To our Breachway Bait & Tackle customers - We are extremely grateful for all your support since we purchased the shop in 2021. We hope our guidance, service and products have helped you enjoy fishing and the outdoors of Southern Rhode Island. This summer has presented all of us with the challenges of a damaged Charlestown Breachway. Our main concerns along with you is the health of the pond, safety of our customers, changes in fishability, and the negative impact on the local economy.
The overall health of the Ninigret pond is what is attractive to our customers as well as ocean access. Sand migration in the Breachway's mouth and channel is impeding both of these. We worry that the water quality will rapidly deteriorate and that swimming and clamming will no longer be possible in the pond. It is unsafe to navigate the Breachway. We have informed and displayed posters in our shop on the navigational difficulties of the Breachway. Unfortunately the overall condition continues to get worse. The plan of waiting to see if the Breachway would naturally repair itself has left it in more disrepair.
Lastly Fishing the Breachway has changed! What has been a draw for more than 60 years for arguably one of the best shore fishing locations on RI'S south shore is now being compromised. This place is home to unique fishing techniques and structure which is sought after by die-hard fisherman. Fisherman travel hours to this location because of its reputation. The traditional drifting plugs out of the mouth has changed drastically with a slower drift and less volume of water moving in and out. What once was rock structure is now sand. What once was 8' deep the middle of the channel is now 3-4'. Valuing the Breachway for what is was when your out on the rocks at the end of September at 2:30 a.m. during the first two hours of outgoing with ocean mist surrounding you a slight southwest wind and nothing but a rod and a headlamp. This place is truly special and we know all of you appreciate it to the fullest.
As you can expect, this has already had a detrimental impact on our business and the economy of Charlestown as a whole. For our community, a timeless repair is crucial. Again we appreciate everyone's support.
Call to Action:
We would appreciate you contacting the local and state government so they understand how critical a timely repair to the Breachway is and waiting another year or two will have serious consequences. Below are some links and phone numbers along with a short survey to voice your concerns about the damaged Charlestown Breachway. Thank you for your assistance!
Governor McKee-Contact Us Page: Phone: 401-222-2080
Senator Whitehouse - Contact Us Page: Phone 401 453-5294
Representative Magaziner Contact Us Page: 401-244-1201
CRMC Contact Us Page
Join us in shaping the future by participating in a community survey addressing coastal resilience and the Charlestown Breachway Barrier beach lagoon system. This joint effort with the Town of Charlestown, URI, and the Coastal Resource Center aims to study and address coastal stressors affecting our community. Your input matters. Take the anonymous survey, lasting about 10 minutes, via this link: Charlestown Breachway Survey
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