Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Saltwater Edge in Middletown reports:
“The weather here in RI has made getting out to the tog grounds difficult, but if you can find a weather window you are sure to get some nice fish. Cod fishing is the same, find the right weather and get out to some deeper structure and you’ll find some really nice fish.
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith has continued to make trips for tautog, between bouts of tough weather, and the results have generally been strong. The tautog trips have been seeing quite a few limit catches, and this remains a great time of year to get into some truly giant fish. Some sea bass and cod are still mixed in with the tautog, so coolers are filling up pretty well, and there is plenty of variety. Be sure to check their website for scheduling details and to book your next trip with the fleet!
Captain Connor, at Tall Tailz Charters told me that the tautog fishing has remained hot locally through the Thanksgiving weekend. There are still plenty of quality fish to be found close to home, as the big tog haven’t made their push offshore just yet. They are starting to fish deeper with more consistency and are finding good results on both green and white crabs. Both jigs and rigs are also getting the job done, and Connor is getting steady boat limits on all trips, with a few nice double-digit fish in the mix. They are also starting to see more nice cod in the mix, along with some chunky sea bass. If you’re looking for a nice mixed bag for the freezer, along with a chance at a trophy tog, now is the time to book a trip with Tall Tailz! He will continue to fish through December as long as the weather cooperates.
Ralph, at Crafty One Customs reports that the tautog fishing continues to produce well in terms of both numbers and size of fish, for those working the deeper waters off Newport and Jamestown. There have also been some better cod numbers, with most anglers finding good variety on all trips. As the water temperatures continue to drop, the fish will continue to transition to deeper water outside of the bay and eventually offshore. There have been a few reports of gannets diving off the Second Beach area, with some decent bass under them, but the reports seem to be quieting over the past few days. Store hours for the coming weeks will be Wednesday through Friday from 9-6 and Saturday from 9 until 3.
Captain Rob, at Newport Sportfishing Charters, told me that the tautog fishing continues to go strong in his neck of the woods. His trips continue to see full boat limits, along with some giant fish in the mix. The fishing should continue to stay steady right through December, even if the fish start transitioning to some deeper pieces of structure. Rob has been focusing most of his attention on tog, but for those looking for striped bass, there has been no shortage of mixed size fish across the area.
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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
Despite some strong winds that have made things difficult at times, Rhode Island anglers are finding great success on the tautog grounds. Water temperatures continue to drop, but the big fish haven’t made their way to the offshore reefs just yet. Big tog are still being reported close to home, for those that are still trying, and there have been quite a few big cod in the mix this week. Those looking for some light tackle action should have no shortage of mixed-sized striped bass to play with, both out front and entering the salt ponds and bays.