Get ready to reel in some of Rhode Island's most sought-after fish on this private 6-hour charter in Narragansett Bay. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, Captain Donald Cook's got you covered. You'll be dropping lines for striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and tautog from a sweet 26-foot center console. No need to stress about gear - it's all included. So grab your buddies (up to 4 total) and let's hit the water for a day of fishing, learning, and soaking up those coastal views.
Leaving from Warwick, RI, we'll cruise out into Narragansett Bay's fish-rich waters. Cap'n Cook knows these spots like the back of his hand, so you're in for some prime fishing action. We'll focus on beginner-friendly techniques, showing you the ropes of inshore fishing. You might be bottom fishing for tautog one minute, then switching to topwater lures for bluefish the next. Don't worry if you're green - the captain's patient guidance will have you casting like a pro in no time. And with a full 6 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to practice and land that trophy catch.
On this trip, you'll get hands-on with a variety of inshore fishing methods. We might start with some simple bait fishing, dropping lines to the bottom for flounder or scup. As you get comfortable, we'll move on to more active techniques. Casting soft plastics or swimming plugs for stripers is a blast, especially when they're busting bait on the surface. For bluefish, we might troll with deep-diving lures or chunk with fresh bait. The captain will read the conditions and show you how to adjust your approach. You'll learn to work the tides, spot promising structure, and present your bait or lure just right. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp of inshore tactics that work not just in Narragansett, but anywhere along the coast.
Striped Bass: The rockstar of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the main attraction in Narragansett Bay. These powerful, silver-sided fish with distinctive black stripes can grow to over 50 pounds. They're known for explosive strikes and stubborn fights. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer can produce too, especially early mornings and evenings. Anglers love 'em for their combination of size, strength, and good eating.
Bluefish: When the blues are in, hold onto your rod! These toothy predators are pure aggression, often attacking lures and bait with spectacular topwater blitzes. They average 3-5 pounds but can get much bigger. Blues show up in force during summer, providing non-stop action and great smoking or grilling meat. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking!
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for their delicate, sweet fillets. Flounder hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey. We'll drift or anchor over likely spots, using bait or small jigs. They're most active in spring and fall, making for perfect targets when other species are less cooperative.
Scup (Porgy): Don't overlook these tasty panfish! Scup are abundant in Narragansett Bay, especially during summer. They're not big (usually under 2 pounds) but they're fun to catch and excellent eating. We'll use light tackle and small hooks baited with clams or squid. It's perfect for beginners or when you just want steady action.
Black Sea Bass: These structure-loving fish are a favorite for both their fight and their firm, white meat. Sea bass typically show up in late spring and stick around through fall. We'll target them around rocky areas, wrecks, or reefs using both bait and jigs. Their aggressive nature makes them a blast on light tackle.
Narragansett Bay is a fisherman's playground, and this trip lets you sample the best of it. The mix of species means there's always something biting, no matter the season. Beginners love how Captain Cook breaks down the basics, while more experienced anglers appreciate his local knowledge and willingness to share advanced tips. The comfortable boat and relaxed atmosphere make for a great day on the water, whether you're with family, friends, or co-workers. Plus, there's nothing like the satisfaction of catching (and maybe cooking) your own dinner after a day on Narragansett Bay.
Ready to get your feet wet in the world of inshore fishing? This Narragansett Bay charter is the perfect intro. You'll learn from a pro, fish some of Rhode Island's most productive waters, and have a chance at landing several different species. Whether you're dreaming of that first striped bass or just want a fun day out with friends, Captain Cook's got you covered. The boat's waiting, the fish are biting, and the memories are ready to be made. Don't let this one get away - book your Narragansett Bay fishing adventure today!
Black sea bass are a blast to catch in Narragansett Bay. These chunky, aggressive fish typically run 1-3 pounds, with bigger ones up to 8 pounds possible. You'll find them around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 20-120 feet of water from late spring through fall. They're structure-oriented, so precise anchoring or drifting is key. Use medium tackle with squid or cut bait on a bottom rig, or try jigging with bucktails. Sea bass hit hard and fight all the way up, especially the bigger males. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's great baked or fried. Here's a pro tip: when you find a good spot, mark it. Sea bass are homebodies and you can often return to the same spot for consistent action.
Bluefish are the brawlers of Narragansett Bay. These toothy predators show up in early summer, chasing bait and terrorizing everything in their path. Most blues run 3-10 pounds, but bigger ones over 15 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them busting bait on the surface or prowling deeper structure. They're aggressive and not picky - spoons, poppers, or live bait all work well. Blues fight hard, making blistering runs and often jumping clear of the water. Be careful handling them though, those teeth are no joke. They're fun to catch but can be oily to eat. If you keep some for the table, try smoking or grilling them fresh. Here's a local tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast. A bluefish blitz is a sight you won't forget.
Scup, also called porgy, are fun little battlers that school up in Narragansett Bay from spring through fall. Most run 1-2 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 4 pounds. You'll find them over rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. They're bottom feeders, so fish close to structure. Use light tackle with small hooks baited with clams, squid, or sandworms. Scup put up a scrappy fight on light gear, making them great for kids or beginners. Plus, they're tasty - sweet, flaky meat that's excellent fried. Pro tip: when you find one, you've found a bunch. Keep your bait in the zone and you can fill a cooler fast. Just watch those sharp dorsal spines when unhooking them.
Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom, waiting to pounce on prey. Most weigh 2-5 pounds, but trophies over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms near structure in bays and estuaries. They're here spring through fall, moving offshore in winter. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. Use light tackle with live bait or soft plastics, dragging it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard - flounder have tough mouths. The fight isn't spectacular, but the challenge of finding and fooling them keeps anglers coming back. And there's no beating fresh flounder fillets for dinner. Local trick: try drifting with the current, bouncing a jig tipped with a strip of squid.
Striped bass are a favorite target in Narragansett Bay. These powerful fish typically range from 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger. Look for them around structure like rocky points, bridge pilings, and drop-offs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, chasing bait in moving water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate through. Anglers love their strong, determined fight - they'll test your arms and your gear. Their mild, flaky white meat is excellent eating too. For best results, try live eels or chunked menhaden on a fish finder rig. Let it sit on the bottom, then hang on tight when that rod doubles over. Just remember to check current regulations, as size and bag limits can change.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cruisader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 330