Question No. 3 on the statewide Rhode Island ballot this year is what is commonly called a “Green Bond.” I assume it was originally named after bond issues that acquired funding for states to purchase open ‘green’ space for the public good.

However, much of the $50-million dollars requested in Question No. 3 is for “blue” initiatives relating to our estuaries, bays, and ocean.  Question No. 3 will get my yes vote.

“Green” and “blue” components of Question No. 3 include $16 million to make our cities and towns more resilient to climate impacts such as sea level rise; $3 million for forests and habitat restoration to help them continue to serve as a filter for ground water supply and help purify our air; $5 million for small business energy loans;  $3 million for Narragansett Bay and watershed restoration; $12 million for a new Roger Williams Park Education Center; $4 million for brownfields; $5-million to purchase open space; and $2 million of local recreational facilities.

These “green” and “blue” initiatives are at the very heart of our way of life, a big part as to why we live in Rhode Island, the Ocean State. They are funds to keep our water blue, our forest green, and our economy in the black acting like a magnet for fishing and tourism generating billions in economic impact for Rhode Island each year.

$50 million is a lot of money, however, to put things in perspective we have a Question No. 2 on the ballet for $250 million in bonds for construction of the state’s public schools. And, Question No. 1 which is $100 million in bonds for the University of Rhode Island Narragansett Bay Campus’ marine discipline education and research needs. Both of these bond issues deserve consideration too as they relate research, education, training and jobs in our blue/green economy.

No flies on me now

I use to feel a bit awkward. A fishing writer and charter captain who did not know how to fly fish. So last week I gave it a try under the direction of expert fly instructor and fly fishing guide Ed Lombardo. 

In spite of having a lot of fly fishing lures on me, including the time I hooked my sun glass strap (even my chin), I have to say I will now be purchasing my first fly rod and basic gear.

I thank Ed Lombardo, his volunteer instructors and the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for introducing me to fly fishing.

Lombardo has been working with DEM for 31 years instructing fresh and saltwater fly classes. Ed works with Kimberly Sullivan, Principle Biologist and Aquatic Resource Education Coordinator for DEM, delivering multiple fly fishing programs each year. They conduct both salt and fresh water classes, programs for children, veterans, beginners and those more experienced with fly fishing and tying.

We had three hours of land based instruction on gear and tackle, a learning how to cast session and then two hours in the Narrow River at Sprague Bridge, Narragansett with instructors by our sides. We were targeting hickory shad (about 15 to 20 inches) and striped bass.

And, yes we did catch fish, granted often times with the assistance from our instructors getting the line out there. But as a charter captain I know how important it is for anglers to feel and see how they can be successful. So Saturday with Ed’s help I caught my first fish on a fly. A hickory shad that was about 20 inches. It was very gratifying. 

For information on Rhode Island fishing education programs visit the Aquatic Resource Education Program at www.dem.ri.gov .

Where’s the bite?

Striped bass. “Slot size (28 to < 35 inches) and smaller school striped bass are in Bays and out in front along the coastal shores,” said Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tackle, Warren.

Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence, said, “The striped bass bite along the southern coastal beaches and breachways has been very good. Anglers are having success with metal lip lures and SP Minnows.” 

East End Eddie Doherty, expert Canal angler and author said, “Peanut bunker continue to provide forage for hungry striped bass and bluefish from one end of the Canal to the other. Roslindale’s Bill Walsh and friend Joe “The Reel” McCoy of North Providence were successful with top water white Cotton Cordell lures. Bill landed 11 slots and “The Reel” McCoy caught four fish on his first four casts.”

Black sea bass and scup. The scup bite is still good anywhere with water movement and structure. “Customers are catching some keeper black sea bass when tautog fishing as far north as the Providence River and the scup bite remains strong in the East Passage,” said Henault.

Tautog. “Tautog fishing has been producing many limit catches of fish up to seven to eight pounds. Some areas are starting to get picked over so keep moving around. Shore anglers continue to do well too with a few customers catching eight pound fish from the West Wall of the Harbor of Refuge last week. There are still a few good sized sea bass being caught by those targeting tog or fishing for them specifically on deeper pieces of structure,” said Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle. 

Jeff Sullivan of Lucky Bait & Tackle, said, “Tautog fishing exploded last week.  We landed five double digit fish. The Aquidneck Island Striper Team (fishing club) tautog tournament winning fish weighed in at 11.7 ponds.”

“This weekend we caught a 6.25 and a 7.25 pound tautog at Beavertail/Hull Cove area,” said Henault.

Freshwater. Sullivan of Lucky Bait said, “Last week the largemouth bass stacked up on the banks feeding for the cold months ahead, swim baits and spinner baits are working well.”

“Not many customers have been targeting trout this fall, but the largemouth bite seems to be very good.” said Henault of Ocean State Tackle.

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 and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verison.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.