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Washington County Coast

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Rhode Island, United States

4.6·5081 catches

Top fish species at Washington County Coast

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Check which species have trophy potential in Washington County Coast

Washington County Coast fishing reports

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Tautog

32 in · 19 lb

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Tautog

length · weight

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Cunner

length · weight

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Striped bass

length · weight

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Striped bass

31 in · 10 lb

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Black sea bass

length · weight

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General info

Washington County Coast is a part of an ocean located in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. It is also intersecting with Suffolk County, New York and Newport County, Rhode Island. It is most popular for fishing Striped bass, Black sea bass, and Scup.

Location

41°11′41.8″N 71°37′54.1″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Striped Bass biting on Washington County Coast?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Washington County Coast. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Washington County Coast, RI

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Rhode Island can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryRI State Saltwater
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size30.99" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Circle Hook + Natural Bait

Circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait greater than 3" in length.

Additional information
You must use an inline circle hook while using bait to fish for striped bass. For more information, see Striped Bass and Circle Hooks and see RI Marine Fisheries Regulations: Striped Bass.
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
Season open: May 16 - December 31
Black sea bass

Black sea bass

Regulation boundaryRhode Island State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size16" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
Recreational anglers: Closed season: Jan 1 through May 21Minimum size: 16-inches total lengthBag Limit:May 22 to Aug 26: 2 black sea bass/person/day Party and Charter Boats: Closed season: Jan 1 through June 17Minimum size: 16-inches total lengthBag Limit: May 16-August 31: 4 black sea bass/person/daySeptember 1-December 31: 6 black sea bass/person/day
Edibility
Excellent according to Adam L.
Synonyms
Centropristis striata
Season open: May 1 - December 31
Scup

Scup

Regulation boundaryRhode Island State Waters
Bag limit30

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size9.5" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
Exceptions to stated regulations:Shore Anglers- 9.5 in length limit, 30 fish possession limit, May 1 – December 31Private- 11 in length limit, 30 fish possession limit, May 1 – December 31For-Hire- 11 in length limit, 30 fish possession limit, May 1 – August 31For-Hire- 11 in length limit, 40 fish possession limit, September 1 – October 31For-Hire- 11 in length limit, 30 fish possession limit, November 1 – December 31
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Stenotomus chrysops
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Local laws and licenses

Rhode Island fishing license

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Reviews of Washington County Coast

4.6
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31 ratings

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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Quonochontaug

11.0 miles away

Weekapaug

11.9 miles away

Misquamicut

13.3 miles away

Watch Hill

14.0 miles away

Westerly

14.2 miles away

Bradford

15.2 miles away

Pawcatuck

16.9 miles away

Ashaway

17.8 miles away

South Kingstown

17.9 miles away

Narragansett Pier

18.2 miles away

Narragansett

18.3 miles away

Carolina

18.5 miles away

Stonington

18.8 miles away

Fishers Island

19.3 miles away

Kingston

20.1 miles away

Mystic

20.1 miles away

Groton Long Point

21.2 miles away

Noank

21.3 miles away

Wyoming

22.3 miles away

Poquonock Bridge

22.3 miles away

Old Mystic

22.6 miles away

Hope Valley

22.6 miles away

Groton

23.6 miles away

Mashantucket

25.7 miles away

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FAQ about Washington County Coast fishing

📍 Where is Washington County Coast located?
Washington County Coast is a part of an ocean located in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. It is also intersecting with Suffolk County, New York and Newport County, Rhode Island. Its coordinates are:
41°11′41.8″N 71°37′54.1″W
.
🎣 Where on Washington County Coast is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Washington County Coast by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Washington County Coast?
The most common species in Washington County Coast are:
  • Striped bass - 812 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Black sea bass - 513 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Scup - 214 members reported to have caught this fish
📢 What are the latest Washington County Coast fishing reports?
The latest Washington County Coast fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Washington County Coast right now?
According to fishing regulations at Washington County Coast, some of the species in season this October include: Summer flounder, Black sea bass, Atlantic cod, Tautog, and Atlantic bluefin tuna. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Washington County Coast?

Fishing in Rhode Island requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination licenses, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In Rhode Island, no fishing license is required for anglers under 15. Residents 65 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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