After the Storm: Fishing the Island

Question: How is fishing after a hurricane or big storm?  Answer: Fishing for big stripers and bluefish could be good depending on where you go. 

Where you fish immediately after a big storm could be one of the biggest decisions of your life.  Whether you are in a boat or fishing from the shore, if you are not prepared it could be the last decision you make.  There have been many fishermen who have pushed their luck and lost because they were unprepared.

Fishing after the storm gives fishermen some advantages, according to Captain BJ Silvia of Flipin' Out fishing charters, and Ralph Craft, president of the Aquidneck Island Striper Team.  The heavy surf from a big storm stirs up the water and dislodges small lobsters from their rocky hiding places, giving big Stripers an easy meal.  Also, Stripers love white water so they have no trouble going into the surf after a storm. 

The water gets dirty because of the high waves and storm surge and the resulting turbidity makes it hard for baitfish to see a predator like the Bluefish and Striped Bass.  Because predatory fish hunt not only by sight but by vibrations, the cloudy water makes it easier for an ambush. A few weeks back after a storm, Captain Silvia hooked two big Stripers (31lbs and 43lbs) with big ells off the Southeast side of Block Island in 40-feet of dirty water.

After several tide changes, the water becomes clearer and the schools of small bunker that took shelter up river and in coves to protect themselves are concentrated, becoming a big target for large schools of Blues and Stripers.  This often sparks feeding frenzies, which are quite common for Bluefish, known as the piranha of the sea. 

When you see a flock of seagulls diving wildly into the water, a dead give-away of such activity, it is highly likely that a school of fish is feeding under them.

Experts like Captain Silvia and Ralph Craft warn fishermen to be wise and take precautions when fishing in rough water, especially after a big storm. "There's no fish worth dying for." 

Know the limits of your boat, they say; A 17-foot boat is no match for 6-foot waves.  Proper upkeep of your boat is crucial.  Having your motor quit because of poor maintenance is a foolish mistake that could have been avoided. Have a VHF radio aboard for an emergency mayday, which can happen unexpectedly.

Shore fishermen should use the buddy system when fishing heavy surf. 

Know the area where you're fishing. Places like Sachuest Point can be treacherous, which has earned the nickname "Dead Man's Hole," because of the 20-foot drop-off in some places.

When fishing from rocks, the experts recommend "corkers," which are special shoes with spikes and nonslip soles. 

When fishing in waders, Ralph recommends a wader belt that can trap air and provide buoyancy in an accidental plunge. 

Unfortunately, last month on Sept. 18, 2010, an experienced fisherman lost his life in Sandwich, Massachusetts. He slipped while wading through an inlet and was pulled out into Cape Cod Bay by strong currents. Even though he was fishing with a buddy, who attempted to rescue his friend and failed, the 43-year-old man drowned 1/4-mile from shore. 

Even a seasoned fisherman can be overcome in dangerous conditions.  Common sense and expert advice should be included with your fishing tackle, whenever fishing in the unfriendly environment of deep and troubled water.