Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife US Fish and Game - Rhode Island Offices Rhode Island Tourism -- this article was take from the RI Tourism site

Saltwater fishing is a leading sport in Rhode Island, with giant bluefin tuna, marlin and swordfish the prized catches. Striped bass a local favorite. The Ocean State offers in-shore surf and rock casting, bottom fishing in protected bay and shoreline areas, in addition to exciting off-shore game fishing. Fresh water fishing in natural and stocked areas can be found throughout the state. The scenic Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers offer premier trout fishing throughout spring, summer and autumn. Other fresh water species such as large mouth bass, northern pike and perch are abundant in Rhode Island's many ponds and lakes. Trout season opens annually on the second Saturday of April at sunrise.

From shore or boat, Rhode Island is a fisherman's paradise. The diversity and abundance of game fish found in Rhode Island waters, combined with the ease of accessibility of our shoreline provides angling excitement throughout the year! Bluefish and Striped Bass are the most common sport fish, both inshore and offshore. The bluefish, considered by many to be the finest fighting fish in the Atlantic, can be caught May through November. These voracious feeders average 4 to 6 pounds, with 11 to 15 pounders not uncommon, especially in the fall. Equally revered is the striped bass. Found all along our shores, particularly in rocky areas and in estuaries, salt ponds and rivers, this fighter can reach up to 65 pounds, with many 40+ pounders caught annually. For offshore action, anglers can pursue several species of tuna, shark, and cod. Also, prized billfish such as white and blue marlin and swordfish are caught annually. What makes Rhode Island offshore fishing so good is its relative closeness to the canyon fishing on the fertile Continental Shelf, allowing more time for fishing and less time spent traveling.

From beginners in the sport, to experts seeking big game species, or to ultra-light tackle and fly rod enthusiasts looking for world records - Rhode Island has it all! Whether in the tranquil waters of Narragansett Bay, in the surf of Block Island Sound, or in the deep Atlantic, anglers will find year round pleasure in the abundant saltwaters of the Ocean State. Freshwater Fishing Anglers seeking freshwater fishing action don't have to look far while in Rhode Island. Our many rivers, lakes, and ponds provide a wide variety of freshwater game fish such as Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Crappie. Trout and Landlocked Salmon are stocked in waters throughout the state. Scenic rivers such as the Wood, Pawcatuck, Moosup, and Falls located in Southern Rhode Island, offer premier trout fishing throughout the spring, summer, and fall. For additional information regarding locations to fish, please visit Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife