Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island is a solid destination for bluefin tuna fishing, with good fishing in August. Book a charter and target bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Block Island
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the ultimate big game fish of the northeast, with giants exceeding 1,000 pounds caught off New England each year. Stellwagen Bank and the canyons off Montauk are legendary grounds for these incredible fighters.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are the largest, most powerful, and most valuable tuna species in the world. These magnificent fish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are the ultimate test of angler and tackle. Their torpedo-shaped body is dark blue-black on top with silver-gray sides and a series of yellow finlets along the tail. Bluefin are warm-blooded — they maintain a body temperature well above the surrounding water, which gives them extraordinary power and stamina. Giant bluefin tuna can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at fish markets, making them one of the most economically important fish in the ocean.
Scientific name: Thunnus thynnus
Bluefin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Block Island, RI.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Block Island
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
Recommended Tackle
School bluefin (under 73 inches): medium-heavy spinning or 30-50 lb conventional. Giants (over 73 inches): 80-130 lb stand-up or chair gear, Shimano Tiagra or Penn International reels, 130 lb mono or braid, wind-on leaders to 300+ lb. Fights with giants can last 2-6+ hours.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Block Island
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Block Island Deep Tuna Grounds
The deep water south of Block Island over the continental shelf is a prime bluefin tuna fishery where giant and school-sized tuna chase menhaden, squid, and herring from July through November. Warm Gulf Stream eddies push into the area during summer, creating ideal conditions for tuna to concentrate in fishable numbers. Charter boats based at Block Island have a short run to the tuna grounds, making the island a strategic base for offshore fishing.
The Fingers (Block Island Offshore)
The Fingers are a series of underwater ridges extending south from Block Island into the Atlantic where the continental shelf begins its descent into deeper water. These natural bottom features concentrate bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, mahi-mahi, and sharks that follow bait concentrations over the structure. Block Island's proximity to The Fingers gives local charter boats quick access to big-game fishing that mainland ports require longer runs to reach.
Block Island Canyon
Block Island Canyon is a submarine canyon south of the island where the continental shelf drops precipitously into deep Atlantic water, creating upwelling that attracts pelagic species. Bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, swordfish, and thresher sharks are the primary targets in the canyon's deep, nutrient-rich water. Overnight trips from Block Island to the canyon produce some of the finest deep-water big-game fishing in the Northeast.
Coxes Ledge (Block Island Access)
Coxes Ledge is accessible from Block Island in approximately 30 miles to the southeast, where the productive underwater ridge concentrates cod, pollock, and bluefin tuna over hard bottom. The ledge's proximity to Block Island makes it a feasible day-trip destination for both bottom-fishing and tuna trolling. Block Island charter boats combine ledge fishing with trolling the surrounding deep water for a diverse offshore experience.
Other Species in Block Island
More fish you can target while visiting Block Island.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Block Island — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Block Island is productive during August.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Block Island are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Block Island, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefin Tuna regulations in Rhode Island include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Bluefin Tuna in Block Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, False Albacore, Black Sea Bass, Porgy. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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