RHODE ISLAND
Since 1999, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife has managed black bass populations in state waters through the federal aid Largemouth Bass Management program.

According to Phillip Edwards, a DEM fisheries biologist, the federal funds let the Division of Fish and Wildlife monitor bass populations throughout the state through fall electro-shocking and by sampling at tournament weigh-ins held by local bass clubs each summer and fall.

"Sampling during summer and fall 2007 resulted in abundant healthy fish with many in the 5- to 6-pound range," Edwards said. "In addition, preliminary results from fall electro-shocking have shown abundant young-of-the-year largemouth bass.

"Due to the low water conditions during the fall of 2007, it has been difficult for anglers with large bass boats to gain access to some lakes and ponds, though a new ramp was constructed at Worden Pond," Edwards continued.

"Bass fishing for the 2008 season is predicted to be good and access to many of the systems will be enhanced as water levels increase with late fall and winter precipitation."

Edwards was happy to point anglers in the right direction for battling bass. He mentioned the Wilson and Upper Slatersville reservoirs as great summer bass destinations. Wilson may be accessed via a state boat ramp off East Wallum Pond Road in Burrillville. The Upper Slatersville Reservoir offers 138 acres of bass water with a largely undeveloped shoreline. Growth rates for largemouth bass here are higher than average.

There's a state boat ramp off Route 102 in North Smithfield.

Beginning in 2008, Maine anglers will be subject to several new general regulations on black bass, all geared toward creating a quality fishery.

Other good places to target bass include Belleville Pond in North Kingstown and Tiogue Lake in Coventry. Access to Bellville can be had within Ryan's Park off of Oak Hill Road. There is a state boat ramp at Tiogue off Arnold Road, and a town launch site off Route 3.

Another great Coventry bass water is Johnson's Pond (Flat River Reservoir). Access is at Zekes Bridge off the Harkney Hill Road.