5.0(7 Reviews)Block Island Striped Bass Morning Charter
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
6hour morning charter targeting 3050 pound Striped Bass at Block IslandEarly 5:30 AM departure accommodates up to 6 guests with provided gearCustomizable trip includes bottom fishing options for Black Seabass and Fluke
When you're serious about landing trophy stripers, there's no better place than Block Island waters at first light. This 6-hour morning charter kicks off at 5:30 AM sharp, giving you prime time access to some of Rhode Island's most productive fishing grounds. Captain Dave and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't your typical tourist trip – it's a proper fishing adventure where 30 to 50-pound striped bass are the norm, not the exception.
You'll be targeting the legendary striped bass that make Block Island famous among serious anglers. These waters consistently produce fish in the 30 to 50-pound class, and when conditions are right, you might hook into something even bigger. The early start time puts you in prime position to intercept feeding stripers before the boat traffic picks up. If the bass aren't cooperating, Captain Dave adapts quickly – this charter can turn into a combination trip targeting black sea bass, fluke, and other bottom species. All your licenses, bait, tackle, and gear come included, so you can focus entirely on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. Want to extend the action? The trip can stretch to 8 hours if you're having one of those days where the fish just won't quit biting.
Block Island fishing requires reading the structure, current, and bait movements – skills that Captain Dave has perfected over decades on these waters. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are doing. When stripers are feeding actively, expect to work with live bait presentations and artificial lures that match the local forage. The bottom fishing component involves precise positioning over known structure where black sea bass and fluke hold. All tackle is tournament-grade and matched to the target species, from heavy spinning gear for the big stripers to lighter setups for the bottom fish. The crew handles all the technical stuff like rigging, baiting, and finding the fish – your job is to set the hook and enjoy the fight.
"What a fun time we had with Dave and Mick. They were very accommodating and when the Stripers didn't bite got us on Sea Bass, etc. and we caught over 200 fish in a couple hours, it was wild. Thanks so much guys for all your hard work, My Boys will remember this for a long time!" - Ben. "Captain Dave and 1st Mate, Matt, were outstanding. Knowledgeable, helpful and personable. There were 5 of us and we each caught at least one striper. One was a 50-pounder. Hooked a couple sharks as a bonus, one of which we fought for 30 minutes." - Sam. "Captain Dave and hand Matt were fantastic. They made sure everyone in the party knew how to use the gear. They offered suggestions to those of us having difficulty keeping the fish on the line. They always had an extra rod baited up, assisted with the occasional untangle, and were just great guys to talk to." - Dave.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Block Island produces some absolute monsters. These fish are incredibly strong fighters that make long runs and test every knot in your tackle box. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often showing up during the pre-dawn hours when you'll be on the water. What makes stripers so special is their intelligence – they're not easy to fool, which makes landing a big one that much more satisfying. The 30 to 50-pounders common in these waters will give you a workout you won't forget.
Black Sea Bass have become a customer favorite for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. These fish stack up on rocky bottom and structure around Block Island, often in incredible numbers. They hit hard, fight surprisingly well for their size, and the crew will fillet your keepers right on the boat. Summer and early fall are prime time, and it's not uncommon to boat dozens when you find a good school. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and great eating fish to take home.
Scup, also known as porgy, are the ultimate action fish when you want your rod bent constantly. These scrappy fighters travel in massive schools and provide fast-paced fishing that's perfect for families or anyone who loves feeling fish on the line. They're particularly abundant during summer months and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. Don't let their size fool you – scup fight hard and are surprisingly good eating when prepared fresh.
Winter Flounder offer a different kind of challenge with their subtle bites and precise presentations required to hook them consistently. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and require patience and skill to target effectively. When conditions are right, usually during cooler months, they provide excellent sport and some of the best table fare you'll find in New England waters. Captain Dave knows exactly where to find them when they're around.
Bluefish are the ultimate aggressive predator – when they're feeding, you'll know it. These toothy fighters hit lures with incredible violence and fight dirty with powerful runs and head shakes. They're particularly exciting on light tackle and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll experience when they're blitzing bait on the surface. Bluefish seasons vary, but when they show up around Block Island, they provide action that'll leave your arms tired and your adrenaline pumping.
This morning charter represents serious value for anglers who want to fish some of New England's most productive waters with a captain who's been perfecting his craft for decades. The 5:30 AM start time might sound early, but it puts you in prime position when the fish are most active and the conditions are optimal.
The SpearIt is your ticket to serious striped bass action around Block Island's legendary fishing grounds. This 38-foot Libby Downeast was purpose-built for New England's challenging waters, powered by a robust 450hp Cummins that'll get you to the fish fast and back home safely. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a productive morning on the water - CHIRP sonar and fish finder to locate those trophy stripers, GPS and radar for precise navigation, plus a spacious deck with plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to work their lines. When you need a break from the action, there's comfortable indoor seating, a clean onboard head, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold. Whether you're targeting those hefty 30-50 pound stripers Block Island is famous for or switching gears to bottom fish for black seabass and fluke, this well-equipped vessel handles it all with ease.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that average 1-3 pounds, with some reaching 6-8 pounds around deeper structure. They live around wrecks, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs, usually in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is best when they move inshore to spawn - that's when you'll find bigger males with the distinctive blue coloring and head hump. Guests love sea bass because they fight hard for their size and are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The bigger fish stay deeper, so if you want a trophy, work the deeper wrecks. Use squid or cut bait on a high-low rig and stay tight to bottom - they'll run for cover fast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that typically run 2-10 pounds around Block Island, with some bigger ones pushing 15-20. They travel in schools, hitting baitfish in feeding frenzies that churn the water white. You'll find them anywhere from the surf to offshore, following bait schools. Mid-June through October is peak season when they arrive from southern waters. What makes blues exciting is their aggressive nature - they hit hard and fight dirty with strong runs. They're also excellent eating when fresh, despite what some say. Watch for diving birds and surface activity. When you find a bluefish blitz, it's game on - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are silver-sided fish that run 1-3 pounds around here, though some push 4. They're bottom feeders that love structure - wrecks, rocky areas, and pilings where they crush mussels and worms with strong jaws. May through October is prime time when they move inshore from deeper winter haunts. What guests like about scup is they're scrappy fighters for their size and make fantastic table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great live bait for stripers. My tip: use small hooks with squid or clam, and fish right on bottom. These guys will steal your bait if the hook's too big, so downsize your tackle.
Morone SaxatilisAround Block Island, stripers are the real deal - these fish regularly hit 30-50 pounds and put up serious fights. You'll find them cruising structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks, especially during moving water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they migrate through our waters following baitfish. What makes stripers special is their power - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key out here is watching for birds working over bait pods. When you see that commotion, get your lines in fast because the bite can shut off just as quick as it started.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are flatfish that typically run 12-18 inches, though bigger ones reach 25 inches and several pounds. They lie flat on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and harbors, perfectly camouflaged and hard to spot. Best fishing is late winter through spring when they move inshore to spawn. Guests enjoy targeting them because they're challenge fish - you need patience and finesse. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, delicate meat. Here's the thing with winter flounder: they'll nibble before committing. Use a sensitive rod and let them take the bait fully before setting the hook. Big sea worms or clams work best.
5.0 out of 5.0What a fun time we had with Dave and Mick. They were very accommodating and when the Stripers didn't bite got us on Sea Bass, etc....
Dave never disappoints, we are always on the fish. My first spearfishing experience was on Spear-it Charters and I've been addicte...
I have been out several times with Spear-it Charters and every time has been absolutely amazing! Captain Dave is very knowledgeabl...
Me and my wife had a great time with Dave and his son Zach. I hadn't actually spearfished since our honeymoon in Hawaii which was ...
Captain Dave and hand Matt were fantastic. They made sure everyone in the party knew how to use the gear. They offered suggestions...
Captain Dave and 1st Mate, Matt, were outstanding. Knowledgeable, helpful and personable. There were 5 of us and we each caught ...
Diving with Dave and Spear-It charters is one of the best experiences a newbie or veteran spear fisherman can have. Captain Dave i...
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