Full Day Rhode Island Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore trip targeting bass, bluefish, and flounderPerfect for beginners with all gear and guidance providedAccommodates up to four guests with catch cleaning included
If you've been thinking about trying your hand at fishing but don't know where to start, Captain Diego's got you covered. This 8-hour trip out of Point Judith is designed specifically for folks who've never held a rod or families looking to get the kids hooked on fishing. From June through September, you'll spend a full day learning the ropes while targeting some of Rhode Island's best inshore species. At $600 for up to 3 guests, you're getting personalized attention, all the gear, and even fish cleaning service—everything you need for a successful day on the water.
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure from Point Judith, giving you the best shot at active fish before the summer crowds hit the water. Captain Diego runs a comfortable boat that's perfect for beginners—stable, spacious, and loaded with quality gear so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and snacks. The 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to learn different techniques, move between fishing spots, and actually catch fish instead of just getting your feet wet. You'll be targeting four different species, which means variety in your cooler and plenty of chances to feel that first tug on your line. The captain handles navigation, bait, and all the technical stuff while teaching you the basics of reading the water, setting the hook, and fighting fish properly.
Captain Diego keeps his boat stocked with medium-action spinning rods perfect for beginners—they're forgiving but still give you a good feel for what's happening below. You'll be using a mix of live bait and lures depending on what's biting and what species you're targeting. For stripers and blues, expect to throw some metal jigs or work with live pogies and sand eels. When you're after flounder, you'll learn bottom fishing with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. Black sea bass fishing involves dropping down to structure with simple high-low rigs baited with clams or crabs. The captain will show you how to feel the difference between a bite and just bumping bottom, how to set the hook without yanking the fish's head off, and the right way to fight a fish without wearing yourself out. No Rhode Island fishing license required on charter trips, and all tackle is included in your rate.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Rhode Island inshore fishing, and summer is prime time around Point Judith. These fish can range anywhere from schoolie size at 20 inches up to keeper bass pushing 30+ inches and 10-15 pounds. Stripers are smart, aggressive fighters that will test your drag and make multiple runs toward structure. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, which is why that early start time pays off. The meat is excellent, and there's nothing quite like the bend in your rod when a good striper takes your bait.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of the ocean—aggressive, toothy, and always ready to fight. Rhode Island blues typically run 2-8 pounds during summer months, and they're perfect for beginners because they hit hard and aren't shy about taking lures or bait. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Fair warning: these fish have serious teeth, so Captain Diego will handle the unhooking. Blues make great table fare when bled and iced properly, with a rich, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling.
Southern Flounder, or "fluke" as locals call them, are the tricksters of the bunch. These flatfish lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush bait, and they have a subtle bite that takes some practice to detect. Summer fluke in Rhode Island waters typically run 16-22 inches, with doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds always a possibility. They're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Learning to feel a fluke bite is a skill that separates beginners from experienced anglers.
Black Sea Bass are the bulldogs of the reef—short, stocky, and surprisingly strong for their size. These fish hang around structure and rocky bottom, typically weighing 1-3 pounds in local waters. They're great for beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard on light tackle. Sea bass are also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that holds up well to any cooking method. The regulations change yearly, so Captain Diego stays current on size limits and seasons to keep everything legal.
This trip runs on select days from June 1st through September 30th, hitting the sweet spot of Rhode Island's inshore season when all four target species are active and feeding. At $600 for up to 3 people, you're getting 8 hours of guided fishing, all gear, bait, and fish cleaning service—basically everything except the cooler to take your catch home. Captain Diego's patient teaching style and focus on beginners means you'll actually learn something instead of just hoping to get lucky. The early morning departure gives you the best fishing conditions and lets you beat the heat during summer months. Book early since beginner-friendly trips like this fill up fast during peak season, especially weekends. Whether you're trying to get the kids started in fishing or finally taking that first step yourself, this is exactly the kind of trip that creates lifelong anglers.
Captain Diego's 23-foot Maycraft cabin cruiser is your ticket to Rhode Island's productive inshore fishing grounds. This reliable 2001 boat handles Point Judith's waters with ease, powered by a 150HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish at a comfortable 20 knots. The spacious cabin seats up to 4 anglers comfortably, while the onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating bass and bluefish schools. GPS navigation keeps you on the hottest spots, and radar ensures safe passage even when morning fog rolls in. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Whether you're casting for stripers along the shoreline or dropping down for flounder, this well-equipped boat puts you right where the action is happening in Rhode Island's rich coastal waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that hang around structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties. Most run 1-4 pounds with the occasional keeper pushing 6+ pounds. They're perfect for families since they bite readily and don't require fancy techniques. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn around our rocky areas and artificial reefs. What makes sea bass special is their scrappy fight - they'll dart into structure and test your skills. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, firm white meat. Here's my go-to setup: use a high-low rig with squid strips and drop it right on structure. Keep your line tight and be ready to pull them away from the rocks fast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll give you a fight you won't forget. These silver-blue torpedoes typically range from 3-15 pounds in our waters, with razor-sharp teeth that demand respect. They travel in schools and go into feeding frenzies, especially around bait schools in summer and early fall. You'll find them in open water, around structure, and often right in the surf. What guests love about bluefish is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they fight hard from hook to boat. They're also great eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Local trick: when you see "bluefish blitzes" with birds diving and water churning, approach from upwind and cast metal spoons or poppers right into the chaos. Blues will hit almost anything moving.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are perfect for beginners because they're bottom dwellers that hit hard and fight steady. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some nice doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. They bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey, which makes them predictable to find. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding in our shallow bays and inshore waters. Kids love catching flounder because they're easier to land than other species, and they make excellent table fare - mild, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip from years of guiding: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them mouth the bait for a few seconds, then give a firm hookset.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our Rhode Island waters. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around Point Judith, though we see some real tanks pushing 50+ pounds. They love structure - rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and tide lines where baitfish gather. Summer's prime time when they migrate north to feed heavily on menhaden and herring. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make powerful runs and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's a local tip: watch for birds working the surface early morning. When you see diving gulls, there's usually stripers feeding underneath. Cast right into the commotion and hang on.
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