Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
FLUKE FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island is a solid destination for fluke fishing, with good fishing in June, July, August. Book a charter and target fluke with local experts.
About Fluke Fishing in Block Island
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger size and left-facing orientation, fluke are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure.
Fluke — properly called Summer Flounder — are the premier flatfish of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Distinguished from Gulf/Southern Flounder by their larger size, left-facing orientation (both eyes on the left side), and distinct spot patterns with 5 large ocelli (eye spots) on the upper body. Fluke are ambush predators that lie buried in sand with only their eyes exposed, launching upward to grab prey. Their camouflage ability is remarkable — they can change color to match the bottom within minutes. Excellent table fare with sweet, firm white flesh.
Scientific name: Paralichthys dentatus
Fluke Seasonal Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for fluke in Block Island, RI.
How to Catch Fluke in Block Island
Techniques & Bait
Drifting with bucktails (white, chartreuse, or pink) tipped with a strip of squid, fluke belly, or Gulp! Swimming Mullet along sandy bottom in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. "Fluke rigs" (a sliding sinker rig with a long fluorocarbon leader and wide-gap hook) baited with a live minnow and strip bait combination is deadly. Drifting over structure transitions — where sand meets rocks, mud, or wrecks — concentrates fish. Slow your drift with a drift sock for better bottom contact.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (6'6"-7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader, bucktail jigs (1/2-2 oz depending on depth/current), wide-gap hooks (3/0-5/0).
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Block Island
Top spots where local captains target fluke and other inshore species.
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.
Other Species in Block Island
More fish you can target while visiting Block Island.
Fluke Fishing in Block Island — FAQ
Fluke fishing in Block Island is productive during June, July, August.
Fluke fishing charters in Block Island are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting with bucktails (white, chartreuse, or pink) tipped with a strip of squid, fluke belly, or Gulp! Swimming Mullet along sandy bottom in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. "Fluke rigs" (a sliding sinker rig with a long fluorocarbon leader and wide-gap hook) baited with a live minnow and strip bait combination is deadly. Drifting over structure transitions — where sand meets rocks, mud, or wrecks — concentrates fish. Slow your drift with a drift sock for better bottom contact.
No — when you book a charter in Block Island, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Fluke 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 Fluke in Block Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, False Albacore, Porgy, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Fluke in Block Island?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your fluke fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes