2017 Rhode Island Squid Report

[alaskanaturally]

This isn't completely about squidding but thought some might be interested.               

 

      Update 171021: Foliage, calamari and monarchs


There’s one, there’s another, there’s two, another two. We were in Quinby Inlet at the southern tip of Parramore Island. It was a clear, warm day in late October without a hint of a breeze. The monarch butterflies were in their fall migration mode. Hundreds were passing us by, barrier island hopping the Eastern Shore on their way to Mexico. It’s hard to believe that many actually complete the journey, but they do.


Though side tracked by the butterfly spectacular, the reason for being there was to fish for whiting (sea mullet, kingfish) and trout. And our piscatorial friends were very cooperative. Over 20 whiting came over the rail as well as two keeper trout, one that was 18 inches. An exciting event was that we caught a ling (southern hake). Haven’t caught any for about 10 years. Used to be be a great run here in November and  December. Hopefully, that will happen again.


This fishing excursion came on the heels of a trip to New England. We went to Rhode Island for squid then a side trip to Vermont to once again be leaf peepers. Again we weren’t disappointed. The squid cooperated. In fact we caught over 500 in a few days. And of course our drive through the Green Mountains never disappoints. Seeing old friends as well as the Autumn pageant of color never grows old. It was a wonderful few days after which we returned to Newport, RI for more squidding.


Upon returning home, the persimmons and winter squash had ripened and we were treated with this fantastic fruit and baked butternut for many days. Froze a bunch for later. Looking forward to persimmons ice cream and wine next summer. Still getting loads of peppers and a few tomatoes. All of a sudden, there are a bunch of carboys of wine that need bottling.


With deer season upon us, Martin has been scrambling to get everything needed together: finished building the deer cooler, checked all the stands to make sure they don’t collapse, sighted in the crossbow, etc. He sat in a stand for an hour or so Saturday morning. Could have shot a small spike buck but decided against it. Sentimentality won over logic.


It has been a wonderful Fall and tomorrow we’re off to the Revel’s Island Drain to try for more whiting and trout and perhaps some ling.