementary school). Great deals on rods, reels, lures, and other fishing gear, a  vintage lure display, and good food will all be on offer. A $3 donation will be taken at the door to help the club's Take A Kid Fishing event held annually. For information contact David Giuliano at cibdfg@earthlink.net.

Fly tying instruction at Fin & Feather Outfitters
Fin & Feather Outfitters, 3520 Quaker Lane, North Kingstown will hold two Ed Lombardo fly typing instruction nights at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 and 22. Noted local fly fishermen Ed Lombardo will demonstrate saltwater and freshwater flies. Admission is free. For information call Fin & Feather Outfitters at 401-316-6924.

Where’s the bite
Cod fishing: Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said, “Yet another stretch of wild, windy, winter weather. We were eager to get back to the cod grounds because we knew they would be waiting. When we got out they were there, and they were hungry. The fish started coming over the rail a few fish at a time. After a few drifts, we got more dialed in and fish started coming over faster and faster. High hooks left with just shy of a limit (10 fish/person/day). Party boats sailing for cod this time of year include the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com , the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com, and the Island Current at www.islandcurrent.com.

Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shellfishing for over 40 years. He holds a captain’s master license and a charter fishing license. He is a RISAA board member, a member of the RI Party & Charter Boat Association and a member of the RI Marine Fisheries Council. Contact or forward fishing news and photos to Capt. Dave at dmontifish@verizon.net or visit his website at www.noflukefishing.com.