The Backlash: August 2017 Newsletter

August 2017 President's Message

It’s the middle of August, and the fishing is not bad for the weather we have had. Folks who work hard can pick up sea bass and fluke, and most of the six-pack boats are getting their quota of striped bass. Last Friday I saw an acre to an acre and a half of 22”-24” bluefish on the Bass River side of Bishop and Clerk, and I heard there was another big pod down in Monomoy.

Last month the Board of Directors discussed what seems to be an increase in parking enforcement/no parking, and I have a couple of things to mention that transpired this month. First, the city of Cranston, RI voted to post “No Fishing Allowed” off of Ocean Avenue, a public access right of way to the water. The city probably does not have the right to do this, but different groups within the area will have to go to court to get the ban lifted.

Following that up, the US Secretary of Commerce ruled that New Jersey did not have to abide by the rules set by ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission). This finding could lead to having other states in the country decide all their fishing issues – such as access to the water, number and type of fish caught – at the state’s discretion, and scientific data would not have to be used. We all know that if the individual states vote what is best for them first, and not put the fish first, this will lead to disaster.

Thirdly, how much Atlantic menhaden is enough? There are two sides to the menhaden issue. On one side is Omega protein, and that industry catches and processes over 80% of all Atlantic menhaden. Most of us know Omega is involved in the production of fish oil pills for humans; however, a large part of it is used for the production of dog and cat food, fertilizer, and other products. In 2012, since the first quota of menhaden was put into place, the species has slowly been rebounding. However, the fish processors now want an enhanced Atlantic menhaden quota. The other side of the issue has the conservationists and fishermen who see the importance of menhaden for environmental reasons, as important forage fish for striped bass, bluefish, tuna, and other species. Somewhat like our friend the oyster, menhaden serve as roving filters, converting algae into energy, thus reducing nutrient load. Their unique filtering gills are able to process up to four gallons of water per minute, or a million gallons of water every 180 days. Multiply this by the number of menhaden, and there is an amazing amount of water being filtered. Scientifically, this reduction of nutrients means fewer algae blooms and, ultimately, more oxygen for all fish in the system. All fisherpeople, recreational and commercial, realize that menhaden are amazing forage fish for the whole fishing environment. We, as an organization, have to follow this ASMFC Amendment 3 issue closely and voice our concerns when we know the time is right. The vote for the options within the amendment will be on November 14, and the results will guide the plan in the future. You can go on the ASMFC website (asmfc.org) and look at draft Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Menhaden.

To wrap this up on a more positive note, six of us went out on Reel Grit late yesterday afternoon and evening and picked up eight or nine fish in Cape Cod Bay, with Jay Pavick the top hook with a 38” fish.

Thanks, and hold tight!

Jack (jecreighton45@gmail.com, 508 394-2983)

Club News and Information

Captain Bob Luce Memorial Derby Winners Announced.

Concluding six charter trips over two months, the first place winner was Bruce MacLeod, pictured above with his prize money. The winning striper was 42.5 inches. Second place entry was a 40.5 inch striper caught by Jack Creighton; and third place went to Ed Burke.
Below is Bruce with his winner. The Striped Bass weighed 32.5 pounds

New Treasurer

After the June meeting Treasurer Kent Dumont resigned his position. Per a by law review the BOD has appointed Jay Pavick as Acting Treasurer with notice that an election for the position will take place at the July meeting. Nominations were open; and with no other nominations being put forward, the members elected Jay Pavick as Treasurer.
As a result of this the position of Vice President is open and nominations are being accepted.

August Meeting Program Speaker

August 23 - Bill Hurley - Hurley Lures

Tessein Scholarship Club Fundraising

The Salties would like to acknowledge the talented efforts of Ken Whiting and Joe O;Clair for their fundraising in order to benefit the Tessein Scholarship.
Ken hand painted a casting of a 40 inch Striped Bass and held a raffle,donating $710. to the fund.
Joe O'Clair designed and tied up Fluke Rigs and sold them to members, donating $145. to the fund.

Yarmouth Fishing Reef Enhancement Program

Randall Sherman sent along the above photo of the artificial reef structure prototype. The final version will have a cement base as well so if it gets turned over it will still be a pyramid.
The Artificial Reef Fund now has a total of $1400. to be used as the Salties fabricate the reef structure.

Dues and Donations voted by the Club at the July Meeting

The following expenditures were approved at the July meeting:

Association to Preserve Cape Cod - Donation to Summer Appeal - $100.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum - 2017 Membership - $150.
International Game Fish Association - 2017 Membership - $50.

2017 Canal Cleanup

Chairman Bill Cottle is collecting volunteer names for this year's Canal Cleanup to be held on September 30. The meeting location is the Midway Recreation Area at 8:30AM. If you haven't signed up yet and woul like to participate, contact Bill at 508-759-2348.

July Meeting Speaker

Ticks in Barnstable County

Larry Dapsis Entomologist and Deer Tick Project Coordinator for the www.CapeCodExtension.org 508-375-6642 provided us with general, regional, and also species related Tick information. Barnstable County is number four (in cases per year) out of eighty counties across the states of Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.Species in our area include the Dog Tick, Deer Tick, and Lone Star Tick (actually will pursue a victim and attach to it).
Ticks that you take off of you can be sent for testing for $15. Professional Spraying should be done May, June, Oct, Fowler Bros.is a recommended pest control company, They reside in Hyannis.
Homeowners can also apply a Permethrin based insecticide via a garden sprayer for smaller areas. Concentrate on the area between brush and lawn. Permethrin can be used on boots, shoes and clothing and is safe for all after application dries.Clothing can be sent out for treatment and will work for multiple wash cycles.
Tick borne disease include Lyme, Babesiosis, and HGA (Human granulocytic anaplasmosis). All are difficult to diagnose and can be debilitating.

Club Fishing Events

Annual In House Derby 2017

Information and entry forms for the In House Derby can be found on our website.

Click here for 2017 In House Derby Information

Click here for 2017 In Hose Derby Entry Form

2017 Annual In House Derby Leaderboard

Shore bass fly rod :
- 29.5 inches X 15.5 inches, Bill Cottle 5/3/17
- 28.0 inches X 14 inches. Bill Cottle 5/15/17
Shore bluefish:
- 10 lbs. 13 oz., Jack Creighton 5/18/17
Boat Bluefish:
- 12 lbs. Jack Creighton 7/12/17
Striper catch and release:
- 38 inches X 20 inches. William "Nick" Nicholson 6/2/17
- 35 inches X 20.5 inches, William "Nick" Nicolson 5/23/17
- 33 inches X 17 inches. Jay Pavick. 7/12/17
Boat striper:
- 23 lbs.: William "Nick" Nicholson 5/23/17
Striper Charter Boat
- 32 pounds 8 ounces: Bruce MacLeod. 7/12/17
- 30 pounds 11 ounces: Joe Healey. 6/3/17
- 28 pounds 8 ounces: Jack Creighton. 6/29/17
Fluke:
- 10 pounds 1 ounce: Ken Whiting. 6/26/17
Black Sea Bass:
- 4 pounds 2 ounces: Jay Pavick. 6/2/17
Unusual Catch:
- Striper Head after a Great White ate rest of fish: Bruce MacLeod