Block Island Bass & Blues: Full Day Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targets bass, blues, and scup watersFourperson capacity includes bottom fishing, jigging, and trolling techniquesAvailable June through September with Tuesday, Friday, weekend departures
Picture this: You're heading out from Block Island at first light, coffee in hand, tackle box loaded, and eight solid hours of fishing ahead of you. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking about a proper full day on the water, targeting some of the best fishing grounds the Northeast has to offer. Block Island sits right in the middle of prime fishing territory, where the currents mix and the baitfish stack up thick. That's where you'll find the bass, blues, scup, and flounder that make this area famous among serious anglers.
Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM – yeah, that's early, but trust me, the fish are most active in those first few hours when the water's still cool and quiet. You've got the boat to yourself and up to three fishing buddies, so no crowded rails or fighting for prime spots like those cattle boat trips. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using whatever technique is working that day. Some mornings the bass are hitting topwater plugs right off the rocks. Other days, you'll be dropping jigs down deep or trolling umbrella rigs through the rips. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is you've got time to try different spots and methods until you find what's working. Pack your own snacks and drinks – there's nothing like a cold one after landing a keeper striper. The boat runs from June through the beginning of September, hitting that sweet spot when the fishing is at its peak around Block Island.
We're not messing around with heavy gear here – this is all about light tackle fishing that lets you feel every headshake and run. You'll be using spinning reels spooled with braid, paired with rods that have enough backbone to turn a fish but still let you enjoy the fight. Bottom fishing is huge around Block Island, especially when targeting black sea bass and scup around the rocky structure. You'll drop down high-low rigs tipped with squid strips or sea worms, feeling for that telltale tap-tap of a fish picking up the bait. Jigging is another go-to technique – bouncing bucktails or soft plastics off the bottom and through the water column. When the bass are schooled up and feeding aggressively, there's nothing like the steady thump-thump of a jig getting hammered on the drop. Trolling comes into play when you're covering water looking for blues or when the bass are scattered and feeding on baitfish. Dragging tubes, spoons, or diving plugs through the rips can produce some serious hookups when the conditions are right.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Block Island fishing, and for good reason. These fish show up in serious numbers from June through August, ranging from schoolie bass in the 20-inch range all the way up to cow stripers pushing 40 pounds. What makes stripers so special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs toward structure, strip drag off your reel, and keep you honest right up to the net. The best action typically happens early morning and late afternoon when they're feeding aggressively on sand eels, bunker, and squid. You'll find them around the rocky points, in the rips, and over structure where the current brings food right to them.
Black sea bass might not get the glory of stripers, but they're absolute fighters pound-for-pound and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Around Block Island, you'll find them hanging tight to rocky bottom and structure, usually in 30-80 feet of water. Peak season runs from June through August when they're in shallow water spawning and feeding heavily. A 3-4 pound sea bass will fight like it's twice that size, diving straight down and using every rock and crevice to try to break you off. The current regulations change yearly, so check the latest rules, but when they're open, sea bass are a must-target species.
Scup, also called porgy, are the workhorses of Block Island fishing. These silver-sided fighters show up in huge schools around structure and are absolutely willing biters. They'll hit everything from small jigs to chunks of squid, and once you find a school, you can load the cooler fast. Peak season is mid-summer when they're thick around the rocky areas. Don't let their size fool you – a 2-pound scup on light tackle is a blast, and they're fantastic on the dinner table.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that keep things interesting. When blues move in, you know it – they'll attack anything that moves and fight like demons once hooked. Block Island sees good runs of blues from June through September, with fish ranging from snapper blues perfect for kids to chopper blues that'll test your tackle. They're perfect for topwater fishing when they're feeding on the surface, creating those explosive strikes that get your heart pumping.
Southern flounder round out the mix as the flatfish specialists. These guys are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush baitfish. Around Block Island, you'll find them on sandy bottom areas, especially where current brings food through. Flounder fishing is all about patience and feel – detecting that subtle pickup when a fluke grabs your bait and starts swimming away. The bigger "doormat" flounder are some of the most prized catches, and the summer months offer the best shot at a trophy fish.
This top-rated Block Island charter runs Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June 1st through September 1st, hitting the prime fishing season when all these species are most active and accessible. At $700 for up to four anglers, you're looking at less than $175 per person for eight hours
This 23-foot Maycraft cabin cruiser is your ticket to some serious fishing action around Block Island's productive waters. Built in 2001 with a reliable 150HP Yamaha engine, she cruises comfortably at 20 knots to get you to the hot spots fast. The boat handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work the rods whether you're jigging for bass or trolling for blues. She's equipped with everything you need - GPS to navigate to those secret fishing grounds, radar for foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate schools holding tight to structure. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Perfect for targeting the variety of species Block Island offers, from keeper stripers and tasty scup to hard-fighting bluefish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect bottom fish around Block Island's rocky areas and wrecks. These chunky fighters typically weigh 2-4 pounds and have a unique look with their big lips and spiny fins. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. They hang around structure in 30-120 feet of water from late spring through summer, making them reliable targets when conditions are right. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and are absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's tough to beat. Here's what works: drop squid strips or clams right to the bottom near wrecks or rocky areas. Use circle hooks and be ready - they hit hard and try to get back into the rocks immediately.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure adrenaline on a fishing line - aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth that'll attack anything moving. Around Block Island, they typically run 3-10 pounds and show up in feeding schools that can turn the water into a washing machine. Summer months bring the best action when they're chasing bait near the surface. These fish fight dirty - strong runs, head shakes, and they never give up until they're in the boat. Fresh blues are actually delicious when bled and iced immediately, despite what some people say. Watch for bird activity and bait pods on the surface. When blues are feeding, you'll know it. Keep your fingers away from their mouths - those teeth are serious business. Wire leaders are a must, and chunk baits work great.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are underrated fighters that show up in big numbers around Block Island's rocky bottom from May through October. These silver-sided fish average 1-2 pounds but can surprise you - they've got strong jaws built for crushing shells and they use them when hooked. You'll find them bottom feeding around structure in 20-60 feet of water. Kids love catching them because they bite readily, and adults appreciate how good they taste - firm, white meat that's perfect fried or baked. They're also killer live bait for stripers. Pro tip: use small hooks with squid or clam pieces. They'll hit fast, so keep your drag loose - their small mouths tear easily if you horse them up.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise around Block Island's sandy bottoms. These flat fish blend perfectly with the sea floor, lying in wait with both eyes on one side of their head - nature's coolest design. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've seen some real doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. They love sandy areas near structure where they can ambush prey from May through early fall. What guests really enjoy is how different they are to catch and how excellent they eat - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Drift fishing works best here. My go-to technique: use a light sinker with live minnows or squid strips, and drag it slowly along the bottom. Feel for that subtle tap-tap - they're not aggressive hitters.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel around Block Island, typically running 20-40 pounds with those iconic dark stripes. These powerful swimmers love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and tide lines where baitfish get pushed around. Summer months from June through September are prime time when they're feeding heavily near the surface during dawn and dusk. What makes them special? They fight hard, grow big, and taste fantastic. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the water, get there fast. Stripers are underneath pushing bait to the surface. Use live eels or chunk bait near the bottom, and be ready for a real tussle when one hits.
Providence