Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith was finally able to find some time with no flags flying to get out on the blackfish grounds this week and reported a solid catch. The shallower spots didn’t produce much of a bite, but a move to some deeper structure produced some nice tog to 10-pounds. The numbers are down, but there are still plenty of fish in the mix. They also found some hungry sea bass and a few nice cod in the mix. The seasons not quite over yet and Captain Cole is just hoping we can piece together a couple nice sailing days in a row. Be sure to check their website or with the office for updates on the sailing schedule.
Captain Connor, at Tall Tailz Charters has had a hard time finding some weather windows to get out but was able to get out before the storm this Thursday and is finding some nice tautog on the deeper pieces of structure in the area. Green and white crabs fished on rigs or jigs are all still getting the job done. There are still some big knot head sea bass in the mix, along with a few quality cod. He will continue to fish through December, and has some available dates open as long as the weather cooperates. So be sure to reach out asap for a chance to get one late season tog trip in!
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs said that there has still been plenty of interest in tautog fishing whenever anglers have been able to get out there. There have been solid numbers of keeper fish caught again this week with some really nice ones mixed in along with cod and sea bass as well. A few local anglers also reported some decent bass blitzes recently, but that bite seemed to slow over the past day or two. Perhaps the storm this weekend will kick the stripers back into gear one last time. Store hours for the coming weeks will be Wednesday through Friday from 9 to 6 and Saturday from 9 until 3. Keep an eye on their Facebook page in the weeks ahead for the always popular 12 rods of Christmas and mystery boxes.
Dustin from R.I. Kayak Fishing Adventures reports:
“Winter temperatures have set in but there are still great fishing opportunities in fresh and saltwater. Trout fishing is very solid right after the last round of stocking. Largemouth fishing also pretty decent on finesse presentations. On the saltwater fishing side, holdovers are providing some fun light tackle action. Though most are schoolie sized fish, some slot fish are being caught as well. Cold water kayak fishing is a blast, however, extra safety precautions should be taken. Check out www.rikfa.com to book your kayak and/or shore fishing trip today!”
Matt, from Snug Harbor Marina reports that the tog bite was still holding up nicely when the weather decides to cooperate. The fish are getting a bit finicky, but there are still good numbers of blackfish in 80-120 feet of water. The codfish numbers also appear to be holding steady, both around the island and on the deeper structure locally. Striped bass reports were quiet this week, but there should be some school bass action to be had in the salt ponds and tidal estuaries.
Captain Rob, at Newport Sportfishing Charters, told me that the tautog fishing has been difficult due to the weather, but the few trips he has made have continued to be successful. The fishing should continue to stay steady right through December, even if the fish start transitioning to some deeper pieces of structure, and he’s hoping to sneak in a few more trips if the weather allows. There is also no shortage of nice cod and sea bass in the mix.
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
The weather hasn’t been helping Rhode Island anglers extend their saltwater season too much, but perhaps we’ll get lucky before the holiday, and have some opportunities to take advantage of the strong tog, cod, and sea bass bite. Big tog are still being reported around the state, for those that are still trying, and there have been quite a few big cod in the mix this week. Those looking for some light tackle action should have no shortage of mixed-sized striped bass to play with, both out front and entering the salt ponds and bays.