Coming closer to shore, right whales are approaching extinction

Endangered North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction. There are fewer than 400 individuals remaining, including less than 100 reproductively active females. Human impacts such as vessel strikes and entanglements with fixed fishing gear such as lobster pots and fish traps continue to threaten the survival of this species.

These animals are feeding closer to shore because the food they eat has been close to shore, putting them in more vessel populated shipping lanes and fixed gear fishing areas.

However, there is some good news. Last winter, North Atlantic right whale moms gave birth to 23 calves, the most calves in nearly two decades. While they are feeding in the Northeast this summer, NOAA Fisheries scientists and partners are monitoring.

Technology used to reduce risks include monitoring them with aerial surveys, and using boats, drones, unscrewed surface vehicles and satellites, to learn as much as we can about them and their habitat.

Learn more about efforts to monitor North Atlantic right whales at: Advanced technology to reduce risks to North Atlantic right whale moms and calves in the Northeast | NOAA Fisheries.

Newport International Boat

The Newport International Boat Show will be held Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 17 to 19, featuring 400 exhibitors on seventeen acres of connected docks and land-based exhibits, with show sites located in downtown Newport. The show website is at: www.newportboatshow.com .

Visit and tour new powerboats, many designed for fishing as well as sailboats, many which are being shown to the public for the first time. Also visit hundreds of land-based displays of marine products, services, and accessories to enhance the boating experience.

Show attendees can also take advantage of educational seminars as well as on the water boating courses.

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. Entry to the fishing village and fishing education seminars are included in the show ticket price.
Browse exhibits from fishing boats, tackle, accessories, marine electronics, and innovative products designed for every type of angler.

Peter Jenkins, fishing expert, president of the American Saltwater Guides Association and owner of The Saltwater Edge, will be facilitating the Fishing Education Center, which features complimentary seminars and technology demonstrations throughout the weekend. Topics include fly fishing techniques, fishing electronics & sonar, false albacore tactics, midshore bluefin tuna, bottom fishing, and fishing for striped bass.

Show tickets are offered in a variety of ways, including single-day general admission ticket for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for $33 or a two-day general admission ticket for $56. There is a special preview day ticket for Thursday, Sept. 17, for $44, offered to serious boat buyers, giving them an opportunity to enjoy dedicated, high-quality time with dealers.

Show hours are 10 a.m. 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: “We have not yet experienced the fall migration of striped bass in the bay. However, some customers are catching fish, but they are working for them with a 31” fish caught between the mouth of Buckeye Brook and Tidewater Drive, Warwick, with clam worms. There are a lot of snapper blues around with some bluefish schools on the surface,” said Tom Giddings of the Tackle Box, Warwick.

East End Eddie Doherty, Cape Cod Canal fishing expert and author, said, “There is still plenty of bait in the Canal, so let’s hope that the full moon on Friday causes the dinner bell to go off for hungry predators. Last week, certified Canal Rat ‘Mashpee Mike’ LaRaia enticed a nice 31-inch linesider with a yellow Guppy JoBo during a surface bite just after the east turn at first light.

“ ‘Detail Mike’ Ravida was chunking cut menhaden at midnight when his bait was approached, but not eaten, by a huge shark about 10 feet long. Sharks have been stealing stripers off the lines of boat guys in the bays, but this toothy terminator was patrolling the Big Ditch!”

Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle, Charlestown, said, “There are still plenty of big bass around, but we are also seeing more smaller fish showing up locally, which is a great sign heading into fall. The salt ponds continue to hold a tremendous amount of bait. Peanut bunker, silversides, sand eels, shrimp, and other small forage are being pushed around on the tides, and the bass are taking advantage.”

Tuna and bonito

“The offshore picture continues to change as well. There is plenty of bait around, including sand eels, squid and whiting, and tuna continue to move with it. Be prepared to move and keep an eye out for birds, whales, bait, and other signs of life. Bring a little bit of everything—trolling bars, jigs and castable plugs,” said Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle.

Fluke, black sea bass

Tom Giddings said, “Customers are landing short fluke with an occasional keeper mixed in, with one customer fishing a high low rig off Rocky Point consistently landing fish there.”

Declan O’Donnel said, “Fluke fishing at Block Island continues to produce more consistently, while local South County anglers have had to work harder for keepers. A lot of small black sea bass are being caught. One way to work through the smaller fish is to increase the size of your jig or bait. Larger offerings can help discourage some of the smaller fish while giving the bigger ones something worth eating.”

Blue crabs and quahogs

“Customers are catching blue crabs and can now fish for them at night too. We have also seen an increase of recreational quahog shell fishing this month,” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence.

“Freshwater fishing for largemouth bass is still very good, with shiners working well for customers, as well as topwater lures at night. Fuzzy Baits and Carolina rigs are working well, too. Gorton’s Pond in Warwick and Coventry ponds are producing for customers,” 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 .