(Above) Dustin Stevens of R.I. Kayak Fishing Adventures caught this bucketmouth during a recent kayak fishing outing.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has had a quiet couple of weeks due to some persistent winds, but is back in the water and taking reservations. With spring approaching quickly, they should be getting out to target cod very soon, and they will likely be scheduling some squid trips in the near future as well. To check on the schedule for upcoming trips and to make reservations check out their website or call the office.
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that he has been focused on getting the shop back in order and completing his spring rod builds. They are fully stocked for the upcoming season and will be open 7 days a week starting on April 1st. Fishing reports have been quiet, but freshwater anglers are still reporting a strong largemouth bass bite in most of the local ponds. Saltwater anglers haven’t been able to get out to the cod grounds too often, but are starting to find some better holdover bass fishing in the ponds and back bays. It could be an early year for arriving migratory bass after the mild winter we’ve had, so you may start seeing some anglers working the beaches soon.
Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina said that they have been getting the shop and marina ready for the upcoming season. They don’t have set hours just yet, but will be opening up on weekends in early April and then back to full time on May 1st. In terms of fishing, Elisa has been hearing reports of some nice sized holdover striped bass in the 28- to 30-inch range being caught over the past few days. There has been growing interest in working the beaches and the West Wall in search of fresh arrivals, and while reports have been quiet, there has been enough interest that there is likely a few fish starting to show up. Cod fishing reports have been hit or miss, with many anglers not able to get out to the grounds, or having to deal with some rough conditions when out there. The shop will be holding its annual used tackle sale on April 28th and 29th, so be sure to stop bye and say hello!
Dustin, at RI Kayak Fishing Adventures, told me that it appears that spring fishing is in full bloom, with a number of strong fishing options popping off across Rhode Island. Holdover striped bass activity has continued to improve in both size and numbers over the past week. The white perch activity has picked up as well, and is a nice fallback option if the holdover bass aren’t cooperating. Freshwater fishing has remained consistent. Largemouth bass are still taking finesse presentations, but are also starting to hit larger presentations, including large swimbaits. Crappie fishing has remained solid for anglers working small soft plastics and jigs, while carp anglers are reporting that the spring action is starting to heat up. With fresh migratory stripers and tautog right around the corner, now is the perfect time to check out rikfa.com to book a trip today!
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(Follow Dustin @dustingoesfishing / @rikayakfishingadventures)
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Rhode Island saltwater anglers can continue to take advantage of increasing opportunities as we work through March. Cod fishermen continue to battle the winds, but things should steadily improve with better/warmer conditions this week. Holdover striped bass reports have continued to slowly improve, so things portend well for the upcoming weeks, as more herring trickles into the area. Reports of fresh striped bass haven’t come in yet, but there has been quite a bit of angling attention, so we should be close. White perch reports have also been strong and are providing another nice option in the tidal estuaries, along with largemouth bass, which seem to be waking up in lakes/ponds across the state. Trout stocked waters across the state are now closed until opening day, but there are still plenty of bodies of water that are open for bass, pickerel, pike and panfish fishing.
Cod fishermen are also battling other cod fishermen who are out there to keep short fish. This year, it is now brutally apparent that we have an illegal immigration problem and it is now showing up in fishing. NY DEC just caught over forty anglers fishing for striped bass illegally and none of them spoke English. Next time you see a conservation officer, start telling these guys to check the immigration status of anyone caught fishing illegally. No papers, you get turned over to ICE to be deported. If “joe biden” refuses to enforce the sovereignty of the USA southern border, then it is up to the rest of us to do so and deport those here to exploit our natural, limited resources.
@artbishop
No one cares about your rant. This forum is for fishing
B.S. That guy is 100% correct!!
Art Bishop,,,,I care !
I had a run in with an “Immigrant” that was proud of the 20 plus schoolies that he had in his coolers.
insert bad words, (here)