Rhode Island boasts ample fishing opportunities and, if you're looking to explore them all, fishing in Narragansett Bay might be the adventure you need. This gorgeous bay is 26 miles long and brimming with game fish that make for an excellent opponent in the tug-of-war. Not to mention that most of them are also delicious, so it's a win-win situation.
What can you target in Narragansett Bay? The locals come here for superb Bass action year-round – Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Striped Bass are all on the menu. Stripers in particular like to move around a lot, and you'll have the best luck finding big ones in late spring, and sometimes in the fall.
While Bass are the frontrunners of the bay, Bluefish, Flounder (Fluke), Tautog, Black Seabass, and Scup are all there for the taking. You may even run into Little Tunny, Cod, and Bonito – it all depends on what fishing technique you prefer. Cod, Black Seabass, and Tautog are popular catches when you're bottom fishing.
Not to much surprise, where there's fish, there are fishing charters to take you to them. Guides on the bay usually offer a variety of trips and there's something for everyone's taste. From half day excursions well-suited for families, to full day options that are reserved for more experienced anglers, you'll easily find something that suits you.
Visit Warwick, South Kingstown, Providence, or Narragansett and you'll have a good choice of charters.
Rules & Regulations
When you decide to go fishing in Narragansett Bay, one of the first things you should think about is a fishing license. Most of the time, even if you're fishing with a guide, you'll need to buy a saltwater license before the trip. Some charters might provide it for you, so check with your captain what the process is.