6 Excellent Saltwater Fishing Destinations in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has a lot to offer both residents and visitors, ranging from the beautiful Cliff Walk and Mohegan Bluffs to coastal cities like Newport and Narragansett. The state is particularly ideal for those who love the ocean, as it has ample opportunities for surfing, sailing, kayaking, and tide pooling. Fishing is also a popular pastime in Rhode Island, with both freshwater and saltwater angling available.

For those who prefer to hunt fish in the open ocean, there are a number of excellent places to head out for deep-sea fishing. Trophy hunters and amateur anglers alike will find open expanses of water, an abundance of fish, and beautiful days spent on the ocean where they can check out the following locations, which offer some of the best saltwater fishing in Rhode Island.

Beavertail State Park

Offering excellent views of Jamestown Island, Beavertail State Park is located in Jamestown and features a picturesque, rocky shoreline that is perfect for surf casting. The park is also popular with naturalists and other people interested in geology, marine biology, and ecology, making it the perfect spot for a family outing that is equal parts fishing and education. Like all state parks in Rhode Island, Beavertail State Park enforces a carry-in, carry-out policy, so it is important to adhere to the universal backcountry philosophy of leaving no trace.

Haines Memorial State Park

Another Rhode Island state park featuring excellent saltwater fishing, Haines Memorial State Park in East Providence has a boat ramp and handicap accessible facilities, making it usable to anyone with a boat and a desire to enjoy some salty backwater fishing. There is also a user-friendly bike path, a bathhouse, and a seasonal farmers market. This is a favorite of local anglers, who have been passing down knowledge about their favorite fishing nooks for generations. 

Brenton Cove

Located in yet another popular state park (Brenton Point State Park in Newport), Brenton Cove is a great family-friendly destination for a day of surf casting. Black sea bass and striped bass are plentiful, and there are lots of amenities available, making Brenton Cove conducive for a combination fishing outing/picnic. However, it does tend to get a bit crowded, so those looking for solitude would do well to go elsewhere.

Block Island

For those looking to hit the open ocean and enjoy some proper deep-sea fishing, Block Island is one of the most obvious options. Part of New England’s Outer Lands coastal archipelago, Block Island is located 9 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and is accessible by ferry from Newport, Rhode Island. Experienced deep-sea anglers can take a boat to the island from the mainland and enjoy excellent fishing along the way. Charters are also available from the island, where anglers can head out to the offshore canyons to fish for large tuna, as well as striped bass and bluefish. Those who want to stay closer to land can enjoy surfcasting from Block Island’s 17 miles of beaches. 

Newport 

A major coastal town and one of the state’s main attractions, Newport has a lot to offer visitors—including excellent saltwater fishing. Multiple marinas provide access to deep-sea fishing opportunities, which abound in the area. Big game fishermen (and women) and tournament anglers can enjoy Newport’s offshore waters, which are teeming with sea life. There are also numerous competitions and fishing events throughout the year, adding to the town’s appeal.

Narragansett Bay

Another of Rhode Island’s most popular coastal towns, Narragansett Bay is considered to be one of the best fishing towns in the United States. It hosts numerous tournaments and fishing events, has a lot of deep-sea charters available, and enjoys great weather and beautiful blue water, making it a must for any serious angler in New England. The town also has great shore casting, with popular options including Black Point Fishing Area near Scarborough Beach and Colt State Park (the latter of which is located in Narragansett Bay and features excellent shore and surf casting). January through March can be a bit slow (and cold), but is still fishable. Meanwhile, the rest of the year is prime season. Winter and spring are a great time for codfish and tautog, while summer is great for striper, scup, seabass, flounder, and bluefish. Fall is also good for stripers and blues, although the weather tends to get a bit inclement in November and December. 

Regulations

It is important to note that all saltwater anglers in Rhode Island are required to obtain a National Saltwater Angler Registration, RI Recreational Saltwater Fishing License, or recreational saltwater fishing license from a state that features reciprocal licensure (Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York). Licenses can be acquired online and at many bait shops. They cost $7 for residents and $10 for visitors. A temporary license that is valid for a week is also available for $5.