Uncrewed vehicles advancing ocean research
NOAA is now using uncrewed surface vehicles for research. In fact, their partner, Chance Maritime Technologies, tested their vessel in Narragansett Bay prior to its mission.
In an advisory last week NOAA said, “When traditional research vessels can’t safely reach parts of the ocean, the science doesn’t stop, we are rewriting what is possible in oceanographic and fisheries research and addressing longstanding research questions.”
These autonomous platforms already support hydrographic surveys, nautical charting, and ocean mapping. They are now helping scientists answer complex ecological and oceanographic questions. They’re collecting critical, high-accuracy, and time-sensitive data.
For information see the article on NOAA’s website at Uncrewed surface vehicles give scientists access to the ocean with fewer constraints.
Newport International Boat Show this week
If you are interested in buying a boat or exploring features new boats have to offer you are in luck. The Newport International Boat Show is this week, Sept. 17 to 20, with new sailboats and powerboats, some never seen before, with a total of more than 400 exhibits over 17 acres.
Visit hundreds of land-based displays as well of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating experience.
If you are thinking of buying a new or used boat, the professionals suggest you first figure out what you want to use the boat for and have that drive your decision as to what type of boat to purchase.
Jon Lyons, president of Ocean House Marina, Charlestown, has been helping customers with their boat buying decisions for years. His father Rob founded the business in 1981.
Today the company sells new and used boats, runs a marina with docks, and provides full mechanical and boat repair services. Boat lines they carry include Regulator, Scout, Maritime, Hurricane Deck Boats and multiple pontoon boat lines. They plan to have Regulators and Scouts on display at the Newport Boat Show.
“You should buy a boat for what you plan to use it for 90 percent of the time. Some may have the desire to fish, which is something they have always wanted to do, however, in reality most of the time they plan to use the boat for family outings, swimming, picnicking and cruising. If this is the case, the vessel should be bought for general family use and cruising,” said Jon Lyons
Other key factors to consider include where you plan to put the boat … at a dock, on a mooring or trailering. And before buying you should identify who will service the boat for you.
New for 2026 is the Fishing Village, which brings together leading fishing brands, industry experts, and interactive experiences designed to help sharpen skills, discover new products, and connect with fellow fishers.
Admittance to the Fishing Village and fishing education seminars is included in the show ticket price.
Browse exhibits from fishing boats, tackle, accessories, marine electronics, and innovative products designed for every type of angler.
Visit FISHING VILLAGE | Newport Boatshow for a list of village exhibiters. One exhibitor is Rhode Island’s own international online tackle company, The Saltwater Edge (The Saltwater Edge | Saltwater Fishing Gear), which has a retail store in Middletown, R.I. They will facilitate free seminars on topics such as fly-fishing techniques, fishing electronics and sonar, false albacore tactics, midshore bluefin tuna, bottom fishing, and fishing for striped bass.
Single-day general admission tickets for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday are $33 or a two-day general admission ticket for $56. There is a special preview day ticket for Thursday, Sept. 17, for $44.
Show hours are 10 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets in advance, visit Newport International Boat Show.
Where’s the bite?
Striped bass and bluefish: Tom Olson of Ponaug Bait & Tackle, Warwick, said, “Quahoggers from our cove in Apponaug have reported schools of striped bass on the surface in the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, with a reports from anglers they are starting to catch striped bass and bluefish too on the surface there.”
East End Eddie Doherty, Cape Cod Canal fishing expert and author, said, “To the best of my knowledge, the only striped bass caught in the Canal last week were schoolies, but there is still plenty of bait present to greet the linesiders for the fall run.”
Tom Giddings of the Tackle Box, Warwick said, “One of our young customers used freshwater shiners at the Pawtuxet Village Bridge, Cranston, and caught a keeper size striped bass, and it was caught on video. Very exciting for this young customer and his family.”
Other reports of large bass in the Narraganset Bay are trickling in, like the large bass caught at a Safe Harbor dock in Warwick Cove. The fish are long but slender, indicating that they may be migrating fish. The bluefish are schooling on the surface too. So, all of this is a good sign.”
Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle, Charlestown, said, “Eels have been one of the top producers for bigger fish, especially inside the breachways at the beginning and end of the tides when the water is moving slower. Some really nice fish over 45 inches have been landed.”
Tuna, bonito, false albacore and mahi mahi
“The bluefin tuna bite at the Block Island Wind Farm has been very good, with rec.-size fish there as well as giants,” said Tom Giddings of the Tackle Box.
Declan Odonnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle said, “Mahi have flooded the area and can be found around the turbines, especially on the shaded side, as well as around highflyers. Bonito reports are still coming in, but it seems like the masses have shifted and the Albies are taking over.”
Fluke, black sea bass
Angler Greg Spier said, “Last week the dock at 6:30 a.m. for fishing spots four miles off the Sakonnet River in 80 feet of water. Five drifts using bucktail with squid and some multicolor Gulp yielded two keeper fluke to 22” and seven keeper black sea bass to 19”.
“A customer caught a 24” fluke off Newport in the bay right at the mouth of the East Passage. So, there are still some fluke around too,” said Tom Giddings of the Tackle Box.
Tautog fishing is improving every day, as water temperatures start to drop. Anglers are catching them in lower water right now, but as things cool off, they will move to colder, deeper water.
Freshwater
“Fishing for largemouth bass has been very good, with a four-pound bass taken at Gorton’s Pond, Warwick. Little Pond and Sand Pond in Warwick continue to produce fish too,” said Tom Giddings of the Tackle Box.
Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com .
