Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
MAHI MAHI FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island is a solid destination for mahi mahi fishing. Book a charter and target mahi mahi with local experts.
About Mahi Mahi Fishing in Block Island
Also called Dolphin or Dorado. Stunningly beautiful and acrobatic. Excellent eating.
Mahi Mahi — also called Dolphin or Dorado — are the most brilliantly colored fish in the ocean. Their iridescent body shimmers with electric blues, greens, and golds that literally change before your eyes. Males (called "bulls") develop a prominent flat forehead, while females ("cows") have a more rounded head profile. These fast-growing pelagic fish are found in blue water near floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. They are acrobatic fighters that tailwalk across the surface and make spectacular aerial leaps.
Scientific name: Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi Mahi Seasonal Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for mahi mahi in Block Island, RI.
How to Catch Mahi Mahi in Block Island
Techniques & Bait
Trolling ballyhoo rigged with colorful duster/lure combinations along weed lines, current edges, and near floating debris is the classic technique. Once a school is located, stop the boat and pitch live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, or small live baits to the school — mahi travel in groups and multiple hookups are common. Casting light jigs, spoons, or fly-rod streamers to fish visible near floating objects is incredibly exciting. Keep one fish in the water next to the boat to hold the school in place while catching others.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning or conventional rod (6'6"-7 ft), 4000-5000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader. For trolling: 20-30 lb class conventional rigs. Mahi have sandpaper-like mouths — fluorocarbon leader works fine (no wire needed).
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Block Island
Top spots where local captains target mahi mahi 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.
Mahi Mahi Fishing in Block Island — FAQ
Mahi Mahi fishing in Block Island is productive during .
Mahi Mahi 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.
Trolling ballyhoo rigged with colorful duster/lure combinations along weed lines, current edges, and near floating debris is the classic technique. Once a school is located, stop the boat and pitch live pilchards, cut ballyhoo, or small live baits to the school — mahi travel in groups and multiple hookups are common. Casting light jigs, spoons, or fly-rod streamers to fish visible near floating objects is incredibly exciting. Keep one fish in the water next to the boat to hold the school in place while catching others.
No — when you book a charter in Block Island, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Mahi Mahi 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 Mahi Mahi 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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