The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament runs each summer and draws anglers from across New England to compete for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore
The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is an annual summer event hosted by the Block Island Fishermen's Alliance. The tournament typically runs for several weeks in July and August, with specific dates announced each spring. Anglers fish from boats in the waters around Block Island and weigh their catch at the end of each day to compete for prizes in multiple categories.
The tournament is open to both residents and visitors. You do not need to be a professional angler to enter — recreational fishermen of all skill levels participate. The event draws people who want to test their skills, connect with other fishing people, and have a reason to spend time on the water during peak summer season.
Key Takeaways
- The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament runs for several weeks each July and August, with entry open to recreational anglers of any experience level.
- You fish from your own boat or charter, and weigh your catch daily at the official weigh station on Block Island.
- Prize categories typically include striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore, with separate divisions for different boat types and angler categories.
- Entry fees and specific tournament rules are posted by the Block Island Fishermen's Alliance each spring before the season begins.
- The tournament is a community event that connects local and visiting anglers and supports the island's fishing culture.
How to Enter and What It Costs
Entry into the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is handled directly through the Block Island Fishermen's Alliance. You will need to register before the tournament begins, and registration typically opens in late spring. The alliance publishes entry fees, registration deadlines, and all tournament rules on their website and through local fishing shops and marinas on Block Island.
Entry fees vary depending on the division you choose — there are usually separate categories for different boat sizes and angler types. Some divisions are for boats under a certain length, others for charter boats, and some for specific angler groups. The fee you pay covers your participation and entry into the daily weigh-in process.
You will also need to arrange your own boat access. Many anglers fish from their own boats; others book a charter through one of the fishing charter companies that operate out of Block Island. Charter captains are familiar with the tournament and often have anglers who fish it every year.
What Fish Count and How Weigh-Ins Work
The tournament focuses on three main species: striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore. Each species has its own prize category, so you can win in one or multiple divisions depending on what you catch. The fish must meet minimum size requirements set by the tournament rules — these are typically the same as Rhode Island state regulations, but confirm the exact measurements when you register.
Each day of the tournament, you fish during designated hours and return to the official weigh station on Block Island before the cutoff time. Your catch is weighed and recorded. The angler with the heaviest single fish in each species category wins that day's prize. At the end of the tournament, cumulative prizes are awarded based on total weight across all your weighed fish, or by largest individual fish, depending on the division.
Weigh-ins are public events and happen at a central location on the island — usually at one of the marinas or a dedicated tournament headquarters. This is where you meet other anglers, see what people caught, and get a sense of what is biting on any given day.
When the Tournament Runs and How to Plan Your Trip
The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament typically spans four to six weeks in July and August. The exact dates change year to year, so check the Block Island Fishermen's Alliance website or contact them directly in spring to confirm the schedule for the current year. Some tournaments run continuously for the entire period; others have specific tournament days within that window.
If you are traveling to Block Island for the tournament, plan ahead for lodging and ferry access. Block Island is accessible by ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett or from New London, Connecticut. Ferry schedules vary by season, and summer ferries fill up quickly. Book your passage well in advance if you are coming from the mainland. Hotels, rental cottages, and bed-and-breakfasts on the island book up during summer, so reserve early.
Many anglers make the tournament a multi-day or week-long trip, fishing several days of the event and exploring the island between tournament days. This approach lets you fish when conditions are good and take advantage of the island's restaurants, beaches, and fishing community.
Fishing Conditions and What to Bring
Block Island waters in summer hold striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore in the shallow and mid-depth zones around the island. Striped bass are present throughout the summer but often bite best in early morning and late evening. Bluefish are aggressive and abundant, especially in July. False albacore arrive later in the summer, typically August, and are fast, strong fish that require lighter tackle and quick reflexes.
Bring tackle suited to each species. Striped bass respond to live bait, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Bluefish hit almost anything but need strong line because of their sharp teeth. False albacore require small, fast-moving lures and 20- to 30-pound test line. Bring extra tackle because you will lose hooks and lures to rocks, snags, and aggressive fish.
Weather on the water changes quickly. Bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat. The sun reflects off the water and intensifies in summer. Bring more water and snacks than you think you will need — a long day on the boat is physically demanding.
Local Fishing Knowledge and Community
Block Island has a long fishing history, and the local fishing community is welcoming to visiting anglers. The Fishermen's Alliance runs the tournament as a way to bring people together around fishing and support the island's maritime culture. Local charter captains, bait shops, and tackle stores are good sources of current information about where fish are biting and what techniques are working.
Many anglers who fish the tournament year after year develop friendships and fishing partnerships. The daily weigh-ins create natural gathering points where you can talk with other competitors, learn what worked that day, and make plans for the next outing. If you are new to Block Island fishing, the tournament is a structured way to meet people and learn the waters.
The island also has restaurants, bars, and shops that cater to fishing people. After a day on the water, you can eat fresh fish, swap stories, and get advice on where to fish tomorrow. This community aspect is part of what makes the tournament more than just a competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
No. You can fish from your own boat, charter a boat for the day, or sometimes join another angler's boat if you know them. Many charter captains on Block Island specialize in tournament fishing and can take you out during the event. Charter costs vary, but booking in advance is important because popular captains fill up quickly during tournament season.
What if I have never fished Block Island before?
The tournament is open to anglers of all experience levels. Local charter captains know the waters well and can teach you where to fish and what techniques work. The daily weigh-ins also give you a chance to see what other anglers caught and learn from their success. Many first-time participants return year after year.
When do I find out the tournament dates for this year?
The Block Island Fishermen's Alliance announces tournament dates in spring, usually by April or May. Check their website, call the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, or contact local marinas and tackle shops on the island. They all have current information about registration deadlines and tournament rules.
Can I fish the tournament if I am staying on the mainland?
Yes, but you will need to arrange ferry passage to Block Island each day or stay overnight. The ferry from Point Judith takes about an hour. Some anglers make a day trip; others stay for several days to fish multiple tournament days and avoid repeated ferry trips. Ferry schedules are seasonal, so check in advance.
What happens if I catch a fish that does not meet the size requirement?
Fish below the minimum size cannot be weighed for tournament points. The size requirements are set by the tournament rules and are usually the same as Rhode Island state regulations. Confirm the exact measurements when you register so you know what counts before you head out on the water.