Black Sea Bass Fishing in Rhode Island
When black sea bass are caught across Rhode Island, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Sea Bass catch through the year
Recreational catch in Rhode Island by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Rhode Island
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching black sea bass in Rhode Island
Black Sea Bass catches in Rhode Island run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 5% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Rhode Island fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black sea bass in Rhode Island?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black sea bass in Rhode Island?+
Across Rhode Island, about 5% of the black sea bass caught are kept and 95% are released. That works out to roughly 279K kept and 5.3M released in 2024.
How many black sea bass are caught in Rhode Island?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 5.6M black sea bass caught by recreational anglers in Rhode Island in 2024, making it the #2 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black sea bass data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
