May is setting up to be fantastic!

Well, I told everyone this would be the only place I was going to put any form of reports so for those of you that subscribed or took the time to check my page out, you are in luck today! May is setting up to be the same, if not better than last year. Here is why:
 Upon the regular tour of my fishing spots that I do this time every year, I was welcomed with bait EVERYWHERE! I never went more than 5 minutes from the ramp to find Herring and Bunker AKA pogie all around. They were so spread out that it was actually hard to get a single location for them. I will venture to say that there was actually more schools than this time last year and for those that fished with me in May last year you know what I am talking about.  While there were only a few "swirls" of fish witnessed from a distance, they were not in any amount of numbers to tell everyone you "should have been here".  I will say for those that have a charter on the books for next week and thereafter, things are looking better than expected.  If you want to go Striper Fishing and stay close to the ramp to maximize your charter time, get a date in the books sooner than later.  As an FYI, the weekend days remaining in my books are as follows for May: 19,26. All other days are also limited but weekends seem to be the most popular for obvious reasons.

Blackfish reports have also been steady, while not my target species this time of year, they are found in the same spots you would fish for them in the fall. The wrecks and structure areas in the upper bay are producing some keepers, but the season ends at the end of the month and will not reopen until August.

I will post up images from the structure scan of the bait pods later this week but man, once the fish find them there will not be too many skinny stripers this season!  Get things in order now because it will be pure mayhem this time next week!

Capt. Brian

Oh yeah! It's that time again!

Well after a nice winter break (who we kidding in New England), it's show time! I will be at the New England Saltwater Sportsman's show this upcoming weekend (booth 1205) in Providence RI and Striper Season is right around the corner. I have been busy tying up some new patterns, getting my gear rigged up and picked up a couple new sponsors to help get some more top quality gear in your hands. The boat will be rigged with not one, but two Lowrance screens. One 10 inch HDS Gen2 and the new 12 inch HDS Gen2 Touch screen. Last year it made all the difference in finding bait and fish!  Orvis added me to their roster so I will have the new H2 rods on hand. I had a chance to cast them last year prior to launch and I must say that if you ever thought about saltwater fly fishing, these things make you look like a pro in the early stages!  Just like last year I will also be continuing my relationship with Van Staal, Quantum, Abel and Deep Ocean Apparel. I found that by surrounding my self with industry professionals that keep the same high respect for the fishery as me it is a win win.

I have had many people ask me the same few questions over the winter so I would like address two of the most popular now:

When is the best time to book a charter?  The answer is simple and specific. What do you want to catch? If you want stripers, book now! The season starts in mid May in the upper bay (literally 5 minutes from the ramp) and continues there until about July 1 depending on when we get the first heat wave.  Then, the best chance for stripers, and large ones shift to Block Island. By booking early, you get the pick of the days to eliminate the most variables. Any good captain will share with you the ideal days to select and help steer you away from potentially bad ones. By eliminating the variables, you only have to rely on the weather and if the fish are there. I am a firm believer in eliminating as many variables as possible when choosing a day on the water
The same goes for other species but here is the calender breakdown for you own planning:
May: Stripers and Bluefish
June: Stripers, Bluefish, Tuna (Cape Cod)
July: Stripers (Block Island), Bluefish, Sea bass (regulations dependent), Fluke and Tuna
August: same as July plug Tautog (with limits)
September: July, plus Tautog, Albacore tuna, Bonito
October: Stripers start to move, Blues are still around, Tautog limit increases, Tuna is fantastic
November: Tautog and Tuna

The second question that was asked most often was: I never caught ?? where should I go and what am I doing wrong? I know this sounds like a typical charter response but it is - Book a charter.  We are not trying to get you to spend your money on us. We are trying to get you alone for 5-8 hours where we can show you the spots, teach you step by step how to fish for the species and save you money! By booking a charter, you just saved yourself potential numerous trips alone, burning gas, bait and time to keep doing what you have always done. Even if it is not with me, there are many great captains out there that want to teach you. That is why they got into the business in the first place (or should have). Most captains feel shy about just giving up coordinates over email or in conversations and rightfully so. They spend a great deal of time on the water to get you into fish. By booking them, you see where they are because they want to see you catch fish! Ask a million questions while your out there. You just booked them for the day. Listen. Learn. Repeat.

I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing you at the show this weekend! Scroll down a few posts to see my promotions!!

Sincerely,
Capt. Brian Patterson
Patterson Guide Service

Saltwater Seminar Series with George Poveromo a Hit!

We just did our seminar series at Rhode Island College today and it was a great success in my opinion. There were some great fishermen on stage sharing some of the best advice that can be given in a short amount of time! I had the chance to meet with several of the audience members and to each and every person that attended I want to say thank you! This was my second time in 3 years participating on the faculty and with any luck, maybe a couple more times in my career. The interest is there with all of the young kids present and realizing that they are the future of the sport, we had the chance to have lunch with them and share some words of wisdom. Best take away for today: Teach your kids to fish, or get outside at least and appreciate what had been given to them. We are only here for a short while so take advantage of the lessons and beauty around you.  Here is to the start of a great 2013 season!


Sincerely,
Capt. Brian
Patterson Guide Service
www.pattersonguideservice.com

Upcoming shows and Specials for 2013

Now that we are getting into the season once again, I have to say that I am extremely excited. If it was anything like last year, it will just be fantastic! Besides entering another year with Lowrance and all new electronics on the boat in 2012, I am also now an Orvis Endorsed Guide. What this means for you is that I have been tested by some of the strictest standards and passed. They recognized that I am one of the hardest working captains on the water and my goal is to give you a successful and great day on the water.

 Here is a list of the shows and specials that will be run to kick off the 2013 season:

February 2, 2013:
I will be on the faculty staff with George Poveromo and the National Saltwater Seminar Series. It will be at Rhode Island College in Providence.  This is a one day series with some of the best captains in New England. If you are feeling blue with the cold, come on out!

February 14, 2013:
Valentine special! Double Up the value of your gift certificate up to $100. For example, if you buy your loved one a $25 gift card, you get a $50 gift certificate for a charter or lesson; A $50 gift card gets you a $100.00 certificate! You may apply it to anything that I offer for the 2013 season.  Spread the word on this one. Feel free to call me if you have any questions on this!

March 8-10, 2013:
New England Saltwater Fishing Show at the RI Convention Center. Visit me at booth 1205 and get the chance to win free charter money! Book a charter at the show and test your luck at drawing a gift certificate of either $25, $50, $75 or $100 (all certificate will be sealed until you open it)!!

April 10, 2013:
New Baby bookings! With all the surprises this one is the best! My son is due on this date and as a reward back, all charters booked this week will receive one extra hour on their charter trip. You can use it to fish longer, go sightseeing or just relax. Couldn't we all use an extra hour every now and again to relax?

** You have to mention you saw it here to get any of the above discounts so please spread the word and tell you friends and family!

Well that is it for now. I am looking forward to another great season and my sincere thanks to all of my repeat customers for helping me make such a successful business. Without you I would be on dry land!

Thank you for your support,
Capt. Brian Patterson

Welcome home 2013!

2012 was a roller coaster ride for me personally. I suffered a tragic loss of my father back in February, engaged in a higher than average charter season, lost my childhood house to hurricane Sandy and found out that I am going to be a father in April of 2013.  There are no words to describe my emotions that I have felt this past year and no way to pretend that I was "in the moment" of any of them.  I know my dad would have been proud of the fish that were taken including a beautiful 49 lb striper with Sean Ross at Block Island. Had that beast eaten ANYTHING, it would have tipped the scales well above 55 lbs. Leonard Lacasse blew away the fly fishing scales with several 41 inch stripers and several new fisherman entered catch and release fish for the striper cup.   I spent many nights reflecting on this year and the times I had and had lost.  It was a painful yet satisfying year knowing that everything that happened was in the eyes of those that taught me everything I knew. From past high school friends joining me on charters to old time buddies reliving old memories, there was not a moment I could not appreciate.  I was able to get mothers with their daughters out fly fishing and fathers with their dads and son's fluke fishing. These are the times that I look back and live daily. These are the the days that I relive with my own father and know that I pass along a memories.

Thank you to everyone who was involved with my business this past year. Know that you may have walked away with memories for yourself but also gave a memories to me.

I look forward to my newborn son in the Spring and to teach him all of the things that me dad taught me... and I will have or will teach you.  

Here is to a New Year. To a year of new memories.

Sincerely,

Capt. Brian Patterson

Tautog AKA Blackfish is consistent and close to shore!

For those getting down with shorter days and cool mornings have no fear! Blackfish have been very eager to bite and getting 30-40 fish has not been hard. The hard part is only picking through some shorts to get the bigger ones next to them.  If anyone still has room left in their freezer for some of the best eating fish, give me a call! We have not even left the mouth of the bay yet so your 4 hours is going to go a long way this time of year!

Well needless to say we have been having an absolute blast on the Albacore this past week. They have showed up regularly and have been great fun for the fly rodder and light tackle spin fisherman.  Stripers have been in the mix, blues are plentiful and tautog season is on the run.  The fall is one of my favorite times and don't forget about the all might Blue Fin Tuna! This photo was courtesy of Andy Anderson, professional photographer who joined us on one our recent albacore trips.