Rhode Island Fishing Report- August 3, 2023

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith reported good fishing on the recent full and half day trips. They have been seeing quite a few nice sized fluke up to around 10 pounds along with plenty of keeper black sea bass coming over the rails. Customers are leaving with plenty of fresh filets from the dinner table. 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. Anglers have been catching both yellowfin and bluefin by trolling green, pink, and purple spreader bars. Anglers are also hooking up on 150-200-gram chatter jigs and 4–8-ounce plastics from RonZ, Hogy, and Al Gags. 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 out front, along with improving fluke and sea bass action. Rhode Island summer tautog season has also opened and anglers are finding some on the south shore ledges and rockpiles. Dave has green crabs in stock for anglers looking to find some summer tog. 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 not much has changed over the past week in Rhode Island. The near-shore pelagic fishing is garnering the most attention, with both recreational and charter anglers reporting strong tuna catches. Fluke and sea bass fishing is also keeping the interest of many anglers, with fluke fishing improving and sea bass holding steady. The late summer tautog fishing is starting up and we should have a great fall ahead of us! Scattered albie and bonito reports continue to trickle in from around the islands, and while they haven’t invaded locally, it’s starting to feel close!

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 summer fishing patterns have continued across Rhode Island. Climbing water temperatures has made local striped bass fishing a bit tougher locally, but anglers fishing live baits after dark are still scoring some good fish. Some substantial mackerel schools have shown up in the area, and the big bluefish have taken notice. Ground fishing is holding up well, with improved fluke reports this week, and steady sea bass action on all the deep reefs and rockpiles.

Connor, at Tall Tailz Charters in Newport 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 had 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 has been getting into some good topwater striped bass fishing around Narragansett, as tons of bait has invaded the area. The fish are taking small topwater spooks but are also responding very well to albie snax. Block Island is still producing big numbers of 40-pound class fish on eels, and solid fluke numbers, although it’s still mostly shorts. The offshore bite has been going strong for anglers who are steaming out there, with yellowfin on the troll and some nice bluefin on the jigs.

Dustin at, Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures reports that the theme continues with solid striped bass and bluefish action. It seems that as we inch closer to the fall run more and more blitzes are happening. Within most blitzes are a wide range of fish sizes and multiple species. Some anglers have even gotten Cobia recently, which is another awesome surprise. Bottom fishing has been pretty steady, with a nice pick of keeper fluke, sea bass, and monster scup. Largemouth fishing has been very good, especially around dawn and dusk. With fall run right around the corner, be sure to contact Dustin for a kayak or shore fishing trip asap!

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

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. 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 anglers are smashing their personal bests daily. Closer to home, the striped bass are hanging on deeper structure, as the water continues to warm. Anglers fishing low light or after dark are finding the best results locally. A few 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 have been up and down, but generally some good catches are being reported for anglers that have gotten away from the crowds/commonly fished areas. 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 providing another great option. Freshwater anglers have no shortage of opportunities, with strong reports for post-spawn largemouth, crappie, pike, carp, and trout.