Unforgettable Block Island Fishing Charters with Captain Matt King
Join Captain Matt King for an unforgettable fishing adventure around Block Island, renowned as the striper capital of the world! From May through October, these waters teem with a variety of species, including giant striped bass, aggressive bluefish, feisty sea bass, and vigorous fluke. Venture just south of the island to encounter pelagic species like mahi-mahi and bluefin tuna. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisher, Captain Matt ensures a memorable experience on the water.
Expert Fishing, Trusted Captain
With over 20 years of fishing experience around Block Island, Captain Matt King possesses unparalleled local knowledge, ensuring you’re positioned to catch the best fish when others can’t. Whether you’re targeting giant striped bass, bluefish, or exploring deeper waters for pelagic species, Captain Matt’s expertise guarantees an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Species
Fishing techniques
YEARS In Business
Expert Fishing, Trusted Captain
With over 20 years of fishing experience around Block Island, Captain Matt King possesses unparalleled local knowledge, ensuring you’re positioned to catch the best fish when others can’t. Whether you’re targeting giant striped bass, bluefish, or exploring deeper waters for pelagic species, Captain Matt’s expertise guarantees an unforgettable fishing adventure
Species
Fishing techniques
YEARS In Business
Meet Your Captain: A Lifetime on the Water
Captain Matt King is a U.S. Coast Guard certified and fully licensed charter captain with over 20 years of fishing experience around Block Island and southern Rhode Island. Raised in Narragansett, R.I., Matt grew up fishing alongside legendary surfcasters, learning the rocky coastline and mastering the art of angling from a young age.
In the late 1990s, Matt moved to Hawaii, where he graduated from culinary school and built a respected career as a chef. But whenever he wasn’t in the kitchen, he was on the water—surfing, fishing, or sailing. His love for the ocean never left.
Matt returned to Rhode Island in 2000 to chef at Block Island’s Eli’s restaurant, and by 2003, his true calling was clear—Hula Charters was born. Since then, he’s become a staple of the Block Island fishing scene, running charters for locals and travelers looking for unforgettable adventures.
A former owner of Juice & Java and Topside Café, Matt combined his culinary expertise with his love of fishing. Now, with a commercial seafood dealer’s license, he supplies fresh, local catch to Block Island restaurants—just look for the “B.I. Caught” logo.
Captain Matt specializes in fly-fishing and sight-casting for striped bass and false albacore in the island’s shallows, using his flats boat to reach hidden spots in the Great Salt Pond. When not in Rhode Island, he spends winters guiding wild pheasant hunts in Kansas and fly-fishing for bonefish in Hawaii.
He’s also a contributing writer for The Block Island Times, has been published in Rhode Island Monthly, and has been featured in fishing shows and national magazines. He’s an active member of the Rhode Island Angler’s Association and the Block Island Chamber of Commerce.
Cheers for getting her into fishing, makes my life easier when I want to go now.
What’s up Guys: Katie and I wanted to thank you for the charter last week, we really had an awesome time and it was definitely a highlight of our honeymoon. I was pleased at how professional you guys were, your knowledge of the local spots, and most importantly the fish that we caught were all outstanding. Not many charter boats are able to boast that they can fill the boat limit of keeper bass within an hour and a half of leaving the dock. Especially in mid August! I was especially pleased that you were willing to adapt to the type method that was working (live eels) and your light tackle gear. It really made for a great morning.
The Hula Fleet
The Hula Dog is a 27-foot Shamrock center console powered by an inboard engine. Built for both comfort and serious fishing, the vessel features high gunnels with wraparound padding and a spacious aft deck. Thanks to its open layout, anglers can cast from the bow and move freely around the boat during the trip.
Captain Matt also utilizes a specialized flats boat, ideal for fly fishing and sight-casting to striped bass in the shallow waters around Block Island.
More Details About The Hula Dog
Shamrock has carved out a reputation for building high-quality, durable inboard fishing boats, and the 270 Open is no exception. This 27-foot center console features a smart, fish-focused layout paired with exceptional craftsmanship.
Fishing features include:
- A full-size transom door designed to handle large catches
- Standard cockpit coaming pads for added comfort
- A centerline, insulated in-deck fishbox with macerator drainage
- A transom bait and tackle station with a cutting board, freshwater sink, and four slide-out tackle traya
- A 32-gallon live well located at the transom
Whether you’re targeting stripers, blues, or other coastal species, The Hula Dog offers a stable, well-equipped ride built for memorable fishing adventures.
Top-Tier Gear, Outfitted to Perform
Matt has high end fishing gear that is super reliable and fun to use.
Choose Your Adventure
The boat is best suited for up to four anglers fishing comfortably at once. Let your goals — and the day’s conditions — guide what we target. We typically fish light tackle, including casting, bottom fishing, and using live eels.
Looking for something different? We also offer custom packages, from fly fishing the flats on a specialized boat to offshore runs for mahi and tuna. Just ask — we’ll tailor the experience to match your adventure.
Grand Slam - 6 Hours - $1475
Snacks and beverages included
The Rockstar - 8-10 Hours - $1950
The ultimate split day Block Island fishing adventure. Return to land for lunch and then head back out fishing for the afternoon bite!
Quick Catch - 2 Hours - $525
Snacks and beverages included
Strike Mission - 3 Hours - $750
Snacks and beverages included
Half Day - 4 Hours - $975
Snacks and beverages included
Grand Slam
6 Hours- assorted snacks, Gatorade, water, Starbucks coffee drinks
The Rockstar
8-10 Hours- The ultimate split day Block Island fishing adventure! Return for lunch on land, then head back out fishing for the afternoon bite
Quick Catch
2 Hours- assorted snacks
- Gatorade, water, Starbucks coffee drinks
Strike Mission
3 Hours- assorted snacks
- Gatorade, water, Starbucks coffee drinks
Half Day
4 Hours- assorted snacks
- Gatorade, water, Starbucks coffee drinks
Offseason Adventures
Fishing and hunting aren’t just work — they’re a way of life for Captain Matt. When Block Island’s waters cool and the local fish migrate, Matt (along with his loyal dog Lucy) heads to warmer destinations to keep the adventure alive.
In Hawaii, he targets elusive bonefish and hunts deer. Winters find him in Kansas, guiding premier pheasant hunts. He also spends time in Costa Rica chasing big game fish like marlin and sailfish. Wherever the season leads, Matt’s passion never slows down.
Sunset Fishing at The Rip on Block Island
At Block Island’s north end, the rich waters of Block Island Sound meet the deeper Rhode Island Sound, creating a hotspot known as “The Rip.” Every evening in May and June, this area comes alive with striped bass and bluefish chasing shoals of sand eels to the surface. (Turn your sound on to hear the fish in action!)
Just after this video was captured, bluefish were hooked on five casts in a row — a true angler’s dream.
Learn About the Fish That Make the Adventure
1. Striped Bass
Known as the holy grail of sport fishing, Block Island is prime territory for trophy-sized striped bass. Matt regularly lands impressive bass throughout the summer, many measuring 50 inches and tipping the scales over 40 pounds. In spring and fall, these giants put on an incredible show, often caught on the surface through casting or fly fishing.
2. Bluefish
A true New England icon, bluefish offer an adrenaline-packed fight. Pound for pound, they are among the hardest-hitting game fish—known for their fierce leaps and lightning-fast runs that will test your angling skills to the max.
3. Sea Bass
Delicious and spirited, sea bass are a favorite for bottom fishing with light tackle. If you know the hotspots, you’ll find yourself hooking one after another, making every drop of bait count.