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EnglishWhat Is Deep Sea Fishing and How Does It Differ From Inshore Fishing?
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Deep sea fishing, in the Rhode Island charter context, means heading offshore into open ocean water to target tuna, mahi, and sharks on trips that can run up to 12 hours or span 1–2 days overnight. It differs from inshore fishing mainly in distance from shore, trip length, target species, and the size of boat and crew required. If you want a half-day, near-shore experience, inshore or bottom fishing is the better fit; if you're chasing large pelagic fish and can commit a full day or more, an offshore trip is the match.
What "deep sea fishing" actually means here
On the C-Devil II out of Narragansett, RI, the offshore category is broken into three trip types:
- Tuna / Mahi — up to 12 hours
- Shark — up to 10 hours
- Overnight offshore exploration — 1–2 days
These are the trips that qualify as deep sea fishing: you leave the bay and near-shore grounds and run to open ocean where migratory pelagic species live. The boat is operated by Captain Kelly Smith, a USCG Master Captain with over 40 years navigating New England waters.
Deep sea (offshore) vs. inshore and bottom fishing
The clearest way to decide is to compare the trip types side by side.
| Trip type | Typical length | Where you fish | Target species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striper fishing | 6 or 8 hrs | Inshore | Striped bass |
| Bottom fishing | 6 or 8 hrs | Near-shore/reef | Groundfish (bottom species) |
| Discovery bottom fishing (for kids) | 4 hrs | Near-shore | Bottom species, kid-friendly |
| Fall fishing | 8 hrs | Inshore/near-shore | Seasonal fall species |
| Offshore — Tuna/Mahi | Up to 12 hrs | Open ocean | Tuna, mahi |
| Offshore — Shark | Up to 10 hrs | Open ocean | Sharks |
| Overnight offshore | 1–2 days | Open ocean | Pelagic species |
The pattern: inshore and bottom trips are measured in half-days (4–8 hours) and stay close to shore. Offshore trips are measured in full days or multiple days and require running well out into open water.
What to expect on a 10–12 hour or overnight offshore charter
- Longer runs. The offshore trips are the longest on the menu — up to 12 hours for tuna/mahi and 1–2 days for overnight exploration. Expect a significant portion of that time to be travel to and from fishing grounds.
- Bigger, more capable boat. Offshore fishing requires a larger vessel than casual shore or bay fishing. The C-Devil II is a dedicated charter boat operating from the State Charter Boat Dock S-S in Pt. Judith.
- Licensed captain. Offshore trips run under a USCG Master Captain, not a casual operator.
- Different target species. You're fishing for tuna, mahi, and sharks rather than striped bass or bottom fish.
How to decide if deep sea fishing suits you
Ask yourself these questions before booking:
- How much time do you have? If you only have a half-day, choose striper or bottom fishing (6–8 hrs) or the 4-hour kids' discovery trip. Offshore needs a full day or more.
- How is your seasickness tolerance? Open-ocean trips mean more motion and more time on the water than inshore trips. If you're unsure, start with a shorter inshore or bottom trip.
- What do you want to catch? Tuna, mahi, and sharks only come on the offshore trips. Striped bass and bottom fish come on the shorter inshore trips.
- Who's coming? The 4-hour discovery bottom fishing trip is explicitly flagged "for kids." Offshore overnight trips are a bigger commitment and better suited to adults or experienced anglers.
- What's your experience level? Inshore and bottom trips are the gentler introduction. Offshore is the step up once you know you handle a full day on open water.
Where the boat leaves from
C-Devil II operates 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. Driving directions are provided from both the west (I-95 North to Rte. 2 to Rte. 78 to Rte. 1 North to Rte. 108 South) and the north (I-95 South to Rte. 4 South to Rte. 1 South to Rte. 108 South), both routing you to Galilee Escape Rd. and into the parking area where Dock S-S sits in the middle of the lot.
If your goal is a full-day or overnight open-ocean trip for tuna, mahi, or sharks, book an offshore charter. If you want a shorter, calmer, near-shore day — especially with kids — the inshore and bottom trips are the right choice.