The New England Saltwater Fishing Show, also known as the “RISAA Show,” kicks on at noon on Friday, February 26 and runs through 5 PM Sunday, February 28. This is the largest saltwater fishing show in the entire northeast! Check out new tackle, attend non-stop FREE seminars throughout the show and enter to win one of the many raffles and giveaways.
Show Hours:
Friday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 7 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission:
Adults: $10 Children 12 and under, FREE
Click HERE for a $1 off admission coupon!
For a complete seminar schedule, click HERE.
LIGHT TACKLE, BLOCK ISLAND TROPHY STRIPED BASS
Capt. Brian Bacon, USCG licensed, along with Captain Peter Bacon and Shamus Mara established Big Game Sport Fishing in Snug Harbor Rhode Island in 2008. Brian, Peter and Shamus have been fishing the Southern Rhode Island waters for the better part of their lives and have a combined experience of over 70 years fishing these waters. The Big Game crew has a true passion for the thrill of the hunt, love for the ocean and putting fish in the box! Fishing from inshore, to the canyons, the Big Game team uses a number of proven tactics in targeting the variety of species the Rhode Island waters have to offer. Over the years, Big Game has either won or placed in many inshore and offshore fishing tournaments and has a proven track record for putting big fish on the boat. Brian, Peter and Shamus are all professional captains and crew, all a pleasure to fish with, who love catching not fishing, and understand that they are not only a charter business but also in the entertainment business. They always have fun being on the water and putting people on fish! They want to provide their customers with a memorable experience and the fishing trip of a lifetime.
FALSE ALBACORE BY LAND AND BY SEA, ADVANCED SALTWATER FLY CASTING AND FISHING THE R.I. CINDER WORM HATCH
Capt. Jim Barr has been fishing Rhode Island, Massachusetts and nearby Connecticut salt and fresh waters most of his life. He received his Bachelors degree from The University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA and holds several professional insurance and risk management degrees. He is retired from the Risk Management and Insurance business. He is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain and owner/operator of Skinny Water Charters based in Newport, RI. Jim guides anglers in fresh and saltwater from boats and shore with fly rod and light spinning tackle. He has extensive experience skippering a Mako 2201 Inshore Bay Boat, Proline 23 Walk, Lund 16 SSV, and he also guides in ultra-thin water with Heritage Redfish sit-on-top kayaks. He is a Pro Guide with Far Bank Enterprises (the manufacturer of Sage and Redington fly rods & RIO fly lines), and is on the Bass Pro Shops-Foxboro, MA Pro Staff. He is also one of only two International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) Certified Fly Casting Instructors in Rhode Island. Jim’s experience includes being the first Rhode Island Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, a custom fly rod builder and fly tying instructor. He is one of the founding members of United Fly Tyers of RI (UFTRI) and served as the club’s President, Director of Education and is currently involved in UFTRI’s saltwater fly tying program. Additionally Jim is a long-time member of Trout Unlimited 225, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, RI Canoe & Kayak Association, Stripers Forever & the Appalachian Mountain Club. He has fished extensively throughout the New England States, Pennsylvania, New York, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, California and Argentina’s Patagonia region.
WICKED TUNA
Capt. Dave Carraro is one of stars of the hit TV show "Wicked Tuna" and is skipper of the F/V Tuna-com. Dave is universally regarded as one of the most successful fishermen in the fleet. With 34 years experience, his best year was 2011 when he boated 52 giant tuna. To date, he has landed eight giant tuna of over 1,000 lbs. Capt. Dave and his mate, Sandro Maniaci, will take the show stage on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and talk about what goes on behind the scenes when filming the "Wicked Tuna" show.
EFFECTIVE USE OF MARINE ELECTRONICS
Bill Carson is the Field Marketing Manager for Johnson Outdoors Fishing Group which owns Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon brands. He has been an angler his entire life and fishes both fresh and saltwater all over the United States. While he primarily chases striped bass he fishes for almost all species. Bill started his fishing career with the ad agency managing Shimano where he started the Shimano Fishing Tour. He started and ran the FLW Striped Bass Tour, was Director of Sales for FLW, served as Promotions Manager for Bass Pro Shop and served as super prostaff for several key companies in the fishing industry. In his present position he oversees all saltwater prostaff, TV celebrities, Fieldstaff, Search and Rescue and events. Bill is an expert on use of electronics. He loves to teach others how to use the technology for success and does so in fishermen terms. He focuses on both sonar and GPS use. You will learn from Bill so bring your pen and notebook. If you have a Humminbird that needs an update bring your unit or an SD card and Bill will hook you up with the latest software (Humminbird only).
FLY FISHING FOR BEGINNERS
Michael Fotiades took up fly fishing a half dozen years ago when his eight year old son bought a $20 fly outfit from Benny’s. Now he’s got a dining room full of fur and feathers and a basement full of rods and reels. Some of this stuff gets used all the time, and some just collects dust. With the journey still fresh in his mind, Michael is in a unique position to help navigate the often overwhelming terminology and choices faced by the beginning fly fisher.
FLUKE FISHING TECHNIQUES PANEL
Gisele Golembeski began Saltwater fishing in 1996 out of a 14’ aluminum boat and quickly became addicted to saltwater fishing, particularly fluke fishing. After learning the basics from her husband, Rich, as well as numerous RISAA and other seminars and fishing magazine articles, Gisele is now an avid saltwater angler and consistently catches fluke with most being in the 5 to 10 lb range. She and her husband make all of their own fluke rigs and jigs, but also enjoy trying other rigs and jigs. Gisele loves to fish and can be found on the water fishing every weekend, most holidays, and during vacations from early Spring to late Fall from her 22’ Cobia Center Console. She along with her husband, trailer their boat and fish RI waters from Narragansett Bay to Newport to Charlestown, to Block Island and points in between, but has also fished Cape Cod for squid and Rockport, MA for Cod. Gisele has been a 1st and 2nd place winner for several years in RISAA’s Team Fluke and individual Fluke tournaments. She also captured 1st place in the Snug Harbor Doormat Derby in 2009 and placed 2nd in last year’s Snug Harbor Doormat Derby with an 11 lb fluke. She was also a 1st place monthly prize winner in the Pabst Blue Ribbon Fluke tournament in 2014 and also won the 3 biggest fluke category in the 2012 Fluke Til Ya Puke Tournament. Gisele’s personal best is an 11.63 lb doormat fluke caught in June, 2006. Gisele is also an active member of RISAA, is a member of the Aquidneck Island Striper Team, and was featured on Fishing the Ocean State with Don Coyne (RI Channel 6) in 2010 (now featured on YouTube). Gisele (along with Diane Valerien and Susan Lema) will be part of a panel sharing basic as well as more advanced tips on tackle, bait, and tactics for finding and catching fluke.
RIGGING A KAYAK FOR SALTWATER FISHING
Jeff Hall began kayaking in 2009 and started fishing shortly thereafter. In 2011 he joined the RI Saltwater Anglers and its Kayak Committee. Although he’s a full time Marshall for the State of Connecticut, he still makes time for kayak fishing in Narragansett Bay, and writes an online blog sharing tips, tricks and place for kayak anglers.
FLY FISHING IN THE SALT
Sheila Hassan is a Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified casting instructor, one of a handful of women with this credential. She is on the pro staff for Temple Fork Outfitters, R.L. Winston Rod Company and Hatch Reels. Sheila is the director at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing and teaches casting seminars and private lessons throughout New England. She is an IGFA world record holder and the author of Fly Casting: A Systematic Approach. Locally, she fishes for stripers and bluefish in Buzzards Bay on her boat the Shecast.
FALSE ALBACORE BY LAND AND BY SEA, FISHING THE R.I. CINDER WORM HATCH AND SALTWATER FLY CASTING FOR BEGINNERS
Captain Bob Hines is the owner of Fly Fish Rhode Island, Rhode Island’s premier fly fishing guide service. He is a professional saltwater fly fishing guide who specializes in shallow water estuary charters for striped bass. Bob and his clients fish off a 23 foot Skeeter V series powered by a 225 Yamaha 4 stroke. A platform that works well when fishing the shallow water estuaries and also when chasing the Albie’s and Bonito off shore. Bob’s passion for fly fishing is not just limited to the New England salt. He is an addicted tarpon and bonefish angler who has spent time pursuing such species in Belize, the Bahamas, Key West, Islamorada, and the Gulf of Mexico. His sweet water adventures include several trips to Montana and Wyoming to fish the spring creeks along with the Big Horn, Madison, and Yellowstone river systems. He has also spent over thirty five years on the Salmon River and it’s tributaries in pursuit of steelhead. In 2008 Bob hosted a trip to the Alagnak River in Alaska for huge rainbows and silver salmon. Capt. Bob’s sponsors include Skeeter Boats, Tibor, Sage, Rio and many others. In 2008 & 2009 Bob in conjunction with channel 6 producer Don Coyne hosted his own television show “FLYFISHING RHODE ISLAND with Capt. Bob Hines” 26 episodes each year. Bob also has designed a series of fly patterns that are currently marketed through Umpqua Feather Merchants one of the country’s largest fly distributors. Bob has written several articles which have appeared in national magazines such as On the Water Magazine, Fly Rod and Reel and many other publications. Bob also conducts seminars and speaking engagements on all aspects of the sport of fly fishing.
VERTICAL JIGGING FOR STRIPED BASS
Jack Houghton is a commercial fisherman, charter captain and co-owner of Daddy Mac Lures. His seminar will teach his methods of vertical jigging for striped bass off of Chatham. Using this method, there are those that are able to out fish others consistently. "Learn some tips and techniques to even the playing field," says Jack. "It’s the little things that make the biggest difference."
THE HUNT FOR BIG STRIPERS
Zeno Hromin is regular contributor to On The Water and Fisherman Magazines. His photos have graced pages of CCA magazine, On The Water and Fisherman magazines and have been featured on many fishing websites. He is an author of two recent books, The Art of Surfcasting with Lures and The Hunt for Big Stripers. He has been fishing beaches from New Jersey to Massachusetts for 20 years. Zeno is a member of High Hill Striper Club, Montauk Surfcaster Association, Costal Conservation Association and New York State Outdoor Writers Association. He is a Pro Staff member of Lamiglas and Van Staal.
RECREATIONAL CLAMMING AND QUAHOGGING
Paul Kennedy served for a number of years as the Recreational Representative to the Shellfish Advisory Panel of the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council. Clamming has grown over the years to become a central theme of his life. There are many reasons he feels so strongly about clamming, many of which speak to the universal appeal of this iconic activity. Despite a rather threadbare childhood in central Massachusetts Dave was fortunate enough to have access to a summer home in Eastham on Cape Cod for two glorious weeks every summer. Every year his parents would pack the whole family and make the pilgrimage. There were many ocean-related activities but clamming was always a central theme. Looking back, he has no doubt that the food value of the catch had a great deal to do with this. In the 1980’s Dave moved to Rhode Island for college and began clamming again and has never looked back. He clams mostly in the coastal ponds of Southern Rhode island where he likes to catch quahogs and steamers but also digs in Narragansett Bay as well.
FISHING WITH ELECTRIC KAYAKS
Jeff Komarinetz and Steve Komarinetz offer advice on Kayak Fishing with Electric Motors. Steve Komarinetz is the Owner of Bassyaks in Connecticut, which has been a leader in the development of Electric Motor propelled Kayaks for over 10 years. Their design and development offer a perfect fishing option for New England waters. Steve has over 20 years of Kayak fishing experience both fresh and saltwater, in nearly every brand of kayak. He will offer you the Pros and Cons of the different styles of kayaks and the Do’s and don’t s of kayaks fishing. Jeff Komarinetz is a Bassyaks Pro Staffer with his own guide business on Martha’s Vineyard, offering his unique approach to fishing for large Stripers around the island. Jeff also has over 15 years in Kayak fishing, specializing in Night fishing.
FLUKE FISHING TACTICS
Susan Lema has been fishing off the south coast of RI for more than 35 years for everything from Winter flounder to giant bluefin tuna, and especially enjoys using artificial baits and soft plastics. Her fishing adventures have taken her from Nova Scotia to Costa Rica, but "home waters" for Susan are just that…home. Susan says there really isn’t a bad day on the water.
TROLLING FOR STRIPED BASS
Capt. Andrew Mazzitelli, a Maine native, has been fishing the waters of the Atlantic of the shores of Maine and New Hampshire for over 25 years. As a certified captain he has led many fishing enthusiasts to trophy sized fish from Striped Bass to Bluefish. Many of Andy’s customers have been recognized by the Maine Department of Marine Resources Tackle-Busters Club for their outstanding catches. As a young ambitious fishing enthusiast Capt. Andy started out learning how to troll with umbrella rigs from a seasoned Captain Cole based in the Chesapeake Bay area. From there Andy has developed a relationship with the well known 9ER’s Lures. Together they have brought umbrella rigs to the forefront of trolling for trophy sized fish, professionally and recreationally. As of late Captain Andy has been working with Mike Laptew, professional underwater cameraman, to document the habitats and existence of the Striped Bass. In doing so educating them to help others land the catch of a lifetime! Captain Andy’s passion for the outdoors, especially fishing, is as strong today as it was 40 years ago. May your 2016 fishing season be adventurous!
TAUTOG FISHING: TOP TEN TIPS, HOW TO CATCH BIGGER FLUKE AND RECREATIONAL CLAMMING AND QUAHOGGING
Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shell fishing recreationally on Narragansett Bay for forty years. For fifteen years he held a scallop license on Nantucket where he fished in the winter months. He holds a captain’s master license, a Rhode Island charter fishing license and is the author of “No Fluke”, a respected weekly fishing column. Captain Dave knows where the fish are because he fishes often and has successfully fished the Bay and near coastal waters. As a fishing columnist, he is alerted weekly to “where the bite is” by area fishing guides, charter captains, top anglers and bait & tackle shop owners who are featured in his column. His presentation at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show will be on tautog fishing and, time permitting, the decline of striped bass. The latest tautog techniques and tactics from ten tautog experts will be shared at the seminar. Captain Monti said, “You learn about fishing two ways… by experiencing it first hand and by learning from others. When I fish with others or during the course of writing my weekly column, I ask a million questions on how others fish, the baits and tackle they use, techniques, etc. Over the course of this past Fall, I asked local experts about their two favorite tips for catching tautog. I plan to share this information with anglers at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show and hope to get a lively discussion going on tautog and what everyone experienced this year.” Captain Monti is also well-informed politically and environmentally, particularly about federal and state law and policy as it relates to recreational fishing. He will speak about current fishing issues as well as other topics as time permits.
PROPER CARE OF YOUR RODS & REELS
David Morton owns and operates Beavertail Rod and Reel. For the last 25 years he has been a tool and die maker by trade, which provided him with a background to make him one of the best in repairing all types of rods and reels with the utmost precision and in a timely manner so that used gear stays in top condition for years to come. David uses the best supplies, and has the unique ability to offer custom machining services, since he has a fully equipped machine shop.
FINDING & CATCHING BIG BASS IN THE SURF AND IN’S AND OUT’S OF FISHING BUCKTAILS
DJ Muller is one of the northeast’s leading surfcasters. He is a surf guide, outdoor writer and author of three surfcasting books. “The Surfcasters Guide to the Striper Coast,” “Striper Strategies,” and his latest “Striper Tales.” He is an accomplished seminar speaker that leaves everyone with good information and motivation for pursuing striped bass with a level headed approach. He fishes the best waters of east coast, like Martha’s Vineyard, the Cape Cod Canal, Cuttyhunk, Block Island, Montauk, and more. He runs guided trips each year to various destinations, working with aspiring surfcasters looking to get an edge on the learning curve. They learn firsthand from a real “cow hand.” DJ will be doing a seminar on strategies and techniques for catching large stripers from the surf. This will include areas to target, proper equipment and ideal lures and offerings, as well as coming up with your tactical blueprint.
LIGHT TACKLE FISHING: GEAR, LURES, TECHNIQUES
Capt. Brian Patterson was introduced to fishing at the age of 4 by his dad and has not stopped since. He has guided both fresh and saltwater for the past 15 years in areas from New Jersey up to Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Learning from some of the best fishermen in the industry, he has quickly become one of the top light tackle and fly fishing guides in the area. He has been a guest speaker for groups such as Trout Unlimited and George Poveromo’s National Seminar Series. He has been featured on television shows such as On The Water and New England Boating and worked with world renowned photographers like Brian Grossenbacher and Andy Anderson. He is an ambassador for NorthCoast Boats, where he helped create one of the best fully customized 23 foot boats available for the New England light tackle/fly fisherman. He is an Orvis endorsed guide and is the Lowrance Pro Staff captain for Rhode Island. Other pro-staff affiliations are with Simms, Van Staal, Fin Nor, Quantum, Hogy Lures, Seaguar, Deep Ocean Apparel, Owner Hooks, Abel Reels, Cortland, Suffix, Rapala and Costa Del Mar. In his hands-on seminar and demonstration, he will be teaching the proper techniques to fight any fish with either a fly or spin rod and land them in a time that allows a safe and healthy release. There will be extra rods on hand for the audience to experiment and practice under his guidance. His methods have been proven for species from Striped Bass to Albacore and Tuna. His goal is to give his clients the skills to repeat his lessons and techniques on their own each and every trip.
BETTER DATA – BETTER FISHING
Greg Power is a Port Agent with NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region based out of Gloucester MA and oversees a network of eight Fishery Port Offices from Maine to Virginia. Port Agents emphasize in-person communication to engage with fishing industry participants and the general public. Port Agents may be the only NOAA Fisheries staff that interact with the fishing industry in person, and are often the first to hear about significant economic, biological and social fisheries related concerns in their areas. Port Agents provide regulatory and other information to federally permitted fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, recreational anglers, and the general public. They assist recreational and commercial captains, and seafood dealers with reporting requirements, navigating the permitting process, and understanding our fisheries regulations and processes. Our agents also convey information from constituents back to relevant NOAA staff.
LIGHT TACKLE & FLY FISHING BY KAYAK
Howard Reed has been an avid fisherman his whole life and has adapted techniques he learned as a kid growing up in Vermont fishing for Trout and Small Mouth Bass to the saltwater environment. He has been kayaking since the mid 1980’s and converted an old fiberglass whitewater boat into his first fishing kayak around 1995. He primarily targets Striped Bass and Fluke in shallow water with both spin and fly fishing gear. Over the past 6 years he has traveled around New England doing seminars on light tackle/ shallow water kayak fishing. Currently the owner of Narrow River Custom Rods in Wakefield, RI where all type of saltwater fishing rods are hand made to order.
RIGGING A KAYAK FOR SALTWATER FISHING
Mona Rodriguez started kayaking in 2010 using a Hobie Outback Mirage, and within a year she got into saltwater fishing from her kayak. She joined the RI Saltwater Anglers Association in 2012 and became an active member of the Kayak Committee. In 2013 she moved up to a Future Beach Angler 160, and continued to expand her knowledge in kayaking and saltwater fishing.
LIGHT TACKLE FISHING FOR STRIPED BASS AND MORE
Capt Mike Roy is a Connecticut native who has been fishing the waters of New England his entire life. Captain Mike’s angling pursuits have also taken him across the country and internationally, fishing in fresh and saltwater for everything from largemouth bass to giant bluefin tuna. In addition to being an accomplished captain, he is an avid surfcaster and feels right at home plying rocky shorelines in a wetsuit. Captain Mike is an innovative angler, constantly applying new techniques to up his fishing game, and his enthusiasm and passion for the sport are contagious. Captain Mike is a United States Coast Guard OUPV Licensed Captain and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with Bachelors’ and Masters’ Degree in Education.
FLUKE: PRESENTATIONS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CATCH
Captain BJ Silvia of Flippin Out Fishing Charters (located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island) has been fishing Newport, Block Island and Narragansett Bay his whole life. A life-long Aquidneck Island resident, he has extensive knowledge of the local area waters and prides himself on finding nice fish and ensuring his customers have a lot of fun! He has been featured on TV shows such as Fishing the Ocean State with Don Coyne and On The Water TV. He is currently on the Pro Staff with Old Harbor Outfitters, Finor Fishing Reels, and Seaguar. In addition to charter fishing, Capt. BJ designs and sells his own custom Flippin Out Fluke Rigs. He has been commercial and charter fishing for over 20 years and practices “catch and release” whenever he can. He is a member of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), Newport County Fishing Club and the Aquidneck Island Striper Team. Although he is busy charter fishing, a lot of times you’ll still find him throwing plugs in the surf.
FISHING CUTTYHUNK: SURF, KAYAK AND BOAT, WICKED CHUNKING AND WICKED CHUNKING WORKSHOP
Julio Silva is the President of the Plum Island Surfcasters, a member of RISAA, and the owner of Fish360.net, which provides a FREE internet fishing journal and fishy blog articles. He fishes for anything that swims via shore, boat, kayak, and skishing. His seminar will discus skishing, an extreme form of surfcasting where the angler combines "ski" and "fishing" wearing a wet suit and fins, and is able to swim and float in the water, with an ability to fish areas out of reach of most shore-bound anglers.
LIGHT TACKLE & FLY FISHING BY KAYAK
Capt. Jerry Sparks has extensive knowledge and passion for striped bass fishing from kayaks, and will discuss how to rig your kayak for fishing, and provide man tips and techniques for fishing from your own kayak. This will be an up-close, hands-on seminar and Capt. Sparks will gladly answer all of your questions. Jerry has been a fishing guide for over 20 years. He is an expert at inshore boat and kayak fishing techniques, and is a frequent speaker at fishing seminars and expos along the East Coast. He is on the pro staff for many of the leading fishing brands, and can be found at the BassYaks booth (1203-1204).
HOW NOT TO LOSE A FISH
Capt. Jack Sprengel, has over 20 years of Regional and international sport fishing experience. Captain Jack Sprengel of East Coast Charters is one of the most progressive members of New England’s Sport Fishing Community. Capt. Jack is a Freelance Outdoor Writer/Photographer and Published Author. His work is frequently seen in publications like "Saltwater Sportsman" and "Sportfishing" Magazines as well as many more. He is also an avid contributor to Internet publications like Fishtrack.com, Pelagicgear.com, Aftco.com and "On the Water’s" fishing reports. He has traveled the world in search of trophy game-fish, landing species from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, The Caribbean Sea, The Gulf of Mexico as well as numerous freshwater lakes, rivers and streams in the United States, Central/South America and Europe. Jack has been a 2 time Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers “Angler of the year”, has 5 RISAA hall of fame catches, was captain of the winning team of the 2010 Run and Gun Bluefin Classic, In 2011 he co-set the new Rhode Island state record for Broad Bill Swordfish with Teammate Capt Lou Defusco, he placed 2nd in the 2012 Snug Harbor Shark Tournament with Team “Hot Reels” and placed "In the money" with teams “Local Hooker Rods” “Deep Ocean Apparel” and Team “Blondie” in numerous other tournaments through out 2013.. In 2014 Captain’s Sprengel and Defusco took 2nd Place in the prestigious Tri-State Canyon Shootout earning a $70,000 purse for team “Sandrita,” In 2015 Capts Sprengel and Defusco Co-set a new Rhode Island State Record for Wahoo, and Once again placed in the money in the Tri-State Canyon Shoot out with a 1st Place Finish in the Tri-Fish-Ecta Category Netting a purse of $30,000 for Team “Somethin Fishy.” The Captain also has the pending RI State Record for Mahi Mahi. Additionally, he has made appearances on Don Coyne’s Fishing The Ocean State Television Show, Spike TV’s coverage of The Monster Shark Tournament, MSNBC’s E News, Discovery/Animal Planets Off The Hook: Extreme Catches, has hosted “On the Water T.V.” and interviewed Boston Sports Radio 1510 "The Zone." Jack has headed the Sport Fishing Presence at the Rhode Island Boat show for both the Newport Yachting Group and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association. He has worked regionally as a guest speaker for the Castafari Offshore Seminar Series the Goose Hummock Bluewater Bash and highlighted for Bass Pro Shops Big Fish Weekend. He has given hundreds of cutting edge audio/video Sportfishing Lectures across the Northeast. In 2016 Capt. Sprengel was selected to be an instructor at the National Saltwater Seminar Series for George Poveromo."
TUNA TROLLING 101
Captain Eric Stewart has been fishing the waters around Cape Cod since he was a child. Earning his captains license at the age of nineteen he has been involved in charter fishing since 1978. He is a certified IGFA captain and co-owner of The Hook-Up! LLC. Since he turned his attention to Bluefin Tuna his record has been remarkable. He will share his knowledge on tuna trolling techniques to help put fish in your boat.
RECREATIONAL CLAMMING AND QUAHOGGING
Roger Tellier has been quahogging for 60 years. I first started from shore around age 10. Then, in 1974, I purchased a boat and that opened up my ability to shellfish in many areas of the bay. I have also spent some time digging in Point Judith pond. After spending the day on the water I enjoy bringing home my catch and making clams casino, stuffies and clam chowder. Over the years I have used tongs, bull rakes, hand rakes, garden rakes and my God given rakes, my hands. If given the option to go fishing or quahogging, I would take quahogging.
INSHORE ALBIES AND BLUEFIN AND HOW TO TIE YOUR OWN JIGS
Capt. Eric Thomas started fishing with his father when their family moved from California with the Navy back in the mid- 70’s. At that time the striped bass population was in decline and so they focused on fishing and fly fishing the local freshwater ponds around their home in Portsmouth RI. Eric made the switch to saltwater fly fishing when he started working at the Saltwater Edge of Newport in the mid 90’s and taught fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes. He got his captains license 15 years ago and has been guiding clients to countless striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, bonito, black sea bass, fluke and other species. Now he specializes in light tackle and fly fishing tactics. You can find Eric in the white water in his customized boat behind the famous mansions of Newport RI. He is currently a member of the Shimano, G.Loomis, PowerPro, Old Harbor Outfitters, Owner Hooks, and Pt Jude Lures pro staff.
FLUKE FISHING TACTICS
Diane Valerien has been devoted to Fluke fishing for the past 12 years. She logs at least 50 days a season in pursuit of summer flounder. Her fishing techniques vary based on locale, drift conditions and time of the year. Diane particularity enjoys helping kids who are fishing for the first time. “Fish On!” Diane (along with Gisele Golembeski and Susan Lema) will be part of a panel sharing basic as well as more advanced tips on tackle, bait, and tactics for finding and catching fluke.
FLUKE: PRESENTATIONS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CATCH
Greg Vespe grew up fishing on the Jersey shore, and has fished from Massachusetts to North Carolina, and the Gulf. He has logged hundreds of fishing trips in Rhode Island waters. Greg has been a RISAA seminar speaker several times and is always willing to share his fishing knowledge.
HANDS ON: HOW TO TIE A HAYWIRE TWIST
Capt. Mike Vitagliano was introduced to Sport Fishing by his father at an early age like most and like most , he was Addicted! His thirst for knowledge drove him above and beyond the limits of recreational fishing. Over the cold New England Winters, Mike would read articles, books and any internet forum that was available to him. He sought out great Captains to learn from them and apply the information to his own techniques, honing them to a sharper edge. Mike fished Hard! Fascinated with the lures, equipment and gadgets designed to help make you a better fisherman, Mike would go against the grain of the fleet, seeking out his own unique fishing areas, presentations and techniques. The ultimate goal? Strive to develop a better "Fish Trap". Throughout the years, Mike started venturing farther and farther offshore in search of larger and more interesting quarry. He obtained his Captains License and fished competitively in tournaments, all the while forging friendships with the various Rogues that he encountered along the way. Like a good bartender, Mike would take time to listen to the opinions of his "Old Salt" mentors and begin to compile this information (The good, the bad and the ugly) that went along with the life of a professional fisherman. After all, Fishermen tend to Bitch and Mike listened. One similar gripe that Captain Mike recognized early on was the trend that the majority of the fishing tackle and equipment brands in the industry were looking oversees to manufacturer their products. Although this made for decent products at a low cost, the overall quality that was being produced was mediocre at best. Knowing the many benefits of using high quality materials and American craftsmanship, Captain Mike set out to create a brand that represented both. In 2011, Skurge of the Sea was born. Today, Captain Mike Vitagliano continues to research, develop and manufacture some of the highest quality "End Game" equipment on the market and has teamed up with other Captains that share his passion and pursue his same vision.