History of fishing from Beavertail to bridge
Since early times, fishing has been both a business and a sport in Jamestown.
In 1643, Roger Williams observed that the Narragansett Indians fished both in the bay and in the open ocean with nets and spears. William Simmons, in his book “Cautantowwit’s House,” reports that as early as 3500 BC, native fishermen chipped excellent large spear points and built elaborate fish weirs.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries found the shores of Jamestown attracting large numbers of sport fishermen. Clubs and fishing camps were established, especially in the Beavertail area. To give the members and their guests a better opportunity for a successful catch, fish stands were built. Narrow iron-supported walkways extended from the top of the rocky banks straight out over the roaring surf, making it easier for the fisherman to get the bait to the fish.
When the southern tip of the Beavertail peninsula was taken over by the military in World War II, most of these camps were destroyed. However, fishing continued to be a popular sport, and in the early 1950s, the Jamestown Striper Club, named for the striped bass that were prized catches, helped organize fishing contests.
The striper club’s fishing derby was a highlight of Jamestown’s tercentenary celebration in 1957, which marked the 300th anniversary of the purchase of Conanicut, Dutch, and Gould islands from the Narragansett. The club sponsored a seven-week derby from July 1 to Aug. 17. The last week coincided with the official eight-day tercentenary celebration that included a parade, a barbeque supper and moonlight ferry rides.
There was a dance and fireworks to mark the end of the festivities at the recreation center. The Jamestown Striper Club had its own dance that Saturday at the Holy Ghost Society Hall on Narragansett Avenue. Prizes were awarded for the largest fish caught from the island in each of five species — striped bass, bluefish, flounder, tautog and scup.
The Jamestown Striper Club, formally incorporated in 1965, continues to host an annual fishing derby for its members. The 2024 derby was in October. The five-hour event culminated with a weigh-in and cookout at the Fort Wetherill boat basin. Bruce Toppa caught the two biggest tautog at 7.5 and 6.9 pounds. Jim Galloway secured the third heaviest at 4.75 pounds.
Through the years, the striper club has taken an active role in keeping Jamestown a good place for anyone, whether from Jamestown or off-island, who liked to fish. In the summer of 1965, when boats moored between the Conanicut Yacht Club and Wharton Shipyard were experiencing a rash of pilfering, members of the club volunteered to serve as special patrolmen for the area. The club supported the decision to issue fishing licenses at Beavertail and Newport and spent time investigating rights-of-way to the water, ensuring they remained open.
Fishing off the old Jamestown Bridge was popular, forbidden and dangerous, especially after the opening of the Newport-Pell Bridge in 1969 increased the traffic on the bridge. In 1974, the state proposed the construction of a 1,000-foot catwalk for fishing along the side of the Jamestown Bridge. The Jamestown Striper Club came out in favor of the plan, although it had some reservations about the details.
That same year, the club members organized the Jamestown Junior Striper Club to introduce boys and girls to the pleasure of the sport. The members taught the youngsters both fishing and boating safety.
The next year the club joined with the Businessmen’s Association to sponsor the first annual junior fishing derby at the reservoir. The annual derby is conducted each August with upwards of 100 young people between the ages of 3-14 years competing to see who can catch the largest fish. Typically, the winner has landed 4-pounders.
The striper club continues to teach fishing fundamentals to juniors. Last year, in addition to the fishing derby, the club sponsored a free educational event in June at Fort Getty. Demonstrations included tips for spin casting, flyfishing, knot-tying, fishing rigs and surf casting.
