Take this as your final reminder that the expanded Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is officially scheduled for July 25 and July 26, 2026 and if you want to get in on the action, you have to act now! Following record-breaking participation last year, the event returns with its expanded boundary lines and nine eligible target species. The tournament boundaries encompass all waters south of the Newport and Jamestown Bridges, extending along the Rhode Island southern coastal beaches and reaching roughly 15 miles south of Block Island itself, meaning many of the area’s offshore wind turbines are in play.
The competition officially kicks off at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, and concludes at noon on Sunday, July 26. An after-party and awards ceremony will take place on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Capt. Nick’s Rock & Roll Bar on Block Island. Attendees will have a chance to win one of 36 $100 tackle shop gift cards. For those traveling by boat, limited short-term dockage may be available for four to five hours in Old Harbor at the Town Dock by contacting the Dockmaster on VHF Channel 12.
This is a length-only tournament that utilizes a digital format. Participants must download the GotOne app prior to fishing. To submit an entry; simply take a photo of your catch against the tournament-provided ruler and upload it through the app. Because entries are handled digitally and winners will be posted online, participants do not need to attend the after-party to claim their prizes. This electronic logging system also benefits conservation by bolstering regional recreational fishing data. The nine eligible species for this year’s event include bonito, false albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahi, fluke, black sea bass, bluefish, and striped bass.
Tournament entry fees are set at $150 per boat for up to six anglers and $35 for shore-based anglers. Thanks to event sponsors, including the Block Island Wind Farm, Ørsted, the National Wildlife Federation, and local tackle shops, 100 percent of these entry fees will be donated directly to the Block Island Fire Department and Rescue.
The tournament features more than $13,000 in cash cards, swag, and sponsor prizes distributed across boat, shore, youth, team, and photo divisions. The photo categories include an opportunity to win a $200 prize for the most scenic, best fish, or best team photo that features a wind farm in the shot. Captain’s bags can be picked up at one of seven regional locations: Block Island Fish Works, Ocean State Tackle, Sam’s Bait & Tackle, The Tackle Box, Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle, Snug Harbor Marina, or Watch Hill Outfitters. Online registration is available at sandypointco.com, and additional inquiries can be directed to Block Island Fish Works via email at bifishworks@gmail.com or by calling 401-742-3992.
