When do the keeper size bass usually arrive in RI?

[Gus]

When do keeper size bass usually arrive in RI? I hear that the water temps are 3-4 degrees colder than usual...will that push back their arrival?

What recommendations would you make for early season bass fishing from a boat(lures, mack chunks, herring chunks)??

[JohnR]

Last year, I heard of one being taken then middle of April, followed shortly by one by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& (34 inches). My first keepers last year came in very early May on jigs and live herring and were in the mid-teens pound wise... My first mass keepers were early May (for some reason late April sticks in my head but that must be wrong)...

Things seem to be starting off a little slower this year than last (and last year was slow, some cape spots were getting consistent fish before some rhody spots) but by the end of April..

Once the big fish start coming in numbers - they'll be chasing the herring. Plugs or flies that imitate the herring are used but usually not a substitue for the real thing, that when fished live, is a real blast... It's not the only thing that works but arguably the best...

Best to use from a boat? Live herring followed by live mackeral

[Don M]

Gus:
John R is right on the money. The South County areas like East Beach, Greenhill, Matunick, Weekapaug and Watch Hill start producing keeper size fish right around mid April. Took a look at our log book at the shop last night and we had weighed a 33 inch fish on April 13th last year. Hope that is helpful.

[STEVE IN MASS]

Don - I hope to duplicate that next Friday, or the following Monday at the latest. Would be a good way to meet you.

[Don M]

Steve:
Will be at the shop on Friday and Saturday. Will be nice to meet you also.

[Gus]

Thanks for the tips!

If using live herring or mackeral would you use a fish finding setup?

Can you get live herring in the Warwick area? Does Ray's bait sell it??

[JohnR]

When live-linning baits like mackeral or herring, you want to cast and work them, really you want to let them work for you... With mackeral use a 6/0 live bait hook brhing the dorsal and same with herring or even better through the nostril with herring. You need to gingerly cast them out as too much pressure will send the fish in one direction with the hook staying close. You really aren't using any additional weight, therefore no fish finder rig... Then you let them swim on their own. You'll know things are happening when the live fish starts getting all skittish and frantic...

I have'nt gotten many fish from Warwick (I'll be trying more so this year ;D ) but you'll need a freshwater permit to get them at the runs...