Black Sea Bass

Newport, Rhode Island, offers superb Black Sea Bass fishing, particularly around the rocky structures and wrecks that dot the coastline. These fish are structure-oriented, so targeting areas like Brenton Reef, Castle Hill, and the numerous submerged rock piles is key. The best time to target them is from late spring through fall, when the water warms and they become more active. Focus on matching your presentation to the prevalent forage – small crabs, squid, and baitfish are all on the menu. A helpful tip is to use a fish finder to locate promising structure and then drift across it, adjusting your depth to find where the fish are holding. Be mindful of the strong currents in the area; heavier weights may be needed to keep your bait in the strike zone. Also, be aware that Black Sea Bass regulations can change frequently, so check the current RI DEM guidelines before heading out.