Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith continues to sail for cod whenever the weather allows. Fishing has been tough, but they’ve seen some encouraging signs this week, with some quality fish coming on the jig. They’ll be sailing for cod for a few more days, so try to cash in while you still can if it’s cod that you’re looking for. They will start to sail for fluke at some point during the 1st week of May, depending on reports. There have been some good reports from the offshore guys that aren’t too far away, so hopefully it doesn’t take too long. Recent squid reports have improved greatly, so they’re hoping for an early start to their squid season, potentially as soon as this weekend. Be sure to check their website for scheduling updates and reservations, as the trips are very fluid as we work into May.
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that the stripers are starting to show up in better numbers. Between the bigger holdover fish chasing herring and some nice loads of migratory fish, anglers are finding plenty of keeper-slot fish. Tautog fishing continues to improve every day, especially the warmer days, and that trend will continue as we get into May and the water really starts to warm up. The squid reports aren’t completely lock and load, but a good deal of anglers that are targeting them are finding full buckets this week. The shop is fully stocked for the upcoming season, and they are open 7 days a week, so be sure to check in!
Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina reported that a better run of stripers has finally moved in locally in pretty good numbers. One customer found bass to 35-inches in the salt pond from his kayak, while others are cashing in on some migratory fish from the West Wall when the conditions have worked out favorably. Tautog fishing is slowly but steadily improving, with anglers reporting keepers from the shore, boat, and kayak this week; so, they can be found across a number of depths. There have been some cod caught on the inshore reefs and wrecks, mainly from anglers targeting tautog. Unfortunately, recreational cod closes May 1st, but tautog can pick up the slack, and the fluke aren’t too far away. Squid reports have generally been hit or miss, but things are definitely trending in the right direction over the past few days. The annual used tackle sale will start this Saturday at 9 AM, and they will have a nice variety of inshore and offshore gear available this weekend.
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Dustin, at R.I. Kayak Fishing Adventures, told me that things keep getting better each week for early Spring fishing in Rhode Island. The striped bass bite is spread out throughout the state but is slowly improving across the board. There are many more school bass out front for those looking for fresh migratory fish, but the anglers that are still pounding the herring runs are finding larger keeper/slot fish. Tautog fishing has improved to a point where targeting them is almost always consistent, as long as the conditions allow. Squid fishing has improved for most, with the past few days being very good, and a strong sign for things to come. Freshwater fishing is fully lights out! Largemouth bass fishing has been tremendous, as the water warms and the fish stage up to spawn. The trout fishing has remained consistent since the season opener, while the crappie fishing took a big turn for the better this week. As fishing improves, Dustin starts to book up quickly, so be sure to check out Rikfa.com ASAP to book a kayak/shore trip!
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Rhode Island saltwater anglers can continue to take advantage of increasing opportunities as we approach May. Those looking for cod have one more weekend to cash in before the recreational season closes, and reports have been decent, albeit most are by-catch from anglers targeting tautog. Holdover striped bass reports have continued to slowly improve, with anglers finding some bigger bass on the tail of the river herring. Reports of fresh striped bass have improved quite a bit this week, and we should start seeing some larger migratory fish very soon. Tautog reports have improved since last week and is usually red-hot during early May. Squid action isn’t quite lock and load, but reports have been improving greatly from day to day, so we should have a solid week of filling buckets ahead of us. Freshwater anglers have no shortage of opportunities, with strong reports for pre-spawn largemouth, crappie, pike, carp, and trout.