A 2004 Trophy 1703 Center Console with a 90 HP Mercury outboard and galvanized trailer is the prize for a raffle sponsored by the Rhode Island Recreational Fishing Advisory Board.  The funds raised from this raffle will be used by the Board for Rhode Island marine projects including improved public access, herring run restoration, and matching funds for federal and private grants - to name a few.

The Rhode Island Recreational Fishing Advisory Board was created last year after the defeat of the recreational fishing license proposal.  Those meetings of the Recreational License Subcommittee showed that there was a severe lack of funding for Rhode Island recreational fishing programs, and that the state DEM was so badly underfunded that the recreational fishing community could not look to them for help.  So those members of that License Subcommittee decided to stick together, incorporating as the Rhode Island Recreational Fishing Advisory Board.

The Board has met many times during the past year, seeking ways to earn funds for projects.  It is comprised of the leaders (or delegates) of nearly every saltwater fishing club in the state, in addition to representatives of charter boats and bait shops.

The tickets for this raffle will sell for $5.00 each and will be available at most club meetings and events throughout the year.  The boat will also be transported to many of these functions for participants to view.

The actual raffle will take place at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show on March 7, 2004 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Tickets are available from any of the following Board members: George Allen (Newport County Saltwater Fishing Club); David Alves (East Bay Anglers); Paul Bettencourt (Slater Mill Fishing Club); Richard Brady (RISAA); Michael Bucko (Bucko’s Parts & Tackle); Charles Casella (Massachusetts Striped Bass Association); Al Conti (R.I.Marine Trades Association); Peter Fay (Jamestown Striper Club); Bob Hines (Rhody Fly Rodders); A.J. Hocking (CT/RI Coastal Fly Fishers); Richard Lyons (RISAA); Doug Macpherson (RISAA); Robert Masse (RISAA); Steve Medeiros (RISAA); Robert Moeller (RISAA); Ronald Mouchon (Breachway Bait & Tackle); Noel Nutini (Weekapaug Surfcasters); Dan Pedro (Narragansett Pier Saltwater Fishing Association); David Potter (Benjamin’s Fishing Club); Capt. John Rainone (R.I. Party & Charter Boat Association); Capt. Steve Segerson (RISAA); Jerry Shepherd (Narragansett Salt Water Fishing Club); Eugene Spring (R.I. Mobile Sportfishermen); Roger Tellier (Bristol County Striper Club); Joseph Terino (Galilee Tuna Club); Capt. James White (CT/RI Coastal Fly Fishers); Dennis Zambrotta (Newport County Saltwater Fishing Club). 

A special deal was given to the Board by Boat World in Warwick, RI who agreed to maintain the boat until March.  The 17 foot boat features a baitwell, tackle storage, under deck and side rod holders, anchor locker and coaming caps  and two built-in tackle boxes.

Send check or money order, payable to "R.I. Recreational Fishing Advisory Board" and mail to:
R.I. Rec Board
6 Arnold Road
Coventry, RI  02816

Please include a self-address, stamped envelope.