What Black Point Offers and How to Fish It

Black Point is a small, rocky cove on the western side of Narragansett Bay that holds striped bass and summer flounder in predictable numbers. The spot works best on the incoming tide when baitfish move into the shallower water, and the rocky structure gives you something to target rather than casting blind into open water. Access is straightforward—you can fish from the rocks themselves or launch a small boat from nearby ramps—and the cove stays relatively protected even when the rest of the bay gets choppy.

The rocks here are not a maze; they're scattered enough that you can move around safely if you watch your footing and time your casts to the tide. Stripers will hold tight to the rocks on the drop-off, especially in spring and fall when they're moving through the bay. Summer flounder use the sandy bottom just outside the rocks, and they'll chase baitfish into shallower water on the flood tide. Neither species is huge here—expect stripers in the 18- to 28-inch range and flounder to 20 inches—but the fishing is steady and the cove rarely gets crowded.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Point fishes best on the incoming tide when baitfish move shallow and stripers and flounder follow them into the cove.
  • Rocky structure along the western edge holds striped bass; sandy bottom outside the rocks holds summer flounder.
  • You can fish from the rocks or launch a small boat from nearby public ramps in Narragansett.
  • Spring and fall bring the most consistent striper action; summer is better for flounder and schoolie bass.

Seasonal Timing and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is when stripers move through Narragansett Bay on their way north, and Black Point sits right in their path. The water is still cold, and the fish are hungry after winter. Throw small to medium plugs or live mackerel early in the morning, and work the rocks on the incoming tide. You'll get bites, but they won't be explosive—expect a fish or two per tide, not a blitz.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to flounder and smaller stripers. The water warms, and the big stripers move deeper or out to the open ocean. Flounder move into the shallows to hunt, and Black Point's sandy bottom becomes more productive than the rocks. Drift small shrimp or squid over the bottom, or cast soft plastics and let them settle. Schoolie stripers (under 18 inches) will also be around, and they'll take small lures aggressively.

Fall (September through October) brings another push of stripers moving south, and the fishing mirrors spring. The water cools, baitfish concentrate, and the rocks come back into play. This is often the better of the two striper seasons because the fish are fatter and the water is clearer. Bring a variety of plugs and be ready to change sizes and colors if the first hour produces nothing.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The bay gets cold, stripers leave for deeper water or migrate south, and flounder disappear entirely. A few winter flounder may hold in the deeper channels, but Black Point itself is not worth the trip in cold months.

How to Get There and Where to Launch

Black Point itself has no parking or formal access. You reach it by water, either from a nearby public boat ramp or by wading in from the rocks if the tide is low. The closest public launch is the Narragansett Town Boat Ramp on Point Judith Road (Route 108), about a mile south of Black Point. The ramp is free, has parking for about 20 vehicles, and can get crowded on weekends. Arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday.

If you don't have a boat, you can fish the rocks from shore. Park along Point Judith Road where legal (not in front of private homes or marked no-parking zones) and walk down to the water. The rocks are slippery when wet, and the tide can come in fast, so check the tide table before you go and plan to leave before the water rises above the rocks. Wear good boots with grip and bring a headlamp if you're fishing early or late.

Tackle and Bait That Work Here

For stripers, bring small to medium plugs in natural colors—silver, pearl, or dark patterns that mimic the baitfish in the bay. Kastmaster spoons and small metal jigs also work well. If you prefer live bait, mackerel or herring will draw stripers, especially in spring and fall. Fish the rocks on the incoming tide and focus on the deeper water just off the point where the bottom drops away.

For flounder, switch to soft plastics or live bait on the bottom. Small shrimp, squid, or cut mackerel work well. Use a simple two-hook rig with a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in the current, and drift or anchor just outside the rocks in 8 to 12 feet of water. Flounder will also take small soft plastics—2 to 3 inches—rigged on a jig head and worked slowly along the sand.

Bring a small tackle box with a mix of sizes and colors. The water here is relatively clear, so match the hatch if you can. If you see baitfish, throw something that looks like it. If nothing is showing, start with small and work up in size until you get a response.

Tides and Current Patterns

The incoming tide is the key to Black Point. As the water rises, baitfish move into the shallows around the rocks, and stripers follow. The bite usually starts about an hour before high tide and continues for an hour or two after. The outgoing tide can still produce, but the fish spread out as the water drops, and you have to work harder to find them.

Current speed matters too. A moderate incoming tide—moving at 1 to 2 knots—is ideal. A very fast tide can make it hard to keep your lure in the strike zone, and a slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is often slow. Check the tide table for Narragansett Bay before you fish, and plan your trip around the incoming tide window.

What to Watch Out For

The rocks are the main hazard. They're slippery, especially in the morning when they're wet with dew or spray. Wear boots with good grip, and never turn your back to the water—waves can surprise you. If you're fishing from a boat, stay alert for submerged rocks and shallow water. The cove is small, and it's easy to drift into trouble if you're not paying attention.

The other issue is crowds. Black Point is not a secret, and on nice weekends you may find other anglers already working the rocks. The cove is big enough for a few people to fish without getting in each other's way, but if it's packed, you might be better off heading to a less popular spot nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Black Point without a boat?

Yes. You can fish from the rocks along the shore, but you'll need to time it with the tide so the rocks are exposed and safe. Park along Point Judith Road and walk down to the water. Wear good boots and bring a headlamp if you're fishing early or late. Check the tide table before you go.

What's the best time of day to fish Black Point?

Early morning and late afternoon usually produce better than midday, especially in spring and fall. The incoming tide is more important than the time of day, so plan your trip around the tide table. If the incoming tide happens at noon, fish at noon.

Do I need a Rhode Island fishing license to fish here?

Yes, you need a Rhode Island saltwater fishing license if you're 16 or older. You can get one online through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management or at most tackle shops in the area. The license is inexpensive and good for a year.

What's the difference between fishing Black Point in spring versus fall?

Both seasons have stripers moving through, but fall often produces larger fish and clearer water. Spring can be slower because the water is still cold and the fish are just waking up. Fall stripers are fatter and more aggressive. Summer is better for flounder if you want consistent action.

Is there a better spot nearby if Black Point is crowded?

Yes. Narrow River to the north and Point Judith to the south both hold stripers and flounder. Narrow River is shallower and better for wading; Point Judith has more structure and deeper water. Both are worth exploring if Black Point is packed.