Dex Chadsey
Block Island, Rhode Island is one of the premier and most famous surfcasting areas on the Striper Coast.
The “Pork Chop” as it is known, sits 9 miles off the Rhode Island coast and 14 miles northeast of Montauk.
Surfcasting on Block Island has been well documented in this amazing book by Dennis Zambrotta which tells of the epic fishing for huge Striped Bass in the 1980’s.
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It seems that while the stocks were crashing every where else, giant Striped Bass were readily caught on Block Island by those “in the know”.
Over the two nights of November 13 and 14, 1987 it is estimated that close to 300 bass between 30 – 60 pounds were hooked at Southwest Bar alone during the epic “Snowstorm Blitz”.
While this type of fishing event is now only something of memory, there is still excellent fishing and easy access to the type of phenomenal structure that is only seen elsewhere at Cuttyhunk and certain remote areas of Martha’s Vineyard.
I have rented a phenomenal house overlooking the afore mentioned Southwest Bar for a week in June and also a week in September.
There is a short path from the house down to the water. You can be at one of the premier Striped Bass fishing locations along the Striper Coast in just a 5 minute walk from the house.
As you can see below, the house has a large open floor plan, with beautiful views of the ocean.
When we stayed here last November, we all spent most of our time gazing at the ocean and getting immediate updates on sea conditions!
The three floors provide ample sleeping space for 6 and the back deck is the perfect place for planning your next adventure, while sipping on a cold beverage!
Bring Your Partner, or Spouse, I Did!
Block Island is a great place for a couples get away as well as a premier fishing spot. It can be as rugged and desolate as you want with easy access to great fishing spots at the end of a drive in road or a walk in trail.
It can also be a fun lively place during the warmer weather season with lots of great restaurants, gift and clothing shops, clubs with live music for dancing, a spa, multiple ice cream shops, a movie theater, beach resorts on the water, grand old hotels on the waterfront where you can stop in for a drink, farmers markets, a great book store, all in the Old Harbor area.
You can also rent bicycles, mopeds, cars and kayaks to paddle on the Great Salt Pond. There are taxis that can take you around the island. There are several Conservation areas with a myriad of hiking trails, some right along the ocean. You can also take a sunset horseback ride on the beach!
Block Island Glass Float Project
Betsy and I spent a weekend on Block Island last June. One of our favorite pastimes was looking for glass floats, which have been hidden along the trails, beaches and public areas around the island. About 500 are hidden each year and it’s “finders keepers”. Check out the program at this web address. http://www.blockislandinfo.com/glass-float-project/
This June will be my seventh trip to the Island in the last three years. It is rapidly becoming one of my favorite spots in the world. At this time several MFCC members and other notable surfcasters have booked spots for this trip but we still have some openings.
The cost for lodging is $117 per person for each night, which is for lodging related costs only. You may reserve one or more nights as long as they are available. Food and ferry arrangements will be up to you.
There is a large well-appointed kitchen with everything you could need for meal prep.
You may come with or without your vehicle. The year round ferry leaves from Point Judith, Rhode Island. Here is the web address for ferry schedules, fares, and locations.
Currently, here are the nights that we have openings.
June
23,26,27,28,29
September
18,19,20,21,22,23,24
After several trips to Block Island during the last 3 years, I feel these dates will give us the best chance to catch lots of Striped Bass and particularly, large Striped Bass.
Contact me at [email protected] if you are interested in joining us during any of these dates. ?
Block Island is perhaps the best location for pure surfcasting in New England. The diversity of structure and situation present teases and challenges the most stoic and knowledgeable surfcaster. Given that BI is more challenging to get to, it is not as jammed up as other popular surfcasting areas. I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of fishing BI with Dex and many MFCC friends over the past several years. There always fish around BI. The Bluff House? …it’s impressive in its amenities, comfortable and worth every penny. Sharing this experience with Dex and crew is always fun. It reminds me of what I enjoy best about fishing…friends…the walk and decoding where the fish are located and what they will take. I may be sidelined for a bit, as I hope to have a new knee by before next season. Favorite BI locations? …BIOSS.1, BIOSS.2, BIOSS.3 and BINSS.1 Now…go figure that out and I’ll show you a thing or two about fishing those spots. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey Dex! I’m coming out solo Sept 18-21, wouldn’t mind meeting up and sharing a tide somewhere. You going to be there these dates?
Thanks,
Andrew
Hey Andrew,
We will be there at that time. Call me at 508-320-6430 to meet up.
Dex
Will do!
Dex
Great trip Tony and I enjoyed the house you and your special friend. Super Island and great fishing opportunities. We will be in touch for future outings.
Thanks
Jerry
Dex
This has been my first season of serious fishing. Are newer, less experienced people welcome on the trip? Thanks
All are welcome Rick! I sent you an email with more detailed info.
Dex
Gary, I still have the photo of you jumping up and down with excitement when we got to the house for the first time!
Speaking as one who has stayed at the house and fished the island, it’s beautiful, the house is great, killer sunsets and as Dex says, just a short walk to one of the prime spots on the island. That being said there are many more places to wet a line and this is a destination you might give strong consideration.