Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
INSHORE FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Block Island. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Block Island
Block Island, Rhode Island offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Block Island sits 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast in the open Atlantic, surrounded by legendary fishing waters known for trophy striped bass, bluefin tuna, and sharks. The island's remote location and strong currents create a world-class fishery that draws anglers from across the Northeast. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Block Island target an impressive roster of species including Striped Bass, Fluke. Peak season runs through June, July, August, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Block Island. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, Rhode Island fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Striped Bass |
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| Fluke |
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Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Block Island
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Block Island area.
Great Salt Pond
Great Salt Pond is Block Island's large inner harbor, connected to the open water through a narrow channel that creates tidal currents attracting striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and scup. The pond's deeper channels, docks, and eelgrass beds provide diverse inshore habitat where fish feed throughout the season. Kayak anglers and small-boat fishers work the pond's sheltered waters for consistent catches even when ocean conditions are rough around the island.
Old Harbor Basin
Old Harbor on Block Island's eastern side is a stone-breakwater-protected basin where striped bass, tautog, scup, and flounder congregate around the breakwater rocks and harbor structure. The breakwater's submerged rocks create ideal habitat for tautog that hold in the crevices year-round, while stripers patrol the edges feeding on crabs and baitfish. Shore anglers fish from the breakwater itself for some of the most accessible fishing on the island.
Trims Pond Outlet
Trims Pond on Block Island's west side drains through a narrow outlet onto Dories Cove beach, creating a freshwater plume that attracts baitfish and striped bass to the shoreline. Stripers stage near the outflow during incoming tides, feeding on silversides and juvenile herring washed down from the pond. This small but productive spot is a favorite for shore-bound anglers seeking stripers without needing boat access on the island.
New Harbor Channel
New Harbor Channel is the narrow passage connecting Great Salt Pond to Block Island Sound, and its swift tidal currents create a natural feeding station for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. Fish stage at the channel mouth during tidal transitions, ambushing baitfish swept through the opening by the powerful current. Casting from the channel's stone jetties or fishing from a small boat at the entrance produces consistent action during peak tidal flow.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Block Island
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Block Island charter. Click any species to learn more.
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Peak: Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct
The iconic striper is the most sought-after gamefish on the Atlantic coast. These powerful, line-ripping fish migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to New E...
Fluke
Paralichthys dentatus
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger siz...
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Block Island
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Block Island.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Block Island is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Block Island typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Block Island
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Block Island. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Block Island. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Block Island
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Block Island include Striped Bass, Fluke. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Block Island are June, July, August, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Block Island offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Block Island is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Block Island, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Block Island is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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