New York · Long Island
WAHOO FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Montauk is a solid destination for wahoo fishing, with good fishing in October. Book a charter and target wahoo with local experts.
About Wahoo Fishing in Montauk
One of the fastest fish in the ocean. Prized for firm, white flesh and blistering runs.
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of bursts over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have a sleek, elongated body with vivid blue-black vertical bars on a bright silver-blue background. The bars become more vivid when the fish is excited or feeding. Their narrow, beak-like snout is filled with razor-sharp triangular teeth that can slice through bait (and fingers) instantly. When hooked, the initial run is blistering — often stripping 200+ yards of line in seconds before the fish slows.
Scientific name: Acanthocybium solandri
Wahoo Seasonal Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for wahoo in Montauk, NY.
How to Catch Wahoo in Montauk
Techniques & Bait
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy trolling rod, 50 lb class reel, 60-80 lb monofilament or braid, #7-#10 single-strand wire leader or heavy cable (wahoo teeth require wire). For live bait: medium-heavy spinning with wire leader.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Montauk
Top spots where local captains target wahoo 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.
Wahoo Fishing in Montauk — FAQ
Wahoo fishing in Montauk is productive during October.
Wahoo 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.
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Wahoo 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 Wahoo 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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