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World-Class Striped Bass Fishing in Narragansett Bay
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Rhode Island
- $450 - $650 price range
- Updated Date: November 1, 2025
Summary
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Bay Fishing in Action
Reel adventures, one cast at a time.
Fresh catches, scenic views.
Life’s better with a fishing pole.
From docks to deep blue—RI fishing.
Reel in Rhode Island’s best catches!
Hooked on Ocean State fishing.
Saltwater vibes, big Rhode Island tides.
Cast, wait, catch, repeat.
Where the fish meet the sea.
Rhode Island: small state, big bites.
Reel adventures, one cast at a time.
Fresh catches, scenic views.
Life’s better with a fishing pole.
From docks to deep blue—RI fishing.
Reel in Rhode Island’s best catches!
Hooked on Ocean State fishing.
Saltwater vibes, big Rhode Island tides.
Cast, wait, catch, repeat.
Where the fish meet the sea.
Rhode Island: small state, big bites.
Reel adventures, one cast at a time.
Fresh catches, scenic views.
Life’s better with a fishing pole.
From docks to deep blue—RI fishing.
Reel in the Big Ones on Narragansett Bay
Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of Rhode Island's most productive waters? Captain Donald Cook here, and I'm itching to get you out on Narragansett Bay for a day of fishing you won't forget. This extended half-day trip is perfect for beginners and laid-back fishermen alike. We'll spend a solid 6 hours targeting the bay's most popular gamefish, and I'll be right there to show you the ropes. From striped bass to flounder, we've got a mixed bag of fish just waiting to bend your rod.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll shove off from Warwick, RI, aboard my trusty 26-foot center console. This boat's got plenty of room for four anglers to cast comfortably, and it's stable enough to keep even the most nervous newcomer feeling safe. I've kitted her out with all the gear you'll need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, the works. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a lucky hat. As we cruise the bay, I'll point out some local landmarks and share a few fish tales. Once we hit a promising spot, I'll show you how to bait up, cast out, and set the hook when a fish strikes. And trust me, in Narragansett Bay, something's always biting.
Fishing Know-How for Newbies
Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before – that's what I'm here for. We'll start with the basics: how to cast without tangling your line (or hooking your buddy), reading the water for signs of fish, and the art of patience (sometimes the hardest part of fishing). I'll teach you how to use different baits and lures, depending on what we're after. For stripers and blues, we might troll with swimming plugs or chunk bait. Flounder fishing is all about slow drifts with bottom rigs. And if the tautog are biting, we'll drop some green crabs down by the rocky structure. By the end of the day, you'll be reeling them in like a pro.
Top Catches This Season
Narragansett Bay is teeming with fish year-round, but here's what's been hot lately:
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Narragansett Bay, these hard-fighting fish can grow over 50 pounds. They're cunning predators, often hunting in schools along rocky shorelines or over submerged structure. Spring and fall are prime times for big stripers, but we catch them all summer long. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper peeling line off your reel.
Scup (Porgy): These tasty panfish might not be the biggest, but they're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner plate. Scup show up in big numbers from May to October. They love hanging around pier pilings and rocky bottoms. Light tackle and small hooks baited with squid or clams are the ticket for these silver-sided fighters.
Southern Flounder: Flat as a pancake and just as delicious, flounder are a summertime favorite in the bay. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. We'll drift along, bouncing bait off the bottom until we feel that telltale thump. Flounder fishing is a great way to introduce kids to the sport – it's easy to learn and the action can be fast.
Bluefish: When the blues are running, hang on to your rod! These toothy terrors are pure muscle and attitude. They'll hit just about anything that moves and fight like crazy all the way to the boat. Bluefish typically show up in late spring and stick around through fall. Casting topwater lures for blues is some of the most exciting fishing you can do – explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps are the norm.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Sea bass love structure, so we'll target them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas. They start moving into the bay in May and stick around through October. Dropping down squid or cut bait on a simple bottom rig is all it takes to get them biting. Just be ready for a strong pull when you set the hook!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with me tend to get hooked themselves. It's not just about the fish – though we catch plenty. It's the whole package: the salty breeze, the cry of gulls overhead, the anticipation as your line tightens. There's something special about being out on Narragansett Bay, surrounded by its natural beauty and rich history. And let's be honest, there's no better way to spend a day than with good company and bent rods. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or just want a relaxing day on the water, this trip's got you covered.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, time to stop dreaming and start fishing! This 6-hour trip is perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to get their feet wet in the world of saltwater angling. Remember, all the gear's included, so you don't need to worry about a thing. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some sunscreen). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book. Give me a call or shoot me an email, and let's get you out on Narragansett Bay for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. See you on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a favorite target in Narragansett Bay, usually running 1-4 pounds with some topping 8. These bottom-dwellers hang around rocky structure, wrecks, and reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love sea bass for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, drop down with squid strips or small jigs tipped with gulp baits. Here's a local trick: when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Sea bass are structure-oriented, so precise anchoring or drift control is key. Interestingly, they start life as females and can change to males as they grow larger. Whether you're a novice or experienced angler, sea bass offer reliable action and delicious fillets.
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bulldogs of Narragansett Bay – aggressive, hard-fighting, and a blast to catch. These toothy predators usually run 3-10 pounds but can top 20. Look for blues in open water, around bait schools, or near structure like jetties. They're most active in summer and early fall. Anglers love bluefish for their savage strikes and powerful runs. To hook up, try casting topwater lures, trolling spoons, or chunking with fresh bait. Here's a tip: when blues are in a frenzy, switch to wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Be careful handling them – those teeth are no joke. While some folks find larger blues too oily, smaller ones make great eating when properly prepared. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, battling a bluefish is always an adrenaline rush.
Scup
Scup, also called porgy, are a fun, tasty target in Narragansett Bay. These silvery, pan-sized fish usually run 8-14 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and pilings in 20-120 feet of water. Summer is prime scup season when they move inshore to spawn. Folks enjoy catching scup for their abundance, willingness to bite, and great eating quality. Use a simple high-low rig with small hooks and bits of squid or clam for bait. Here's a tip: when you find one scup, there's usually more nearby – they travel in schools. If the bite slows, try moving just a short distance. Scup make great eating, so keep a few for the dinner table. They're an ideal species for beginners or anyone who wants steady action.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in Narragansett Bay. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and up to 5 pounds. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, especially near structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in and out of the bay. Anglers prize flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of enticing a bite. To catch 'em, try drift fishing with a Carolina rig and live bait like mummichogs or squid strips. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift. It's a unique fishing experience that rewards patience and finesse.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are a prized catch in Narragansett Bay, typically ranging from 20 to 40 pounds. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and hard-fighting nature. You'll find them around structure like reefs, sandbars, and rocky shorelines, often in depths of 20-60 feet. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate through the area. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. To up your odds, try live eels or chunked menhaden near dawn or dusk when stripers are most active. A local trick: look for birds diving on bait schools – that's often a sign of feeding stripers below. Remember to use circle hooks to help with catch and release. Whether you're trolling, casting lures, or live-lining bait, hooking into a big striper is always a thrill.
About the Blackfin 29 Combi
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cruisader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330
