5.0(3 Reviews)Block Island Striped Bass Fishing Charter | PM
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target 30-50 pound striped bass in Block Island watersSix-hour afternoon charter accommodating up to six guestsAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included
Block Island's afternoon waters hold some of the most impressive striped bass you'll find anywhere along the New England coast. This 6-hour charter with Spear-it Charters puts you right where the action happens, targeting trophy stripers in the 30 to 50-pound range that cruise these productive waters. Starting at 1:00 PM, you'll have the perfect timing to hit prime feeding windows when these fish are most active. With space for up to 6 anglers, your group gets personal attention from experienced crew who know exactly where to find the big ones. All your gear, bait, and licenses are covered – just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods.
Your afternoon starts at the dock where you'll meet your captain and crew, who've been working these Block Island waters for years. The boat heads out to proven hotspots where striped bass congregate, often around structure and current breaks that hold baitfish. These aren't just any stripers – Block Island consistently produces fish in the 30 to 50-pound class that'll test your drag and give you a fight to remember. The crew sets you up with the right tackle for the conditions, whether that's live bait, chunk bait, or artificials depending on what's working best. If the striped bass bite slows down, you can switch gears to bottom fishing for black sea bass and fluke, giving you multiple shots at different species throughout the trip. The flexibility to extend your charter up to 8 hours means you can stay out longer if the bite is hot or conditions are perfect.
Block Island striper fishing requires different approaches depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. Your crew will set you up with medium to heavy spinning or conventional gear capable of handling big fish in strong currents. Live bait like eels, bunker, or scup works phenomenally well here, especially when drifted near structure or worked in the current. Chunk baits – fresh bunker, mackerel, or herring – are deadly when stripers are feeding aggressively. The crew knows how to read the electronics and water conditions to put baits in the strike zone. When bottom fishing comes into play, you'll switch to heavier sinkers and different rigs to target black sea bass around rocky structure and fluke on sandy bottom. Circle hooks are standard for live and chunk baits, while J-hooks work better for bottom species. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish want that day.
"Went out fishing on a day that had rough conditions because the timing was the only thing that worked to celebrate Father's Day with my BF, his kids, and my dad. The captain gave me the option of postponing (which was really awesome and would have been desired if our schedules allowed), but we went for it. No regrets. We caught fish, learned a lot from the crew, and enjoyed the water. The on board toilet was helpful, too. Really enjoyed the time and will go back for a longer trip, soon!" - Whitney
Striped bass are the main event here, and Block Island's population includes some true giants. These fish typically range from 30 to 50 pounds, with even bigger specimens possible during peak season. Spring and fall migrations bring the largest concentrations, when stripers stack up to feed on abundant baitfish. These fish fight hard in the current, making powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. What makes them special is their size and the clean fight they give in open water.
Black sea bass are abundant around Block Island's rocky structure and provide excellent action when stripers are finicky. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 2 to 8 pounds, with larger fish possible. They're aggressive feeders and great table fare, making them a favorite target when mixed trips are on the agenda. Summer and early fall are prime time for black sea bass fishing.
Scup, also known as porgy, are plentiful in these waters and provide steady action throughout the warmer months. While not the largest fish you'll catch, they're aggressive biters that keep rods bent when larger species are quiet. They school heavily and once you find them, fast action is almost guaranteed. Kids especially love catching scup because they bite readily and fight harder than their size suggests.
Winter flounder show up in cooler months and provide a different style of fishing altogether. These flatfish require patience and finesse, but they're among the best eating fish in these waters. They typically run 1 to 4 pounds, with occasional doormat-sized fish that'll surprise you. Early spring and late fall are peak times for winter flounder around Block Island.
Bluefish are explosive fighters that show up in schools and provide some of the most exciting action you'll find. These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty, making screaming runs and aerial jumps. They range from small snapper blues perfect for light tackle fun to larger fish in the 10 to 15-pound range that'll test your equipment. When bluefish are around, the action can be non-stop.
Block Island's afternoon striped bass fishing represents some of the best inshore angling on the East Coast. The combination of trophy-sized fish, experienced crew, and productive waters makes this charter a standout choice for serious anglers. Whether you're after a personal best striper or just want to experience world-class fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The option to extend your time on the water means you can make the most of hot bites and perfect conditions. With all gear and licenses included, there's nothing stopping you from getting out there and hooking into the fish of a lifetime. These afternoon trips book up fast during peak season, so grab your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
Meet the SpearIt, your ticket to some of the best striped bass fishing on the East Coast. This rugged 38-foot Libby Downeast was built specifically for New England's challenging waters, and her 450hp Cummins engine will get you to Block Island's productive fishing grounds in comfort. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish, while the enclosed cabin offers a break from the elements when needed. Advanced electronics including CHIRP sonar and fish finder help locate those trophy stripers lurking in 30-50 foot depths. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour afternoon hunt. With GPS, radar, and a clean head aboard, you're set for a serious fishing adventure. Whether you're targeting those hefty 30-50 pound bass or switching to bottom fishing for black seabass and fluke, this boat handles it all with ease.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our bread-and-butter bottom fish around Block Island's rocky structure. These chunky, dark-bodied fish average 1-3 pounds with some reaching 5-8 pounds around deeper wrecks and rock piles. They're homebodies that stick tight to structure in 30-120 feet of water - jetties, wrecks, and boulder fields are prime spots. Best fishing runs late spring through fall when they move inshore from their winter offshore haunts. What guests enjoy is their scrappy fight and willingness to bite, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, firm white meat perfect for the grill. During spawning, males develop a bright blue color and pronounced hump that's pretty cool to see. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep your line tight and get it up quickly - they'll try to cut you off in the rocks. Use squid or clam strips on a two-hook bottom rig for best results.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the aggressive bullies of Block Island waters, and that's exactly why anglers love targeting them. These blue-green torpedoes typically run 3-10 pounds, with some bruisers pushing 15-20 pounds. They're pelagic hunters that roam open water and shorelines, often creating feeding frenzies called "blitzes" when they corner baitfish. Peak season is June through October when they follow the bait north. What makes blues special is their raw power and attitude - they fight hard from hookup to boat with bulldogging runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating when fresh, with rich, flaky meat (though smaller ones taste better). You'll often find them mixed in with stripers around structure or chasing bait on the surface. Here's the key: use wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. Also, be careful handling them - those teeth can do serious damage.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as the old-timers call them, are one of our most reliable catches around Block Island's rocky structure. These silvery, deep-bodied fish average 1-2 pounds but can push 4 pounds if you're lucky. They love hanging around wrecks, rocks, and pilings in 20-80 feet of water, using their strong jaws to crush shells and crabs. Best fishing runs May through October when they move inshore with warming water. While they're not the biggest fighters, scup make up for it with steady action and excellent table fare - their sweet, firm meat is perfect for the dinner table. They're also great live bait for big stripers. Pro tip: use small hooks and cut squid or clam. These guys have small mouths, so keep your bait bite-sized and be ready for subtle taps rather than hard strikes.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass around Block Island are legendary for good reason. These silver-sided bruisers with their distinctive black stripes regularly hit 30-50 pounds in our waters, making them the crown jewel of New England fishing. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around. Peak season runs May through October, with fall migration providing some of the hottest action as they feed heavily before heading south. What makes stripers special is their incredible fight - they'll make long runs and jump clear out of the water. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when the bass are being finicky, try dropping your bait right to the bottom and slowly working it up through the water column. They often hit on the drop.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Block Island. These flatfish typically run 12-18 inches and can surprise you with fish up to 25 inches if you hit the right spots. They're called "blackbacks" for their dark topside that changes color to match the bottom. You'll find them in shallow bays and deeper channels, especially around structure and drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. Best fishing happens in cooler months from fall through early spring when they're most active. What guests love is how they fight differently than other fish - more of a determined pull than flashy jumps. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters with delicate, sweet fillets. My secret: use a sensitive rod tip and big sea worms or clams. Let them mouth the bait before setting the hook - they're notorious nibblers.
5.0 out of 5.0Went out fishing on a day that had rough conditions because the timing was the only thing that worked to celebrate Father’s Day wi...
Narragansett