A few months ago, I attended a huge saltwater sportsman's show in Rhode Island at the Providence Convention Center - http://www.nesaltwatershow.com/. The event was put on by the Rhode Island Saltwater Angler's Association. I caught wind of it through one of the many fishing magazines that I subscribe to ("On The Water" Magazine - http://www.onthewater.com/).
Lots of vendors were there, as it took me nearly 5 hours to fully walk around the entire area. There were Truck dealers, Boat dealers, a Hobie Kayak dealer (not the one that I bought mine from), Custom fishing rod builders, Offshore fishing guides, Beer tasting booths (RI is home to "Narragansett Beer Co."), a small "pond" for kids to fish, and other activities.
I picked up a newsletter magazine from RISAA (Rhode Island Saltwater Angler's Association - http://risaa.org/ ) and found out that they had a club inside the organization that was made specifically for people who fish out of kayaks! It was called the "Kayak Committee" and it was run by David Pollack, the club president. They also listed a calendar of events of all the outings planned by the committee.
* * * NOTE: In order to attend the club outings, you have to join RISAA in order to be on their private email list, otherwise you won't be notified of any upcoming club outings or changes to the outing itinerary.
I had gone to the first "Meet & Greet" at Goddard Memorial Park in East Greenwich,RI. and noticed that there were guys who had kayaks that were just as fully rigged as mine was. A few people remarked about the custom made gear basket I made from 3 milk crates that had separate holsters for my pliers and lip gripper tool, as well as a lighted mast with safety flag. It was a great turn out on a overcast day with slight drizzle.
After that first meeting with Dave, I was asked if I'd like to be a member of the KC, with that, I said, "yes!". I was then added to their email & phone list. The purpose of the email list was to let you know of outing changes due to bad weather. These are not mentioned on RISAA's Events Calendar - http://risaa.org/events.html .
Since then, I have been on a few outings and only caught one fish - a 22" bluefish off the coast of Block Island,RI. I have had more fun with this group, than with my so-called friends who can't even spare one day to go fishing with me! I am learning a lot as to what rigs work and what baits to use. Eagerly awaiting for my first night outing, maybe by next year!
I have fished in Connecticut for nearly 40+ yrs, but haven't caught anything in over 20 yrs.!
I took a chance about joining the club in RI and have found that I made a good decision by getting out and finding a lot of great fishing spots.
Some of the things I did notice is the fact you can fish at night in Rhode Island for as long as you want without the Conservation Police kicking you out. As long as you have a fishing rod in your hands, they leave you alone.
In CT, they give you a ticket if you're found at the parking area after hours. You can still fish up to 1 hour before sunrise, and 1 hour after sunset. These are the primary feeding times for fish!
The port-o-jons in CT are absolutely filthy! I'll take my chances taking a crap out in the woods or peeing behind a tree before I'd step in one of those hazardous waste stalls!
Now RI, on the other hand, have some of nicest & cleanest port-o-jons ever! I had to take an emergency crap before going out yesterday on the Sakonnet River in Tiverton,RI (our last group outing for the year) and found out the portable bathroom was one of the cleanest I've ever been in!
I've also noticed that a lot of RI's state parks are FREE to enter - even if you're an out-of-state resident! And, because the beach access property is deeded differently from CT, most of RI's beaches are made accessible to the public.
NOTE: * * * Beach access roads are accessible to the public is you have a valid Beach Access Permit, $100 for a Resident Pass, $200 for a non-Resident Pass - http://www.riparks.com/info.htm#4-WD Vehicle Beach Regulation: .
CT would benefit it's outdoor sportsmen (and women) if they didn't charge a hefty price for out-of-state vistors looking to launch their kayaks from the beach - which is either state owned, or privately owned.
The more I visit my neighboring state of RI, the more I dream about someday retiring there. Still researching my options as to where I will retire one day, but I know I want it to be somewhere near the water.
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