4.8(40 Reviews)Inshore Saltwater Kayak Fishing Trip, RI
4.8(40 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Target striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and black seabass inshoreKayak fishing adventure accommodates up to three anglers totalOcean fishing offers diverse species and unexpected catches
Rhode Island's inshore waters are a fishing playground that'll get your heart pumping from the first cast. When you join Rhode Island Kayak Fishing Adventures for this top-rated saltwater experience, you're setting yourself up for some serious fish action just minutes from shore. Captain Dustin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear and know-how to put you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're chasing stripers around rocky structure or working the flats for fluke, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
This isn't your typical charter boat experience – you'll be paddling into fish-holding spots that bigger boats can't reach. The beauty of kayak fishing Rhode Island's inshore waters is the stealth factor and mobility. You can slip into skinny water where stripers are pinning baitfish against the rocks, or drift over structure where black sea bass and tautog are stacked up. Dustin provides everything you need, including state-of-the-art electric kayaks with Humminbird fish finders and GPS trolling motors. These aren't your buddy's recreational kayaks – we're talking about serious fishing machines that'll keep you positioned perfectly over productive water while you work your lures. The trip accommodates just one angler, which means you get Dustin's undivided attention and can fish at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a group.
The tackle and techniques we use depend on what's biting, but you'll likely be throwing everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics depending on the conditions. Dustin's arsenal includes quality rods and reels matched to the target species, plus a tackle box full of proven lures that produce in Rhode Island waters. The Old Town kayaks come equipped with Spot-Lock technology, which is a game-changer when you're working a productive piece of structure – the kayak holds position automatically using GPS, so you can focus on fishing instead of paddling. You'll learn how to read your fish finder, work different lure presentations, and position yourself to take advantage of tides and current breaks. If you're new to kayak fishing, Dustin will walk you through the basics of casting from a seated position and fighting fish without getting pulled around by a big striper.
"Excellent trip! Dustin is a very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly guide and exceeded expectations. We caught over 30 stripers the day after thanksgiving. If you're looking to get out in a kayak and catch fish, look no further." - Andy
"Had an opportunity to fish with Dustin from RI Kayak Adventures this past Friday and had a fantastic time. I was looking to upgrade my current Hobie PA-12 fishing kayak and was able to tryout the new Old Town Auto Pilot and enjoy a guided inshore trip with Dustin. Dustin's fleet of fully electric Humminbird Spotlock equipped kayaks adds a new dimension to inshore fishing. I fish fresh and salt frequently and found just the right balance of a guide who recommends lures and scouts the fish patterns for the area and the target species. If you are just getting into the sport or want to learn a few new tricks or try a new area, this is a great option. A true concierge experience I highly recommend." - Richard
"Dustin is awesome - persistent when the bite seems finicky, he gets you on fish. He's a great instructor - patient and thorough showing us how to use the yak and the gear. Really attentive on the water - great coaching and assistance while allowing anglers to work independently. Works with each angler at their ability level, which I really appreciate because I learned to use some lures I hadn't tried before. Can't say enough about his knowledge. Caught a PB (biggest fish I ever caught!) and a keeper Striper. 100% will fish with Dustin again!" - Bill
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Rhode Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish can range from schoolie size up to trophy fish pushing 40+ inches. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish feeding aggressively on bunker, silversides, and other baitfish around rocky shorelines and current breaks. What makes stripers so exciting is their explosive strikes and bulldogging runs – they'll test your drag and your kayak stability. Rhode Island's waters produce some of the most consistent striper fishing on the East Coast, especially around Newport and Narragansett Bay.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the ultimate light-tackle challenge from a kayak. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottom waiting to ambush passing baitfish. Peak season runs from May through October, with the biggest fish typically caught in deeper water during summer months. Fluke fishing requires patience and the right technique – you'll be bouncing jigs tipped with gulp or live bait along the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump. A quality fluke dinner makes the effort worthwhile, and Rhode Island waters consistently produce fish in the 3-8 pound range.
Black Sea Bass are structure-loving fighters that'll give you a workout on light tackle. These chunky fish hang around rocks, wrecks, and other hard bottom areas, making them perfect targets for kayak anglers who can position precisely over productive spots. Summer and early fall are best, when water temperatures bring them into shallower areas. Don't let their size fool you – a 3-4 pound black sea bass will pull harder than fish twice their size, and they're excellent table fare.
Tautog, or blackfish, are Rhode Island's premier cold-water target species. These powerful fish have crushing j
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speed demons that'll test your drag - silver bullets with blue-green backs and dark stripes that can hit 40 mph. Most run 3-8 pounds and 18-24 inches, fighting way above their weight class. These pelagic fish cruise open water in large schools, often feeding on surface where birds give them away. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the 60s they prefer. What gets anglers fired up is their blistering runs and aerial shows - pure adrenaline on light tackle. They're not great eating in the U.S., but the fight is addictive. When you find a school feeding, they'll hit almost anything fast-moving. Local tip: watch for diving birds, then cast small metals or plastics into the chaos. Work quickly - the school might disappear in minutes.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are a kayak angler's favorite, running 1-4 pounds with some reaching 8+. They've got a distinctive hump on the head during spawning and those white-spotted fins. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, jetties, rocky bottom - usually in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore. What guests love is their reliable bite and solid fight, plus they're some of the best eating fish around - firm, sweet meat perfect for the table. They'll hit squid strips, sea worms, or jigs bounced near bottom. Pro tip: once you find one, stay put - they school up tight, so where there's one black sea bass, there's usually more waiting below.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - powerful silver fish with those distinctive dark stripes running down their sides. Most fish we see run 20-40 inches, with some real cows pushing 50+. They love structure and moving water, cruising shorelines, drop-offs, and around jetties from surface down to 40 feet. Spring and fall offer peak action during their migration, but summer nights can be magic too. What hooks anglers is their bulldogging fight and versatility - they'll hit everything from live eels to topwater plugs. The meat is top-notch eating with a sweet, firm texture. Here's an insider tip: focus on the first two hours of incoming tide around structure. Use live bait when possible, and don't be afraid to fish at dawn and dusk when they're most active feeding.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are Rhode Island's premier flatfish - master ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting to strike. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make for memorable fights. They love sandy bottom near structure, edges, and drop-offs in 10-50 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they're feeding aggressively inshore. What makes them special is their sneaky bite and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're also the "chameleons of the sea," changing colors to match bottom. Local tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and keep it moving with a slow bounce along bottom. When they hit, count to three before setting the hook - they grab sideways and need time to turn the bait.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky members of the wrasse family with thick lips and powerful teeth built for crushing shellfish. They typically run 1-3 pounds, though some reach 10+ pounds. These territorial fish love rocky structure - jetties, boulders, and reefs where they feed on crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active during daylight hours. What makes them fun to target is their stubborn fight once hooked - they'll try to wrap you around every rock they can find. The meat is excellent eating, sweet and white. Here's a local trick: use green crabs with legs snipped off, crush some shells nearby to create scent, and change your bait every 5 minutes. They're picky eaters but worth the effort.
4.8 out of 5.0Great trip with Dustin and a productive day on the water. Easy access to drop in where the fish are. We were on fish right from th...
Had a great fishing trip we caught big bass even the guy with no fishing experience. Learned new techniques and how to operate an ...
We had a ton of fun on our tautog fishing trip with Dustin and Jonny! They were friendly and helpful and the kayaks were well equi...
It was great day on the water with Justin. The equipment was top notch and Justin was on it with locating fish. The weather was gr...
Dustin is a great guide! I highly recommend!
Excellent trip! Dustin is a very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly guide and exceeded expectations. We caught over 30 stri...
Great striper fishing experience!
Great time with an expert guide on a beautiful day in RI. Nothing to worry about or bring other than proper kayak attire - Dusti...
Always a great time with Dustin, who is patient and knowledgeable!
Had an opportunity to fish with Dustin from RI Kayak Adventures this past Friday and had a fantastic time. I was looking to upgrad...
Awesome experience with a great guy. This is my third trip with Dustin and plan plenty more.
Dustin went above and beyond to put us on the fish. His kayaks are top notch and his fishing gear and knowledge are also exception...
We had a fantastic experience even though it was cold and rainy. Dustin is the best. He helped us create some unforgettable memor...
Dustin is a pro and has excellent gear and a battery powered kayak for guests. There were fish just as he said, but better, he had...
Dustin was fantastic start to finish. We were out on the water fist thing in the morning and on the fish shortly after. Dustin’s e...
Dustin is outstanding.! Super fun to fish with, tons of experience and knowledge to share, and professional throughout!
Awesome experience on the water with Dustin. Knowledgeable, helpful, and patient, all while focusing on the goal of catching fish!...
Dustin is the man. He goes the extra mile to help achieve your goals. Great service and great fishing
Was a rescheduled day from last year which brought me approaching heavy fog within the last hour cleared up with tons of fish
Great trip nice kayaks
I fish quite a bit, but I took this trip to try something new. I never fished from a kayak. It was definitely new, different and...
Dusting is friendly, knowledgeable and professional. He lets you decide how you want the day to go and then makes it happen. I c...
Good guide advice and work
Great person great guide. If you want to learn the ins and outs of kayak fishing RI, this is the trip for you.
Dustin was great! He was knowledgeable, friendly and constantly working to put us on fish. Even when things were slow he still man...
Dustin is awesome - persistent when the bite seems finicky, he gets you on fish. He’s a great instructor - patient and thorough sh...
Professional, considerate and friendly. Everything you'd want in a guided experience, thank you Dustin!!
Very knowledgeable and hardworking guide. Despite the slower fishing he managed to get my friend and I on to some fish. The overal...
Dustin is a true professional who has wealth of knowledge and experience. He's patient and kind and real pleasure to be with. Gr...
Dustin was a fantastic guide, and I would highly recommend this trip to fishermen of all levels!
The actual trip was fine, we didnt catch fish but thats fishing. The problem is that I was charged twice for the trip. I paid Dust...
Had an excellent time with kayak fishing adventures the guide made the trip enjoyable and fun with straight forward instructions ...
A great morning in the water! Dustin is a great host and puts you on fish! Shares his knowledge that makes for a great trip! I wou...
Newport, RI