Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith reported strong fishing over the past few days, with big fluke for the dinner table, along with easy limits of sea bass. Sunday’s trip saw the biggest flatfish of the week, weighing in at 10.8-pounds. There has been a number of fluke in the 7- to 9-pound range showing this week as well. The best part is that they’re not only getting big fluke, but they’re also getting them within a half hour of the dock. They are still running three trips a day, and you can get a look at their full schedule and make reservations on their website, or you can call the office. 

Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, reports that the tuna bite has stayed consistent, and is garnering the most angler interest, whenever the weather has allowed. Some seriously large striped bass are still patrolling the waters around Block Island, while locally there are some nice bass being taken in the deepwater out front. The black sea bass bite has been best around Block Island, but there has also been some decent action around Sakonnet. Some big fluke have hit the scales this week as well, but the bite remains spotty. The scup are still plentiful, with the best reports coming from Tiverton, Jamestown, and Narragansett. Blue crabbing is reported as very good in the salt ponds for those looking for a different option.   

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. 

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

Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that the striped bass fishing has got a bit tougher locally, as the water has warmed up quite a bit. The reefs around the mouth of the bay are still holding some nice fish, but your best bet is targeting them after dark with a live eel. There are still plenty of big bluefish in the bay, and they’re willing to hit most offerings. Black sea bass fishing has been producing pretty well on the deeper pieces of structure, and there are still plenty of scup around. Fluke reports have been slower this week, but word is that they’re still around in decent numbers. Offshore anglers are still having good success for bluefin and yellowfin south of Block and around Marthas Vineyard.  

Eric at The Saltwater Edge in Middletown reports that warm water continues to be the story when it comes to bass in Rhode Island. Eric said:

“Lately, we’ve been seeing some picky bass rafting up on the surface feeding on snot bait and crab larvae. These bass can be infuriatingly picky but for the fly angler, this can be an opportunity to size down and land some great fish on top. Flies like Mikkelsons’s Epoxy Baitfish come close to looking like what’s in the water if you keep it moving at the right pace.  Just remember what works one day may not work the next!

Connor, at Tail Tailz Charters reports that the bite has remained strong as ever in his neck of the woods. They’ve been able to get out to the tuna grounds a couple times this week, and the bite keeps getting better. Yellowfin tuna numbers have continued to increase, and they are crushing top water and trolled offerings. The bluefin bite has been more consistent on jigs and soft plastics closer to the bottom. The bass fishing has been excellent with tons of quality fish to well over 40 pounds. They’re seeing a big push of fish over 40 inches all over the southern reefs. The top water bite has been the best it’s been all season with large gator blues and big bass putting on a show. Vertical jigging for sea bass has been very productive around the slack tides or on the freezer filling trips.  

Jay, at Pamela May Charters told me that the warmer water has the striped bass holding tight to deeper structure, but you can get them to come out and play on the surface in the evenings and during the early morning hours. The Block Island cow striper bite has remained consistent and remains your best bet for a big linesider. Bluefishing has been consistent throughout the day, with fish all the way to 40 inches showing up on topwaters this week. Big sea bass have been plentiful around Point Judith and there have been enough nice fluke in the mix to keep things interesting. The south shore beaches are holding some nice fluke as well, but you have to weed through a lot of shorts. Tuna fishing remains lights out close to home, with the troll producing in the mornings and a strong jig bite in the afternoons. With the water being as warm as it is, we should be seeing some bonito in the area shortly.  

 

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Dustin at, Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures reports that the striped bass action remains pretty hot, despite the rising water temperatures. There are large schools of bass and bluefish mixed together, so while you have to pick through some blues, there is no shortage of action. Bottom fishing has also been steady, with keeper fluke and sea bass showing up a little more consistently. This season has also produced some really big scup, along with some nice triggerfish. Mackerel, along with some large schools of smaller bait have inundated the area, so anglers are starting to gear up for the albie/bonito run. Getting out early in the morning or closer to sunset will produce the best results, especially on large presentations or reaction baits. Scale down to finesse presentations during the middle of the day. With the fall run right around the corner, more and more dates are being booked. Be sure to check out rikfa.com to book your kayak and/or shore fishing trip today! 

• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain in 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 of the week has been the tuna bite south of the island. On the days that the weather cooperates, even anglers in smaller vessels are finding a steady pick of yellowfin on the troll, and some quality bluefin on the jig. 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. 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. Freshwater anglers have no shortage of opportunities, with strong reports for post-spawn largemouth, crappie, pike, carp, and trout.