Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet out of Point Judith reported continued success on recent squid trips. The bite might be slowing down a bit with water temperatures rising into the mid-50-degree range, but customers are still leaving with plenty of squid for a few meals or for fresh bait. Fluke reports are slower, and we appear to be a bit behind where we should be for this time of year. The good news is that there is a ton of bait on the fluke and sea bass grounds, which will keep the fish happy and fat when they do move in. Check their website for updated trip information and to make your reservations.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, reports that the striped bass continue to spread out, but there are plenty being caught locally. There are still striped bass in Pawtucket and in the Providence River, but the higher densities of striped bass are in the lower Bay. These fish in the lower Bay seem to be on the tail of the squid schools, so they should hang around if the bait does. The striped bass are hitting a number of the usual offerings, like spoons and topwaters, but when things start to get tough on the warmer days, anglers turn to trolling tube-and-worm rigs and umbrella rigs. Squid fishing is inherently intermittent, but that said, most anglers are reporting solid results in the area. Fluke fishing saw a bit of an improvement this week, with good reports from the Austin Hollow area and as far north as the Upper Bay. Scup fishing has gotten off to a bit of a slower start, but the black sea bass fishing has picked up the slack, with some nice fish being caught out front this week. Ocean State Tackle will now be open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Captain Rob Taylor of Newport Sportfishing Charters stayed focused on the striped bass this week and has seen another step up in the quality and quantity department. Bigger bait continues to enter the bay, and while numbers and locations can vary from tide to tide, you’re bound to find some feeding bass with a little searching. Decent numbers of big bluefish are still mixed in with the bass on most occasions, and they have been much more willing to hit topwater plugs throughout the day. The bass bite took another step forward at Block Island as well, with plenty of fish over 30 pounds. These bass are being caught by the usual methods—jigs, eels, spoons, and trolling—but the topwater bite on the south side has been very strong this week. The bass fishing has been too good this week to really focus on anything else, but reports of fluke and sea bass have improved inshore, with the Sakonnet area fishing best lately.
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Jay, at Pamela May Charters, has focused some of his attention on fluking this week and told me that things have been pretty solid in terms of action, but there are still way more shorts than keepers to be had. The area is filled with squid and sand eels, which should keep the attention of the fluke in the area and has also provided a very strong black sea bass bite. Similar to last week, the striped bass are scattered throughout the area, so at times you have to travel around to find them, but there is no shortage.
Captain Connor MacLeod of Tall Tailz Charters provided the following report: “Fishing this week has been lights out. Most of our attention has been paid to trophy-sized stripers. The bite has been more consistent on certain tides, and we’ve had to get a bit creative to produce, but overall, we’re boating plenty of big fish. The average size we’re seeing is around 25 to 35 pounds. Small-profile jigs matching sand eels and silversides have been working best. When they’re up and feeding, live baits and glide baits have been getting hammered. The fish are widespread and can be found from 15 to 80 feet, so be sure to cover some ground to find them. The local fluke bite is picking up a bit as well. Most of the fish are still somewhat shallow, in less than 60 feet of water. The black sea bass bite has also been very good. Most of the bigger fish have been on the deeper side of the humps. Jigs and hi-lo rigs are working best. Lots of fish to be had!”
Eric, at The Saltwater Edge in Middletown, told me that the fishing is still going strong in their neighborhood. They have a crazy biomass of squid and sand eels all over the area at the moment, and it is fueling steady multi-species action. The striped bass bite continues to be excellent, although you have to pick your time of day and tide these days for some good action. Start looking for those early mornings and sunset tides to make the most of the bite. Fluke fishing has been another great surprise this spring. There are keeper fish around the squid, and you should be taking advantage of this opportunity to get on some. If the past few years are any indication, the good fluking may not last. They’re also getting some great early offshore reports and hoping that all the bait around draws some of those pelagics in close.
Dustin Stevens of Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures provided the following report for the week: “Striper activity is still going well. Some days the fish have been very picky, but on other days we have enjoyed consistent action. Bluefish activity has been hit or miss, but they are around, with some pretty good-sized fish in the mix. Now would be a great time to start adding bottom fishing to the routine. Black sea bass, fluke, and scup have all been pretty prevalent. The fluke have mostly been small for us, but the action should pick up going forward. Largemouth fishing has gone well, with a lot of fish set up on summer patterns. We have some availability for July and beyond—reach out to book your kayak fishing trip ASAP!”
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Warmer temperatures have brought about more summer-like fishing conditions across Rhode Island, with massive schools of sand eels and squid fueling great multi-species action. Striped bass continue to chew well throughout Rhode Island, and while reports have been a bit inconsistent from tide to tide around the bay, there are still plenty of big local bass to play with for those exercising patience. As water temperatures continue to climb in the bay, things may get a bit trickier, but don’t worry, as the reefs and rips out front and around Block Island will pick up the slack.
Block Island is starting to see more fish trickle in, and reports are indicating some better quality this week. Decent bluefish numbers are being reported in the mix with the bass, especially in the bay, where they can be found working the surface at times. Fluke reports have been strong in the eastern part of the state, likely due to that mass of sand eels and squid. You’ll have to weed through shorts, but if the past few years are any indication, this can be some of the best fluke fishing of the season. The fluke remain relatively shallow, while hammer black sea bass can be found in similar areas on the deeper sides of the humps.
Scup fishing has started off a little slower, but things are trending in the right direction with rising water temperatures. Squid fishing has still been solid, and it won’t last forever, so take advantage! Some early offshore reports are starting to trickle in, and it’s making everyone wonder if the mass of bait in the area will bring some tuna in close.