Spring Fishing Has Sprung (Finally)

With the leaves popping and the temperatures finally on the rise, another aspect of Newport life has begun to heat up - the springtime fishing! Striped bass, Tautog (Blackfish), Squid, Bluefish and even Weakfish (squeteague) are all making an appearance in our local waters. Their presence, signals the real beginning of what Ocean State anglers hope to be another memorable season.

Of note so far has been a strong showing of "keeper-sized" striped bass (>28") mixed in with what seems to be one of the stronger runs of "schoolie-sized" stripers we've seen here in town over the past few years. Hot spots include just about anywhere at the moment - we'd recommend the corners of any oceanfront beaches to begin with, but don't neglect the traditional spring spots in the upper and lower reaches of Narragansett bay either. The bay appears to be rounding into form nicely with some larger fish (around 33") being reported. Topwater lures, like the perennial springtime favorite the Jumpin' Minnow, as well as swim shads (like cocahoe minnows) are getting the job done this spring as they always do. Of course, bucktails with curly tails always work as well. Shrimp flies, either fished with the fly rod or as a dropper (maybe under a casting egg) can be just the trick to coax these aggressive early season fish into biting.

Another interesting trend we've been seeing is the presence of what appears to be a stronger run of weakfish (a.k.a. squeteague) that we've seen the past few years. This means anglers have a real chance at landing one of these beautiful fish and crossing them off their "bucket list". 

As good as the striper fishing has been there is one early season target species that has yet to make a strong showing in town - Squid. For those who have participated in this annual spring rite of passage, you know just how pleasurable a night of squid jigging can be. It's a GREAT way to spend an evening and a really good introduction to angling. Add to that the very real opportunity to come home with the freshest calamari you've ever had - and really what's not to like!

Unfortunately, the squid run has not been as strong as in years past. Hope springs eternal and we're all hopeful that it will bust wide open any day now meaning any night would be a good one to get out there and give it a try. All you need is a light rod (freshwater trout rods are perfect), a few squid jigs and don't forget a 5 gallon bucket to hold your catch in. While the squid have been few and far between, there have been quite a few Atlantic herring around, so it's worthwhile to bring a few sabiki rigs if the squidding gets slow.

To sum up, the season is off to a GREAT start! Make sure to take some time out and get down to the water. We've enjoyed some epic sunsets lately in addition to great fishing so make sure and get out there.