City kids make way to the Bay
Fishing expedition to Narragansett Bay is a thrill for urban kids
Urban youths head to sea on fishing expedition
CENTRAL FALLS – Samantha and Joselin Flores of Cumberland were among about a half-dozen area children patiently awaiting the arrival of a school bus that would take them and their families to Point Judith to set sail on a four-hour fishing excursion.
But what made the sisters so ecstatic for the day to come was that it would be the first time either would be able to say they were going fishing.
“I’m excited about seeing so many happy people, being motivated, having a fun trip,” nine-year-old Samantha said. “I want to see the sea creatures that are going to be everywhere in the ocean.”
Her sister, eight-year-old Joselin, echoed the sentiment about her anticipation for the day of angling.
“I’m just excited to see everyone happy and to be able to say ‘Oh, that’s so gorgeous!’” she said.
The 50 children were participating in the fishing excursion through a partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Central Falls Parks and Recreation, and Progreso Latino. The salt wisher fishing trip brought the children and their family members on board the Francis Fleet Charter out of Point Judith in Narragansett, spending an afternoon aboard the vessel in Narragansett Bay, while learning how to fish and identifying marine life in the bay.
Joining the children on the water were Central Falls Police Patrolmen William Orellana and Randy Roberts.
The excursion, titled “Let’s Go Fishing,” was led by instructors from DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program, which hosts recreational fishing opportunities for the public throughout the year in addition to offering marine science training for educators.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers in Rhode Island, ages 16 and up, and recreational fishing accounts for more than $130 million annually to the economy.
For some, who live in the densely-populated urban community, the chance to take a day on open water in Narragansett Bay was serving as a one-day miniature summer vacation. Twelve-yearold Justin Cartegena and his uncle Victor Reyes, both of Central Falls, described themselves as avid fishermen.
“We love to fish, it’s a good opportunity to have some time out,” Reyes said. “It’s very exciting, they take you to the point, there’s a lot of fish out there … Basically, it takes away (the troubles of a day), it’s relaxing. That’s the main thing, just relaxing.”
Cartegena said that traditionally, his journeys out into the sea have taken place on kayaks in the waters of Orlando, Fla. with family. He said that he’d never been deep water fishing before Wednesday, but said that he’s had luck with the rod and reel before, having previously caught a big-mouth bass that he estimated to be about a foot long.
“I couldn’t really hold it by myself,” he said with a smile. “My favorite part of fishing is probably just fishing for sport and waiting for the fish to bite. I like the rush when you catch a fish and you have to pull it up.”
Reyes, who usually casts off from Narragansett or Middletown, said that he didn’t know what to expect while on the chartered boat that afternoon, but said that he commonly sees stripers or bass in the region.
Christopher Barrios, 12, of Central Falls, has been fishing as far back as he can remember, although never off a boat as he was about to do in the bay. He’s established quite a record in his brief history of casting, having netted stripers and bluefish in the past.
“I hope that I catch some good fish … I like going out in the water in the boats,” Barrios said. “I just wish I can catch some fish, I don’t know what exactly. I love fishing, so I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
Meanwhile, Pawtucket brothers Kevin and Alex Lagunas were counting down the moments until they boarded the bus for the hourlong trek south to the bay.
Kevin, 12, said that he’s dropped a line into the waters near the cliffs and beaches of Rhode Island and occasionally from piers in his home city, but never before off a boat, which heightened his anticipation for the day ahead.
“I’m looking forward to fishing a striper, that’s what I want to catch,” Kevin said. “I’m looking forward to going on a boat, my first time fishing off a boat.”