Here are just a few of our guest speakers
Craig Cantelmo – Craig is a lifelong striped bass fisherman whose passion led him to his involvement in and part-ownership of Van Staal reels. At our November meeting, Craig gave an overview of Van Staal’s history and how he helped shape the company that is renown for its excellence in the machining, production, and performance of some of the best fishing reels on the market today. An especially interesting topic in Craig’s talk was learning how his company uses striped bass stock estimates and class year to help guide the design and development of its newest products. Craig also brought along several reels for our members to handle.
Chris Parisi – Chris has been involved in the recreational fishing industry for over a decade. A former partner at Bad Fish Outfitters, one of Cape Cod’s most fondly remembered tackle shops, this is where Chris developed the “albie flu.” Guiding clients to their first funny fish was a passion for Chris, one which only grew at his time with On The Water media group. From there Chris went on the manage Cape Cod’s finest fly shop, Black Eel Outfitters and his addiction became one of a challenge – landing these speedsters with the long rod.
After Black Eel, Chris became the New England sales representative for Tsunami Fishing Tackle and has been there the last 4 years. Equally at home on his Parker center console, or on the breachways of Rhode Island, Chris still enjoys taking anglers out for the heart pumping experience of chasing these visitors from the south.
Chris will be discussing tackle, tactics, and planning a trip to put the odds in your favor. He will also have a display of “what’s in his bag” so you can see exactly what he uses.
RI Department of Environmental Protection gave a three-part seminar featuring these speakers:
- Nicole Lengyel Costa is a Principal Biologist, the ASMFC striped bass technical committee chair, and is involved in the current stock assessment. She spoke specifically about the striper stock assessment and management and then fielded many questions that the audience had about striped bass.
- Nathan Andrews from the Coastal Fisheries Lab in Jerusalem talked about the Access-Point Angler Intercept Program: What is APAIS, What are its Goals, Why you should Participate, Potential Questions you could be asked, How APAIS has improved, and How you can help.
- Dean Hoxie, Associate Director and Chief of RIDEM Environmental Police, presented information for recreational anglers about safety, rules, and regulations and addressed a number of compliance questions.
Steve Yang – Steve grew up in South County and now teaches school in Dorchester, Mass. He presented a topic called Time Out! Reframing our Time in the Surf which detailed his views on the optimal times to fish during the tidal cycle. This was a very interactive session and involved a short hands-on exercise everyone participated in and learned from. Steve explained how to interpret – and best use – the information printed in the annual Tidelog almanac.
Peter Jenkins – Peter, aka “Jenks”, is the owner of the Saltwater Edge in Middletown, Rhode Island and an Orvis lecturer and ambassador. He shared his insights on “Reading The Water” which is based on his years of experience surfcasting and fly fishing in both fresh and salt water around New England and the United States. Peter’s online store can be found at Saltwater Edge.
Richie Reich – Richard (called Richie by his friends) has fished from shore since he was six years old, fishing the east end of Long Island where he grew up, and then learned Rhode Island’s waters when he moved to Narragansett 20 years ago. It’s easy to say that Richie is one of the best surf fisherman in our area. He’s a complete fisherman who targets not only bass and blues, but tog, fluke, sea bass, etc. He fishes both plugs and bait and also makes some of the best “tin” lures for bass. He spoke on “Everything Eels” and discussed the many ways eels can be fished live and dead. This was a “must attend” talk. If you have any questions on eel fishing, Richie will have the answer!
Dick Cournoyer – Club member Dick Cournoyer shared his vast experiences of many, many years of fishing the Cape Cod Canal. There are few fisherman remaining that possess his knowledge and know-how. Dick was a member of the famed Thundermist Striper Club. He’s an “Old School” striper fisherman and he’s only interested in catching big fish. Dick is also the owner of DC Custom Lures. His plugs are known by better fisherman in R.I., Cape Cod Canal, and Connecticut. His lures swim true and “catch fish”. His needle fish plugs are a “must have”! This is a “don’t miss seminar”.
Ron Arra – Ron Arra is a 5-time United States Distance Surf Casting champion, professional casting instructor, best selling author and world renowned angler. Ron Arra is a 5-time United States Distance Surf Casting champion, professional casting instructor, best selling author and world renowned angler. Ron is also a fishing tackle design consultant and pro staff member for numerous top world renowned fishing tackle manufacturers. A resident of Cape Cod and he has been surf fishing for Striped Bass and other species for 50+ years. He is the author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Guide to Surfcasting, as well as being featured in the acclaimed instructional video entitled: Surf Fishing & Distance Casting. Ron’s casting techniques have also been featured in countless national and world wide magazine articles and television programs. Ron’s favorite fishing holes include the Cape Cod Canal and productive beaches in various Cape towns.
In 1985, Ron broke the U.S. surf casting distance record with the first American cast over 700 feet, as well as being the first man to ever cast across the Cape Cod Canal with an effort of nearly 800 feet.
For this feat, he was awarded a silver bowl by Sports Illustrated magazine. Ron also played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization.
Ray Stachelek – Capt. Ray has been fishing the waters from Watch Hill, RI to Cape Cod MA for nearly fifty years. He is a presenter at the National Fishing Shows along the East Coast. He contributes articals to various national magazines. Writes fish reports for online and newspaper publications. Capt. Ray’s extensive knowledge of saltwater fly fishing and fly tying has been documented by leading authors in the industry. He is the originator of the Angel Hair Fly. A retired teacher by trade, Ray shares his knowledge readily and can help new anglers in the areas of fly selection, fly presentation, and casting. He has an innate sense of where the fish hold and can help all anglers of all skill levels “read” the water better.
A club member met Capt. Ray this past summer as he was guiding a camera equipped “drone” along the shores at Point Judith, a great way to scout an area. We’re hoping to see some footage of our shoreline!
Jerry Sparks – Captain Jerry Sparks of Northeast Boat and Kayak Charters has been a tournament angler and fishing guide for over 20 years. He is an expert in inshore boat and kayak fishing technique, and is a frequent speaker at fishing seminars and expos along the East Coast, and has been referenced many times by the fishing and paddle sports media. He is also on the pro staff for many of the leading brands in the industry, including: Daiwa, Stormr, SoftScience, Aftco, NRS, DOA, Mirrolure, Bass Yaks, Yo-Zuri, Bending Branches and Scotty Marine.
Dave Pickering – Dave is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers’ Association, and he has written extensively about fishing in many magazines including the Fisherman, Saltwater Sportsman, North American Carp Angler, Doc Muller’s Surf Annuals, Fishbelly.com, and On the Water. He was featured in a recent carp fishing TV show shot by On the Water TV. His award winning photos have appeared in books, catalog covers and various magazines. His blog, www.ricarpfishing.blogspot.com, has attracted national and international attention. Dave is the RI Chairman of the Carp Anglers Group and sits on the Board of Directors of this national group of carp fishermen. He has fished extensively for carp in the last 25 years in MA and RI waters and has landed thousands of carp. He currently holds the unofficial records for mirror carp and common carp in RI and has won or placed in numerous national tournaments.
D. J. Muller – D. J. talked about fishing the surf when the skies darken and the surf gets big and white. He gave tips on catching stripers in their favorite condition and shared his views on the best lures and specific techniques.
D.J. tends to “pack the room” with his talks. He’s an author of several books on surfcasting and a wealth of knowledge on striper fishing. His home waters are the Jersey shores, but you’ll find him fishing or guiding clients anywhere and everywhere along the striper coast.