Sheepshead

Venturing from Woonsocket to the Rhode Island coast puts you in range of Sheepshead, a challenging but rewarding species. Narragansett Bay offers the best shot at these striped bandits. They're structure-oriented fish, so focus your efforts around docks, bridge pilings, and rocky shorelines. The bite can be subtle, requiring a sensitive rod and good line awareness. The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are the most productive. Barnacles are their favorite food, so using a fiddler crab or a piece of shrimp fished close to barnacle-covered structures is key. Be prepared for break-offs as they'll dart into structure quickly. Access points like Fort Adams State Park or various marinas around the Bay provide good starting points. Sheepshead aren't as common as some other species in Rhode Island, making them a prized catch for those willing to put in the time and effort.