Rhode Island September 2024

[fishfarmer]

I made my now annual fall trip to shore fish the southern shore of Rhode Island from Westerly to Point Judith, Sept 23rd to 28th.

Conditions were challenging for everyone I spoke to, seasoned fly anglers to spoon chucker's. There was bait if you knew where to look, but not a ton of it in places I fished like the salt ponds. There was a strong North East wind which churned up the water and weeds making clarity terrible in spots at certain tides. Although Charlestown Breachway was seeing some evening/night activity.

I did manage one 25 inch striper on a fly on the outgoing morning tide in Charlestown flats and missed another the following morning, but lack of small fish like needlefish, shad and baby blues made me switch gears at the end of the week.

25striper2024.jpg

I focused on looking for Albies/Bonito for the last two days. The Bonito bite had been good so I heard...it was...but the locals standing on the rocks said last Sunday was the day. However the bait was there, lots of it, just a matter of time that the conditions turn on.

My final day I managed to catch a Bonito. Walking off the rocks that morning I heard I was the only one to catch a fish that morning. 23 inches and grabbed the casting jig down deep.

23inchBonito.jpg

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Sunrise over Point Judith

[Reelax]

Way to make it work. Great story. Thanks for sharing Al!

[Gecha (Gerry)]

Salt water fishing is always fun.... never know what you might catch. Glad you had a good time.

[TUnamas]

Great catches! When it's on, IT'S ON. When it isn't persistence is still rewarded. Well done! A striper from the shore on fly is no easy feat!