What the Block Island Bass and Bluefish Derby is
The Block Island Bass and Bluefish Derby is an annual summer fishing tournament held off Block Island, Rhode Island, where anglers fish for striped bass and bluefish from boats and shore. The derby runs for several weeks during peak season — typically mid-summer through early fall — and welcomes both experienced tournament fishers and people fishing for the first time. You catch fish, weigh them at an official weigh station, and compete for prizes in different categories based on fish size and species.
The derby is organized by local fishing clubs and the Block Island community, and it draws anglers from across Rhode Island and neighboring states. Entry is straightforward: you pay a registration fee, receive a derby book with the rules and weigh-in locations, and fish during the official dates. The tournament is designed to bring people together around fishing rather than to exclude anyone — families fish alongside serious competitors, and the social side of the event matters as much as the catch.
Key Takeaways
- The Block Island Bass and Bluefish Derby runs for several weeks in summer and accepts anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced tournament fishers.
- You register before the derby begins, pay an entry fee, and receive a derby book that lists official weigh stations and the exact dates the tournament runs.
- Fish can be weighed at multiple locations on and around Block Island, so you do not have to travel far to submit your catch.
- Prize categories are divided by species and fish size, so smaller catches can still place and win prizes alongside larger ones.
- The derby supports local fishing culture and community events, making it as much a social gathering as a competition.
How to register and what it costs
Registration for the Block Island Bass and Bluefish Derby opens in late spring, usually a few weeks before the tournament begins. You can register through the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, local tackle shops on Block Island, or fishing clubs that partner with the derby. The entry fee varies year to year but is typically modest — designed to cover the cost of prizes and administration rather than to generate profit.
When you register, you receive a derby book that contains the official rules, the list of weigh stations, the exact dates the tournament runs, and information about prize categories. Keep this book with you while you fish — you will need it to understand the weigh-in process and confirm that your catch meets the tournament rules. Some years the derby also offers a separate entry option for junior anglers (usually under 16), which may have a lower fee and its own prize categories.
Where to fish and how weigh-ins work
The tournament covers the waters around Block Island, which means you can fish from a private boat, a charter boat, or from shore depending on where the fish are running and what you have access to. The Block Island shoreline itself offers productive spots for striped bass and bluefish, particularly around the breakwaters and rocky points. If you do not own a boat, several charter captains based on Block Island run trips during the derby season and are familiar with the tournament rules.
Weigh stations are set up at multiple locations — typically at the Block Island ferry terminal, local marinas, and tackle shops — so you can weigh your fish without traveling far. When you arrive at a weigh station, the staff will record the species, weight, and date of your catch, check it against the derby rules, and enter it into the standings. Weigh-ins usually happen daily or several times a week, depending on the year. Your fish must be weighed during the official tournament dates to count toward prizes.
What fish count and how prizes work
The derby focuses on two species: striped bass and bluefish. Both are abundant in Block Island waters during summer and early fall, and both fight hard enough to make for good fishing. The tournament typically has separate prize categories for each species, with prizes awarded for the largest fish in each category. Some years there are also daily prizes or weekly prizes, which means you do not have to catch the single largest fish of the entire summer to win something.
Prize categories may also be divided by angler type — for instance, separate prizes for junior anglers, women anglers, or shore fishers — depending on how the derby is structured that year. This means a 5-pound bluefish caught from shore might win a prize in its category even if a 12-pound bluefish was caught from a boat the same day. The derby book you receive at registration will spell out exactly which categories exist and what the prize structure is for that year.
Fishing techniques and seasons for bass and bluefish
Striped bass and bluefish are both strong swimmers that respond to live bait and artificial lures. For striped bass, live eels, live mackerel, and live herring are traditional choices, along with large soft plastics and topwater plugs that imitate baitfish. Bluefish are aggressive hunters and will chase fast-moving lures, shiny spoons, and live bait. Both species are present around Block Island from mid-summer through fall, with peak activity often in August and September when water temperatures drop slightly and baitfish move through the area.
The best fishing times are usually early morning and late afternoon, when bass and bluefish feed most actively. Tidal movement matters too — many anglers fish the hour or two around tide changes, when baitfish move and predators feed. If you are new to fishing for these species, talking to the staff at a local tackle shop or a charter captain will give you current information about what is working that week, where fish are holding, and what gear makes sense for your situation.
Getting to Block Island and planning your trip
Block Island is accessible by ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett, Rhode Island — a crossing that takes about an hour. If you have a boat, you can launch from Point Judith or other mainland ramps and run to Block Island. The ferry runs year-round but has more frequent service in summer. If you are planning to fish the derby, book your ferry passage in advance during peak season, as ferries fill up on weekends and during good weather.
The island has lodging, restaurants, and tackle shops, so you can make a day trip or stay overnight. Many people fish the derby as a weekend getaway, combining the tournament with time exploring the island. If you are bringing a boat, plan to arrive early enough to launch and scout fishing spots before the official tournament dates begin. Local fishing reports and the Block Island Chamber of Commerce website will have current information about where fish are and what conditions are like.
Community and social side of the derby
The Block Island Bass and Bluefish Derby is as much about community as competition. Weigh-ins are social events where anglers gather to see what others caught, share stories about the day, and celebrate good fishing. Local restaurants and bars often host derby-related events during the tournament, and the fishing clubs that run the derby organize gatherings and meals. If you are new to fishing or new to Block Island, the derby is a natural way to meet other anglers and become part of the local fishing culture.
The tournament also supports Block Island's fishing heritage and economy. Charter captains, tackle shops, restaurants, and lodging all benefit from the influx of anglers during derby season. By fishing the derby, you are participating in something that matters to the island's community and helping sustain the fishing culture that has shaped Block Island for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the derby?
No. You can fish from shore around Block Island, or you can book a charter boat with a captain who knows the waters and runs derby trips. Several charter operations based on Block Island cater to derby participants and can provide tackle and advice if you are new to the area.
What if I catch a fish but cannot get to a weigh station the same day?
Check the derby rules in your registration book — most tournaments require fish to be weighed on the day they are caught, or within a short window. Some years there are exceptions for fish caught late in the day. Call a weigh station or the derby organizers if you are unsure whether your catch will still count.
Can I fish the derby if I have never done a tournament before?
Yes. The derby welcomes anglers of all experience levels, and many people fish it as their first tournament. The rules are straightforward, and the staff at weigh stations will walk you through the process. Talking to local tackle shop staff or a charter captain before you fish will help you feel more confident.
What happens if I catch a fish that is smaller than the minimum size?
Fish below the legal minimum size for Rhode Island cannot be weighed in the derby. The derby book will list the minimum sizes for both striped bass and bluefish. If you catch an undersized fish, release it and keep fishing.
How do I find out the exact dates and entry fee for this year's derby?
Contact the Block Island Chamber of Commerce or check their website for current information about derby dates, registration deadlines, and entry fees. Local tackle shops on Block Island and in Narragansett will also have registration information and derby books available.