Block Island Fishing
Block Island is the first place that people think of when they think about legendary bass from Rhode Island. In the northeast, Block Island is renowned as THE destination for cow striped bass. In order to accommodate Block Island fishing charters, we set aside a section of our season each year.
It can be some of the most incredible fishing you’ve ever done when we’re on the fish. Fish weighing 30 to 50 pounds and beyond can be hooked up many times during a drift. We’ll get you there whether you want to fish in these renowned waters or are planning a trip to Block Island and need a pickup there.
Since fishing trips frequently take a long time to accomplish, we link them with relaxing downtime and delightful vacations. Bringing home the bounty of the ocean and reliving your hunter-gatherer days can be fulfilling.
Can you Fish on Block Island?
If you are over 18, you must have a Rhode Island recreational fishing license before you put your bait in the water. If you need one, feel free to come over here and grab one. Next, you’ll need to choose your fishing strategy. You can fish from a boat, either your own or one that has been chartered by one of the many top Block Island fishing charters businesses, like Fishing Charters Newport RI.
Alternatively, you can pick a location to surfcast, such as Crescent Beach or the beaches at the foot of Mohegan Bluffs. Off Ballard’s Beach, the Old Harbor jetty is reputed to be a good location.
Stop into Twin Maples Bait & Tackle, and they will set you up if you want advice on lines and the best kinds of bait.
If this is your first time fishing in The Block, I would suggest a daytime trip. Whether you’re on the beach, jetty, or boat, you can see and take in the stunning Island surroundings. A nighttime fishing trip, though, is a pleasant change of pace if you’ve fished on Block Island before.
Did you know that the ocean near Block Island glows bioluminescently on most summer nights? That has the power to transform a typical and nice fishing trip into an extraordinary one. Visualize sparks and trails flying off the fins of the fish around your boat while the water glows within. Amazing!
What Kind Of Fish Are In The Block Island Sound?
The seas around Block Island are home to a wide variety of mouthwatering fish, including striped bass, fluke, sea bass, blackfish, scup, mahi-mahi, bonito, shark, and more. Block Island is regarded as a striped bass destination, and from May to November, big Block Island “cows” weighing 40 pounds or more can be captured.
Block Island Fish Species
Striped Bass
The ultimate destination for Striped Bass fishing is Block Island. Fishers frequently catch striped bass in the 50-inch, 40-plus-pound range during the summer. These big fish monsters can be caught by surface casting or fly fishing in the spring and fall.
Fluke
Also known as summer flounder, this recognizable fish is native to Rhode Island. They can gain more than 10 lbs. and put up a fantastic fight when tackled lightly. They are unpredictable, making it difficult for the fisherman to set the hook correctly because they may occasionally bite fiercely and other times will just provide a few little taps.
Sea Bass
It’s enjoyable to use light tackle while bottom fishing for these powerful and tasty fish. If you know where to look, you may frequently hook another sea bass as quickly as you can sink your live baits.
Bluefish
Catching this recognizable New England fish is a real pleasure. It is one of the toughest fighting fish species pound for pound, frequently leaping out of the water and tearing line from the reel.
Bluefin Tuna
These legendary tuna pass right by the island during their migration in May and June as they feed on large shoals of sand eels. Jigging with spinning rods or throwing poppers close to birds on the surface can catch bluefin tuna that weigh 30 to 50 pounds and are the size of a football. If you’re up for a fight, you can catch the bigger fish when trolling.
Mahi Mahi.
When we sail offshore in August and September, Mahi can be seen swarming near hi-flyer lobster buoys. These apex predators can be caught with chunk bait on every cast, but more competitive anglers can also hook them with a fly or plug. We do run and gun offshore trips in August and September, but we require calm weather and we depart early.
Cod
Cod are once more present on the ledges and wrecks south of Block Island. The average size is less than two feet, and bottom fishing in 120 feet or deeper requires a lot of reeling, but if you want to catch this traditional delicacy, we can.
The Scup/Porgy
These fish are excellent pan-fried and are possibly the best for a ceviche. Because there are so many of these fish, we frequently need to use larger lures and pieces of bait when pursuing fluke and sea bass.
Black Fish / Tautaug
Near wrecks and rock piles, tautaug are to be found. They are fussy eaters and frequently can only be caught with mussels or green crab.
Trigger Fish
Despite being able to bite through hooks with their strong jaws, triggerfish put up a great fight pound for pound. They have wonderful, firm white meat. These are a bit of a novelty catch that occasionally gets caught over rock heaps together with sea bass.
Dog Fish
On light tackle, these tiny sharks put up a respectable fight, and kids appear to enjoy catching them. But because they frequently twist our lines, we try to stay away from these little sand sharks.
Skate and Sea Robins
Since the fluke is mixed in with these odd-looking bottom feeders, some bi-catch is to be expected. The variety of bottom fish always keeps you guessing, and kids definitely like collecting these peculiar fish.
Almaco Jack
These ravenous fish might be circling buoys with triggers and Mahi if we make an offshore run. A good fighter despite their small size (in New England waters), they taste well when grilled or blackened.
False Albacore
These tenacious fish, also known as bointa or little tunnies, may grow to over 30 pounds and can be found around the island in the late summer and early fall when the water is the hottest. It’s exciting to catch them.
All of these fish are delicious to eat. Freshly caught fish is far superior to store-bought fish, as anyone who has ever eaten it can testify. The perfect way to end a productive fishing expedition is to bring fish home for a nice meal.
Conclusion
A fishing trip to Block Island can be challenging. It’s about 20-mile steam from Newport, going over the open ocean. Since we’ll be fishing at night, visibility won’t be great. For hands-free operation while fishing, headlamps will be provided to everyone on board. Because we fish light tackle and can have numerous fish on at once, we’ve modified our charter boats for the best efficiency while fishing at night.
We only visit Block Island when we are certain the weather is nice and constantly pay attention while we are outside because the weather there might change quickly. Our first priority is safety. On these voyages, the Captain has the authority to halt a voyage if it becomes unsafe.
Fishing on Block Island is a truly unique experience. Schedule your Block Island fishing trip right away. Contact us for further details!