Fishing Opportunities In Newport

 

Why is Newport is considered a sport fishing destination?  In a word: variety. Newport and surrounding waters host a variety of fish and bait species in its temperate waters, and angler access to this water is in many cases readily and easily available. Use this guide to make the most of your time on the water in and around Newport, Rhode Island

Seasons

From April through November a variety of fish species call Aquidneck Island water home and there is always a fish to chase and catch.  It all starts with the arrival of Striped Bass and Tautog in mid-April.  Add Bluefish, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Summer Flounder (Fluke) in May, June, and July.  Then add False Albacore and Atlantic Bonito to the mix in August, September, and October.  November is the tail end of our season but can also provide hot action when all the above species are migrating to their winter retreats. Check out our blog for the latest Fishing Forecast

Where to Fish

Surfcasting

What makes Aquidneck Island special for shore bound anglers is its readily accessible public parks that provide shoreline access to open ocean locations as well as protected bay areas.  Newport and Middletown have state and federal land that is very fisherman friendly.  Some of the more popular areas in Newport are Fort Adams State Park, Brenton Point State Park, and the world-famous Cliff Walk National Recreation Trail.  Middletown has the expansive Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge which offers all sorts of rugged surfcasting opportunities.

Inshore 

For those looking to trailer their boats the city of Newport has a public ramp at Fort Adams State Park; and for federal employees/military members with access there is a launch ramp located at Coasters Harbor Island on the Newport Naval Base.  The town of Middletown has a launch ramp at Third Beach.  

Fly Fishing

Aquidneck Island has a storied history at the forefront of modern saltwater fly fishing for Striped Bass.  The shoreline accesses mentioned above provide fly casters with an abundance of challenges in various structure types giving you the new challenge of fishing the whitewater, sight fishing a calm sandy shoreline or casting to bonito and false albacore.  There is something for everyone. 

Charters

We are fortunate to have a number of excellent local charter services are available.  Contact the shop and we can help you choose the Captain best suited for you needs.

Recommended Tackle 

Surf Casting

• 8-11 foot rod with matching saltwater grade reel.
• Reel spool loaded with 15-20lb mono line / 30-50lb braid.
• Terminal gear and 30-60lb leaders.
• Range of lures such as topwater baits ( Rebel Jumpin Minnow) , minnow swimmers ( Daiwa SP Minnow ), needlefish plugs ( Super Strike N Fish), darters ( Super Strike Zig Zag ), metal lip swimmers, bucktail jigs, soft plastics ( Albie Snax), metal lures (locally made Point Jude or Kastmaster )

Fly Fishing

• 8-10 weight 9 foot fast action fly rod. 
• SW grade fly reel with intermediate line.
• 15-30lb mono leaders/tippets.
• Assortment of flies on hook sizes 6 to 4/0 (call The Saltwater Edge for the latest hot fly patterns which change depending on season/bait presence).

Inshore Fishing

Prevalent Forage Species

Note – the species and seasons are listed here as a general guide.  Some species may appear earlier, later, or not at all.   It behooves anglers to adjust lure offerings based on what they observe or hear from trusted sources.  

1. Squid – April, May, June, October, November
2. Adult Menhaden – April through November
3. Juvenile Menhaden aka Peanut Bunker – July through November
4. Atlantic Silverside – April through November
5. Sand Eels – May, June, July
6. Bay Anchovy – August through October
7. Crab Hatches – late July and August
8. Crabs and Lobsters – May through November
9. Young of the year species Tautog, Scup, Sea Bass, Snapper Blues etc. – August, September
10. Butterfish – August through October
11. Mullet – September, October
12. Mackerel – May, September through November

Don’t forget to purchase a fishing license!  For license requirements, purchase, and information check here  Also, RI has reciprocity with MA, CT, ME and NH so your saltwater license from any of those states is valid here.

Pro Tip: Your Spouse is Going to Love Newport

Lots of couples make Newport a long weekend getaway. Here is a resource for what else you can do in our slice of the Ocean State.

Ideal Lodging for the Surfcaster

Looking for lodging?  Aquidneck Island has a plethora of places to stay from traditional Hotels/Motels to local Bed and Breakfast Inns. If you are a surfcaster that would like to stay in Newport with a local that has been fishing the island for over 50 years you should consider contacting noted surf caster and author, Dennis Zambrotta. DZ is the author of Surfcasting Around The Block and has written numerous other articles.  Here's the link to Dennis’s Airbnb:https://www.airbnb.com/h/comfy-bedrooms-in-newport Make sure to mention The Saltwater Edge sent you for an extra “fishermen’s discount”.

Lots of Fishing Opportunities and Options

Newport and the rest of Aquidneck Island offer numerous fishing options for the surf, fly and inshore angler. Check out our blog for the latest Fishing Forecast. Let the Saltwater Edge help you make the most of your time on the water. 
Tight lines!!