Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith started their fluke trips this past week, and even though conditions were less than ideal, they managed to find a good number of nice fish to 25 inches. High hook had four keepers on the day and long strips of fluke belly or other bait seemed to out-produce Gulp. They have also been getting out for squid and the fishing has generally been pretty good but as is typically the case, results vary from trip to trip and from angler to angler. Depending on the weather they plan on running trips on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and will be adding additional days to the schedule very soon. Reservations and an updated schedule can be found on their website, or you can call the office.
Dave at Ocean State Tackle in Providence reports that the inshore striped bass bite has been excellent, and that is still the main draw in town for most anglers. A lot of anglers are reporting a strong local topwater bite, but fresh chunks of pogies are still the top producer. Kayak anglers are reporting solid bass catches on the tube and worm, while trolling umbrella rigs, niner rigs, or working flutter spoons is also working for boat anglers. Surfcasters are reporting success across the state on live eels, as well as metal lips, darters, and topwater plugs. Squid fishing has remained relatively consistent across the state, with the best recent bite coming from the Charlestown area. The influx of squid has led to a solid start to the fluke season for anglers fishing the usual haunts out front, while the scup bite is going strong in the same areas, as well as the lower bay. Dave will be open weekends and holidays from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekdays from 6 to 6.
Rob, at Newport Sportfishing Charters told me that the bass bite has been lights out over the past week, and he saw a “sizeable” increase in quality over the past few days. Another nice push of some big bluefish has also moved in, and hopefully that resurgence continues. Squid fishing has been steady, while bottom fishing for tautog is consistent enough to make it worth a trip before the spring season ends. Rob hasn’t spent a ton of time fluking just yet, but early indications are strong, especially after all the squid moved into the area.
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Jay at Pamela May Charters told me that the worm hatches are going strong in the salt ponds with this full moon. The combination of the low tides heating up the mud flats in the afternoons and big flooding tides into the evening has equaled some excellent bass fishing. Fly anglers are getting the job done, as expected, but spin anglers throwing small pink soft plastics with a casting egg have been finding some fish as well. The squid fishing has been mostly good all along the south shore, but at times it takes some moving around to find them. They’re there in full effect though, so if you do a little searching, you’re likely to cash in. Fluke fishing picked up off the south shore as soon as the squid moved in, but per usual, you have to pick through a lot of shorts to find keepers. They plan to keep working the salt ponds through these worm hatches but look forward to chasing some of the big bluefish in the area, and getting out to the fluke grounds. Most of their upcoming morning trips are filled up, but they still have some afternoons available, so reach out before it’s too late!
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs said that fishing for striped bass remains very good in the bay, where bass ranging from schoolie size up to 40 plus pounds are being caught on both artificials and live bait. There have been a few bluefish mixed in but not as many as the past couple of weeks. Tautog fishing continues to produce well and there have been some cod mixed in on deeper pieces of structure. Lots of squid around but fishing for them has been inconsistent with some people doing well and others struggling to put a catch together.
Dustin at, Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures provided the following report after another long day of fruitful fishing:
“Fishing throughout the state is in full bloom. Large striped bass are starting to be caught more regularly in addition to many schoolie and slot fish. Bluefish are a blast and have been cruising the shallows. Black Sea bass just opened in Rhode Island and the bite should improve quickly over the next couple of weeks. Tautog is still going really well, however the season closes at the end of the month, so get after it before it’s too late. Squid fishing has been hit or miss but those putting in the hours during the day and night are finding success. The scup bite hasn’t excatly been on fire but they’re around giving us all yet another solid bottom fishing option. Weakfish are being caught but not in great numbers yet. The state has been stocking trout regularly so there’s still time to chase the elusive golden trout while also catching nice rainbow trout. Largemouth fishing is currently going well, as water temps are relatively still cool. Depending on your fishery some fish are post spawn, some are spawning, and some are pre spawn. For those interested in getting on the water in July and beyond we still have some availability. Reach out asap to get your spot on the calendar today.”
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
The weather this week may help to confirm that summer fishing is here, and the fishing reports throughout Rhode Island are reinforcing that notion. Striped bass are prevalent throughout Rhode Island, with some much bigger bass entering the bay on the tails of pogie schools, along with some quality, migratory fish showing up along the beaches. A continued influx of big bluefish seems to be a trend across the northeast, and it’s no different in Rhode Island, with most anglers reporting some gators hitting the deck this week. Squid reports improved once again and are quite consistent, and with that, we’re starting to hear of more early arrival fluke showing up. The scup are starting to show themselves as well, and tautog fishing is as good as ever for May, so that is certainly worth the time before the spring season ends. Freshwater anglers are reporting quality largemouth catches, especially in the herring ponds, and the trout fishing is great following increased stocking and settled weather.
Thank you.