The Blackfishing in and around Narragansett Bay is simply terrific right now. Lots of fish and many of them are big, with some going over 10 lbs. or more. Limits are common as well as throwbacks. The best bait seems to be green crabs in all sizes. Some guys are fishing them whole, some are cutting them in half or quarters, and still some are just crushing the shells and fishing the whole crab as is. The key to successful blackfishing this time of year is Location. If you aren't on the right rock pile or reef, you can be off by only a few feet and not catch a thing. We had a boat the other day that was only about 15 yards or so away from us at anchor. We had our limit in less than an hour and a half and the boat next to us didn't get a bite. I'll bet they moved to where we were when we left that spot. Still, anchoring correctly with the wind and tide and sometimes using double anchors can mean the difference between success or getting skunked. The best fishing has been taking place in water from about 35 feet to 60-feet. The shallower you get the more likely the fish are going to be smaller. Look for rocky humps, reefs, rock piles or jagged bottom before dropping that anchor. In some areas anglers are getting big black sea bass as well as big scup (porgy's). these larger specimens will eat fresh green crabs in a hurry if they are in the area as well. Most guys like going with a bit heavier tackle when black fishing. 30-lbs test mono is good and a good stout rod. when you get a hit and set the hook, lift as quickly as possible or the fish will take you into the rocks or crevices and once a big fish is in there it's almost impossible to get him back out again. Right now the recreational limit in RI is 8 fish per man per day and if you are on a charter boat you are entiled to take 10 fish per man per day.
