Full Day Advanced Fishing Trip in Block Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday advanced fishing targeting Black Sea Bass and TautogTechnical approach focusing on structure and tide strategiesSmall group capacity with quality gear and expert guidance
If you're an angler who's moved past the basics and wants to really test your skills, this full-day charter around Block Island is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a serious fishing trip here – one that starts at 7:00 AM sharp from Point Judith and runs until you've worked every productive piece of structure, reef, and deep water drop-off that Block Island has to offer. This isn't a hand-holding experience; it's designed for anglers who understand the fundamentals and want to push their technique to the next level while targeting some of Rhode Island's most challenging and rewarding species.
Block Island sits about 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, and the waters surrounding it are absolutely loaded with structure that holds fish year-round. We'll be running to spots that most weekend warriors never see – deep reefs, underwater ledges, and current breaks where the big fish hang out. The beauty of a full-day trip is that we're not rushed. We can work a spot thoroughly, adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us, and move to different areas as conditions change throughout the day. You'll be targeting Black Sea Bass, Tautog, Flounder, Scup, and depending on the season, we might even get into some Skipjack Tuna. The key here is adaptation – reading the water, understanding how tides affect fish behavior, and being ready to switch tactics when the bite changes. I provide all the quality gear you'll need, but if you've got favorite rods or tackle you trust, bring them along.
This trip is all about refining your approach and learning to fish structure like a pro. We'll be working everything from vertical jigging on deep reefs to precise bottom fishing techniques that put your bait exactly where the fish are feeding. Block Island's underwater terrain is incredibly diverse – you've got boulder fields, sand flats, rocky outcrops, and dramatic drop-offs all within a relatively small area. Each spot requires a different approach, and that's where the learning happens. I'll show you how to read your fishfinder, how to position your boat to work structure effectively, and most importantly, how to feel what's happening on the bottom through your rod tip. We'll talk about leader selection, hook choice, and bait presentation techniques that make the difference between a good day and a great day. The currents around Block Island can be tricky, but once you understand how to use them to your advantage, you'll be fishing at a whole new level.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Block Island fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, fight hard, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They love structure – the rockier and more complex, the better. Sea bass are ambush predators, so they'll often be tight to the bottom around boulders and ledges. The best part about targeting them here is the size; Block Island consistently produces fish in the 3-5 pound range, with occasional monsters pushing 6-7 pounds. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly May through October, and they're incredibly fun to catch on lighter tackle.
Tautog, or "tog" as we call them, are the ultimate test of an angler's patience and skill. These fish are notoriously picky eaters and have mouths that can crush a green crab without breaking a sweat. The waters around Block Island hold some of the biggest tog on the East Coast, with fish regularly topping 8-10 pounds. They're most active in the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler, and they require a completely different approach than sea bass. You need to fish right on the bottom, in the rocks, and be ready to set the hook the instant you feel anything different. It's technical fishing at its finest.
Southern Flounder might not get the respect they deserve, but these flatfish are incredibly fun to target and absolutely delicious. Around Block Island, we find them on sandy bottoms adjacent to structure, where they ambush baitfish and crabs. They're masters of camouflage and can be surprisingly strong fighters, especially the larger "doormat" fluke that can exceed 5 pounds. Summer is prime time for flounder, and the key is keeping your bait moving just off the bottom.
Scup are often overlooked, but they're fantastic fish to target, especially for anglers who want consistent action. These fish school up in huge numbers around structure, and when you find them, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. They're also excellent eating and a great species for honing your bottom fishing techniques. Don't let their smaller size fool you – scup fight harder than you'd expect and are a customer favorite for good reason.
Skipjack Tuna are the wildcard species on this trip. When they're around, usually in late summer and early fall, they provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll find in New England waters. These fish are fast, aggressive, and will test your drag system and your reflexes. We typically find them feeding on the surface over deep water, and when the conditions are right, the action can be absolutely electric.
This advanced full-day trip represents the best of what Block Island fishing has to offer. You're getting access to some of the most productive waters in New England, quality equipment, and the kind of technical fishing experience that will make you a better angler. With space for just three anglers, you're guaranteed personal attention and the chance to really focus on improving your technique. Whether you're looking to land your personal best tautog, master the art of structure fishing, or just spend a full day on some of the East Coast's best fishing grounds, this trip delivers. The combination of Block Island's diverse underwater terrain, abundant fish populations, and the focused, technical approach makes this a top-rated charter that serious anglers keep coming back to. Don't
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard a well-equipped 23' Sailfish center console, built to handle Block Island's challenging waters with ease. This nimble boat cuts through swells smoothly while you work the productive reefs and structure around the island. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck, perfect for up to 3 anglers targeting black sea bass, tautog, and flounder. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - quality rods, reels, fresh bait, tackle, and proven lures for these waters. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best spots and keep you safe when conditions change. The onboard head means you can stay comfortable during those long stretches working the deeper water. Built for serious fishing, this boat gets you to the fish quickly and keeps you there all day while you refine your technique on Block Island's famous structure.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses around Block Island's rocky bottom and structure. These chunky, dark fish with the white-spotted fins typically run 1-3 pounds, though the breeding males can hit 5-6 pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They're most active from late spring through early fall around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. What guests love about sea bass is they're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely fantastic eating – firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also pretty cooperative once you find them, making them great for steady action. The trick is getting your bait down to them without getting hung up. I like to fish just upcurrent of structure and let the current swing the bait into their zone rather than dropping straight down on the rocks.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are those silver-sided fish with the tall, compressed bodies that show up in good numbers around Block Island from May through October. Most run 12-16 inches and a pound or two, though you'll occasionally hook into one pushing 18 inches. They're bottom feeders that love hanging around rocks, pilings, and structure where they crush mussels and crabs with those strong jaws. What makes them fun to target is they're actually pretty easy to catch once you find them – perfect for filling the cooler and they make excellent table fare. They also work great as live bait for stripers. Here's a local tip: when you're bottom fishing for other species and start catching scup consistently, stick around – bigger fish often hunt in the same areas.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjacks are the speed demons that show up around Block Island during the warmer months, usually in schools chasing bait near the surface. These smaller tunas average 15-25 pounds but make up for size with pure speed and stamina. You'll find them in deeper water off the continental shelf, often mixed with other pelagic species. They're surface feeders that travel in large, fast-moving schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. What makes skipjacks special is that classic tuna fight – long, burning runs that'll test your drag and endurance. They're also excellent eating, especially for sashimi. The key to catching them is speed – when you see birds working or bait breaking the surface, get there fast. Troll pink feathers or small swimming plugs at 5-6 knots, and be ready to circle back when you hook up since the school often follows the hooked fish.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounders are the masters of disguise around Block Island's sandy bottoms and drop-offs. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though the bigger females can stretch past two feet. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they're amazing at changing color to match whatever bottom they're lying on. You'll find them on sandy, muddy areas near structure during warmer months, often in 20-60 feet of water. What makes flounder fishing addictive is the hunt – you're basically sight fishing for invisible fish. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand and grab passing baitfish. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Key tip: when drift fishing, keep your bait moving slowly just off the bottom. A motionless bait won't trigger them, but a slow drag across the sand mimics their natural prey perfectly.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are the bulldogs of Block Island waters. These thick-bodied, mottled brown fish love rocky structure more than any other species out here. Most tog run 2-4 pounds, but the big males can push 8-10 pounds around the deeper reefs and wrecks. They're active from late spring through fall, with the best fishing happening when water temps are in the 50s and 60s. What draws people to tog fishing is the challenge – they're incredibly structure-oriented and have a knack for breaking you off in the rocks. The fight is bulldogging and stubborn rather than flashy. They're also outstanding eating. Local trick: use green crabs for bait, but crush the shell slightly and remove the claws. Drop right to the bottom, feel for the bite, and set the hook immediately – hesitate and they'll spit it.
Narragansett