Rhode Island Fishing Report- August 10, 2023

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith reported good fishing on the recent full and half day trips. The full-day grounds have been a bit of a roller coaster lately, so they decided to try some new grounds and it paid off. They have been finding full sea bass limits and many fluke limits around the boat, with high hooks managing fluke to 10-pounds. The half day fishing has also been strong with fluke, sea bass, scup and plenty of mackerel to keep the rods bent. Full day trips leave the dock at 7 a.m. and half day trips leave at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Trips can be booked online or by calling the office. 

Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, reports that the nearshore tuna fishing remains strong for both recreational and charter anglers. There has been a nice mix of small, medium and giant class bluefin taking jigs, trolling lures and topwater offerings. There has also been a nice mix of yellowfin and mahi in the mix.  Striped bass anglers are still finding some big bass out in front of the bay and along the south shore, but the best big bass bite is still out at the island. Bottom fishermen are reporting plenty of scup in the lower bay and at India Park Pond, along with improving fluke and sea bass action. Tautog action has been good for those who have been trying, with solid reports from boat, kayak, and shore anglers. Blue crabbing has improved locally, while freshwater anglers are reporting improved largemouth action on shiners in the local lakes and ponds.  

Eric, at The Saltwater Edge in Newport told me that most anglers are waiting patiently for the first albies to arrive, and it could be any day now in eastern areas, so make sure to keep your eyes open for any funny looking water. Anglers targeting tautog are finding some solid catches in cooler, deeper water, but they should continue to transition to shallower pieces. Signs of improving inshore striped bass fishing are here, including the peanut bunker being in their late summer haunts. Right now, it looks like just snapper blues on them but any day now the bigger bass are going to start looking for the peanuts and feeding on them.” 

• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain in Rhode Island

Ian, at Ranger Charters was finally able to put a good amount of time into the offshore game and told me that the bite is red hot! They’ve found a great jig bite, with medium class bluefins and enough yellowfin to keep things interesting. All their clients are going home with plenty of meat while also enjoying catch and release tuna fishing all day.  

Rob, at Newport Sportfishing Charters has been spending most of his time either hunting big bass or pelagics. The big bass have been holding in deeper water since the recent heatwave, but he is finding plenty. The inshore waters are still holding good numbers of linesiders, along with the glut of big fish around Block Island. The tuna bite has been holding up well south of Block, around the Dump, with a nice pick of yellowfin and mixed sized bluefin. Rob has also been finding some bonus cobia not too far from home, which is always a nice bonus. 

Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that the striped bass bite was a bit slower in the bay this week, as the water continues to warm. Bass action remains steadier at the island, but you can find plenty of bluefish chasing mackerel locally. Fluke fishing seems to have picked up this week, with a good number of limit catches and fish to 10-pounds. The deeper pieces of structure are holding plenty of black sea bass, while those targeting tautog are reporting good results. The date for this years Tog Classic will be October 8th, so stay tuned for more details.  

• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain in Rhode Island

Connor, at Tail Tailz Charters reports that the fishing has been great for him, both inshore and offshore. They are still seeing good numbers of striped bass from 40-50-pounds, along with some big schools of fish in the slot range. The bluefish bite has died down a bit, but there are still plenty of opportunities, especially on topwaters. The offshore bite is lights out and shows no sign of slowing. Bluefin from 40-inches to giant class are willing to hit jigs and there are loads of yellowfin taking topwater plugs and side tracker bars. 

Jay, at Pamela May Charters told me that fishing has been great, both inshore and off. When they got out to the tuna grounds, they were able to jig up a nice mix of yellowfin and bluefin. Trolling during the early morning hours then transitioning to jigging seems to be the best bit for big numbers. Striped bass have been plentiful during the early morning hours in local waters, while Block is producing good fish both day and night on eels and tubes. There have been some scant reports of bonito to the east, so it shouldn’t be long before they start to filter in with the albies. 

Dustin at, Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures reports that the standard August bite keeps going. Striped bass fishing is solid, however on most days getting to the water at first light or for last light has been the ticket for bigger fish. Big bluefish are still around, and, on most days, they aren’t too shy to bite! Now is a prime time to target late-summer fluke, as the fishing has improved quite a bit. Black sea bass is the same ole story, having the patience to pick through the shorts will eventually yield some keepers on most days. Consistent hardtail action is right around the corner, leaving most anglers salivating for the start of the fall run. Freshwater action has been good, with solid largemouth, crappie, and carp action. What is arguably the best time of year to fish will be here before you know it, so be sure to head over to rifka.com to book your trip before it’s too late. 

Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

Rhode Island anglers have plenty of options, whether it’s staying close to home or heading to the land of the giants around Block Island. The biggest draw remains the tuna bite south of the island. This might sound like a broken record, but the bite continues to improve. Just about everyone with a capable boat and a weather window has been able to score some tunas. The Block Island big striped bass bite is in full swing, and those fish don’t seem to care what time of day it is. Closer to home, the striped bass are hanging on deeper structure, as the water continues to warm, and it has become a bit tougher unless you’re fishing low light conditions. A few more scant reports of false albacore and bonito are starting to trickle in, and it shouldn’t be long before we start getting the consistent reports. Fluke reports improved greatly this week, so while not lock and load, the current bite seems to be one of the best of the year. The sea bass season has been strong since the opener and is seemingly improving throughout the state on a daily basis. Scup has been rounding out the catch nicely, with plenty of keepers for shore and boat anglers. Summer tautog fishing has opened up as well and is producing very well for the anglers that are getting after it. Freshwater anglers have no shortage of opportunities, with strong reports for post-spawn largemouth, crappie, pike, carp, and trout.