5.0(1 Reviews)Private Full-Day Nearshore Fishing in Rhode Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets eight seasonal Rhode Island speciesExpert crew provides topquality equipment and fishing guidanceFlexible departure times accommodate up to three guests
Looking for a fishing charter that delivers serious action without the crowds? Jimmy Ocean Fishing Guide Service puts you right where the fish are biting with this private full-day nearshore adventure. You'll have the entire boat to yourself and up to two buddies, targeting some of Rhode Island's hottest species from tautog to striped bass, bluefish to bonito, and even the occasional shark. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking about a full commitment to finding fish and putting you on the bite. With flexible departure times and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that makes for great fish stories back home.
This full-day charter is built for anglers who want to fish hard and fish smart. We launch from Rhode Island's prime fishing ports and head out to the nearshore grounds where the action happens. Jimmy's got decades of experience reading these waters, and he'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting that day. Some days we're dropping jigs for tautog around structure, other times we're trolling for stripers or casting poppers when the blues are busting bait on the surface. The beauty of a full-day trip is we've got time to chase different species and really dial in what's working. You'll fish with top-quality rods and reels, and Jimmy provides all the terminal tackle – hooks, sinkers, jigs, and lures that are proven fish-catchers in these waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to up your game or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new spots, this trip adapts to your skill level and fishing goals.
We run a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. For striped bass, expect to troll with umbrella rigs, wire line setups, or live bait depending on the season. When we're targeting tautog, we're talking about precise bottom fishing with green crabs and jigs around rocky structure – it's technical fishing that requires patience and feel. Bluefish and bonito call for different tactics entirely, often involving live bait or fast-moving lures that trigger aggressive strikes. The boat is equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels, St. Croix rods, and a full spread of proven Rhode Island lures and rigs. We carry both conventional and spinning setups to match the fishing situation. Jimmy brings decades of local knowledge about seasonal patterns, tide movements, and the specific structures that hold fish. He'll teach you how to read the electronics, work different depths, and adjust your presentation as conditions change throughout the day.
"We happened to be out during a local tournament, and honestly, if we had entered—we probably would've taken first place! Jimmy brought us straight to the perfect spot, and we caught fish nonstop. On top of putting us on the bite, he was extremely safety-focused the entire trip, which is exactly what you want in a guide. Couldn't have asked for a better experience." - Stewart
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Rhode Island fishing, stripers are what dreams are made of. These fish run from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 40-plus pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with the best action often happening during dawn and dusk feeds. Stripers are structure-oriented and follow baitfish, making them perfect targets for both trolling and casting. What makes them so special is their fight – they'll make long runs, shake their heads, and test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within legal limits.
Shortfin Mako Shark: When you hook into a mako, you know it immediately. These are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of incredible jumps and blistering runs that will test your tackle and your nerves. Makos show up in Rhode Island waters during the warmer months, typically from June through September. We target them with fresh bluefish or bonito chunks, fishing at various depths until we find where they're feeding. A mako fight can last 30 minutes or more, and watching one clear the water completely is something you'll never forget. Most anglers practice catch and release with makos due to conservation concerns.
Little Tunny (False Albacore): Don't let the "little" fool you – these fish are pure muscle and attitude. Little tunny, or "albies" as locals call them, are built for speed and endurance. They show up in late summer and fall, often feeding on the surface in large schools. When you find them, it's fast-paced casting with small lures or flies. The fight is relentless – they'll strip line off your reel and make multiple runs before you get them to the boat. They're not great table fare, so most get released to fight another day, but the sport fishing value is off the charts.
Tautog: These are the bulldogs of the bottom, and catching them is all about technique and patience. Tautog, or "tog," live around rocky structure and have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time, when they're most active in the cooler water. We use green crabs, white leggers, or jigs tipped with crab, fishing tight to the structure where they live. The bite is often subtle – just a slight tick or weight change – then you set the hook and feel their bulldozing power as they try to get back to the rocks. Keeper-size tog make excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for chowder or simply baked.
Bluefish: Blues are the aggressive feeders that turn every angler into a believer. When a school of bluefish is feeding, the water erupts with activity – birds diving, bait fish jumping,
Step aboard our reliable 23' Sailfish center console, your floating headquarters for a full day chasing Rhode Island's best fish. This well-equipped boat handles three anglers comfortably while cutting through coastal waters with ease. We've got you covered with quality rods, reels, fresh bait, and proven lures for whatever's biting – whether you're after feisty stripers, hard-fighting tautog, or the occasional shark. The GPS and fish finder help us locate the hotspots, while radar keeps us safe when visibility drops. Plus, there's an onboard head so you can stay focused on fishing instead of worrying about comfort breaks. Built for serious fishing with all the navigation tech you need, this center console puts you right where the action is. Perfect for both weekend warriors and seasoned anglers looking to make the most of Rhode Island's productive nearshore waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically weighing 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These blue-green speedsters travel in schools, attacking baitfish in shallow water and creating those famous "bluefish blitzes" where the water boils with feeding activity. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're following bait schools along the coast. What makes them exciting is the fast action and hard strikes - they hit lures with serious force and fight all the way to the boat. Smaller blues under 5 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat. When you see birds diving or bait jumping, get your lures in fast. Wire leaders are a must - those teeth will cut through regular line instantly. Work the edges of the feeding schools for the biggest fish.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, or false albacore, are scrappy fighters that punch way above their weight class. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 8-15 pounds with distinctive wavy lines and fingerprint spots on their backs. You'll find schools of them in nearshore waters around jetties, points, and drop-offs during late summer and fall. They travel fast and feed aggressively on small baitfish near the surface. What makes them popular is the non-stop action and serious fight - they'll strip line and never quit. The dark red meat has a strong flavor that's great when prepared right. When you spot diving birds or surface commotion, get there fast. Here's the trick: use small lures or flies and retrieve them quickly - these fish are used to chasing fast-moving prey and won't look twice at something moving slowly.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the ultimate adrenaline rush - the fastest shark in the ocean hitting 30+ mph and known for jumping 20 feet out of the water when hooked. These blue-backed torpedoes average 8-12 feet and 200-400 pounds, roaming open water from surface down to 400 feet. Summer months bring the best chances when water temps hit 60-70°F. What guests love most is the raw power and acrobatics - makos will leap, run, and fight harder than almost anything else out there. The meat's actually excellent too, similar to swordfish. Here's the key: use heavy wire leaders and circle hooks, and keep your eyes up when fighting one. They're smart enough to use the boat against you and have been known to jump right into the cockpit, so stay alert and ready to move.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Rhode Island fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with those famous dark stripes along their silver sides. These fish love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and moving water near shore. Spring through fall offers the best action as they migrate up and down the coast, following baitfish like bunker and herring. What makes them special is the combination of strong fights and excellent eating - their white, flaky meat is top-notch. They're smart fish that can be picky, so matching the hatch with live bait or the right lure is key. Pro tip: when the water's moving on an outgoing tide around dawn or dusk, work your bait slowly near the bottom around structure. That's when these fish really feed aggressively.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of the rocky bottom - thick, powerful fish that average 2-6 pounds with some reaching 15+ pounds. These mottled brown fish live around jetties, rocky reefs, and structure where they crush shellfish with their strong teeth. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when they're most active before moving to deeper winter haunts. What anglers love is the challenge - they're tough to hook and even tougher to pull out of their rocky homes. The firm white meat is outstanding eating, some say the best-tasting fish in these waters. They're picky about fresh bait, so green crabs work best. My trick: crush a few crab shells and legs near your fishing spot to create a scent trail, then fish a fresh green crab right on the bottom. Give them time to chew before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0We happened to be out during a local tournament, and honestly, if we had entered—we probably would’ve taken first place! Jimmy bro...
Narragansett