Private Half Day Newport, RI Fishing Charter | PM
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour afternoon fishing charter aboard Lil BingoAccommodates up to 6 guests with all equipment providedDeparts 1:00 PM with flexible scheduling and fishing license included
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water? This 4-hour private fishing charter aboard the *Lil Bingo* puts you right in Newport's prime fishing grounds with up to 6 of your closest fishing buddies. Starting at 1:00 PM, you'll have the flexibility to work around your schedule while targeting some of Rhode Island's most sought-after species. Captain and crew handle all the details—rods, reels, tackle, lures, and your fishing license are all covered. Just bring your non-spray sunblock, polarized sunglasses, and plenty of water to stay comfortable under that afternoon sun.
The *Lil Bingo* is your floating basecamp for the afternoon, equipped with everything you need to get into fish. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand—where the structure holds fish, how the tides are running, and which spots are firing on any given day. You'll spend your time working productive areas around Newport's rocky coastline, targeting ledges, boulder fields, and drop-offs where stripers, scup, tautog, bluefish, and black sea bass love to hang out. The afternoon bite can be fantastic here, especially as baitfish start moving with the changing light. Light snacks and drinks are provided, but feel free to bring your own beverages—just skip the glass bottles and hard liquor. The captain will keep you dialed in on local regulations so everyone stays legal and the fishing stays productive.
This inshore charter runs the gamut of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You'll likely be bouncing jigs and bait along the bottom for tautog and black sea bass around Newport's abundant rock structure, while also working the mid-water column and surface for stripers and blues when they're feeding up. The boat comes rigged with quality spinning and conventional tackle suited for the target species—medium to heavy action rods that can handle everything from finicky scup to bulldogging striped bass. Expect to work with everything from bucktails and soft plastics to chunk bait and live offerings when available. The rocky bottom around Newport means you'll be fishing smart—the captain will position the boat to minimize snags while keeping you in the strike zone. Circle hooks are standard for most bait fishing to ensure solid hookups and safe releases.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Newport fishing, and these waters hold some real quality fish. Spring through fall sees excellent striper action, with fish ranging from schoolies up to keeper-sized bass pushing 28+ inches. They're ambush predators that love to pin baitfish against Newport's rocky shoreline, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it. The fight is pure power—long runs and head-shaking that'll test your drag and your arms.
Scup might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare when they're biting. These silver dollar-shaped fish school up in massive numbers around Newport's structure from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive biters that'll hit small jigs, worms, and cut bait with enthusiasm. Don't let their size fool you—a big scup will bend your rod and put up a surprising fight.
Tautog are the bulldogs of the bottom, and Newport's rocky terrain is perfect tautog habitat. These chocolate-colored bruisers are tough fighters that'll try to wrap you around every rock and crevice they can find. Fall is prime time for tog fishing here, when they're feeding heavily before winter. They're notorious bait stealers with their crushing jaws, but once hooked, they're one of the strongest pound-for-pound fighters you'll encounter. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to Newport waters, especially during their summer and fall runs. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, making for fast-paced action when you find them. They'll hit anything that moves—lures, bait, even bare hooks sometimes. The fight is all speed and attitude, with powerful runs and aerial displays. Just watch those teeth when handling them—blues don't discriminate when it comes to biting.
Black Sea Bass are the opportunistic bottom-dwellers that make Newport's structure their home. These chunky fish are excellent eating and provide steady action around the rocky areas and wrecks. They're most active from late spring through fall, and while they're not the biggest fighters, they're consistent biters that'll keep your rod bent. Their white, flaky meat makes them a top choice for the dinner table, and they're perfect for anglers looking to bring home a meal.
This private half-day charter gives you and your crew exclusive access to some of Rhode Island's best inshore fishing without the crowds or compromise of a party boat. The afternoon timing is perfect for working around morning commitments while still getting quality time on the water when fish are active. With all gear provided and regulations handled by your captain, you can focus on what matters most—getting fish in the boat. Newport's diverse fishery means you'll have multiple species to target, and the rocky inshore structure here holds fish year-round. Book your spot on the *Lil Bingo* and get ready for an afternoon of top-rated Rhode Island fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard the *Lil Bingo*, a well-equipped 36-foot sportfishing boat designed to handle Newport's coastal waters with ease. This vessel comes loaded with everything serious anglers need – outriggers for trolling, advanced fish finders to locate the best spots, plus GPS and radar to keep you on course. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility of the water, while the onboard facilities including a private head ensure comfort during your 4-hour afternoon charter. With space for up to six people, there's plenty of room to cast lines without crowding. The boat's modern equipment and sturdy build make it perfect for targeting whatever's running in Rhode Island's productive inshore waters, whether you're after stripers, blues, or whatever else is biting that day.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom fish that make every trip productive. These chunky, dark fish average 1-3 pounds with big mouths and spiny dorsal fins. Males develop a distinctive hump during spawning and can turn bright blue. They love structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Season runs May through December, with summer being prime time when they're shallow and aggressive. Guests enjoy their steady action and excellent table fare - flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They fight well until they hit the surface, then give up. My go-to method: squid strips on a double-hook rig, fished right on bottom near structure. They're not shy about hitting jigs either, especially when you bounce them off rocks.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure excitement on light tackle. These aggressive predators average 3-8 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in schools, hitting anything that moves - lures, bait, even bare hooks sometimes. We find them in open water, around bait schools, and near structure from June through October. What guests love is their explosive strikes and nonstop action when you find them. They're also great eating when handled properly - firm, rich meat that's perfect grilled. The famous "bluefish blitz" can happen anytime they corner baitfish. Local tip: when you see diving birds and churning water, race over there. Use wire leaders because they'll cut through mono in seconds, and keep your fingers away from those teeth when landing them.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are perfect for keeping the action steady on our trips. These silver-scaled fish average 1-2 pounds with compressed bodies and sharp dorsal spines. They're bottom feeders that love rocky areas, wrecks, and structure in 15-60 feet of water. Best fishing runs May through October when they move inshore from deeper winter grounds. What guests love about scup is they're easy to catch, great for kids, and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They're also fantastic live bait for stripers. My tip: use small hooks with squid or clam, and keep your bait moving just off the bottom. When you find one scup, there's usually a whole school underneath, so stick around that spot.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Newport fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes run 20-40 pounds typically, though we catch bigger ones. They love structure - rocky reefs, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall migration brings them right to our waters, with peak action May through October. What makes stripers special is their strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also smart fish that'll test your skills. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast. Stripers push bait up, creating feeding frenzies that make for some of the best fishing you'll find around here.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish, as we call them locally, are one of the most challenging and rewarding fish around Newport's rocky bottom. These stout, mottled-brown fish average 2-4 pounds with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. They stick tight to structure - jetties, boulder fields, and rocky outcrops in 20-80 feet. Peak season runs April through June and September through November when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes tautog special is their bulldogging fight and exceptional eating - firm, sweet meat that rivals lobster. They're also incredibly smart and structure-oriented, making them a true angler's fish. Pro tip: use green crabs with legs removed, fish tight to the rocks, and set the hook hard the instant you feel a tap. Hesitate and they'll spit it out.
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