Learn to Fish at Flaherty’s School of Fishing
August 2008

 

        What makes Flaherty Charters fishing trips so unique  from the rest of the charter fleet is their  hands-on approach. Instead of trolling two lines behind the boat and waiting for a fish to hit ,Flaherty and his skilled crew actually teach you how to catch fish yourself. Each angler has a fishing rod in his or her hand for the entire trip and is instructed  in precisely how to hook and play the fish.  Flaherty insist people learn to fish best by doing it themselves. . You are actually taught  the  art of angling. Flaherty really  believes in the old adage, “give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed for  life.   Capt. Tim  Flaherty is a  retired high school teacher and formerly an adjunct professor of history at Rhode Island College. Mate,  Brendan O’Neil has a masters degree in  marine biology and is presently a high school  biology teacher. Together , they claim  they can teach anyone the skills needed  to become an accomplished angler. Flaherty tells us that some of the children he has taught over the years have become accomplished anglers along with their parents. “Every year families return to fish with us and  for many,  they tell us, it is  the highlight of their vacation .” “We just love to see them in action as the ledgemonster  or bass hits  the bait  causing the  drag to scream as 60 yards of line peel off the reel  in seconds.” Then the battle begins sometimes lasting up to 15 minutes.

     Fishing has been a passion for the Flaherty Clan for generations  and they promise to share their enthusiasm  for angling and their love of the ocean.  Mate Brendan, whose grandfather fished these water back in the late 1800’s  is well suited for his task.. He  is always willing to  shares his knowledge of marine life in the bay and Flaherty can offer  you a history lesson as well.

       Flaherty Charters offer half day ( four hours) or full day (six  hours) trips and in the fall, sunset fishing trips.  They can be ready to fish with only 30 minutes notice. Everything you need for the trip will be provided. You can see what they are catching by cheching their ads in the “Traveler” or “Newport This Week” or visiting their website @ flahertycharters.com.

       Flaherty Charters is conveniently located at scenic  Castle Hill Resort & Marina in Smuggler Cove  on Ocean Drive where you will find ample free parking. From Smugglers cove the fishing, grounds are only minutes away, Fishing classes are now in session.

 

John Pantalone

Travler Newspaper Editor

Lecturer

Dept. Of Journalism U.R.I.