Block Island Fishing: Trophy Stripers and Offshore Tuna
The Island at the Crossroads
Block Island rises from Rhode Island Sound 12 miles south of the mainland, a 10-square-mile island surrounded by some of the most productive fishing waters in the Northeast. The combination of rocky shoreline, strong tidal currents, offshore structure, and its position at the junction of multiple current systems makes Block Island a magnet for gamefish from May through November.
For striped bass, the island serves as a waypoint on the migration highway — fish moving between Long Island Sound and Cape Cod pass directly through Block Island's waters. For tuna, the deep water south of the island provides feeding grounds within sight of shore. The result is a diverse fishery compressed into a small geographic area.
Striped Bass: The Island Fishery
Block Island's striper fishing begins in May and peaks during the fall migration in October and November. The island's rocky shoreline, particularly the dramatic bluffs on the southern end, provides structure and current that hold fish close to shore.
Top Striper Spots
- Southwest Point: Where the island's bluffs meet the ocean, creating deep water and strong currents. This is trophy territory — fish over 40 inches are taken here every season by surf casters.
- North Light: The sandy point at the island's northern tip, where Block Island Sound meets the Atlantic. Tidal currents sweep bait past the point, and stripers patrol the rip line.
- The Southeast Light area: High bluffs with deep water close to shore. Accessible only by climbing down, which limits pressure and increases fish quality.
- Old Harbor breakwater: The harbor jetties provide easy-access fishing for Block Island stripers feeding around structure.
| Season | Species Focus | Where | Method | Average Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May - June | Stripers, bluefish | Shore points, harbor | Plugs, live bait | 24-36 in |
| July - August | Stripers (night), fluke | Points, offshore bottom | Eels, bucktails | 26-38 in |
| September | Stripers, false albacore | All shoreline, rips | Casting, jigging | 28-40 in |
| October - November | Trophy stripers, tuna | Southwest, North Light | Live bait, plugs, trolling | 32-50+ in |
Bluefin Tuna: The Offshore Opportunity
The waters south of Block Island hold bluefin tuna from July through November. School and medium-sized bluefin feed along the 20-30 fathom line, while giant bluefin patrol the deeper shelf edge farther south. Charter boats from Block Island, Point Judith, and Montauk all work these grounds.
The tuna fishing around Block Island has improved dramatically in recent years, with consistent catches of school bluefin (30-60 inches) from August through October. Giant bluefin exceeding 500 pounds are caught each season in the deeper water.
Standing on the bluffs at Southwest Point, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic while striped bass crash through bait in the wash below — there's no fishing spot in the Northeast that feels more remote or more wild. Block Island is only 12 miles from the mainland, but it feels like another world.
Getting to Block Island
Block Island is accessible by ferry from Point Judith (1 hour), Newport (seasonal, 2 hours), and Montauk (seasonal). Vehicle ferry reservations are essential during summer and fall — book months ahead. An alternative is to leave your vehicle on the mainland and rent a bike or moped on the island, though reaching some fishing spots requires a vehicle.
Tackle shops on the island carry bait and basic supplies, but selection is limited. Bring your own specialized gear. Charter boats and guided Block Island fishing trips are available from the Old Harbor area.
Regulations
Block Island falls under Rhode Island fishing regulations. A free RI saltwater fishing license is required. Striped bass, bluefish, and tuna regulations follow state and federal rules respectively.
Block Island rewards anglers who make the trip with uncrowded waters, quality fish, and scenery that elevates every session. The combination of shore-based striper fishing and accessible offshore tuna grounds creates a two-tiered fishery that few island destinations can match.