Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), said he was flooded by e-mails from his members, alarmed by last Sunday’s Outdoor Notes column.

In it was the story of an angler who caught a trophy red drum on inexpensive tackle off a public fishing pier in Georgia. The column suggested that Rhode Island should increase and improve public fishing access throughout the state while developing less expensive plans for a public pier at Plum Point in North Kingstown.

In a message to Medeiros, one of the group’s members said he tells tourists in Rhode Island that the bluefish he catches are actually tuna. He told Medeiros that the angler I interviewed in Georgia also was lying about the trophy redfish that I saw, and that I was too ignorant about fish to know what I had seen.

Three readers wrote to me directly.

Armand Tetreault said:

“I read your article about the fishing pier and initially we (the fishing community) only wanted to use the old bridge, but unfortunately it was deemed unsafe and has to be demolished. Subsequently the plans for the pier were formed. Unfortunately we have been losing lots of public fishing access in the state for some time and we need places for the average person to go and catch some fish. The people in the area of the old bridge/new pier were complaining vehemently not to allow it and we fought very hard to come up with something that would be acceptable to them, and it’s still nearly impossible. But by providing a quality park it should stay better looking and be less of a not-in-my-backyard issue to them.

“Maybe this will help to balance your opinion on the proposed pier.”

John Vivari wrote:

“I’m disappointed you did not do research about the Plum Point Pier proposal. Your conclusion does not reflect what is already known by others that have studied the matter. I hope you are more diligent in the future, else you be sensed as not trustworthy.”

CJ Rice, a member of RISAA’s fishing piers committee, wrote:

“I found your article on the fishing pier in Sunday’s paper rather disappointing. Apparently your attitude and approach towards the Plum Point Pier seems crafted after the Georgia fisherman’s pursuit of big reds from the old ferry dock. Rhode Island has a serious problem with rapidly dwindling shore access for everyday people. The Plum Point facility is an investment in the livability of Rhode Island. I have made my home in many different communities around the U.S. and Canada. One consistent emblem of civic pride and the commitment to quality of life is the parks and commons. I’m afraid you’re a wellhead of ignorance on the pier. The remnants of the old Jamestown bridge are condemned so the whole article is a red herring . Your shortsighted and miserly position on Plum Point is the very attitude that is selling out Rhode Island public shore access.

“DEM undertook significant study on the location of the Plum Point location. Excellent fishing opportunities exist at this site due to the proximity of deep water. Fishing piers should be lighted to attract bait. Much of the costlier improvements were the result of appeasing the concerns of area residents. You fail to address the numerous success stories of fishing piers up and down the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, not to mention myriad civic improvements such as rails to trails that have led to a higher quality of life for many communities. The public piers in the Tampa Bay area as well as the Pinellas Trail are a fine example of what these facilities look like and the positive impact afforded to both residents and visitors. What about the East Bay Bike Path right here in Rhode Island or the renovations in Providence? Infrastructure is not a cheap investment.

“Getting back to your story of the guy with the 65-pound red. I take it you feel Rhode Island needs to apply a similar approach to public access — DEM can head on over to Wal-Mart and pick up a few Jersey barriers and make like Georgia. Do you really expect anyone to believe the guy in your story pulled a 65-pound red up on the pier with a Zebco spincaster? I think that fellow was pulling your leg, Tom. However, you are consistent, like the rest of your story on the piers: unlikely, unreal and even comical. I can see the rows of porta-potties lined up on a dirt parking lot at Plum Point, the southerly winds wafting the odors clear up to Wickford. Greeting visitors as they head up the Jamestown Bridge. Very funny. Nice fish tale, but no substitute for good print journalism. Please check your facts, Tom, and get on the right side of this issue! We could use your help.”

RISAA double-header

Charter-boat skipper Jack Sprengel will join TV sportscaster Don Coyne to talk about fishing in Rhode Island when RISAA meets tomorrow in West Warwick.

Sprengel will share his secrets for catching bonito and little tunny, and Coyne will show favorite segments from his show, Fishing The Ocean State.

On the big screen, Coyne will feature several local fishing experts, many of them RISAA members.

The doubleheader is scheduled to start tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the West Valley Inn in West Warwick. Non-members are charged $10 to benefit the group’s scholarship fund.

More information is available on RISAA’s Web site, www.risaa.org/seminars/seminar0408

tmeade@projo.com