Get ready to experience some of the best fishing New England has to offer with this 8-hour ground fishing trip off Block Island. From July through September, we're hitting the water every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to chase after the hottest bites around. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter for up to four people is your ticket to a day packed with action and memories.
We kick things off bright and early at 6 AM, giving us prime time on the water when the fish are most active. For $700, you and three buddies get the boat to yourselves for a full 8 hours. The best part? We've got all the gear and licenses covered, so you can focus on what matters – hauling in the big ones. Just bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and we'll take care of the rest. Block Island's waters are teeming with a variety of species, so get ready for a mixed bag that'll keep you on your toes all day long.
Ground fishing is all about working the bottom where the big ones lurk. We'll be dropping lines with heavy sinkers and bait to tempt species like black sea bass, scup, and flounder that hang out near the seafloor. But don't think we're just sitting still – we'll be on the move, hitting different spots around the island to maximize our chances. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so trust his instincts when he says it's time to move to the next honey hole. We use a mix of techniques, from simple bottom rigs to jigging, adapting our approach based on what's biting. And hey, if the stripers or blues are running, we might switch gears and troll for a bit to get in on that action too.
Block Island isn't just another dot on the map – it's a fishing paradise that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The mix of rocky bottoms, sandy areas, and underwater structures creates the perfect habitat for a variety of fish. One minute you're reeling in a feisty sea bass, the next you're battling a doormat fluke. It's this variety that makes every trip unique and exciting. Plus, with a private charter, you've got the flexibility to target what you want. If the kids want to catch as many fish as possible, we can focus on the plentiful scup. If you're after a real challenge, we can dedicate time to trying for that trophy striper. It's your day, and we're here to make it legendary.
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the heavyweights that every angler dreams of. These fish can grow over 50 pounds, and they put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. July to September is prime time for stripers around Block Island, with many anglers scoring their personal best during these months. There's nothing quite like the rush of a big striper hitting your lure and taking off like a freight train.
Scup (Porgy): Don't let their size fool you – these tasty panfish are a blast to catch, especially if you've got kids on board. Scup are abundant around Block Island and bite readily, making for non-stop action. They might not be the biggest, but their sweet, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table. Plus, their aggressive feeding habits mean you'll be feeling tugs on your line all day long.
Southern Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush. Fishing for flounder is like a game of hide-and-seek on the ocean floor. They love sandy bottoms where they can bury themselves, waiting to pounce on passing bait. When you hook one, get ready for some head-shaking and spirited runs. And let's not forget – a big "doormat" flounder is not only a trophy catch but also some of the best eating fish in the sea.
Bluefish: If you're looking for a fight, bluefish deliver every time. These toothy predators are pure muscle and attitude. When a school of blues moves through, it's like turning on a light switch – suddenly, every rod is bent and the action is non-stop. They hit hard, run fast, and sometimes even leap out of the water. Bluefish might not be the most prized for the table, but for pure, adrenaline-pumping action, they're hard to beat.
Black Sea Bass: These structure-loving fish are a favorite target for good reason. Not only are they excellent eating, but they also put up a scrappy fight on lighter tackle. Sea bass love hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs, so when we find a good spot, we can often catch several before moving on. They're curious fish, sometimes following hooked companions to the surface, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. And let's be honest, with their striking black and white coloration, they're also one of the prettiest fish you'll catch on this trip.
Listen, if you're even thinking about fishing Block Island, this trip is the way to go. We're talking 8 full hours of prime fishing time, all the gear you need, and a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling some of New England's most sought-after fish, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially for those prime weekend dates, so don't wait too long to lock in your trip. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for a day of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you've fished Block Island, you'll be itching to come back for more.
Black sea bass are tough little fighters that punch above their weight. Most are 2-4 pounds, but they can get up to 8. You'll find them around underwater structures like wrecks and rocky bottoms. They move inshore in late spring and summer, which is prime time to catch 'em. Sea bass are prized for their mild, flaky meat. To land one, try bottom fishing with squid or cut bait near structure. Here's a local tip: if you're not getting bites, try moving just a short distance. Sea bass tend to hang in small areas. These fish put up a good scrap and are excellent eating - always a favorite for our guests.
Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout. They usually run 7-10 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often churning up the water in a feeding frenzy. Blues show up in our waters from June to October. They're known for their strong, oily flavor - some folks love it, others not so much. To catch 'em, try trolling or casting lures that mimic baitfish. Watch for birds diving - that's a sure sign blues are feeding below. Here's a tip: use wire leaders, their razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular line. Be careful when handling them too. Bluefish put up an exciting fight and are a blast to catch when they're running.
Scup, also called porgy, are fun little fighters. They're usually 15-18 inches long and hang out near the bottom in rocky or sandy areas. You'll find them close to shore from May to October when the water warms up. Scup are easy to catch, making them great for beginners or anyone looking for steady action. They're also tasty eating fish. To land 'em, try drifting or bottom fishing with squid or clams on a light setup. Here's a tip: if you're not getting bites, try jigging your bait slowly off the bottom. That movement often triggers strikes. Scup fishing is laid-back but can keep you busy all day long.
Southern flounder are sneaky ambush predators that blend right into the sandy or muddy bottom. They're typically 15-18 inches long but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Best time to target them is summer through fall before they move offshore for winter. Flounder are prized for their delicate, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom with live minnows or shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait, then reel in slowly. These flatfish put up a unique fight and make for some of the best eating around.
Striped bass are heavy hitters, often weighing 20-40 pounds. You'll find them near structures along shores and in moving waters. They're most active at dawn and dusk when the water's cooler. These fish put up a great fight and taste delicious too. Best time to catch 'em is spring through fall as they migrate up the coast. Use live bait like herring or mackerel to really get their attention. For gear, go with an 8-14 foot rod and braided line to handle their strength. Here's a local tip: look for birds diving - that usually means stripers are feeding below. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are sharp! Overall, stripers are a blast to catch and make for some of the most exciting fishing around Block Island.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Maycraft
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150