Eastbayri.com

We have a new recreational cod fishing fillet regulation that takes effect Jan. 1, 2012. The minimum fish size is the same at 22 inches, but no angler shall possess a cod fillet measuring less than 14 inches and the fillet must have at least two square inches of skin left intact. The skin will help assist enforcement authorities identify the species.

The new law pertains to fish caught within “this state or otherwise,” meaning if you catch fish in federal waters outside the three-mile limit (like at Cox’s Ledge) and bring it back through Rhode Island waters or back to a Rhode Island port, the new regulations apply.

Both support and criticism of the new fillet law has come from private anglers and the charter/party boat industry. Those opposed say it will not stop the taking of undersized fish occurring offshore at popular fishing grounds where vessels from Montauk, NY and other out-of-state party/charter boasts and private anglers keep undersized fish, then fillet at sea and return to ports outside Rhode Island.

“Filet laws are not the solution. They are not going to stop people from taking undersized fish,” said Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association. “What is needed is enhanced enforcement.”

Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), is also against the new law. “For the past several years DEM enforcement has proposed a total fillet law in the state. While I was on the fisheries council I helped to defeat it time after time. This time it’s about out-of-state charter and party boats fishing on the cod stocks south of Block Island. Reportedly they keep everything, including all undersized fish, fillet them on the spot, then cut back to Montauk. If caught with only fillets, there is no proof to charge them with undersized fish.”

Medeiros said he understands the new law’s intent but was concerned that it would lead to fillet laws for all species. “I fear this will be used to open the door for an across-the-board fillet law. I’m not on the (R.I. Marine Fisheries Council) anymore, so I can only fight from the audience.”

Some others, however, feel the fillet law will have a positive impact on the fishery. “I’m probably a lone voice here but I don’t have any problem with a total fillet ban on the water, and lastly a fillet ban will deter people from taking shorts,” said Dick Pastore, a longtime Rhode Island recreational angler and fisheries advocate.

Capt. Frank Blount, owner of the Francis Fleet party boats, advocated for the law to prevent private anglers, party and charter boats from taking undersized cod and then filleting them at sea with no minimum size.

Who’s fishing for cod?

The Seven B’s party boat (80 feet) out of Port of Galilee, Narragansett, will be sailing for cod Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 28-31. The boat leaves the dock at 6 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. The cost for the trips through the end of this year is $85 per person; call 401/789-9250.

The Francis Fleet vessels will be fishing this week, too. They’ve been catching black sea bass to 5 pounds as well as scup and blue fish with cod mixed in. The Francis Fleet runs cod fishing trips from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The cod fishing trip rate is $85 per person until Dec. 31; rates after Jan. 1 are to be determined. Visit www.francesfleet.com or call 800/662-2824.

Capt. Dave Monti has been fishing and shellfishing on Narragansett Bay for more than 40 years. He holds a captain’s master license and a charter fishing license. Your fishing photos in jpeg form, stories, comments and questions are welcome. Visit Capt. Dave’s No Fluke website at www.noflukefishing.com or e-mail him at dmontifish@verizon.net.