Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
COD FISHING
IN NARRAGANSETT
Narragansett is a solid destination for cod fishing. Book a charter and target cod with local experts.
About Cod Fishing in Narragansett
Atlantic cod is a historic New England species that shaped the region's culture and economy. Found over rocky bottom and wrecks, cod fishing peaks in the colder months when these bottom dwellers move into accessible depths on Stellwagen Bank and other nearshore grounds.
Atlantic Cod are the historic fish that built New England — the species that drew European settlers to the New World and fueled a fishing industry for centuries. These cold-water bottom fish are found over rocky substrate, wrecks, and ledges, primarily in winter and spring when water temperatures drop. Cod have a mottled brown-green body with a prominent chin barbel and three dorsal fins. Their firm, flaky white flesh is considered some of the finest eating fish in the world and remains a staple of New England cuisine.
Scientific name: Gadus morhua
Cod Seasonal Calendar — Narragansett
Month-by-month availability for cod in Narragansett, RI.
How to Catch Cod in Narragansett
Techniques & Bait
Bottom fishing with diamond jigs (8-16 oz) bounced on rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water is the traditional technique. Tipping the jig with a strip of squid, clam, or fish belly increases effectiveness. Baited cod rigs (high-low rigs with size 6/0-8/0 hooks baited with clams, squid, or cut fish) fished on the bottom over wrecks and rocky structure produce consistent catches. Jigging with Norwegian-style cod jigs and butterfly jigs is effective in strong current. Fish Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and deep-water wrecks for the best action.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy to heavy conventional rod (5'6"-6'6"), loaded with 40-65 lb braid, 50-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Heavy diamond jigs or cod rigs with 8-16 oz sinkers. The depth and current dictate weight needs.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Narragansett
Top spots where local captains target cod and other nearshore species.
Point Judith
Point Judith is one of Rhode Island's most iconic fishing landmarks, where a rocky headland juts into Block Island Sound and creates powerful current rips that concentrate baitfish and gamefish. Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, bonito, and tautog feed in the turbulent water around the point during seasonal migrations. The point's shore-fishing access from the Coast Guard station area and its proximity to the charter fleet make it a hub of nearshore fishing activity.
Block Island Sound (Party Boat Fleet)
Narragansett's Galilee port is home to Rhode Island's largest party boat and charter fleet, targeting fluke, sea bass, scup, and cod in the nearshore waters of Block Island Sound. The sound's mixed bottom of sand, gravel, and rock holds diverse species within a few miles of port, making half-day trips productive year-round. The party boat fleet offers affordable access to quality fishing that has made Galilee one of the busiest fishing ports in New England.
Narragansett Beach Surf
Narragansett Town Beach and Scarborough State Beach provide miles of sandy Atlantic shoreline where striped bass, bluefish, and fluke patrol the surf zone during seasonal migrations. The beaches' sand bar and trough system concentrates baitfish and attracts predators, particularly during dawn and dusk sessions in spring and fall. Surf-casting these wide, accessible beaches is a Rhode Island tradition that produces both quantity and quality fish.
The Wall (Narragansett Seawall)
The Narragansett Seawall, known locally as "The Wall," is a massive stone structure along Ocean Road that provides shore-based access to deeper nearshore water. Striped bass, bluefish, tautog, and scup are caught along the wall's base where the rocks meet deeper water, creating habitat and current breaks. Fishing The Wall at night with eels during the summer striper season is a time-honored Rhode Island tradition.
Other Species in Narragansett
More fish you can target while visiting Narragansett.
Cod Fishing in Narragansett — FAQ
Cod fishing in Narragansett is productive during .
Cod fishing charters in Narragansett are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Bottom fishing with diamond jigs (8-16 oz) bounced on rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water is the traditional technique. Tipping the jig with a strip of squid, clam, or fish belly increases effectiveness. Baited cod rigs (high-low rigs with size 6/0-8/0 hooks baited with clams, squid, or cut fish) fished on the bottom over wrecks and rocky structure produce consistent catches. Jigging with Norwegian-style cod jigs and butterfly jigs is effective in strong current. Fish Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and deep-water wrecks for the best action.
No — when you book a charter in Narragansett, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Cod 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 Cod in Narragansett, you may also catch Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Tautog, Porgy. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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