Ready to hit the coastal waters of Rhode Island for some serious rod-bending action? Jimmy Ocean Fishing Guide Service has you covered with our Private Full-Day Nearshore Fishing Trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some hard-fighting stripers or a newbie hoping to land your first tautog, we've got the knowledge, gear, and local intel to make it happen. Our full-day charters give you the time and flexibility to target multiple species, explore different honey holes, and really dial in on what's biting. With room for up to three guests, it's the perfect setup for a day out with friends or family without the crowds of a larger party boat.
When you step aboard one of our well-equipped vessels, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing action. We'll cruise out to some of Rhode Island's most productive nearshore grounds, where the fish are plentiful and the scenery is top-notch. Depending on the season and what's running, we might be dropping jigs for tautog around rocky structure, casting plugs for bluefish in rips, or trolling for stripers along the coast. Our expert crew is always on hand to help you fine-tune your technique, whether you're a first-timer or looking to level up your game. We provide all the quality gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and lures, so you can focus on the important stuff – like reeling in your next big catch.
On our full-day trips, we employ a variety of fishing methods to keep the action hot and give you a well-rounded angling experience. We might start the morning jigging for sea bass over wrecks, then switch to chunking for blues as the sun climbs higher. If the stripers are running, we'll break out the trolling gear and drag some tube-and-worm rigs or swim shads. For bottom dwellers like tautog and flounder, we'll anchor up and drop green crabs or squid strips. And hey, if the conditions are right and you're up for it, we might even set out some shark baits and see if we can tangle with a mako or thresher. It's all about playing the conditions and following the bite, and that's where our local knowledge really shines.
"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 Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the bread and butter of Rhode Island's coastal waters. These powerful, line-stripping predators can grow to over 50 pounds, offering an incredible fight on both light and heavy tackle. Spring and fall are prime times for trophy bass, but summer can produce consistent action with schoolies and keeper-sized fish. Whether you're tossing topwater plugs at dawn or jigging deep structure, hooking into a big striper is an experience you won't soon forget.
Shortfin Mako Shark: For anglers looking for an adrenaline rush, mako sharks deliver in spades. These high-speed predators are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. We typically target makos in the warmer months when they follow the baitfish inshore. Landing one of these toothy critters requires heavy tackle, wire leaders, and a good dose of patience – but the payoff is worth it. Just remember, these are catch-and-release only in Rhode Island waters, so have your camera ready for a quick photo before sending them back.
Little Tunny (False Albacore): Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing "false" about the fight these speedsters put up. Also known as "albies," these small tuna relatives show up in late summer and early fall, providing some of the most exciting light tackle fishing you'll find inshore. They're fast, they're finicky, and they'll test your drag system to the max. When an albie blitz erupts on the surface, it's a sight to behold and a rush to cast into.
Tautog: Known locally as "blackfish," tautog are the tough guys of the inshore scene. These structure-hugging brawlers have powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and other shellfish, which means they fight hard and dirty. Fall is prime time for trophy tautog, but we can target them from spring through late autumn. Jigging or bottom fishing around rocky areas and wrecks is the name of the game. They're not only fun to catch but also excellent table fare.
Bluefish: When the blues are in town, you're in for some fast-paced fishing action. These chomping machines will hit just about anything that moves, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels. We often find them busting bait on the surface, which sets up perfect opportunities for casting topwater lures or trolling. Bluefish can range from 2-pound "snappers" to 15-pound-plus "gators" that'll give your arms a serious workout. They're around from spring through fall, with peak action usually in the summer months.
Whether you're after your personal best striper, want to cross mako off your bucket list, or just looking to bend some rods and fill the cooler, our Private Full-Day Nearshore Fishing Trip has got you covered. With flexible departure times and a range of species to target, we can tailor the day to your fishing goals. Our local knowledge, top-notch gear, and passion for putting clients on fish make us one of the most sought-after guide services in Rhode Island. But don't just take our word for it – check out what our happy anglers are saying. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and let's make some fishing memories on the beautiful waters of Rhode Island!
October 13, 2024
Bluefish are the bullies of the bay - aggressive, toothy, and always looking for a fight. These choppers typically run 3-10 pounds but can reach 20+. We find them busting bait on the surface from spring through fall, often in sandy areas and rips. Blues hit hard and fight dirty, making slashing runs and acrobatic jumps. They're a blast on light tackle. To get in on a blitz, look for birds working or fish breaking the surface. Toss metal lures, poppers, or live bait into the fray. A local trick is to use wire leaders - those razor teeth will slice through mono. While some folks aren't fans of the strong taste, blues are great smoked or grilled fresh. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them!
Little tunny, or false albacore, are small tuna that pack a big punch. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 5-12 pounds and show up in our waters from late summer through fall. We find them busting bait on the surface, often near rips and drop-offs. "Fat Alberts" are prized for their blistering runs - they'll smoke a reel in seconds. Light tackle is the way to go for maximum sport. To hook up, watch for birds working and cast small metal lures or flies into the frenzy. A local trick is to "match the hatch" with your lure size and color. While not the best eating, pound for pound these are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean.
Shortfin makos are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of bursts over 40 mph. These sleek, metallic blue predators average 6-8 feet long but can reach 12+ feet. We find them offshore in the warmer months, often near temperature breaks and floating debris. Makos are prized for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. Their meat is excellent eating too. For the best shot at a mako, we'll set up a chum slick and drift baits like mackerel or bluefish. Just be ready when that reel starts screaming! Landing these toothy missiles takes skill and patience. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Striped bass are a prized catch in Rhode Island waters, typically ranging from 20-40 pounds. These powerful fish migrate along the coast, hanging around structure like rocky shorelines and jetties. We usually target them from spring through fall, with the best action in May-June and September-October. Stripers put up an awesome fight and taste great too. To land a big one, try live-lining bunker or eels near tide rips and drop-offs. Keep an eye out for birds working the surface - that often means stripers are feeding below. When the bite is on, it's non-stop action. Just watch out for those teeth when unhooking them! Nothing beats the thrill of battling a big striper as it tries to wrap you around the rocks.
Tautog, or blackfish, are the tough guys of the inshore scene. These bruisers love structure, hanging around rocks, wrecks and jetties. Most run 2-6 pounds but can reach 15+. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before winter. Tautog put up a stubborn, dogged fight - it's a battle of wills to keep them out of the rocks. Their firm white meat is excellent eating too. For best results, we'll anchor up and drop green crabs or clams right into their living room. A light touch is key to feeling those subtle bites. It takes finesse, but there's nothing like the dead weight of a big tog on the line. Just mind those buck teeth when you're unhooking them!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
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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.