Fall is the Perfect Time to Go Fish in Rhode Island

Experience the allure of the reel by land and sea

Brendan Gerew of Eternal Sport Fishing

Photo courtesy of Brendan Gerew

A yellowfin tuna caught in local waters

Photo courtesy of Rick Bellavance

Posted Wednesday, October 1, 2025 9:00 am

By Thom Cahir

Rhode Island waters have long been attractive fishing grounds and continue to bring enthusiasts from near and far. History and geography are part of the lure since Narragansett Bay and its estuaries provide shelter and nutrients, acting as a nursery for fish populations. Once known as a pastime for dads (to confirm, check the greeting card aisle), the sport is enjoyed by all. The smallest state offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing; annual licenses are required but for those who would like to dip their toe into the sport, mark your calendar for Free Fishing Weekend in May, hosted by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), when you can fish without the purchase of a fishing license or trout stamp.

If a photo of you on a boat holding a big ol’ fish tops your bucket list, booking a trip via charter (professional crew and vessel), can be an exhilarating experience. Some companies operate year-round, and October is especially popular when the late summer-fall yellowfin tuna and autumn tautog seasons open; striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore are also plentiful. On the boats, captains and their crews do much of the hard work and strive to make the experience fun for customers, who while aboard are not always required to purchase their own RI saltwater fishing license; check first to be sure.

Rick Bellavance, captain of the Priority Too out of Point Judith, and president of the Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association, has been running charters for more than 25 years. Bellavance states that he has seen his trips transform from mostly groups of men into more family-oriented outings, sometimes consisting of three generations of men, women, and youth. He estimates his charters swing 65-35 percent in favor of out-of-staters, most visiting from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Captain Chad Braga of BragaBoutIt Charters in Newport says his charters are evenly split and have been for many years. Echoing the 50-50 ratio of locals/visitors, Captain Brendan Gerew of Eternal Sport Fishing, also in Point Judith, describes his fishing season as generally running from May until December. “Many charters are repeat customers chasing fish in local waters,” says Gerew, who notes that striped bass run in the Bay in spring, then bigger bass move to Newport’s Brenton Reef in June, and in July and August; charters target bluefin tuna, while fluke fishing is also abundant through July. “It’s not as easy to make a living as a charter captain,” says Bellavance, but he’s gratified to be able to introduce a whole new generation to fishing.