Fishing

Most of Rhode Island's record-setting fish have been caught on Block Island—in fact, it's held the striped bass record (currently a 77.4-pound whopper caught in 2011) since 1984. From almost any beach, skilled anglers can land tautog and bass. The New Harbor channel is a good spot to hook bonito and fluke. Shellfishing licenses ($20 per week) may be obtained at the harbormaster's building at the Boat Basin in New Harbor.

Block Island Fishworks. A tiny shop in New Harbor, Block Island Fishworks sells tackle, including hand-tied fly-fishing leaders. It also offers guide services, spearfishing lessons, and charter fishing trips—inshore for bass and blues, offshore for tuna and shark. 40 Ocean Ave., New Shoreham, Rhode Island, 02807. 401/742–3992; www.bifishworks.com.

Twin Maples. For more than 60 years this shop has been selling bait and handmade lures, sophisticated fishing tackle, and coveted "Eat Fish" T-shirts from its salt-pond setting. Beach Ave., New Shoreham, Rhode Island, 02807. 401/466–5547.