Ryan Collins
Last December I fished Costa Rica, and I realized there is a ton of potential to expand MFCC beyond Cape Cod.
So much potential I actually just booked 5 more weeks in Costa Rica for December of 2017!
Rhode Island is another (albeit much closer to home) area which I have been meaning to explore and fish for a long time now. Not only are there big fish to be caught, but lots of members here on MFCC also enjoy fishing Rhode Island.
As with anything new, I expect there to be a significant learning curve to fishing Rhode Island. However it all starts with some recon, which is exactly what I decided to do this past Monday morning.​
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Rhode Island Rock
I arrived right at sunrise, after an hour and twenty minute drive. I prepped my gear and waited for two entrepreneurial friends of mine, Shane of Uriot Films and Jeremy of High Limb Cider.
Once the guys arrived we immediately headed down to the coast.
Both Shane and Jeremy did well fishing here back during May and June, so we were all interested to see what would happen, now that summer had settled in.​
In addition to the bass and blues which Jeremy and Shane caught here back in June, the guys had actually watched spearfishers haul moby striped bass out from beneath the rocks and ledges in this particular area. ​
If spearfishermen are targeting this area for big bass, then there is no doubt in my mind that I will have a chance at pulling a quality fish with rod and reel from these same spots. ​I just need to figure out the best tides and times of year.
The most dramatic difference of this coastline, when compared to the Cape, are the large slated rocks. There was very little sand, at least in this particular area of Rhode Island. Some areas were extremely slippery so I had to watch my step.
The Fishing
I am going to cut to the chase and let you know we did not catch any fish during this trip. Both myself and the guys registered a couple of weak bites from very small schoolies, but that was it.
However during the middle of the summer surfcasting is really a nighttime gig. I am sure there are experienced fishermen targeting this rocky point at night and doing well.
What I am thinking now is that I may follow the fall striper migration down the coast of New England and beyond. I think it could be a cool way of keeping the momentum going here on MFCC during the offseason.
This particular area of Rhode Island will certainly be one spot I hit during that trek. I owe a big thank you to Shane and Jeremy for introducing me to this terrific area.
Great spot for fly fishing. Find a spot where the the waves pile the water up until it finally moves out like a rip current. Cast a large deceiver then feed line out as you let the current take your fly to the waiting fish.
Sounds great Dex! Looking forward to getting back to this area during the fall. Will bring fly rod.
Now that’s a map I can work with!
I fish RI a lot but never that spot. I used to windsurf a beach close to there often.
I’ll try fishing there soon.
Thanks again for all your help.
Excellent! Definitely let me know if you hit any fish down there. Looking forward to learning this area better. Tight lines!
Over the past 25 years I’ve followed the fall migration from the Cape down along the Rhode Island coast. Doing this I’ve caught bass into the first week of December. The coastline from Narragansett down to Napatree Pt. has plenty of Cape like sand beaches with easy access, plenty of elbow room and good fishing during the Fall months. Do a Google Earth recon like you normally do and I’m sure you’ll find areas worth exploring.
Perfect, that is great to know. I may bounce some ideas off you this fall. I appreciate the intel!
I follow this particular blog which I expect most of you do too. Very helpful information for sniper fishing in RI
Striper* fishing that was… http://ristripedbass.blogspot.com
Oh yes, I’ve been reading David Pickering since I was a youngster.
I’ve caught some good bass there in recent years. I fish that spot all the time in my kayak, seeing as it’s close to home.
It’s a beautiful spot for sure, glad to see you fished it.
Awesome Hayden, thank you. I get the sense October could be good there.
Beautiful area.
Sure is.