Rhode Island Fishing Report- January 5, 2023

Rhode Island Fishing Report

The Frances Fleet in Point Judith found some calmer weather on New Year’s Day, and they were able to cash in with a nice catch of codfish. The fishing was fully lock and load, but most of their favorite wrecks and rockpiles held some fish, which is a good sign for January fishing. The fleet will continue to sail whenever the weather allows, so be sure to check in with the office. 

Ralph, at Crafty One Customs had said that anglers have been using the warmer weather to their advantage and finding some holdover striped bass action in the ponds and rivers. That bite should continue to hold strong as long as it’s not too cold, and saltwater anglers can also look to some solid cod action on the days in which the weather cooperates. Ralph will be closing the shop for the month of January, and would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 

Elisa, from Snug Harbor Marina reported that we have been in the midst of one of the best weather windows that the fleet has seen in a while. Many of the boats have taken full advantage, with some strong cod fishing and great sea bassing before the season closed. There have been a few holdover striped bass reports here and there, while freshwater reports were quiet due to the recent rains.  

Breachway Bait and Tackle reported that anglers have been finding some success with nice cod around Coxes, while local anglers are still finding some holdover bass (albeit not in great numbers). The shop is now closed for the winter, but the guys are often at the shop, so feel free to drive by and see if the lights are on.  

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Rhode Island Fishing Forecast

Another mild January is upon us, much to the chagrin of ice fishermen. On the positive side, it is providing some better than usual open water opportunities for anglers across the area.  

Rhode Island anglers have been graced with one of the better weather windows that we’ve had over the past month or two, and saltwater anglers are taking advantage, with solid cod reports coming in for those who tried since the New Year. There has been a slight uptick in holdover striped bass activity for those looking for some light tackle action. Ideally, we start to see even more holdover action, with a few more sunny days and some cleaning water. The largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish bite is back in full force, with pretty much all bodies of water now being clear of ice.