Rhode Island Fishing Charters: Inshore, Bottom, and Offshore Trip Types Compared

Updated

Rhode Island charter fishing splits into three practical tiers: short inshore and bottom trips (4–8 hours) for families, beginners, and anyone targeting striped bass or bottom fish; full-day fall and offshore runs (8–12 hours) for tuna, mahi, and shark; and overnight offshore exploration (1–2 days) for anglers who want the widest range. Pick by how much time you have, who's coming, and what you want to catch — not by boat size alone. The trip types below come from C-Devil II Sportfishing, a Narragansett-based charter operating out of the State Charter Boat Dock (Dock S-S) at 33 State St., Pt. Judith.

The three trip categories at a glance

Trip type Typical length Target species Best for
Inshore / striper 6 or 8 hrs Striped bass Anglers who want active casting and moving fish
Bottom fishing 4 hrs (kids' discovery) or 6–8 hrs Bottom fish Families, kids, first-timers
Fall fishing 8 hrs Seasonal fall species Experienced anglers chasing fall runs
Offshore Up to 10–12 hrs Tuna, mahi, shark Groups wanting big-game action
Overnight offshore 1–2 days Tuna and deep-water species Dedicated anglers maximizing range

Inshore and striper trips: 6 or 8 hours

Striper fishing runs 6 or 8 hours and is the closest thing to a classic Rhode Island inshore charter. You're working structure and moving water for striped bass rather than anchoring over bottom. Choose the 8-hour version if you want more time on the water and a better shot at finding fish on a slow day; the 6-hour version fits tighter schedules.

This is a good fit if you can cast and want a more active trip. It's less ideal for very young kids, who tend to do better on the shorter bottom-fishing option.

Bottom fishing: the 4-hour kids' trip and the 6–8 hour standard

Bottom fishing is the most accessible category, and it's the one to pick for children or first-timers. The structure is simple:

  • 4-hour "Discovery" bottom fishing — the shortest trip offered, aimed at kids. Short enough to hold attention, simple technique (drop to the bottom, wait, reel).
  • 6 or 8-hour bottom fishing — the standard version for adults and older kids who want a fuller day.

If your group mixes ages, the 4-hour discovery trip is the safer call; you can always book a longer trip once you know how everyone handles a few hours of motion and waiting.

Fall fishing: 8 hours

Fall fishing is a fixed 8-hour trip built around the seasonal run. It suits anglers who already know they enjoy a full day on the water and want to fish the fall window specifically. If you're new to chartering, start with a shorter trip first.

Offshore: tuna, mahi, and shark

Offshore trips are where the time commitment jumps:

  • Tuna and mahi — up to 12 hours
  • Shark — up to 10 hours
  • Overnight offshore exploration — 1–2 days

These are full-commitment trips. They target bigger, faster fish and require more tolerance for time underway, weather, and open water. They're a poor fit for young children or anyone unsure about seasickness. They're a strong fit for experienced groups who've done shorter trips and want to chase tuna, mahi, or shark.

How to match a trip to your group

Work through these in order:

  1. Who's coming? Kids or first-timers → 4-hour bottom fishing. Adults with some experience → 6–8 hour inshore or bottom.
  2. How much time do you actually have? Half day → 4–6 hours. Full day → 8 hours. Willing to lose a night → offshore or overnight.
  3. What do you want to catch? Striped bass → inshore. Bottom fish → bottom trip. Tuna, mahi, shark → offshore.
  4. How does your group handle open water? If untested, stay inshore or bottom and save offshore for a return trip.

Before you book: captain, dock, and logistics

  • Captain credentials: C-Devil II is run by Captain Kelly Smith, a USCG Master Captain with over 40 years navigating New England waters. If you're comparing operators, a USCG Master license and documented local experience are the two things worth confirming.
  • Departure point: 33 State St., Narragansett, RI 02882, at the State Charter Boat Dock S-S in Pt. Judith. The boat is the second on the left on Dock S-S.
  • Finding it by car: From the west, take Rte. 95 North to exit 92, right onto Rte. 2, 1.5 miles to a right onto Rte. 78, then left onto Rte. 1 North, exit for Narragansett/Pt. Judith (Rte. 108 South), bear right at the 2nd light, right at the 5th light onto Galilee Escape Rd., right at the end, first left, quick right into parking. Dock S-S is in the middle of the lot. From the north, take Rte. 95 South to Rte. 4 South to Rte. 1 South, then the same Rte. 108 South route.
  • Booking: Availability is shown on a live booking calendar — check open dates before planning around a specific day.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Booking offshore as a first trip. Start shorter and confirm your group's comfort on open water.
  • Assuming all "6-hour" trips are the same. A 6-hour striper trip and a 6-hour bottom trip fish differently and suit different people.
  • Leaving the dock location to the last minute. The Pt. Judith dock area has specific turns; follow the directions above rather than relying on a general marina address.
  • Ignoring the calendar. Open dates vary, so confirm availability before locking in travel plans.