Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
NEARSHORE FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Explore the best nearshore fishing charters in Block Island. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
About Nearshore Fishing in Block Island
Block Island, Rhode Island offers some of the finest nearshore 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 nearshore waters here — waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Nearshore anglers in Block Island target an impressive roster of species including Cod, Tautog, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Porgy and more. Peak season runs through September, July, August, but productive nearshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best nearshore 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.
What's Biting in Block Island This September
Nearshore Fishing Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for nearshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cod |
F
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F
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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F
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| Tautog |
—
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—
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—
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—
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G
|
—
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—
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—
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—
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G
|
G
|
—
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| Black Sea Bass |
—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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G
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G
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G
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G
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—
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—
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—
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| Bluefish |
—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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G
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P
|
P
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G
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F
|
—
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—
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| Porgy |
—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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G
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G
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G
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G
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—
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—
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—
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| False Albacore |
—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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F
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P
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P
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F
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—
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Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Block Island
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top nearshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Block Island area.
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.
Top Nearshore Fish Species in Block Island
These are the primary nearshore species you'll target on a Block Island charter. Click any species to learn more.
Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod is a historic New England species that shaped the region's culture and economy. Found over rocky bottom and wrecks, cod fishing peaks in ...
Tautog
Tautoga onitis
Also called Blackfish, tautog are tough bottom dwellers found around rocky reefs, jetties, and wrecks from Virginia to Massachusetts. Revered for thei...
Black Sea Bass
Centropristis striata
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Peak: Jul, Aug
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzi...
Porgy
Stenotomus chrysops
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provi...
False Albacore
Euthynnus alletteratus
Peak: Sep, Oct
False albacore — also called little tunny or fat alberts — are the premier light-tackle gamefish of the fall run from North Carolina to Massachuse...
Nearshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Block Island
Here's what to expect when you book a nearshore charter in Block Island.
Boats
Nearshore fishing in Block Island is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Nearshore charters in Block Island typically use medium spinning and conventional tackle with 15-30 lb test line. Live bait, jigs, and trolling plugs are popular.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Nearshore Fishing Charters in Block Island
We're partnering with top nearshore 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 nearshore 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 Nearshore Fishing in Block Island
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
The top nearshore species in Block Island include Cod, Tautog, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Porgy, False Albacore. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for nearshore fishing in Block Island are September, July, August, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Block Island offers productive nearshore fishing year-round.
Nearshore fishing in Block Island is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
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, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Nearshore 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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