Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN NARRAGANSETT
Narragansett is a solid destination for bluefin tuna fishing, with good fishing in July, August. Book a charter and target bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Narragansett
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the ultimate big game fish of the northeast, with giants exceeding 1,000 pounds caught off New England each year. Stellwagen Bank and the canyons off Montauk are legendary grounds for these incredible fighters.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are the largest, most powerful, and most valuable tuna species in the world. These magnificent fish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are the ultimate test of angler and tackle. Their torpedo-shaped body is dark blue-black on top with silver-gray sides and a series of yellow finlets along the tail. Bluefin are warm-blooded — they maintain a body temperature well above the surrounding water, which gives them extraordinary power and stamina. Giant bluefin tuna can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at fish markets, making them one of the most economically important fish in the ocean.
Scientific name: Thunnus thynnus
Bluefin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Narragansett
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Narragansett, RI.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Narragansett
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
Recommended Tackle
School bluefin (under 73 inches): medium-heavy spinning or 30-50 lb conventional. Giants (over 73 inches): 80-130 lb stand-up or chair gear, Shimano Tiagra or Penn International reels, 130 lb mono or braid, wind-on leaders to 300+ lb. Fights with giants can last 2-6+ hours.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Narragansett
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Coxes Ledge (Narragansett Access)
Coxes Ledge is the premier offshore fishing ground accessible from Narragansett's Galilee port, lying approximately 40 miles south where a productive underwater ridge concentrates cod, pollock, bluefin tuna, and yellowfin tuna. The ledge's hard bottom creates upwelling that supports enormous baitfish populations, attracting pelagic and bottom species in fishable concentrations. Charter boats from Galilee run to Coxes Ledge for some of the best offshore fishing in southern New England.
The Fingers (Block Island South)
The Fingers are a series of underwater ridges extending south into the Atlantic from the Block Island area, creating natural fish-concentrating structure in 100 to 300 feet of water. Bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, mahi-mahi, and sharks cruise these ridges during summer and fall following warm-water bait concentrations. Narragansett charter boats target The Fingers for big-game species on full-day offshore trips out of Galilee.
The Mud Hole (RI Offshore)
The Mud Hole is a depression in the seafloor south of Rhode Island where nutrient-rich sediment and upwelling concentrate baitfish and attract a variety of predatory species. Bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and blue sharks are the primary targets for boats working the area during warm-water months. The Mud Hole's position between the nearshore grounds and the deeper offshore canyons makes it a productive waypoint on extended offshore trips.
Block Island Canyon
Block Island Canyon is a submarine canyon cutting into the continental shelf south of Block Island where depths plunge from 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. The canyon walls create upwelling that concentrates baitfish and attracts bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish during summer and fall. Long-range offshore charters from Narragansett target the canyon for New England's best deep-water big-game fishing.
Other Species in Narragansett
More fish you can target while visiting Narragansett.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Narragansett — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Narragansett is productive during July, August.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Narragansett are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Narragansett, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefin Tuna regulations in Rhode Island include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Bluefin Tuna in Narragansett, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, Tautog, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Narragansett?
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