Black sea bass fishing out of Block Island is a summer fishery centered on the Southwest Ledge boulders and the humps and bumps along the island’s southeast corner, fished with bottom rigs and small vertical jigs. This page lists the depths, coordinates and local methods you need to pick spots when you run your own boat. Block Island’s port page covers the run out and where to read conditions, and the black sea bass guide covers biology, migration and the general picture. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide.
When Black Sea Bass Are Around Block Island
Sea bass are a summer fish here. Hula Charters lists sea bass opening in July, and the same operator fishes May through October. The state sets the opening, so check the Regulations section below before planning around a date.
| Source | What it lists |
|---|---|
| Hula Charters | Sea bass opening in July |
| Hula Charters | Fishing May through October |
Where Boats Run for Sea Bass
Boats run to two areas: Southwest Ledge, off the island’s southwest corner, and the humps and bumps along the southeast corner. Hula Charters says sea bass stack up on the wrecks and ledges, which is the common pattern across the named spots.
| Spot | Depth | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Ledge | 35 ft | |
| Southwest Ledge rock pile | 41-07-17.3 / 71-39-53.9 | |
| The Drop | 90 ft | 41-08-01.8 / 71-39-35.3 |
Coordinates and the Chart Contours layer are for fishing reference only and are not meant for navigation. Check the official chart.
Southwest Ledge
Southwest Ledge sits just off the island’s southwest corner in 35 ft. It is the main named sea bass ground on the island.
Main ledge by the buoy
Sea bass hold on the boulders on the main ledge, particularly the main part of the ledge by the buoy. Start there, then work to the rock pile and The Drop.
Southwest Ledge rock pile
The rock pile is a black sea bass structure point on the ledge, at:
41-07-17.3 / 71-39-53.9
The Drop
The Drop sits northeast of the main ledge in 90 ft, at:
41-08-01.8 / 71-39-35.3
Southeast corner humps and bumps
The second area boats run is the humps and bumps along the southeast corner of the island.
Wrecks and ledges
Hula Charters says sea bass stack up on the wrecks and ledges. No wrecks are named, so take this as a general pattern rather than a list of waypoints.
Other named structure
Other named structure around the island includes:
- The Peanut, on Southwest Ledge
- North Rip, also called North Reef
- Southeast Light and The Pinnacle, a 30 ft striper and bluefish area
- The Block Island Wind Farm
How Sea Bass Are Fished Locally
Local fishing mostly uses bottom rigs and small jigs. For broader bottom and structure technique, see the reef and structure fishing guides.
Bottom rigs
Hula Charters fishes bottom rigs.
Small vertical jigs and fluke squid rigs
A Sport Fishing writer limited out on fish near 20 inches using small vertical jigs and fluke squid rigs.
Tackle
The same writer used medium conventional gear with 20 lb braid.
Who Fishes Sea Bass Out of Block Island
Three local charters list black sea bass:
- Hula Charters: Capt. Matt King on the Hula Dog.
- Block Island Fishworks: Capt. Christopher Willi on the Jessica Kate, a 23 ft Maycraft CCX.
- Rooster Fishing Charters: Capt. Eric on a 43 Hatteras Express, per Rooster’s own site.
Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament
The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament runs out of the island, usually in July.
FAQ: Black Sea Bass Fishing Out of Block Island
When is sea bass season at Block Island?
Summer. Hula Charters lists sea bass opening in July and fishes May through October. Check Rhode Island DEM for the current season.
Where are the sea bass on Southwest Ledge?
On the boulders, especially the main part of the ledge by the buoy. The ledge sits off the southwest corner in 35 ft.
What are the rock pile coordinates?
The rock pile on Southwest Ledge is at 41-07-17.3 / 71-39-53.9. The Drop, northeast of the main ledge in 90 ft, is at 41-08-01.8 / 71-39-35.3. Both are for fishing reference only and not for navigation.
What rig works for sea bass here?
Hula Charters fishes bottom rigs. A Sport Fishing writer limited out on fish near 20 inches with small vertical jigs and fluke squid rigs on medium conventional gear and 20 lb braid. That is a reasonable starting point for black sea bass fishing out of Block Island.
Can I hire a captain first?
Yes. Hula Charters, Block Island Fishworks and Rooster Fishing Charters all list black sea bass. The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament, usually in July, is the local event.
