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. They have also been targeting black sea bass and cod with mixed results. Looking ahead, they will be running trips for black sea bass and cod through the end of the year and likely sailing for cod early in 2023 when the weather cooperates. In the winter months, it’s best to call the office to inquire on when they plan on fishing as plans can change quickly based on the weather.
Captain Connor, at Tall Tailz Charters reports that his 2022 season is slowly coming to a close. The seemingly non-stop December wind has just about made sure of that. When they were able to sneak out, they ran about 20 miles offshore to find slightly warmer water with active tog. They’ve had to move around a lot to find the right pieces holding quality tog. White crabs on rigs are the ticket this time of year if you specifically want blackfish. There’s been a nice bycatch of cod and seabass mixed in. Your odds for cod will increase with clams, no doubt. They’ve had success fishing some of the larger wrecks and high points in the deeper water from 90 to 130 feet. If the weather allows, Connor plans to fish through December. Not ready to call it quits just yet!
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs said that a few people are still getting a few tautog, but that fishery is starting to wind down locally. Holdover striped bass activity has picked up a bit and will keep anglers busy through the winter months. 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.
Matt, from Snug Harbor Marina reports that a few anglers are still catching striped bass from the local beaches, rivers, and salt ponds. There aren’t many people still targeting these fish but those putting in their time are still catching a few fish. Tautog fishing is all but done for the year but there are still boats doing pretty well for black sea bass and cod south of Block Island. The shop will remain open with normal business hours through the end of the year for all of your holiday shopping needs.
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 there looks to be a few potential weather windows next week for anglers to get out and cash in on the tog, cod, and sea bass bite on last time for 2022. 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.