Mahi-mahi fishing out of Block Island is a mid-summer fishery. The fish sit just south of the island and offshore, holding on floating structure. The run is long and depends on weather and the bite. General biology and tackle are in our mahi-mahi species guide, and the Block Island port page covers the rest of the island’s water.
When Mahi-Mahi Are Around Block Island
Mahi are usually a mid-summer fish at Block Island, and the bite varies from trip to trip. For the wider timing picture, see our page on mahi-mahi in the Atlantic Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
Mid-Summer
Hula Charters describes the mahi season here as usually mid-summer. The window depends on when the fish arrive, so it shifts from year to year.
Tournament Timing
The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is usually held in July, and mahi is one of nine species in the event.
Where Boats Run South of Block Island
Boats run just south of the island and offshore, where the fish hold on floating structure instead of fixed bottom.
Just South of the Island
Hula Charters describes running offshore around lobster pot lines. The Block Island Chamber listing for Hula says mahi have been caught just south of the island.
Pot Lines, Floats and Debris
Hula Charters points to lobster pot lines. The Fisherman reports fish on floating debris, buoys and gear in the south-of-Block area. This structure moves, since pot strings get reset and debris drifts, so no fixed coordinate holds mahi.
Named Grounds on the Way
These are reference points and waypoints on the run south, not mahi spots.
- Southwest Ledge sits just off the island’s southwest corner.
- The Drop lies northeast of the main ledge.
- The Southwest Ledge rock pile is black sea bass structure.
- The Southeast Light area is a striper and bluefish area.
- Block Island Wind Farm is a landmark on the water south and east of the island.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Ledge | 35 | |
| The Peanut (Southwest Ledge) | ||
| The Drop (Southwest Ledge) | 90 | 41-08-01.8 / 71-39-35.3 |
| Southwest Ledge rock pile | 41-07-17.3 / 71-39-53.9 | |
| North Rip / North Reef | ||
| Southeast Light | 30 | |
| The Pinnacle (Southeast Light) | ||
| Block Island Wind Farm |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Use official NOAA charts and the official marine forecast.
How Mahi-Mahi Are Fished Out of Block Island
Locally, mahi are fished on the floats.
On the Floats
Hula Charters describes mahi "on the floats," which ties directly to the pot lines and buoys south of the island.
Weather and the Bite
Hula frames mahi as a longer trip that depends on weather and the bite. Before committing to the run, check wind speed, wave height and wave period in the NWS Boston marine forecast zones.
Who Fishes for Mahi-Mahi Out of Block Island
Hula Charters lists mahi, and the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament includes them.
Hula Charters
Capt. Matt King runs Hula Charters on the Hula Dog, and mahi is listed as a target.
Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament
Mahi is 1 of 9 species in the tournament, which is usually held in July.
FAQ: Mahi-Mahi Out of Block Island
When is mahi-mahi season at Block Island?
Usually mid-summer, according to Hula Charters. It is seasonal and depends on the bite.
Where do mahi hold south of Block Island?
They hold on lobster pot lines, pot buoys, floats, gear and floating debris just south of the island and offshore.
Do Southwest Ledge or The Drop hold mahi?
Both are fixed reference points on the run south. The fish hold on floating structure, so no fixed coordinate holds mahi.
Is mahi-mahi part of the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament?
Yes. It is 1 of 9 species, and the tournament is usually held in July. Our coverage of other pelagic targets is a good next read.
Who runs mahi charters from Block Island?
Hula Charters, with Capt. Matt King on the Hula Dog. It is a longer trip that depends on weather and the bite.
