Rhode Island · Rhode Island Coast
PORGY FISHING
IN BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island is a solid destination for porgy fishing, with good fishing in June, July, August, September. Book a charter and target porgy with local experts.
About Porgy Fishing in Block Island
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provide fast action on light tackle around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Porgy — also called Scup — are one of the most reliable and abundant bottom fish from New Jersey to Connecticut. These small, pan-shaped fish with iridescent silver-blue scales and a distinctive spiny dorsal fin are excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. Porgy gather in large schools around structure, making them easy to locate and fun to catch in quantity. While not glamorous, they are a bread-and-butter species that provides fast, consistent action for anglers of all skill levels — especially popular for family fishing trips.
Scientific name: Stenotomus chrysops
Porgy Seasonal Calendar — Block Island
Month-by-month availability for porgy in Block Island, RI.
How to Catch Porgy in Block Island
Techniques & Bait
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
Recommended Tackle
Light spinning rod (6-7 ft), 2000-2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (size 4-1/0), light sinkers (1/2-2 oz).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Block Island
Top spots where local captains target porgy 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.
Porgy Fishing in Block Island — FAQ
Porgy fishing in Block Island is productive during June, July, August, September.
Porgy 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.
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
No — when you book a charter in Block Island, your captain provides all required Rhode Island fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Porgy 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 Porgy in Block Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, False Albacore, Black Sea Bass, Tautog. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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