Today is the first day of the trout fishing season and Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle on Branch Avenue has been up all night. By the time I stopped by the serious anglers were long gone, and Dave was helping a young man new to the sport. Their conversation was ideal for my purposes as I in know so little myself. Dave was recommending Power Bait — green with glitter would be best today — and maybe meal worms and trout worms. Today’s windy conditions were also a topic. If you are thinking that fishing might be for you, this would be a good place to start. They have poles, lures, bait, and information.
I first discovered OST a couple of years ago and was taken with the friendly and welcoming vibe of the place. Dave is a Tibetan Buddhist and an exemplar of the tradition. Still on guard (seen below) is Dave’s mellow, yellow lab, Sukha (Sanskrit for “Happiness”). Sukha had a serious health scare this year but pulled through.
Go here for the DEM list of designated trout waters all stocked prior to the start of the season. Dave was recommending the north cove of Olney Pond at Lincoln Woods to this new customer.
Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the DEM is warning anglers to avoid rivers this weekend. (ProJo 4.8.17)
“Due to recent heavy rainfalls, rivers across the state are experiencing dangerously high waters – with some expected to be in flood stage by this weekend,” the DEM says. “Anglers are encouraged to fish at one of the nearly 60 stocked ponds around the state.”
For freshwater fishing licenses go here.
Ocean State Tackle, 430 Branch Avenue, (directions), 401.749.3474
