The Block Island Giant Shark Fishing Tournament runs each summer and draws anglers from across the Northeast to compete for tagged sharks and cash prizes
The Block Island Giant Shark Fishing Tournament is an annual summer event held off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island. Boats enter the competition to catch and tag large sharks — primarily blues and makos — with prizes awarded for the heaviest fish and tagged catches. The tournament typically runs for several days in July or August, though the exact dates shift year to year. Registration happens through the Block Island Tourism Council or directly with tournament organizers in the weeks before the event.
The tournament is open to recreational anglers and charter boats. You do not need to be a professional or a resident of Rhode Island to enter. Most participants fish from private boats or book a charter that is already registered. The event combines sport fishing with shark research: tagged fish contribute data to marine science programs, and many anglers return specifically to participate in that work.
Key Takeaways
- The Block Island Giant Shark Fishing Tournament takes place each summer, usually in July or August, with exact dates announced by the Block Island Tourism Council several months ahead.
- You can fish from your own boat or hire a registered charter; both must register before the tournament begins, and registration fees vary depending on boat size and entry type.
- Prizes are awarded for the heaviest shark caught and for tagged sharks, with money distributed among top finishers in multiple categories.
- Sharks caught during the tournament are typically tagged and released as part of a research partnership, so you will need to follow tagging procedures before claiming your catch.
- The tournament requires basic shark fishing gear and knowledge of Rhode Island saltwater fishing regulations, which apply even during the event.
How to Register Your Boat
Registration for the Block Island Giant Shark Fishing Tournament opens several weeks before the event. You register through the Block Island Tourism Council website or by contacting the tournament director directly. The registration process asks for your boat name, size, home port, and the names of crew members who will fish. You will also need to provide proof of a valid fishing license and liability insurance.
Registration fees depend on your boat's length and whether you are entering as a private boat or a charter operation. Charter boats often pay a higher fee but may have access to additional tournament support and weigh-in logistics. Once registered, you receive a tournament packet with rules, weigh-in times, and the location of the official dock where catches are recorded and tagged.
What Sharks You Can Catch and Prize Categories
The tournament focuses on large pelagic sharks, primarily blue sharks and shortfin makos. These species are abundant off Block Island in summer and grow large enough to make for competitive fishing. Thresher sharks and tiger sharks occasionally appear in tournament catches as well. The tournament does not accept hammerheads or great whites, both of which are protected under federal law.
Prizes are typically divided into categories: heaviest shark overall, heaviest blue shark, heaviest mako, and tagged shark bonuses. Tagged sharks carry higher prize money because the data they provide to research programs has direct value. If you catch a shark that was previously tagged, you receive a bonus in addition to any weight-based prize. Some years the tournament also awards prizes for the most tags deployed by a single boat.
Tagging Requirements and Shark Release Procedures
Every shark caught during the tournament must be tagged before it is weighed and recorded. The tournament provides tags and tagging equipment at the official weigh-in dock, or you can tag the shark aboard your boat if you have been trained. Tagging involves inserting a small numbered dart into the shark's dorsal fin — a quick procedure that does not harm the fish. You record the tag number and the shark's condition before release.
After tagging, sharks are released alive whenever possible. This is a requirement of the tournament and of the research partnership that supports it. If a shark is dead on arrival or dies during tagging, you still record it and bring it to the weigh-in for documentation. The tournament director will photograph the catch and record the circumstances. Dead sharks are typically donated to research institutions or educational programs rather than kept for personal use.
Fishing Regulations and Gear You Will Need
Rhode Island saltwater fishing regulations apply during the tournament, even though the event has its own rules. You must have a valid Rhode Island saltwater fishing license, which you can obtain online through the Department of Environmental Management. Non-residents can purchase a short-term license valid for three days or longer. Charter boats carry their own licenses, but crew members fishing for personal records should verify their own licensing status.
Shark fishing requires heavy tackle: rods rated for 50 to 130 pounds, reels with at least 300 yards of line, and wire or heavy monofilament leaders. Live or dead mackerel, bunker, or squid work as bait. Many anglers use chum lines to attract sharks from a distance. If you are new to shark fishing, booking a charter that specializes in the tournament is the easiest way to learn the technique and have access to proven bait and location knowledge.
When the Tournament Runs and How to Find Dates
The Block Island Giant Shark Fishing Tournament typically takes place in July or August, with the exact week announced by the Block Island Tourism Council in late spring. The event usually runs for three to five days, with fishing during daylight hours and weigh-ins at the official dock each evening. Weather can shift dates, so the tournament maintains flexibility in its schedule.
To find the current year's dates, visit the Block Island Tourism Council website or call their office directly. Local charter captains and fishing forums also post dates as soon as they are confirmed. Early registration is important because the tournament caps the number of boats to manage weigh-in logistics and ensure fair competition.
Lodging and Planning Your Trip
Block Island has hotels, inns, and rental cottages, though rooms fill quickly during tournament week. Booking lodging two to three months ahead is wise if you are traveling from the mainland. The island is accessible by ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island (about 30 minutes) or by private boat. If you are trailering a boat, the ferry has limited vehicle space, so reservations are required.
The tournament brings together anglers, families, and spectators, so the island's restaurants and shops are busy during the event. Many people make it a multi-day trip, combining fishing with exploring the island's beaches and lighthouses. If you are fishing from a charter, confirm whether the captain provides meals aboard or whether you should plan to eat on shore between fishing sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish in the tournament?
No. You can hire a registered charter boat that is already entered in the tournament. Many charter captains specialize in shark fishing and know the best grounds and techniques. If you own a boat, you can register it directly and fish with your own crew.
What happens if I catch a shark that is already tagged?
Record the tag number and bring the shark to the weigh-in with the tag information. You will receive a bonus prize for the recapture, which helps researchers track shark movement and survival. The tournament director will document the tag number and release the shark again.
Can I keep a shark I catch during the tournament?
No. All sharks must be tagged and released alive. This is a core requirement of the tournament and the research program it supports. Dead sharks are documented and donated to research or education, not kept for personal use.
What if the weather is bad during the tournament week?
The tournament can shift dates if conditions are unsafe for boats. Check with the tournament director or the Block Island Tourism Council for updates. Fishing days may be rescheduled within the same week or extended into the following week if needed.
How much does it cost to enter the tournament?
Registration fees vary based on boat size and type, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars for smaller private boats to higher amounts for larger charter operations. Contact the Block Island Tourism Council for the current year's fee schedule and payment details.