"The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association is a non-profit organization, created to provide a forum for recreational saltwater anglers; to provide education to members concerning fishing techniques, improved catches, and overall enjoyment of fishing; to foster sportsmanship; to support marine conservation and sound management of fisheries resources; and provide a unified voice to preserve and protect the rights, traditions and the future of recreational fishing in Rhode Island."
RISAA has monthly meetings at West Valley Inn where there are usually seminars and speakers talking about their fishing experiences as well as giving helpful tips and information about fishing around Rhode Island. When I went on Monday night there was a seminar on fluke fishing where three expert fluke fishermen from RI explained all of the techniques they use to fish for fluke. According to them it is best to fish for fluke, a flat fish found on sandy bottoms, when both the tide and wind are in line. When fishing for fluke one wants to get their bait down on the bottom of the ocean and let it drift along on the bottom. In order to do this one needs to have a heavy fluke lure which can sink to the bottom. If not a weight is needed to bring the bait and hook down. Fluke feed by looking into the tide and waiting for food to pass by. That is why drifting is extremely important as the tide and wind need to be in the same direction so that the boat can drift towards where the fluke are waiting.
Squid is most definitely the bait of choice when fishing for fluke. The fluke love squid and when cut into strips and placed on the lure's hook it really attracts the fish. Fluking is one of my favorite ways to fish as you can feel the ocean's bottom as you are fishing and when the fish hits the lure theres no other feeling like it. As soon as you feel a fish take the bait you want to "pull the fishes head off" as Mr. Darigan says. A good yank on the rod will ensure the hook is set and you will get the fish onto the boat. A bucktail is usually the lure of choice and there is also a 'teaser' which is a lure that will sit maybe a foot and half above the bucktail.
Overall, the seminar on fluke fishing was very informative and I think my grandfather and I learned a lot that we didn't know about fishing for fluke as well as fishing in Narragansett Bay where these fishermen were fishing mostly. As the meeting came to an end a raffle was conducted from everyone who was there. I am only a junior member of RISAA and I won the raffle for the junior members! Below is a picture of myself holding the fluke fishing rod and reel that was given to me at the meeting. I can't wait to try it out!
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