RI Fishing Charters: How to Compare Inshore, Bottom, and Offshore Trips

Rhode Island charter fishing is easiest to choose by trip length and target species, not by boat size. C-Devil II Sportfishing, based at the State Charter Boat Dock in Narragansett/Point Judith, runs inshore and offshore trips from 4 hours to 1–2 days, so the practical decision is: how much time do you have, who is coming, and what do you want to catch? Short 4-hour bottom fishing suits families with kids; 6–8 hour trips cover striper and bottom fishing; 8–12 hour and overnight trips are for offshore tuna, mahi, and shark.

The main trip types at a glance

Inshore vs. offshore: what actually changes

The difference is not just distance. It changes trip length, stamina required, and what you can reasonably expect to catch.

Inshore trips (4–8 hours) stay closer to shore and cover the striper, bottom fishing, fall fishing, and kids' discovery options. These are the right choice if you have children, a half-day available, or want to be back at the dock the same morning or afternoon.

Offshore trips (up to 10–12 hours, or overnight) target tuna, mahi, and shark. They demand a full day or more, and they suit groups who are comfortable on the water for long stretches and are chasing specific species rather than general action.

How to match a trip to your group

• Traveling with kids or first-timers: Start with the 4-hour discovery bottom fishing. It is the shortest commitment and the lowest-risk way to find out whether everyone enjoys being offshore.
• A standard group day out: 6-hour striper or bottom fishing gives you a full but manageable session without committing to a marathon.
• Willing to spend a full day: 8-hour striper, bottom, or fall fishing adds range and time on the grounds.
• Chasing tuna, mahi, or shark: Plan for 10–12 hours, or the 1–2 day overnight offshore exploration. These are the most demanding options and should be chosen deliberately.

Where the boat leaves from

C-Devil II is docked at 33 State St., Narragansett, RI 02882, at the State Charter Boat Dock S-S in Point Judith. It is the second boat on the left on Dock S-S.

Driving directions from the site:

• From the West: Rte. 95 North to exit 92, right onto Rte. 2, 1.5 mi. to a right onto Rte. 78. At the end, left onto Rte. 1 North; in about 30 minutes take the Narragansett & Pt. Judith Rte. 108 South exit. At the 2nd light bear right onto Rte. 108 S. At the 5th traffic light, right onto Galilee Escape Rd. Right at the end, then 1st left and a quick right into the parking area. Dock S-S is in the middle of the lot.
• From the North: Rte. 95 South to Rte. 4 South to Rte. 1 South, take the Scarborough/Pt. Judith Rte. 108 South exit. Right off the exit, at the 2nd light bear right onto Rte. 108 S. At the 5th traffic light, right onto Galilee Escape Rd. Right at the end, then 1st left and a quick right into the parking area. Dock S-S is in the middle of the lot.

Booking and the captain

Trips are run by Captain Kelly Smith, a USCG Master Captain with over 40 years navigating New England waters. The site lists a live booking calendar where you can click to see open dates — that is the intended way to check availability and reserve, rather than assuming a date is free.

Quick decision guide

• 4 hours, kids or beginners → discovery bottom fishing
• 6 hours, general inshore action → striper or bottom fishing
• 8 hours, more range or fall season → striper, bottom, or fall fishing
• 10–12 hours, specific offshore species → tuna/mahi or shark
• 1–2 days, fully committed → overnight offshore exploration

If you are unsure, pick the shortest trip that matches your target species and group. You can always book a longer offshore trip on a return visit once you know how your group handles a full day on the water.