Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
BLUEFISH FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island is an excellent destination for bluefish fishing, with peak season in July, August and good catches in June, September. Book a charter and target bluefish with local experts.
About Bluefish Fishing in Block Island
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzies, blues are exciting to catch on both bait and lures and make excellent table fare when bled immediately.
Bluefish are the most aggressive predator fish in the Atlantic — known for their ferocious feeding frenzies ("bluefish blitzes") where schools of hundreds of fish attack baitfish at the surface, chopping through schools like a chainsaw. Their blue-green back, silver sides, and razor-sharp teeth make them unmistakable. Bluefish are hard fighters on light tackle, with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. They are found from Florida to New England, migrating along the coast in spring and fall. Caution: their teeth can cause serious injury — use a de-hooking tool.
Scientific name: Pomatomus saltatrix
Bluefish Seasonal Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for bluefish in Block Island, RI.
How to Catch Bluefish in Block Island
Techniques & Bait
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (7 ft), 4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon or wire leader (bluefish teeth cut fluorocarbon regularly — 40 lb+ or short wire bite leader recommended).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Block Island
Top spots where local captains target bluefish and other nearshore species.
Block Island North Rip
The North Rip off Sandy Point at Block Island's northern tip is one of the most productive nearshore fishing grounds in southern New England, where powerful tidal currents create standing rips that concentrate baitfish and gamefish. Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, bonito, and fluke converge in the turbulent water during seasonal migrations. The rip produces its best fishing during strong tidal flow, with explosive surface feeding that draws anglers from the mainland.
Southwest Ledge
Southwest Ledge extends from Block Island's southwest corner into deeper water, where submerged rock structure and strong currents create prime habitat for striped bass, bluefish, tautog, and black sea bass. The ledge's exposed position catches currents from Block Island Sound and the open Atlantic, concentrating baitfish along its rocky contours. Boat anglers work the ledge's edges and drop-offs for quality fish in a dramatic oceanside setting.
Southeast Light Shoreline
The dramatic bluff shoreline below Southeast Light on Block Island's south coast features a boulder-strewn beach where striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore feed along the rocky nearshore zone. The beach is accessible via a steep trail from the lighthouse, and its exposed Atlantic-facing position catches powerful surf and currents. Surf-casting from the boulders below the cliffs during the fall run produces some of Block Island's most memorable shore-fishing.
Block Island Wind Farm Area
The Block Island Wind Farm off the island's southeast coast features five massive turbine foundations that function as artificial reefs, attracting tautog, black sea bass, striped bass, and fluke to the submerged structure. The turbine bases create current breaks and provide habitat in the otherwise open nearshore environment. Since the wind farm's installation, fishing around the foundations has produced excellent catches of structure-oriented species.
Other Species in Block Island
More fish you can target while visiting Block Island.
Bluefish Fishing in Block Island — FAQ
The peak months for Bluefish fishing in Block Island are July, August. During these months, Bluefish are most active and abundant in the Block Island area.
Bluefish fishing charters in Block Island are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
No — when you book a charter in Block Island, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefish 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 Bluefish in Block Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, False Albacore, Black Sea Bass, Porgy, Tautog. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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