Nine species, expanded area south of the bridges to south of Block Island was a big hit last year
“We just keep growing. The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament last year was the largest ever so we are continuing to fish for nine species and an expanded Tournament fishing area,” said Capt. Chris Willi, Tournament Director and owner of Block Island Fish Works, a bait & tackle shop and charter fishing business located on Block Island, Rhode Island. “The nine species can be fished in areas south of the Newport and Jamestown Bridges including the Rhode Island southern coastal beaches to about 15 miles south of Block Island itself.”
The tournament will start at 5:30 a.m., Saturday, July 25 and end Sunday, July 26, at noon. There will be an ‘After Party’ at Capt. Nick’s Rock & Roll Bar, Block Island on Sunday, July 26, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a brief Tournament awards ceremony.
“This is a ‘length only’ Tournament. When registering online participants download GotOne, the Tournament app, on their smartphone. When they want to make a Tournament entry, they take a photo of their catch up against the Tournament supplied ruler and send their entry into the Tournament electronically.” said Capt. Willi. “So, it is not necessary to attend the ‘After Party’ to receive your tournament prize. Winners will be posted online.”
Limited dockage may be available after the tournament for four to five hours in Old Harbor at the Town Dock. Contact the Dockmaster on Ch12. Those attending the ‘after party’ will get a chance to win one of 36 $100 tackle shop gift cards.” Species now eligible are bonito, false albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and mahi in addition to fluke, black sea bass, bluefish, and striped bass.
Luyen Chou, GotOne’s founder, said, “We are excited about partnering with the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament for the second year in a row. More fishable area and new species were a big hit last year. GotOne, downloaded on angler phones will make Tournament entries easy once again this year, allowing anglers to participate without going to the party, all while supporting catch and release practices. And every fish logged is a benefit for conservation efforts, with the tournament information bolstering recreational fishing data collection.”
“Each year, the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament showcases the incredible community built around recreational fishing and now offers a chance to fish the thriving habitat surrounding the area’s offshore wind turbines. When developed responsibly, offshore wind energy creates habitat, supports healthy communities, and provides access for anglers to ensure the ocean is a shared space. The National Wildlife Federation has enjoyed getting to know the Block Island community over more than a decade supporting responsible offshore wind development, and we are thrilled to be a sponsor of this event,” said Amber Hewett, Senior Director, Offshore Wind Energy.
Tournament entry fees are $150 per boat for up to six anglers and $35/shore angler. Capt. Willi said, “Thanks to the Block Island Wind Farm, Ørsted, the National Wildlife Federation as well as tackle shop co-sponsors, we are able to donate 100% of Tournament entry fees to the Block Island Fire Department and Rescue.”
Tournament highlights include: cash cards/swag/and sponsor prizes totaling $13,000; boat, shore, youth, team and photo divisions; take a picture with a wind farm shown in the photo and you can enter three photo categories each with $200 prize… most scenic, best fish photo and best team photo; pick up participant bags at one of seven locations including Block Island Fish Works, Block Island; Ocean State Tackle, Providence; Sam’s Bait & Tackle, Middletown; The Tackle Box, Warwick; Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown; Snug Harbor Marina, South Kingstown; and Watch Hill Outfitters, Westerly.
Register online at sandypointco.com. For additional information contact Block Island Fish Works at bifishworks@gmail.com or 401.742.3992.
