Because the water is shallow, plan to use floating or very shallow-running lures. Also, the water is usually clear in early spring. Under such conditions, natural-colored jerkbaits that mimic the forage species should be very productive.

The public boat-launching ramp is off Route 1 in South Kingston.

Barber Pond
Rhode Island’s state record largemouth bass is a 9-pound, 12-ounce fish caught from 28-acre Barber Pond in South Kingston. Barber Pond has a 19-foot hole in its northern end, and its average depth is about 11 feet.

Bass anglers will find some competition for parking and boating space because the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks the tiny pond with trout. While the trout hunters cast into the deeper parts of the lake, bass anglers will find their best action in the shallower southern portion of the pond, especially around the points and in the two large coves. Golden shiners and panfish are the main bass forage here. Crayfish also keep the bass supplied with food.

The boat-launching ramp is off Route 2 about one mile north of the Route 138-Route 2 intersection.

Rhode Island resident license fees cost $9.50 for the season. Non-resident license fees are $31 for the season, or $16 for a three-day permit. For fishing and licensing information, contact the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879; or call (401) 222-3576.

For tourism information, write to the Rhode Island Tourism Division, 1 West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903; or you can call 1-800-556-2484.