Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament Recap – On The Water

The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament ended Sunday, July 28, with a winning striped bass measuring 47.5 inches caught by Chris Benin of team ‘Vamoose’.  For the second year in a row, the largest striped bass caught from shore was by angler Colin Mansfield, a 46-inch fish; he also caught the largest bluefish from shore at 27.5 inches.

Colin, who is from Medford, MA, said, “I took the winning shore bass with a needlefish lure from the beach.”  Chris Benin’s winning bass from a boat was taken on a 9-inch soft plastic lure fished off the bottom.

The First Place Team this year went to team ‘Grateful 5’ of Narragansett, led by Rick Black and his son-in-law Dustin Janson, and his three boys Flynn (13), Hayes (11) and Tucker (8).  The team took the largest fluke and black sea bass categories in the Youth Boat Spin division, plus, they scored high with other fish they caught.  Their grandfather, Rick Black, a RI Saltwater Anglers Association member, said “I am so proud of the boys they are great anglers and a joy to watch fishing.

Capt. Chris Willi of Block Island Fishworks, tournament host, said, “What made this Tournament special is that it was held in loving memory of Wendy Northup, a longtime supporter of fishing and conservation on the Island.  We were able to make a $6,200 contribution to the Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department. We raised about $3,100 in tournament fees and as in the past Capt. Nick’s Rock & Roll Bar matched the gift. Thanks to Ørsted (owners of the Block Island Wind Farm) and our co-sponsorship tackle shops we were able to donate 100 percent of Tournament fees to the Fire & Rescue Department .”

Over $10,000 in prizes, gift cards and tournament swag were awarded at the ‘After Party’ on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. 

The Tournament included shore, fly fishing, youth and boat divisions. Striped bass and bluefish for all divisions plus black sea bass and fluke for boat and youth divisions.  Also, a team prize with photo division prizes taken with the Block Island Wind Farm in background were awarded for best fish, best scenic and best team photos.

Tournament co-sponsors were: Lucky Bait & Tackle in Warren, RI; Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle in North Kingstown, RI; The Tackle Box in Warwick, RI; Ocean State Tackle in Providence, RI; Snug Harbor Marina in South Kingstown, RI; and Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly, RI.  

» Visit www.sandypointco.com/bi-inshore-tourney for full tournament results once they become available.