New York · Long Island
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Montauk is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in July, August, September. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Montauk
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Montauk, NY.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Montauk
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Montauk
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin 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.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Montauk — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Montauk is productive during July, August, September.
Yellowfin 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 (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin 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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