Northeast’s biggest fishing show was a big hit

The NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center invites input from industry and external experts that could help inform the 2027 Management Track assessments.

NOAA partners can help by identifying new data sources, providing on-the-water observations, and flagging emerging issues important to consider during the Management Track assessment process. The information provided during this process can help assessment scientists interpret assessment data inputs, resolve existing assessment uncertainties, and provide context for Management Track results.

Please refer to the stock specific community questions at Community Questions for 2027 Management Track Assessments to preview information that NOAA is seeking.

2027 Management Track Stocks include Atlantic cod in the Georges Bank, Eastern Gulf of Maine, Western Gulf of Maine, and Southern New England areas; Atlantic mackerel; Black sea bass; Bluefish; Scup; and summer flounder.

There are two ways to participate. Attend the virtual meeting on March 18, or submit comments using the online form at 2027 Management Track Assessment Community Questions through April 30, 2026.

Hunters, anglers, and sport shooters

The Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) will hold an informal public workshop on proposed regulations on Monday, March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Warwick Central Library, large meeting room, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick.

See proposed regulation changes on DFW’s website on  2026-27 Freshwater Fishing Season (250-RICR-60-00-10); the 2026-27 & 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Regulations (250-RICR-60-09); updates to Wildlife Rehabilitation (250-RICR-60-00-01); updates to Importation and Possession of Wild Animals (250-RICR-40-05-03); and updates to Rules and Regulations of Furbearing animals (250-RICR-60-00-13).

This is your opportunity to preview the proposed regulatory changes and then share your informal feedback. The official public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held in May (TBD) where formal testimony can be submitted.

Learn how to fly-fish epic rivers

If you ever dreamed about fishing a blue ribbon waterway this is your chance to find out how. R.I. Trout Unlimited’s monthly seminar will feature Ed Lombardo, expert fly guide, on Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. at the West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich.

Ed will talk about blue ribbon rivers in Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and New Mexico. Learn where and how to fly fish these rivers, flies that match the hatch there, where to stay, fishing maps and much more. 

Fishing show and R.I. Breakers a bit hit

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show, held March 6 to 8 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, was a big hit once again this year.

Scott Travers, executive director of the RI Saltwater Anglers Association (fishing show sponsors), kicked off the show Friday accompanied by Rhode Island Rep. Seth Magaziner. The duo opened the show with a symbolic fishing line cutting ceremony, along with Paul Squarcia, owner of the RI Breakers Angling Club, an expansion team in the Atlantic Division of the SFW (Sport Fishing Championship) league that officially announced its formation at the show.

Travers said, “We are blessed with a variety of outstanding seminars, exhibitors, and vendors this year demonstrating the latest in fishing gear and tackle, electronics and so much more.”

“Thank you, Scott Travers, and the RI Saltwater Anglers Association, for all the work you and the volunteers do to produce the show. It is the largest saltwater fishing show of its type in the northeast. You are a point of pride for the state of Rhode Island,” said Rep. Magaziner.

“We used three fishing simulators in our booth to give anglers the experience of what it is like to fish for and catch game fish,” said R.I. Breakers owner Paul Squarcia of Lincoln.

In a media advisory, the team said, “This July 31 through Aug. 2, The Breakers will be hosting the first annual ‘Rhode Island Offshore Invitational Tournament,’ hosted by the city of Newport. Boats will compete 130 miles offshore for rankings and prize money as they hunt for Blue and White Marlin, Big Eye/Blue Fin Tuna, Yellowfin and more.” 

For information visit s https://www.ribreakersac.com/ and https://sportfishingchampionship.com/.

Angling Ireland

Another show highlight was Angling Ireland, the sport fishing tourism arm of Inland Fishers Ireland, which is the fresh and saltwater government agency that mangers and regulates fishing in Ireland.

Miles Kelly, Angling advisor, said, “Our aim at the fishing show is to suggest to anglers that if you plan on visiting Ireland, work a fresh or saltwater fishing adventure into your trip at about half the price that a guided/charter trip costs hear in the U.S.” Angling Ireland had a variety of sport fishing species brochures on hand. They have a great online presence at www.fishinginireland.info .

Maddie Potts Foundation

Another highlight at the show was the spirit the Maddie Potts Foundation embodied at their show booth, where they were selling raffle tickets for a Tracker fishing boat, with all funds going to the foundation. I had the opportunity to meet Dan Potts, who explained his daughter Maddie died suddenly of a brain aneurysm rupture in 2017 while on the soccer field. Since then, the foundation in her honor raised $1.3 million to build the Maddie Potts Memorial Field House at her high school and now has expanded into scholarships and awards to support families with acute loss or disabilities. For information visit www.maddiepottsfoundation.org .

Where’s the bite

Freshwater and saltwater fishing has slowed, as the trout season ended on Feb. 28 in Rhode Island and the safe ice to fish on in our area is quickly disappearing. Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren, said, “There are white perch in the estuaries with a good largemouth bass bite in ponds, lakes, and rivers. Also, the striped bass bite though the ice in saltwater estuaries has ended as most ice has now melted. But it was quite good this winter so anglers should be able to find holdover striped bass soon as bait movement gets better.”

Dave Monti holds a captain’s master 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. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net, visit www.noflukefishing.blogspot.com or www.noflukefishing.com .