Newport's Premier Full Day Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing charter aboard top-rated Lil Bingo vesselTarget Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Flounder with provided equipmentPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests with flexible departure
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, the Lil Bingo delivers exactly what Newport's waters are famous for. This isn't your typical half-day hustle – we're talking a proper full day charter where you'll have time to work the productive grounds and really dial in on what's biting. Captain runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, perfect for groups of up to 6 anglers who want to experience some of Rhode Island's best offshore action without the crowds you'll find on party boats.
Your day starts whenever works for your crew – one of the perks of booking private is setting your own departure time. The Lil Bingo is built for offshore work, stable enough to handle the swells but nimble enough to chase schools when the fish are moving. Everything's provided from the moment you step aboard: quality rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into, fresh tackle, proven lures, and your fishing license is covered. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while explaining the current regulations – bag limits, size requirements, and seasonal rules that keep changing. Light snacks and drinks are on board, but feel free to bring your own cooler. Just remember, no glass bottles and leave the hard stuff at home. Pack some water, good sunglasses, and non-spray sunblock because you'll be out there all day.
Newport's offshore grounds offer incredible variety depending on what's running and where the bait is holding. We'll be working everything from bottom structure for sea bass and tautog to mid-water columns when the blues are feeding aggressively. The captain switches up techniques throughout the day – maybe starting with some bottom fishing on the productive rock piles and wrecks, then moving to drift fishing or even some light trolling if conditions are right. The beauty of a full day trip is having time to adapt. If one spot isn't producing, we move. If a particular technique isn't working, we switch it up. You'll get hands-on experience with different presentations, learn how to read your electronics, and understand why certain baits work better in different situations. The gear is sized right for what we're targeting – no overkill setups that take the fun out of fighting fish, but sturdy enough to handle those surprise keeper stripers that show up when you least expect them.
Black sea bass remain the bread and butter of Newport's offshore scene, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and wrecks scattered across our fishing grounds. They're scrappy fighters that hit hard and make great table fare. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the bigger fish often holding in 60-80 feet of water. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite – even kids can get in on the action, but don't let that fool you. A 3-pound sea bass on the right tackle will give you a proper fight. Scup, or porgy as the locals call them, are another favorite that really lights up during summer months. They might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they're abundant, aggressive, and absolutely delicious. Schools of scup can make for non-stop action when you find them, perfect for keeping everyone busy while we work different spots. Tautog are the thinking angler's fish – these black drum relatives require finesse and patience, but hooking into a 4-pound tog around the rocky structure is something special. They're strongest in fall when they're feeding heavily before winter, and their white, flaky meat is considered a delicacy. Bluefish bring the excitement factor with their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. When a school of blues moves through, it's all hands on deck. They'll hit anything that moves and fight like fish twice their size, though you'll want to mind those teeth when bringing them aboard. Lingcod round out our target species as the wildcard catch. These bottom predators can get surprisingly large and provide some of the most memorable fights of the day. They're not as predictable as the other species, but when you hook into a good ling, you'll know it immediately from that head-shaking, diving fight.
The Lil Bingo has built a reputation as one of Newport's top-rated private charters because they focus on what matters most – putting you on fish and making sure you have a great time doing it. Regular customers know they can count on a clean boat, quality gear, and a captain who's more interested in your success than watching the clock. The flexible scheduling means you're not stuck with a 6 AM departure if your group prefers a later start, and having the boat to yourselves means you can fish at your own pace. Some days that means maximizing action on smaller fish, other days it means spending time working for that trophy bass. The beauty of a full day charter is having options, and the captain adjusts the game plan based on what your crew wants to accomplish. Whether you're hardcore anglers looking to fill the cooler or a mixed group that just wants to enjoy a day on the water, the trip gets tailored to match your expectations. Plus, there's something special about being out on Rhode Island's offshore waters with just your group, watching the coastline from a different perspective while working some seriously productive fishing grounds.
Newport's offshore fishing season is short enough that the good dates fill up fast, especially for quality private charters like the Lil Bingo. This full day trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these waters have to offer – multiple species, different techniques, and enough time to really get dialed in on what's working. At 6 anglers max, you're getting a true private charter experience without the chaos of larger boats. The captain provides everything you need to succeed, from tackle to fishing license, so all you need to bring is enthusiasm and maybe some snacks for the ride. Book now and see why experienced anglers choose the Lil
Step aboard the Lil Bingo, a 36-foot sportfishing vessel that's built to handle Newport's offshore waters with ease. This well-equipped boat features outriggers for trolling, a flybridge for better fishing visibility, and all the electronics you need including GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate the best spots. The private toilet keeps things comfortable during your full day on the water targeting black sea bass, stripers, flounder, and porgy. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to move around while fighting fish or just enjoying the ride out to the fishing grounds. The captain provides all tackle and gear, plus your fishing license is covered. Modern navigation equipment ensures safe travel in changing conditions, while the boat's stable design makes for comfortable fishing whether you're bottom fishing or working the outriggers.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are a bread-and-butter species around Newport's offshore structure from late spring through early winter. These chunky grouper relatives typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 6+ pounds, especially the big males that develop a distinctive hump during spawning season. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. They're excellent eating and put up a solid fight until they break the surface. Interestingly, they start life as females and change to males as they grow larger. Squid strips and sea worms work great on simple bottom rigs. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep your line tight and get them up quickly - they love to dive back into structure and break you off.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are some of the most exciting fish to target around Newport from mid-June through October. These aggressive predators typically run 3-8 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds, and they're known for their razor-sharp teeth and fierce strikes. You'll find schools feeding on baitfish near the surface or in mid-water around structure and drop-offs. When they're feeding, the water churns like a washing machine - that's what we call a "bluefish blitz." They fight hard and make excellent eating when properly handled, though the meat can be oily. Wire leaders are essential due to their teeth. My go-to technique is trolling small spoons or casting poppers into feeding schools. Keep them on ice immediately after catching to preserve the best flavor.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually found in Newport waters - they're a West Coast species from Alaska down to California. These toothy predators with their massive heads and mottled green-brown coloring live around rocky reefs and kelp beds on the Pacific side. They can grow huge, with females reaching over 30 pounds, while males stay smaller. What makes them popular out west is their aggressive nature and excellent eating quality. They ambush prey from rocky lairs in 30-300 feet of water and will attack almost anything that moves. If you were fishing for them, metal jigs work best since they'll grab whatever looks like an easy meal. But here in Rhode Island, you'll want to focus on our local bottom species instead.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are one of those reliable fish you can count on around Newport waters from May through October. These silver, compressed-bodied fish typically run 12-16 inches and make great table fare with their mild, flaky meat. You'll find them bottom feeding around rocky areas and structure in 20-60 feet of water, using their strong jaws to crush mussels and crabs. They're actually pretty easy to catch - most folks hook into them while targeting other species. Small pieces of squid or clam on a simple bottom rig work well, but here's a tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom. Scup tend to grab bait quickly, so stay alert for those subtle taps.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are one of the trickiest fish we target around Newport's rocky structure. These thick-bodied bruisers average 2-4 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds, living up to 30 years around the same boulder piles and wrecks. They're most active during daylight hours, using powerful jaws to crush mussels, crabs, and barnacles. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around jetties and rocky outcrops in 15-50 feet. What makes them challenging is their habit of grabbing bait and retreating to rocks, so you need to set the hook fast and pull hard. Green crabs make the best bait - remove the claws and legs, then crush them up around your fishing spot to create a scent trail.
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