Saltwater Fishing in Rhode Island

Last Saturday I took my camera and dropped by the Rhode Island Saltwater Angler's show at the Convention Center in downtown Providence. I'm not sure what I expected or in fact what I hoped to achieve by going -- but one never knows about such things. So when I got there I was actually quite surprised at what I found. . .

Fishing simulators: if you wanted to learn how to cast or to perfect your casting this was certainly one place to start.

And a boating simulator, sponsored by Kellogg's and their "Fishing Team."


Who would've ever thought Kellogg's had a fishing team. I thought maybe NASCAR yes, but fishing? I must admit it looked like a blast --and hey, a pretty good way of learning to drive a boat, wouldn't you say?

The simple fact is, for us non-fishing types, fishing is a big business. (They even have their own channel.) A very big business in rods and reels it would seem, as Mr. Orvis could probably tell us. And sure enough there were plenty of vendors selling those as well as a hundred other gadgets and fishing gear. And outfitters of course: from deep sea fishing to kayak fishing, to towing services. You had to be keen on fishing to appreciate the intensity of the folks looking for the right service, the right piece of equipment or the right lure.

And don't forget the boats, plenty of boats. No bikini-clad girl smiling and waving the "boys" to "come aboard and check out the instruments. These were serious people. Just middle-aged guys talking fish, water and how to spend your time on the one looking for the other.

And this seemed to be very very much a "guys" only outing. Groups of fishing buddies, fathers and sons, and the occasional grandpa helping his grandson pick out his first rod and reel perhaps?

I also had the once-in-a-lifetime (for me) opportunity of watching three guys tying fishing lures -- not as boring as it sounds since these three gentlemen were pretty funny, and very serious at the same time.

And of course the game wardens were there, handing out literature and probably trying to explain why their hair is so short -- all with a great smile.

All-in-all this was a pretty amazing show.

Anyway, if you want to know more about this fascinating world of fishing on salt water check out the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association.