Rhode Island Fishing Report- July 6, 2023

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has continued to put together successful trips whenever they have been able to sail. Recent half-day trips have seen more sea bass moving onto the grounds, and most anglers have been able to go home with their sea bass limit. The full boat trips were a bit slower this week, but most anglers still managed plenty of knothead sea bass, along with enough fluke to keep things interesting.  This upcoming weekend looks like a great one to sail, so be sure to book a trip before they fill up! 

Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, reports that the tuna bite has continued to improve and is garnering attention from a number of local anglers. Most anglers have been able to find bluefin of mixed sizes on most of their trips, with fish coming on both the troll and the jig. Sand eels have been the primary forage for these tunas and for the striped bass across South County. The striped bass schools have been a bit scattered, but they’re being taken on eels and artificials at Block Island and at most of the usual South County haunts. Dave also reports that there are still some big bass in and around the bay, and they are willing to take fresh pogie chunks. The scup bite remains solid for anglers soaking clams and sea worms, black sea bass are plentiful on jigs and squid, while the fluke bite is a bit spottier but productive enough for anglers putting the time in.  

Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that the striped bass fishing is still holding up well in the bay with customers catching a mix of sizes including some slot fish. There are still quite a few bluefish around as well, so there’s no shortage of inshore action. Fluke fishing has been pretty good locally for those that are putting the time in, and there are a few more black sea bass showing up everyday. Scup fishing is phenomenal for both shore and boat anglers throughout the area. Offshore fishing continues to steadily improve, with several boats limiting out on recreational sized bluefin south of Block Island.  

• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain in Rhode Island

Jay, at Pamela May Charters has continued to dodge storms and fog this week but has still been able to put together some successful trips. The striped bass aren’t as active on the surface, but they have been able to find plenty down low on the tube and worm. Fluke and sea bass action has remained steady. You have to weed through quite a few shorts, but you can still find some bigger fish. While fish are being caught locally, Block Island remains your best bet for big stripers and fluke. Offshore bluefin fishing has been good recently. They got out last Saturday and were rewarded with strong numbers of both overs and unders. The fish have been willing to hit side tracker bars pretty well, and if you can break away from the fleets, you stand a better chance at finding some better action. 

Rob, at Newport Sportfishing Charters told me he’s been as busy as ever, as the local bite has been as strong as ever. Striped bass fishing remains red hot locally and at the island, as Rob once again saw a fish over the 60-pound mark this week. The bluefin bite has intensified daily, and Rob has been able to find some quality bluefin whenever he has been able to get out on the grounds.  

Connor, at Tail Tailz Charters reports that fishing remains stellar as the water temperatures continue to climb. The temperatures are still close to the striped bass sweet spot, and they are still feeding aggressively. He’s continued to see bass of all sizes, with a majority coming in over the 30-pound mark, and they are willing to hit a number of offerings. Bottom fishing is as consistent as ever, with easy scup and sea bass limits; along with enough fluke to keep things interesting. The recreational bluefin bite has also popped off nicely close to home, so it appears we’re at full stride in terms of Rhode Island summer fishing.  

Dustin at, Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures reports that the striped bass action is still hot and heavy, with plenty of fish of mixed sizes being caught. There is no shortage of gator bluefish as well, and they are providing clients with the fight of their lives on the kayak! The bottom fishing bite seems to be picking up, with a lot more keeper seabass, fluke, and large scup being taken. This is great news because on days that striper action is slow, bottom fishing can provide great table fare. Don’t sleep on the summer freshwater bite either, as the largemouth fishing has been really strong. With summer fishing in full bloom and the fall run not too far away, be sure to reach out to Dustin to book a trip at rikfa.com. 

• Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

Striped bass fishing remains steady across the Ocean State, regardless of what part of the state you may be fishing. The larger fish seem to have settled into their summer patterns at Block Island, but you can still find them closer to home if you don’t feel like making the run. South County has stripers moving all over the area on the tail of sand eels, while the lower bay is still putting up a few stud bass for anglers dunking fresh chunks. Fluke reports have been up and down, but generally some good catches are being reported for anglers that have gotten away from the crowds/commonly fished areas.  The sea bass season has been strong since the opener and the sea bass season starts this weekend for the charter boats. Scup has been rounding out the catch nicely, with plenty of keepers for shore and boat anglers. The offshore bite really started to materialize this week, with solid reports of recreational bluefin relatively close to home, along with strong yellowfin numbers at the canyons. Freshwater anglers have no shortage of opportunities, with strong reports for post-spawn largemouth, crappie, pike, carp, and trout.