[Pete_G]

Updated and finalized the where the Conservation Raffle proceeds will go as well as the seminar schedule. Also added a couple more fly tyers.

John Kelsey: A tremendously creative tier and plug builder. Uses natural materials to breath in the water and build life into his creations.

Masahito Sato: An innovator from Japan who is learning the Northeast fishery. Masahito ties very realistic creations. Featured in Fly Fisherman’s Hot Flies.



Seminar Schedule Ballroom C
10:30AM "35 Year's Of Surf Casting: Tips and Techniques" w/ Dennis Zambrotta
11:30AM “The State of the Bay” with John Torgan Narragansett Bay Keeper
1:30PM Tips and tricks for the Worm Hatch with Captain Bob Hines
2:30PM Light Tackle Sharking with Captain Bruce Macomber

Seminar Schedule Ballroom D
11:00AM Advanced Kayak Fishing w/ Joel Swan
1:00PM Hot Action for Over Winter Stripers with Captain Al Anderson
2:00PM Structure Fishing for Big Bass w/ Steve McKenna
3:00PM Choosing and Rigging a Fishing Kayak w/ Joel Swan

"The Saltwater Edge Conservation Raffle has raised over $14,000 since it’s inception for a variety of fisheries and coastal access advocacy groups. This year we will take a broader view and focus on the Narragansett Bay ecosystem. Many Rhode Islanders are concerned about the deteriorating water quality in Narragansett Bay and fishermen in particular concerned about the aggressive harvest of menhaden from the Bay. These two factors are related because menhaden play such an important role in a healthy ecosystem. Menhaden have been called “the most important fish in the sea”. Most anglers recognize that bunker’s high protein content make them an important food source for stripers, blues and squeteague; but less well known is their important role as filter feeders. Menhaden can filter about four gallons of seawater a minute said another way that’s 1,000,000 gallons of bay water every 180 days. The improved water quality and clarity allows light to reach the eel grass beds which in turn releases more oxygen into the water which benefits the entire ecosystem, humans included.

This year’s Conservation Raffle proceeds will be donated to the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and earmarked to fund the rebuilding of fish ladders (for herring), menhaden research and other initiatives that will help preserve “the most important fish in the sea”. "