Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Narragansett Bay

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Rhode Island
$450 - $650 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun weekend fishing trip in Rhode Island? Captain Donald Cook offers a 6-hour private charter in Narragansett Bay, perfect for groups up to 4. You'll be targeting striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and tautog from a comfy 26-foot center console boat. Don't worry about gear – it's all provided, along with expert guidance from the captain. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, this trip caters to all skill levels. As you cruise the bay's productive waters, you'll hit up local hotspots while taking in scenic views. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, focusing on inshore fishing without the hassle. The charter leaves from Warwick, RI, making it easy to get out on the bay and start catching fish. With Captain Cook's local knowledge, you're in for a solid day of fishing in one of New England's most beautiful coastal areas.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Narragansett Bay

Bay Fishing Action

Reel Adventures In Rhode Island!

Awesome catch for today!

A bluefish measuring 19 inches caught while fishing in RI.

Bluefish: Fierce Fighter of Waves

Striped Bass: Aquatic Athlete Extraordinaire

Weekend Fishing Bonanza in Narragansett Bay

Ready to reel in some action on Narragansett Bay? Captain Donald Cook's got you covered with this private 6-hour inshore fishing trip that'll have you chasing stripers and blues like a pro. Leaving from Warwick, RI, you'll hit the bay's sweet spots in a comfy 26-foot center console. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, Cap'n Cook's got the know-how to put you on the fish. With all the gear provided and room for four, it's the perfect way to spend a weekend on the water. Let's dive into what makes this Narragansett Bay charter a can't-miss for any fishing enthusiast.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Warwick as the sun's coming up, rod in hand, and the smell of salt in the air. That's how your day starts with Captain Cook. He'll get you set up on his roomy 26-footer, perfect for casting or trolling. You're not just going fishing; you're getting a front-row seat to some of Rhode Island's best inshore action. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be hitting prime spots for stripers, blues, fluke, and tautog. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – Cap'n Cook's got patience in spades and will show you the ropes. And for you old salts out there, he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to keep things interesting. With a full six hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to work different spots and techniques until you find what's biting.

Rigging Up Rhode Island Style

When it comes to tackling Narragansett Bay, Captain Cook's got you covered with all the gear you need. We're talking light to medium action rods perfect for battling everything from scrappy schoolies to hefty cow stripers. You might start off chunking with fresh bunker or tossing soft plastics along the shoreline. If the tide's right, you could be drifting live eels – a striper's favorite snack. For the blues, expect to sling some top-water plugs or troll with surgical tube lures. When targeting flounder or tautog, you'll switch to bottom rigs with bucktails or green crabs. The captain's always checking reports and conditions, so he'll have you rigged up with whatever's hot that day. And don't worry about bringing anything – from hooks to sinkers, it's all on board and ready to go.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Narragansett Bay, stripers are what dreams are made of. These silver-sided bruisers can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, and they fight like their tails are on fire. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer nights can be magic too. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big cow striper crushing a top-water plug at dawn.

Bluefish: When the blues are in, hold onto your hat! These toothy critters are pure muscle and attitude. They'll hit just about anything that moves and put on an aerial show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Summer's when they really shine, chopping through bait schools and giving your arms a workout.

Southern Flounder: Don't let their flat looks fool you – these bottom-dwellers are crafty and delicious. They love to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing bait fish. Late spring through early fall is your best bet for hooking into some doormats. And if you're lucky enough to take one home, you're in for some of the best eating the bay has to offer.

Black Sea Bass: These structure-loving fish are a blast to catch and even better on the plate. With their distinctive black and white coloration, they're easy to spot once you haul 'em up. They start showing up in late spring and stick around through fall. Dropping jigs or bait near rocky bottoms or wrecks is the ticket to filling the cooler with these tasty devils.

Scup (Porgy): Don't overlook these scrappy little fighters. What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. They swarm into the bay in late spring and provide non-stop action all summer long. Perfect for kids or anyone who loves light tackle fishing, scup are a summer staple in these parts.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with Captain Cook rave about the experience, and it's easy to see why. First off, the guy knows his stuff. He's been fishing these waters for decades and has a sixth sense for where the fish are holding. But it's not just about catching fish – though you'll do plenty of that. It's about the whole package. The way the bay looks at sunrise, the thrill of your first hookup of the day, and the stories shared on the ride back in. Captain Cook's got a way of making everyone feel at home on his boat, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro. Plus, with a private charter, you've got the flexibility to focus on whatever species you're after or mix it up throughout the day. It's your trip, your way, and that's something you just can't get with a bigger outfit.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking to scratch that fishing itch and want to do it right, Captain Cook's weekend charter in Narragansett Bay is the way to go. You've got a top-notch captain, a sweet boat, all the gear you need, and some of the best inshore fishing the Northeast has to offer. Whether you're after a cooler full of fish or just want to spend a day on the water with friends and family, this trip delivers. The bay's calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't let another weekend slip by without getting in on the action. Give Captain Cook a shout and lock in your date – trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that monster striper or battling a bluefish blitz. Book now and get ready for a day of fishing you won't soon forget!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are the reef-dwelling tough guys of Narragansett Bay. These chunky fish usually run 1-4 pounds, but can hit 8+. You'll find 'em around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and artificial reefs from late spring through fall. They're structure-oriented, so look for them holding tight to cover. Sea bass are known for their delicious white meat and strong fighting ability. They'll put up a good scrap all the way to the boat. For best results, use cut squid or fish strips on a two-hook bottom rig. A medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line will do the trick. Here's a local tip: when you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS. Sea bass tend to hang around the same areas, so you can come back for more action later.

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bulldogs of Narragansett Bay - all muscle and attitude. These chompers usually run 3-10 pounds, but can hit 20+. Look for them churning up the surface as they chase baitfish, especially in summer and early fall. They'll hit just about anything shiny or oily. Bluefish are famous for their aggressive fights and razor-sharp teeth. Anglers love 'em for the non-stop action. Be ready for some epic topwater strikes. These guys are also good eating if you bleed and ice them quickly. For best results, use wire leaders - bluefish will slice through mono like butter. A local tip: when you see birds diving, that's often bluefish pushing bait to the surface. Motor over and cast into the frenzy. Just watch your fingers when unhooking these toothy critters!

Scup

Scup, also called porgy, are feisty little fighters that'll keep you busy all day. These silver-sided fish usually run 1-2 pounds, but can reach 4 pounds. You'll find 'em schooling near the bottom around rocky areas, wrecks, and pilings from May to October. They're not picky eaters - small hooks baited with squid or clams work great. Scup are fun to catch and even better to eat, with sweet, flaky white meat. Kids especially get a kick out of reeling these guys in. For best results, use a light spinning rod with 10-pound test line. Drift fishing is the way to go. A local tip: chum with ground clams to really get the scup biting. Just be ready to unhook a bunch - these guys love to nibble!

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending right into sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds. You'll find 'em in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in and out of inshore waters. Flounder are popular for their mild, delicate flavor. They're not hard fighters, but the challenge is in spotting and hooking them. Live bait like bull minnows or mullet works well. Try a slow retrieve with your bait bouncing along the bottom. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth before reeling in.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a prized catch in Narragansett Bay. These powerful fish typically range from 20-40 pounds, with some monsters hitting 70+. Look for them near structure like rocky shorelines or drop-offs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate through. Anglers love 'em for their strong fights and tasty white meat. To boost your odds, try live eels or chunked menhaden - stripers can't resist 'em. When you hook one, be ready for some serious pulling. These fish will test your gear and your arms. A local trick: fish the incoming tide along coastal points for your best shot at a trophy striper. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking 'em!

About the Blackfin 29 Combi

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cruisader

Maximum Cruising Speed: 22

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 330

Hop aboard our 26-foot center console for a laid-back day of fishing in beautiful Narragansett Bay. We'll cruise the calm inshore waters, hitting prime spots where striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and tautog like to hang out. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, Captain Donald Cook will share local knowledge to help you reel in some great catches. The boat has plenty of room for up to 4 guests to cast lines and enjoy the scenery. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready for 6 hours of relaxed fishing fun. It's the perfect way to spend a weekend on the water, soaking up Rhode Island's coastal charm while trying your luck for some of the bay's most popular fish.

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