How to Choose an RI Charter Fishing Trip: Inshore, Offshore, and What to Expect

Rhode Island charter fishing splits into two basic decisions: how far offshore you go, and how long you're out. Inshore trips of 4–8 hours cover striped bass and bottom fishing; offshore trips of 10–12 hours or overnight target tuna, mahi, and shark. Pick by the species you want, the season, and who's coming with you. Below is how the options break down, using C-Devil II Sportfishing (Narragansett/Pt. Judith) as a concrete example of what a Rhode Island charter operator offers.

Inshore vs. offshore: the core choice

Inshore means you stay within a reasonable run of the coast, so more of your paid time is spent fishing rather than traveling. Offshore means a longer steam out to deeper water, which is why those trips run 10+ hours or overnight — the travel time is part of the package.

Match the trip to your target species

C-Devil II lists these charter types, which map directly onto Rhode Island's seasonal fishery:

• Striper fishing — 6 or 8 hours. The classic Rhode Island inshore target.
• Bottom fishing — 6 or 8 hours. Fluke, sea bass, and similar groundfish.
• Fall fishing — 8 hours. A dedicated fall-season trip.
• Discovery bottom fishing — 4 hours. The shortest option, explicitly flagged "for kids."
• Offshore tuna and mahi — up to 12 hours.
• Shark — up to 10 hours.
• Overnight offshore exploration — 1–2 days.

If your goal is a specific species, work backward from this list: tuna and mahi require the long offshore run, while striper and bottom fishing are reachable on a half or full day.

Choose by who's on board

The 4-hour discovery bottom fishing trip is the clearest fit for young children — short enough to hold attention, and structured around steady bottom-fishing action rather than a long run offshore. A 6-hour striper or bottom trip works for older kids and mixed-ability groups. Offshore and overnight trips assume everyone can handle 10+ hours on the water and are better suited to experienced anglers or dedicated groups.

What to confirm before you book

• Captain credentials and experience. C-Devil II is run by Captain Kelly Smith, a USCG Master Captain with over 40 years navigating New England waters. Ask any operator about licensing and local experience.
• Availability. C-Devil II uses a live booking calendar — check open dates before planning around a specific day.
• Meeting point and logistics. C-Devil II departs from 33 State St., Narragansett, RI 02882, at the State Charter Boat Dock S-S in Pt. Judith — the second boat on the left on Dock S-S. Directions are posted for both western (I-95 N to Rte. 2, Rte. 78, Rte. 1 N, Rte. 108 S) and northern (I-95 S to Rte. 4 S, Rte. 1 S, Rte. 108 S) approaches, with parking at Dock S-S in the middle of the lot.
• Weather and cancellation policy. Offshore and overnight trips are the most weather-sensitive; confirm how the operator handles a cancelled day.
• What's included. Ask specifically about rods, tackle, bait, fish cleaning, and tipping. The site does not publish pricing or inclusions, so these must be confirmed directly rather than assumed.

A practical way to decide

1. Name your target species (or "whatever's biting" if you're flexible).
2. Pick the trip length that species requires — 4–8 hours inshore, 10–12 hours or overnight offshore.
3. Check that length against your group's stamina and schedule.
4. Verify an open date on the booking calendar.
5. Confirm inclusions, meeting time, and weather policy before paying.

For a family with young kids, that sequence lands on the 4-hour discovery bottom trip. For a group chasing tuna, it lands on a 12-hour or overnight offshore charter. Everything in between follows the same logic.