Full Day Newport Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour inshore fishing charter aboard Lil Bingo vesselTarget Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Flounder, and Porgy speciesAll equipment, tackle, and fishing licenses included with trip
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of Rhode Island's best inshore species? This 8-hour private charter aboard the Lil Bingo puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about prime Newport waters where Striped Bass, Black Sea Bass, Flounder, and Scup cruise the structure and flats. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with everything from rods to tackle included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The early 6:30 AM start gets you out there when the fish are most active, plus you'll have the whole boat to yourself and up to 5 buddies.
This isn't your weekend warrior half-day trip – we're talking about a full 8 hours of serious fishing time in Newport's productive inshore waters. The Lil Bingo is set up specifically for inshore work, meaning she's got the right draft to get into the shallows where the big Stripers hang out, but stable enough to handle the deeper structure where Sea Bass stack up. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly – maybe starting shallow for early morning Stripers, then moving to deeper structure as the sun gets higher. The boat comes stocked with light snacks and drinks, but most anglers bring their own cooler with lunch and beverages (just remember, no glass bottles). You'll want to pack non-spray sunblock since the spray stuff can mess with your line, plus good polarized sunglasses to spot fish and structure.
All your tackle is dialed in and ready to go – quality spinning and conventional reels spooled with fresh line, plus a full selection of jigs, soft plastics, and live bait rigs depending on what's working. For Stripers, we're often throwing bucktails with pork rind or soft plastic trailers, working them along drop-offs and around structure. Black Sea Bass love a good jig bounced right on the bottom around rocks and wrecks – these guys are aggressive and will hammer a properly presented bait. Flounder fishing means going finesse with lighter tackle, usually bottom rigs with fresh bait worked slowly along sandy areas. Your fishing license is covered, and the captain stays on top of all the regulations so you don't have to worry about size limits or bag limits – he'll handle all that while you focus on the fishing.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Newport inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from schoolie size up to legitimate trophy fish pushing 40+ inches. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migrations, but summer fishing can be fantastic early morning and evening. Stripers are smart and can be finicky, which makes landing a good one that much more satisfying. They fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll get your adrenaline pumping.
Black Sea Bass might not get the same press as Stripers, but they're absolute money in the Newport area. These chunky fighters love structure – rocks, wrecks, and ledges – where they set up to ambush baitfish. They're aggressive biters and excellent table fare, with many anglers considering them the best eating fish in local waters. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, and a good Sea Bass bite can save the day when other species aren't cooperating.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate finesse fish, requiring patience and technique to consistently catch. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting to ambush passing prey. Newport's flats and channel edges hold good numbers, especially during warmer months. Flounder fishing teaches you to feel every bump and tap on your line – when you master it, you'll be a better angler overall. Plus, few fish beat fresh Flounder on the dinner table.
Scup, also called Porgy, are often overlooked but provide non-stop action when you find a school. These feisty little fighters punch well above their weight class and can save a slow day with constant bites. They're perfect for getting kids or new anglers into the action, but don't let that fool you – big Scup over 2 pounds are legitimate fighters on appropriate tackle. They show up in good numbers during summer months around structure and weed lines.
An 8-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to really dial in the bite and target multiple species throughout the day. With everything provided and a captain who knows how to put you on fish, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back. Whether you're looking to land your personal best Striper, fill the cooler with Sea Bass, or just enjoy a full day away from the dock, this Newport inshore charter has you covered. The early morning start means you'll beat the crowds and hit the prime fishing hours when these species are most active.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard the *Lil Bingo*, a well-equipped 36-foot sportfishing vessel designed for serious angling in Newport's productive waters. This motorboat handles Rhode Island's coastal conditions with ease while keeping your group of up to 6 comfortable during the full 8-hour charter. The boat features outriggers for trolling, a flybridge for elevated spotting, and modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those prime fishing spots. When you need a break from battling stripers or hauling in sea bass, there's a private head onboard and space to relax between bites. The captain knows these waters inside and out, putting you on black sea bass, flounder, porgy, and the legendary striped bass that cruise these shores. All your fishing gear, tackle, and licenses are covered - just bring your appetite for some solid saltwater action off the Rhode Island coast.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that really know how to use structure. These guys typically run 2-4 pounds with some bigger males pushing 6-8 pounds around deeper wrecks and rocky areas. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to depths under 120 feet. They love wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom where they feed on crabs and squid. What makes them special is that solid fight until they break water, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and keep it right on bottom - they rarely chase bait up in the water column.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are perfect for families and new anglers. These silver-scaled bottom dwellers run 12-16 inches and love hanging around rocks, wrecks, and pilings where they hunt for crabs and worms with their strong jaws. May through October is your best bet when they're inshore - they head south and deep when water gets cold. They're not huge fighters, but they're steady pullers and make fantastic table fare. Plus, they're great live bait for bigger fish. Pro tip: use small hooks with squid or clam, and jig slowly near the bottom - they'll often hit on the drop, so stay alert for that subtle tap.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped bottom dwellers can change color to match sand or mud perfectly. Most run 15-18 inches, with both eyes on their left side for that unique look. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and near shore, where they ambush prey like crabs and small fish. Spring through fall is best before they move offshore for winter. Guests love the challenge of spotting their subtle bites and the sweet, flaky meat they provide. The trick is drifting with light tackle and live minnows or strips - let your bait hit bottom and barely move it.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Newport waters - these silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes can run anywhere from 20-40 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They love structure like rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks, usually staying within a few miles of shore during our season. Late spring through fall is prime time when they migrate north to feed in our cooler waters. What makes them special? They fight hard, make great eating, and those feeding frenzies are something else when they're chasing bait balls. Local tip: watch for diving birds - that's your signal the stripers are pushing bait to the surface.
undefined, undefined