New York · Long Island
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Montauk is a solid destination for bluefin tuna fishing, with good fishing in June, July, September, October. Book a charter and target bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Montauk
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the ultimate big game fish of the northeast, with giants exceeding 1,000 pounds caught off New England each year. Stellwagen Bank and the canyons off Montauk are legendary grounds for these incredible fighters.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are the largest, most powerful, and most valuable tuna species in the world. These magnificent fish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are the ultimate test of angler and tackle. Their torpedo-shaped body is dark blue-black on top with silver-gray sides and a series of yellow finlets along the tail. Bluefin are warm-blooded — they maintain a body temperature well above the surrounding water, which gives them extraordinary power and stamina. Giant bluefin tuna can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at fish markets, making them one of the most economically important fish in the ocean.
Scientific name: Thunnus thynnus
Bluefin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Montauk, NY.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Montauk
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
Recommended Tackle
School bluefin (under 73 inches): medium-heavy spinning or 30-50 lb conventional. Giants (over 73 inches): 80-130 lb stand-up or chair gear, Shimano Tiagra or Penn International reels, 130 lb mono or braid, wind-on leaders to 300+ lb. Fights with giants can last 2-6+ hours.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Montauk
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna 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.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Montauk — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Montauk is productive during June, July, September, October.
Bluefin Tuna 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.
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefin Tuna 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 Bluefin Tuna 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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