CAPTAIN RICK CATALDI

Seaward Charters

Captain Rick started his fishing career at 8 years old when his father introduced him to angling in the waters around Warwick Neck. He remembers his first fish, a black sea bass, and he has been fishing ever since.

When asked about his early experiences Rick recalled one time that he was scup fishing with his dad off the southern tip of Prudence Island. While reeling in one of the scup, it was suddenly inhaled by a very large fluke. This made a great impression on the young fisherman. Rick still fishes with his father once or twice a week during the season.

Eight years ago he made the decision to quit his "indoor" job and become a charter captain. He bought a 21' center console, named it the Top Cat , and started doing charters in the bay for bass and blues.

Since that first boat he has bought another boat just about every year. The list includes a 28' Bertram, a 31' Bertram, a 39' Striker, a 46' Bertram, and a 33" Merrit. Some great rides to get to the fish!

The first couple of years he was just scratching to get by. During this period he also started his boat repair service. He learned his trade the old fashioned way, by making mistakes and moving forward. His mechanical ability and tenacity allowed his business to flourish.

Captain Rick's favorite charter is when the anglers come on happy and leave the same way. I asked Rick what kind of fishing he most enjoys. His reply was scup. "Give me a light rod and a pound of squid," he said, "and I'm all set." He did about 15 scup charters this year.

He voiced disappointment that the tuna fishing has been slow the last couple of years. Then told the story how he and a couple of fellow members went off shore earlier this year and only caught one skipjack tuna for their trouble. A long ride for one fish.

Rick expressed his dissatisfaction in the way the resource is being managed. The commercial sector knows how to spend money. This is something that the recreational people need to learn. Some bright spots that he sees is the striped bass and black sea bass fishery.

He remembers the difficulty when he started in the business and would be willing to advise anyone thinking about becoming a charter captain.

If you would like to go fishing in a comfortable boat with an experienced captain call Capt. Rick Cataldi at 401-739-5286. Information is also available at his web site www.seawardcharters.com