For travel information, call the New Hampshire Office of Travel and Tourism at (603) 271-2665. In early July, fishing for schoolies is especially good in the lower Connecticut River.

RHODE ISLAND
The Ocean State is literally one great striper hotspot after another.

Offshore in the southern part of the state is one of the best base camps an angler could hope for -- Block Island. Stripers and bluefish are the most common sport fish here, both inshore and offshore.

The island is accessible via the Block Island Ferry. Call (401) 783-4613. For charter services, lodging and other travel information phone (401) 466-5200.

The south shore is loaded with excellent striper-fishing opportunities. Seven-mile Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly is known for its striper runs, right up until the snow flies! The state-owned portion has ample parking.

For access, take Route 78 or U.S. Route 1. Or use the Westerly Boat Ramp on Main Street.

Quonochontaug Beach is known for its consistent surfcasting action. A state-owned concrete ramp provides access to the Quonochontaug Breachway off West Beach Road.

Anglers with boating access can expect steady action anywhere outside the Charlestown Breachway.

State-owned concrete launch slabs provide access to the breachway at the west end of Charlestown Beach Road.

Snug Harbor in South Kingstown offers a town-owned ramp off Gooseberry Road that allows anglers access to the Atlantic Ocean, Potter Pond and Point Judith. While in South Kingstown, be sure to check out the Narrow River off Pettaquamscutt Road.

There's a concrete launch between Middle Bridge Road and Bridgetown Road, and several bridges along the river provide shore access.

In Point Judith Harbor, charters are plentiful and a public ramp is available. From Route 1, take Old Point Judith Road (Route 108) to Galilee Road. Turn right to reach the access site.

Be sure to check out Point Judith Pond as well. Access may be had at the harbor end off Great Island Road and at the upper end at Ram Point.

Within Narragansett Bay north of Point Judith are countless popular access points that offer great striper fishing. In Narragansett, there's a state-owned concrete launch off Ocean Road on South Pier Road.

Check DeLorme's Connecticut-Rhode Island Atlas and Gazetteer, page 75, for more access sites.

Jamestown on Conanicut Island is another excellent vantage point for shore fishing and boating excursions.

Fish the rocky shoreline around the Jamestown Bridge or the point at Fort Wetherill State Park, where there are also boat launch facilities. Or head to the Fort Getty Recreation Area off Beavertail Road to use the town-owned concrete ramp. There is a parking fee when the park is open.

Sakonnet Harbor juts into Rhode Island Sound south of Little Compton on Route 77. Troll with the flow here and go slow. At sunrise, stripers hang out in 12 to 20 feet of water along the reefs.

Access may be had off Sakonnet Point Road (Route 77) via linked concrete planks.

For more fishing information call (401) 222-6800.

For travel information, call 1-800- 556-2484.