8/7/26 Dare Devil

Home/Store/Rhode Island Fishing Reports/8/7/26 Dare Devil

The snappers are in, and this time of year always brings me back to where my excitement for saltwater fishing began—and I'm sure that's true for a lot of you too. For me it was throwing a Dare Devil spoon around the docks chasing snapper blues. Maybe for you it was a Kastmaster, a Phoebe, or the classic Snapper Popper.

Tautog season also opened in Rhode Island this week with good reports coming from shore anglers and spear fishermen. It's always nice to have another species back on the menu. We have live Crab in Stock!

What's Happening Right Now

The saltwater season is entering one of its best stretches of the year. Snapper blues have invaded the local ponds and harbors, bonito have officially arrived, and every trip offshore could be an epic tuna trip. Warm water and an incredible amount of bait have fish spread throughout the area. I always note that the Fall run starts now.

If you're heading out this weekend, don't leave the dock with just one plan. Bring gear for bass, keep a small epoxy or resin jig ready for bonito, and always have a heavier rod rigged—you never know when tuna will pop up within casting range.

Striped Bass

It's officially the dog days of summer. Water temperatures are warm and striped bass have settled into their predictable summer patterns. Early mornings, evenings, and nights continue to offer the best opportunities for larger fish.

The salt ponds continue to fish well, especially on the incoming tide. Small bait remains everywhere, but it was encouraging to see schools of shad join the mix this week. Match the hatch with smaller soft plastics, epoxy jigs, or slim-profile plugs for your best chance at success.

Tuna

The offshore bite improved this past week, but tuna continue to move around quite a bit. Both recreational-size fish and giants have been reported outside the wind turbines, and the midshore grounds are absolutely worth checking if conditions allow.

As August progresses, keep an eye on the high flyers, floating debris and turbines for mahi. It won't be long before they start becoming a regular part of the offshore catch.

Planning ahead and staying on top of the latest reports continues to be the biggest advantage. Leave the dock prepared with trolling bars, casting rods, and jigging setups—you never know how they'll be feeding.

Fluke

Local reports weren't outstanding this week. A few keepers were caught here and there, while Block Island continues to produce the more consistent action.

This time of year can definitely become a grind, but those putting in the time during tide changes continue to find quality fish. Can be hot one day and not the next.

Black Sea Bass

The sea bass bite remains very good. If you're tired of catching shorts, increase the size of your bait or jig. Bigger presentations have been helping anglers weed through the smaller fish and connect with the quality keepers.

Bonito

The first real push of bonito has arrived, and it's been one of the highlights of the week. Most fish have been feeding on extremely small bait, making "matching the hatch" more important than ever. Small epoxy jigs, resin jigs, and slim metals have all been producing.

Don't chase the schools. Stay patient, watch the birds, and let the fish work the bait toward you. If they disappear from the surface, check your electronics—bonito often sound after feeding and can be caught by vertically jigging small metals.

If this weather holds, expect more reports over the next couple of weeks as additional schools move into our local waters.

🔥 Lure of the Week – Stack Tackle Chovie Jig (10% Off)

The Stack Tackle Chovie Jig is built to match the hatch when fish are keyed in on tiny bait. Whether you're targeting bonito, false albacore, striped bass, or school tuna, this jig excels when predators become selective.

Available Colors

Pink
Sand Eel
White Glow

Features

¾ oz weight
Premium BKK Inline Hook
One Chovie per package
Perfect for casting or vertical jigging
Great in both saltwater and freshwater

👉 10% Off This Week

Did You Know? Bonito vs. False Albacore

False albacore and Atlantic bonito are often confused because of their similar shape and incredible speed, but there are several easy ways to tell them apart.

Physical Differences

Stripes
- Bonito: Straight horizontal stripes along the upper sides.
- False Albacore: Wavy "worm-like" markings across the back with dark spots near the belly.
Teeth
- Bonito: Sharp, noticeable teeth.
- False Albacore: Small, less visible teeth.
Body Shape
- Bonito: Longer and slimmer.
- False Albacore: Deeper-bodied with a thicker tuna-like appearance.

Table Fare

Bonito are excellent eating and make outstanding sashimi, poke, or grilled fillets.

False Albacore are incredible sport fish but generally considered poor table fare because of their dark, blood-rich meat.

Knowing the difference can make all the difference when deciding whether dinner is swimming around your boat.

We're Fully Stocked With

Live Eels
Live Crabs
Fresh Mackerel
Sandworms
Green Crabs
Bunker
Fresh Squid
Clams

Snapper Tip of the Week

If you've got kids—or just want to feel like one again—grab a light spinning rod, a few Dare Devils, Kastmasters, or Snapper Poppers, and spend an evening chasing snapper blues around the docks.

For many of us, that's where the obsession with saltwater fishing first began.

The biggest fish don't always create the best memories.

Get Ready Now

This is when almost anything can show up in our local waters.

Before leaving the dock:

Check your drag.
Inspect knots and leaders.
Replace rusty hooks.
Restock bucktails and terminal tackle.
Check rod guides for chips.
Clean and lubricate your reels.
Keep one spinning rod rigged with a small epoxy or resin jig—you never know when bonito or albies will suddenly appear.

Stop by the shop or shop anytime online:

👉 www.breachwaybait.com

We're open 7 days a week.

Shop Hours

7 Days a Week
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Weekend Weather

Friday (8/7)

SW winds 5 to 10 kt, increasing to 10 to 15 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: SE 3 ft at 7 seconds and W 1 foot at 3 seconds. Patchy fog in the morning with visibility 1 NM or less.

🌡️ High: 87° | Low: 72°

Saturday (8/8)

SW winds 5 to 10 kt, increasing to 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: S 3 ft at 6 seconds and W 1 foot at 3 seconds. Patchy fog in the morning with visibility 1–3 NM.

🌡️ High: 85° | Low: 72°

Sunday (8/9)

W winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt, becoming NW 5 to 10 kt after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 ft. Wave Detail: SE 3 ft at 8 seconds and W 1 foot at 3 seconds.

🌡️ High: 86° | Low: 72°