2024 RISAA Youth Fishing Camp

We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have an organization like the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) represent us in all matters related to saltwater fishing in the Ocean State. Its charter includes promoting the sport to all ages and, smartly, it understands the value of beginning at an early age. This is where the RISAA Youth Fishing Camp shines.

For starters, it is held at Rocky Point State Park, a beautiful venue on Narragansett Bay in Warwick. The large pier and arch are reminiscent of the extremely popular seaside Rocky Point Amusement Park, where “back in the day” families went to enjoy the fabulous rides, swim in what was claimed to be the world’s largest saltwater swimming pool (where tryouts for the 1936 Olympic Swim Team were held), and the Shore Dinner Hall that was famous for its clamcakes, steamers, lobsters, and Rhode Island style clam chowder and seated over 4,000 patrons. The good times at Rocky Point Amusement Park are now limited to fond memories of those of us who are old enough to recall “what once was” . RISAA helps to revive these memories every year with its three-day Youth Fishing Camp at this nostalgic site.

The camp is led by well-respected RISAA board member Richard Reich, who directs the activities of talented fellow board members and numerous volunteers. Between 8:00 - 8:30 am on the first day, fifty campers between the ages of 7-12 seek out the table that is designated by the color of the RISAA cap they received at registration. They are pre-assigned to one of five groups of ten youth of similar age. There they are welcomed by two adult group leaders who would be responsible for them throughout the day and shown where to find water and a variety of drinks on ice. It was going to be a hot, sunny day and the portable canopies set up all around the camp would be put to good use. Commercial clammers were in abundance a short swim away. Many of us were tempted to join them in Narragansett Bay.

After welcome messages from RISAA and RIDEM, first-day topics began with Safety & Health and then moved into thirty-minute group instruction/activity on fish identification, conservation, use of spinning and conventional gear and tackle, basic marine biology, how and why to use different baits and lures.  This year, instruction in fly-tying by @rosies_rodandflyshop and an introduction to fly fishing by @rhodeislandtu were provided.

RITU instructors Jeff Perry and John Genovesi, with field support from Bob Maietta, Fred Weber, Steve Cassella, Joe Coppola and John Danehy (with his lens & tripod for photos), led five groups of ten young campers in understanding the difference in casting a fly rod vs. spinning rod followed by instruction in hands-on casting. We were impressed by their interest in learning this “unusual” way of casting and finding it to be fun (despite the expected level of line tangles). Of course, although we provided safety glasses for the fly casters, the tippet was topped off by yarn.

If Day One was full of fun & learning, Days 2 & 3 were sure to be exciting. Unfortunately, the weather put a crimp in Day 2 plans to go fishing on the Seven B’s. However, Day 3 weather cooperated and RISAA members were out in full force to provide guided fishing trips for two campers/anglers on their personal boats. Then it was back to Rocky Point for wrap up activities and “graduation”.

So how did it all go, was it all worth it? The following is a letter from one parent whose child attended the camp -

“I wanted to give a sincere THANK YOU for all the hard work you and all the other volunteers put into this week of fish camp! (name deleted) truly had a wonderful experience. Going into it he was nervous and not sure what to expect but he made lots of friends, learned a ton about fishing, grew in confidence and independence, and I could not be happier that you helped us get into the fish camp! I thought it was extremely well organized, and I have nothing but great things to say. Thank you thank you thank you!”

Richard Reich, RISAA Youth Fishing Camp Director wrote:

“I was amazed at what your group did for my kids. Let's plan on doing it every year”

Scott Travers, RISAA Executive Director wrote:

“thank everyone from TU for assisting with the youth fishing camp!  As I am sure you are aware, that was the first time we had fly tying / fly fishing at the youth fishing camp and it was very well received.  I was also impressed with the casting ability of the camp participants.  Credit for that goes to the instructional staff!  We look forward to including TU and fly fishing in the youth fishing camp going forward.”

So YES, it was definitely worth it and Rhode Island TU volunteers were happy to be a part of it. Congratulations to RISAA, RIDEM and all the volunteers for their caring and commitment to our next generation of anglers!

Conservation. COMMUNITY. Fishing.