Rhode Island is in full swing for the new season of fresh angling, with a variety of species making their presence known. Several fishing spots in the state are reporting an increase in the number of fish, including striped bass, tautog, and cod. The following is a rundown of what the current fishing situation looks like for some of the most popular spots in the state.

Fishing Reports from Various Spots

* Frances Fleet in Point Judith
* The Frances Fleet is excited to announce that they will be offering fishing trips for tautog and cod as soon as the weather permits. * The crew has been able to sneak out on the cod grounds a couple of times, and the bite was pretty good, although it was short-lived due to brief weather windows. * The grounds are loaded up with bait, including sand eels, which portends well for the upcoming season. * Fishing for fluke will start up in May or as soon as they arrive in good numbers. * The full schedule can be viewed on the website, where you can also make reservations for upcoming trips. * Ocean State Tackle in Providence
* Dave at Ocean State Tackle reports that tautog fishing is off to a bit of a slower start, but savvy anglers are managing limits. * Striped bass fishing for holdovers is still good in the Providence and Pawcatuck rivers, and anglers are reporting some fresh fish around the coast, right up to slot size. * Trout fishing was good for anglers who were willing to brave the cold and rain for opening weekend. * The shop is open from 6 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 5 AM to 6 PM on weekends. * Newport Sportfishing Charters
* Rob at Newport Sportfishing Charters says he’s spending most of his time getting the boat ready for the upcoming season. * He’s found success targeting big largemouth bass with slow presentations, mainly jigs. * Word from the saltwater guys is that some fresh stripers are starting to show up, and tautog reports are slowly improving with the warming weather. * He’ll be transitioning to salt soon, so be sure to lock down a date for a trip before it’s too late! * Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures
* Dustin at Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures reports that migratory striped bass are slowly starting to trickle in. * He feels that we are a week or two away from any sort of consistency targeting the fresh fish, but there are some to be had. * The holdover bite is still going strong, and sooner or later, the holdover stripers will mix with the fresh fish, giving anglers solid options and new locations to target them. * Tautog fishing is slowly heating up, although similar to the bass bite, he thinks we are about a week away from steady, reliable action. * Cod is another saltwater option this time of year, but most fish have been short of keeper size. * Spots in May for kayak fishing trips are almost gone, so reach out as soon as possible to book your kayak fishing trip(s) for 2025! * The Saltwater Edge in Middletown
* Eric at The Saltwater Edge in Middletown is happy to report that the first migratory striped bass have arrived in Rhode Island! * More than a handful of anglers have landed some schoolie bass with sea lice on them. * Small topwaters like Jumpin’ Minnows are true fish catchers this time of year, along with white soft plastics like the original Hogy 7-inch or Slug-go. * Tautog fishing has been surprisingly good this week, and while no giants have been reported, plenty of keepers are around with more showing up daily. * These fish tend to be on the picky side, but don’t get frustrated, they will eat eventually. * Snug Harbor Marina
* Elisa at Snug Harbor Marina reports that it was a slow week due to the weather last weekend, but with the weather improving this week, fishing should improve across the board. * There is still a decent holdover bite in the local backwaters. * A few headboats made it out for cod a handful of times, but the results have still been tough. * Tautog reports are slowly picking up from the Newport and Jamestown area, and the bite inside the bay should really start to fire up soon. * The shop is open most days from 10 AM to 2 PM, but it’s a good idea to call ahead because hours can vary. * They plan to open full time starting the weekend of the 26th. * Crafty One Customs
* Ralph at Crafty One Customs said that the tautog reports have still been on the slow side, but things have started to pick up with the weather improving. * Striped bass action has been mostly reserved to the salt ponds/rivers, but rumors of some migratory fish are starting to trickle in. * Ralph has seen an uptick in activity around the shop this weekend with people dropping off rods and reels for service and picking up new gear for the upcoming season. * If you do have gear that needs service, get it to them soon as the backlog is growing and the number of days that they have to get everything ready is shrinking. * The shop is open 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, and 9 AM to 3 PM on weekends.

Fishing Forecast for Rhode Island

A steady improvement in weather over the next week should finally see spring patterns develop in Rhode Island. A few reports of fresh striped bass have surfaced over the past few days, and there will likely be a better push over the next ten days. Holdover striped bass fishing has remained solid in the meantime, with the largest specimens hanging around the herring runs. The bait numbers in said herring runs have improved quite a bit this week, so now is a great time to cash in on that bite. Tautog season has started off slow, but reports have steadily improved for those putting in the time, and I expect to hear some much-improved reports from Narragansett Bay very soon. A nice bonus for tautog anglers remains the presence of cod as bycatch, although they are mostly on the smaller side.

What to Look for in the Coming Week

* Striped bass: Expect a better push of fresh fish over the next ten days. * Tautog: Slowly heating up, but still a week or two away from steady, reliable action. * Cod: Mostly short of keeper size, but still worth targeting. * Trout: A solid bite in the opening weekend, but still a bit chilly for many anglers.

Getting Out on the Water

If you’re looking to get in on the bite, there are several options available. Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Rhode Island to help you land a fish. You can also visit local tackle shops for advice and gear.

Top Tackle Shops in Rhode Island

* Ocean State Tackle in Providence
* 10 AM to 2 PM, weekdays
* 5 AM to 6 PM, weekends
* Crafty One Customs
* 7 days a week
* 9 AM to 5 PM, weekdays
* 9 AM to 3 PM, weekends

Final Thoughts

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get out on the water and catch some fish. Rhode Island has a lot to offer, and with the right gear and knowledge, you can reel in a big catch. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little time to find the right spot – with patience and persistence, you’ll be reeling in fish in no time. Good luck, and tight lines!