Newport Fluke from Shore

In most places, fluke fishing is the domain of fishermen with fairly substantial boats but around Newport you can catch them from shore, from a small skiff or even a kayak. Here are some options for the shore-bound set.

1. Goat Island Bridge

One of the most popular shore-fishing locations in Newport is the bridge to Goat Island. On any given day or night you will find fishermen there trying for squid, fluke, scup, blues and bass. The deeper water just off the center span of the bridge on either side holds fluke throughout the season, which is one reason this spot is so popular (along with the easy access), but because of the fishing pressure those areas can get cleaned out from time to time. If that water doesn’t pan out, try moving closer to the sea wall on each side of the bridge. If jockeying for position on the bridge isn’t for you, try around any of the angled corners on the sea wall. Park at the foot of the bridge on the Newport side.

2. State Fishing Pier

The state fishing pier is a good bet, particularly when the commercial boats are in and have been off-loading at the dock. When they rinse down their decks all manner of bait items fall into the water and the fluke are waiting. Bucktail jigging is the way to go, especially if there is some tide. Sometimes moving just a few feet in one direction or the other can make all the difference.

3. Fort Adams State Park

Father south along the waterfront is Fort Adams State Park. Plenty of access here (but stay away when the jazz or folk festivals are going on). The sheer-faced stone sea walls of the old coastal battery offer some obstruction-free fishing on all sides but particularly on the north and west sides. If the action is slow, try casting your offering out away from the walls; fluke do not always hold close to that structure. The current can be significant here and plenty of bait items wash by. You will need to adjust the amount of weight you use to hold bottom at different points of the tide cycle. Keep your terminal tackle simple here – no multi-hook or multi-spinner rigs. This is not exactly wilderness fishing and there are any number of snags in the area including shopping carts and newspaper vending machines.

4. Castle Hill Rocks

A little farther south, the rocks at Castle Hill can yield fluke, tautog, monster scup and black sea bass. The footing can be tricky along the slimy rocks so be careful. Also be prepared to make your sacrifices to the tackle gods, as the fish-friendly underwater structure is decidedly not tackle friendly. Also bring sufficient lead with you because holding bottom can be difficult even in a moderate tide. Once again keep it simple here as multi-hook rigs with droppers, or traditional fluke rigs with bucktails and skirts are much more likely to hang up than a simple hook and a weight.