New York · Long Island
BLUE MARLIN FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Montauk is a solid destination for blue marlin fishing. Book a charter and target blue marlin with local experts.
About Blue Marlin Fishing in Montauk
The ultimate big game fish. Spectacular fighters that can exceed 1,000 pounds.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate big game fish — the apex predator of the open ocean. These magnificent billfish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are found in warm, blue water worldwide. Their cobalt-blue back, silver-white belly, and prominent bill (upper jaw extension used for slashing through bait schools) make them unmistakable. When hooked, blue marlin are spectacularly acrobatic — greyhounding across the surface and launching themselves fully airborne, sometimes multiple times. Catching a blue marlin on rod and reel is considered one of fishing's ultimate achievements.
Scientific name: Makaira nigricans
Blue Marlin Seasonal Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for blue marlin in Montauk, NY.
How to Catch Blue Marlin in Montauk
Techniques & Bait
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
Recommended Tackle
80-130 lb class conventional trolling gear, roller guides, 80-130 lb monofilament, heavy cable leaders, size 10/0-12/0 hooks. Stand-up gear for experienced anglers. Fighting chair for fish over 500 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Montauk
Top spots where local captains target blue marlin and other deep sea fishing species.
Hudson Canyon (Montauk Access)
Hudson Canyon is accessible from Montauk on offshore trips of approximately 70 to 90 miles, offering world-class pelagic fishing at the largest submarine canyon on the East Coast. Yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, white marlin, blue marlin, longfin albacore, and mahi-mahi concentrate along the canyon's walls and temperature breaks during summer. Montauk's position at the eastern tip of Long Island provides a relatively short run to the canyon's productive eastern sections.
Block Canyon
Block Canyon lies approximately 60 miles south of Montauk, a deep submarine canyon cutting into the continental shelf that concentrates pelagic species along its walls and edges. Yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, mahi-mahi, and white marlin patrol the canyon's temperature breaks where warm Gulf Stream eddies meet cooler shelf water. Block Canyon's relative proximity to Montauk makes it a favored destination for day trips targeting tuna during summer.
Atlantis Canyon
Atlantis Canyon is a productive submarine canyon along the shelf edge southeast of Montauk, known for concentrating yellowfin tuna, swordfish, and mahi-mahi along its deep walls and approaches. The canyon's upwelling currents bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, attracting massive baitfish schools followed by pelagic predators. Montauk charter boats target Atlantis Canyon for both daytime tuna fishing and nighttime swordfishing trips during peak season.
The Butterfish Hole
The Butterfish Hole is an area of productive bottom along the continental shelf approximately 40 to 50 miles south of Montauk where the seafloor contours concentrate baitfish and attract pelagic species. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and shark cruise over this area when warm water pushes onto the shelf during summer and early fall. Charter captains use the Butterfish Hole as a waypoint and fishing ground when running to and from the deeper canyon systems.
Other Species in Montauk
More fish you can target while visiting Montauk.
Blue Marlin Fishing in Montauk — FAQ
Blue Marlin fishing in Montauk is productive during .
Blue Marlin fishing charters in Montauk are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Trolling large skirted lures (Moldcraft, Black Bart, Marlin Magic) in a spread behind the boat at 8-10 knots is the standard technique. Live bait trolling with large skipjack tuna, bonito, or blue runners under a bridge-mounted bait and switch setup targets the largest fish. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) are used to attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a marlin, then pitching a live bait — is the most exciting technique for experienced crews.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Blue Marlin regulations in New York include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Blue Marlin in Montauk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Fluke, False Albacore. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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