Full Day Block Island Bass & Bottom Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday ground fishing adventure targeting bass and scup speciesAll fishing gear and licenses provided by experienced captainEighthour charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Block Island sits 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast like a fishing magnet, pulling in everything from trophy stripers to fat scup. This 8-hour adventure runs from July through September when the fishing is absolutely on fire. You'll hit the water at 6 AM with Captain on a mission to put you on fish, whether that's working the boulder fields for bass or dropping down for some serious bottom fishing action. At $700 for up to four anglers, you're getting access to some of New England's most productive waters without the headache of gear prep or licensing - just show up ready to fish.
Your day kicks off early because that's when the fish are feeding. Block Island's unique position creates a perfect storm of current breaks, structure, and baitfish that keeps the action steady throughout the summer months. The captain knows these waters like his own backyard - every ledge, every drop-off, every spot where the bass stack up during different tidal phases. You'll spend time working both shallow structure and deeper bottom areas, adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling you. Pack your cooler with drinks and lunch because once you're out there, you won't want to waste time heading back to shore. The boat comes equipped with everything you need to fish effectively, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait.
Block Island fishing means adapting to what's working on any given day. You might start the morning working live eels around the rocky shoreline for stripers, then transition to bottom rigs when you hit the deeper structure for scup and black sea bass. The captain runs a mix of conventional and spinning gear depending on the target species and conditions. When the bass are active, expect to work bucktails, soft plastics, and live bait around the famous North Reef and Southeast Light areas. For bottom fishing, you'll drop rigs loaded with clams, squid, and sea worms over structure in 40-80 feet of water. The key here is reading the fish finder and understanding how different species relate to structure throughout the tidal cycle.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Block Island fishing, and for good reason. These fish show up in serious numbers from mid-July through September, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to legitimate 40-pound-plus cows. They're aggressive, smart, and absolutely addictive to target. You'll find them crashing bait around the island's rocky points and working the current seams where deeper water meets shallow structure. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make screaming runs, jump, and test every bit of drag you've got set.
Scup might not get the glamour treatment, but these bottom dwellers are pure fun on light tackle. Block Island scup run big - we're talking fish in the 1-3 pound range that pull like freight trains once hooked. They school up over rocky bottom and mussel beds, often so thick you can barely get a bait to the seafloor. Peak season runs from July through early September, and they're fantastic table fare. Kids especially love targeting scup because the action stays consistent once you locate a school.
Southern Flounder add variety to your catch, lurking in sandy areas and ambushing bait with lightning-quick strikes. These flatfish require a different approach - slow presentations with squid strips or sea worms dragged just off the bottom. Block Island's mixed bottom provides perfect flounder habitat, and fish in the 2-5 pound range are common throughout the summer months. They're masters of camouflage but absolute pushovers once hooked.
Bluefish show up in waves around Block Island, bringing chaos and excitement wherever they appear. These toothy predators travel in aggressive schools, slashing through baitfish and hitting anything that moves. When the blues are around, the action gets fast and furious - multiple hookups are common and the surface can look like a washing machine. They peak during late summer when baitfish concentrations are highest around the island.
Black Sea Bass represent the prize of bottom fishing around Block Island's rocky structure. These hefty bottom dwellers inhabit the deepest spots you'll fish, often mixed in with scup but requiring heavier tackle to pull them away from structure. A 3-4 pound black sea bass is a legitimate trophy, with broad shoulders and serious pulling power. They're most active during slack tide periods when they venture away from their rocky homes to feed.
Block Island fishing doesn't wait around, and neither should you. This top-rated charter runs Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through September 30th, giving you solid options to plan around weather and tides. With only four anglers per trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The captain handles all the technical stuff - gear, licenses, local knowledge - so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. At $700 for the group, you're looking at premium Block Island fishing without the premium headaches. These summer dates fill up fast because word gets around about productive fishing, so lock in your spot while the bite is hot.
This 23-foot Maycraft cabin cruiser is your ticket to some serious fishing around Block Island's productive waters. Built in 2001 with a reliable 150HP Yamaha pushing her to 20 knots, she's perfectly sized for up to 4 anglers looking to target bass, scup, and whatever else is biting. The fish finder will help locate the best spots while GPS keeps you on track to productive grounds. When visibility drops, the radar ensures safe navigation back to port. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. The cabin provides shelter when you need a break from the sun, making this boat ideal for full-day fishing adventures in New England's prime fishing territory.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love Block Island's rocky structure and wrecks. These guys typically run 1-4 pounds, with the bigger males showing off bright blue colors and prominent humps on their heads during spawning. You'll find them around jetties, rock piles, and shipwrecks in 20-100 feet, especially during late spring through fall when they move inshore. They're scrappy fighters for their size, making strong runs toward structure to try breaking you off. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. What's interesting is they start as females and change to males as they grow. They're perfect for family trips since they bite readily and aren't too difficult to handle. Here's a Block Island trick: when fishing wrecks, get your bait down fast and keep it moving slightly. They're curious but spook easily, so once you hook one, work the area quickly before they scatter.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up around Block Island from mid-June through early fall. These blue-green predators typically weigh 3-15 pounds here, with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through anything. You'll find them chasing bait schools in open water and around structure, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the surface. They're fast, strong fighters that make blistering runs and really test your equipment. The smaller "cocktail blues" are excellent eating when prepared fresh, with firm, flaky meat. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability - one minute it's quiet, next minute they're everywhere tearing through baitfish. Be careful of those teeth when landing them; they'll bite anything including the angler. Local tip: when you see birds diving or bait breaking the surface, get there fast. Use wire leaders and anything shiny - spoons, poppers, or fresh cut bait work great.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as some call them, are one of Block Island's most reliable catches. These silver-scaled fish average 1-2 pounds but can reach 4 pounds around our deeper structure. You'll find them hugging the bottom near rocks, wrecks, and pilings where they crush shellfish with those strong jaws. They're here strong from late spring through early fall, making them perfect for our summer trips. While they're not huge fighters, scup are fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great bait for bigger stripers if you want to try that route. Kids love catching them because they bite readily and are easy to handle. Pro tip: use small hooks and squid or clam strips. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook hard - just lift steadily and they'll stay pinned.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder around Block Island are master ambush predators that lie buried in sand and mud waiting for prey to swim by. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we see some pushing 3 feet on good days. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that unique "left-handed" look. You'll find them on sandy bottoms in 10-40 feet of water, especially near drop-offs and channel edges. Summer into early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding in our shallower waters. What guests love is their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's tough to beat. The fight isn't spectacular, but landing one always feels like a victory because they're so well-camouflaged. Here's the trick: drift slowly with live minnows or strips near the bottom. When you feel weight, don't set hard - just lift and reel steadily. They have soft mouths.
Morone SaxatilisBlock Island stripers are the reason many anglers make the trip out here. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, with their distinctive dark stripes making them easy to identify. During our summer season, they're feeding heavily around structure - rocks, drop-offs, and along the island's edges where baitfish get pushed by currents. Stripers are strong fighters that'll test your drag and give you a real workout. The meat is excellent eating with a sweet, flaky texture. What makes them special is their migration pattern - they're actively feeding when they reach Block Island waters. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. Let the fish tire itself out on longer runs, especially around structure where they'll try to wrap your line.
Providence