The nor’easter that hammered New England this week certainly put a halt on some of the better December fishing, but luckily it wasn’t snow and we should be back to normal in a few days. Inland anglers may want to focus on some local lakes and ponds, as the rivers remain flooded and temperatures are going to keep larger bodies of water from freezing anytime in the immediate future. One last weekend of tautog fishing remains in Rhode Island, and the pleasant weather outlook should call for one last opportunity to fill your freezer.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Roger of the Frances Fleet in Narragansett reported a great day of fishing and weather aboard the Gail Frances this past Saturday. With calm seas all day long, drifts were easy and the fish were biting. A mixed bag of fat green cod, along with plenty of limits of black sea bass kept everyone aboard the boat busy. Fresh shucked skimmers on double hook setups were the top producer for big cod, as the fish weren’t interested in hitting the jigs.
Saturday also produced a successful tautog trip aboard the Lady Frances, according to Captain Mike who reported a couple of limit catches, a fair amount of keeper fish and plenty of “just short” fish to keep the action going. Along with consistent tautog action there was a good deal of keeper cod as by-catch with a few of the cod hitting the low-teens.
The past few days have been a wash due to the weather, but Friday thru Sunday look to be much better and both boats plan on sailing for the next three days. Monday will be the last day for tautog season in Rhode Island, so this weekend might be a good one to stock up the freezer one last time.
Steve, at Quaker Lane Bait and Tackle in North Kingstown has started to hear some rumbings of schoolie stripers being caught in the usual haunts along the Providence River. The weather has put a damper on the most of the river fishing for the past few days, but this time of year usually sees a good bite in that area. Soft plastics on 3/8 –ounce or ¼-ounce jigheads are the most consistent producers as the water cools and the fish become a bit too lethargic to chase large swimming plugs. A few school bass are still hanging around the salt ponds and breachways, and the first reports of Atlantic herring in those same locations are starting to come in.
While the lakes and ponds of the northern elevations are starting to see some skim ice in the morning, we are still a couple of weeks away from safe ice. Open water bass fishing has been very good across Rhode Island, and River and Riptide Angler in Coventry reported that the trout fishing was also strong before the heavy rains. It will take a few more days for the flows to subside, but consider checking out the Wood River towards the latter part of the weekend; which is forecasted to be dry and on the warmer side.
Best Bets for the Weekend
A tough weather week has kept reports at a minimum, but good fishing last weekend and a good weekend forecast ahead of us should equal some more excellent early winter fishing.
headed out to block island for new years.should i leave my pole home?and if not do you any suggestions.I only fish from shore
Not likely to be much action, as far as I know, at least in saltwater.