The Ultimate Guide to Long Island Summer Tuna Fishing
The Ideal Location for Summer Tuna Fishing
Fin Alley Charters operates out of Hampton Bays on the South Fork of Long Island, one of the Northeast's premier gateways to world-class offshore fishing. While many anglers might first think of Montauk when considering Long Island tuna fishing, Hampton Bays offers equally impressive access to the same rich fishing grounds with its own unique advantages. During the summer months, these waters transform into a big game fisherman's paradise, with multiple tuna species providing heart-pounding action for charter anglers.
Our home at Oaklands Marina on Shinnecock Bay is a strategic location that provides excellent access to both near-shore and deep-water canyon environments. The Hampton Bays inlet offers protected launching and a straight shot to productive offshore grounds, often requiring less travel time than other ports to reach prime fishing areas. You also can skip the very long drive out to Montauk, while fishing many of the same waters!
Captain Don Archer and our experienced crew have mastered the seasonal patterns of these prolific waters, employing diverse tactics that evolve throughout the summer to maximize success for our customers.
Seasonal Progression of Summer Tuna - Early Summer (June)
As waters warm in June, the tuna migration begins in earnest. During this early phase, we will typically focus on areas 20-40 miles offshore where water temperatures reach the 62-68°F sweet spot that attracts feeding tuna.
Primary Target: Bluefin tuna make a strong showing in early summer, sometimes appearing remarkably close to shore. As Captain Don has pointed out, anglers may encounter these powerful fish "in very shallow water - sometimes just off the beach!" This unique characteristic of the Long Island fishery provides our customers opportunities for trophy bluefin without requiring the longer runs to the canyons.
Tactics: Early season success typically comes from trolling spreads. The Fin Alley crew deploys strategic spreads of artificial lures, with particular attention to:
● Spreader bars with green/blue patterns
● Daisy chains with smaller squids
● Cedar plugs in blue/white combinations
● Ballyhoo rigged with colored skirts
The primary focus during early summer is covering ground. Trolling at 6-8 knots allows the charter to locate actively feeding schools while presenting multiple offerings at various depths. When fish are located, Captain Don might switch to other techniques based on how the fish are behaving.
Seasonal Progression of Summer Tuna - Mid-Summer (July-August)
By mid-summer, the fishing opportunities expand dramatically as water temperatures stabilize in the mid-70s and multiple tuna species establish regular feeding patterns.
Primary Targets: This period marks the peak for yellowfin tuna action, while still maintaining opportunities for bluefin. As Captain Don notes, "we catch a lot of yellowfin tuna on our shorter trips, particularly in the troll." These fish typically range from 40-80 pounds, though specimens exceeding 150 pounds are not uncommon.
Additionally, this period introduces consistent opportunities for mahi-mahi (dolphin fish) which arrive in numbers as water temperatures climb. Mahi often put on acrobatic displays with multiple jumps, making them a thrilling (and delicious!) catch even when tuna are the primary target.
Tactics: Mid-summer fishing employs the full spectrum of techniques:
- Dragger Fishing:
Perhaps the most electrifying approach unique to this region involves locating commercial squid boats (draggers). As Captain Don explains, "Some of the most exciting fishing can occur when draggers are fishing for squid, as tuna and other big game will follow these boats around, looking for a cheap meal." The charter will position strategically near these operations and establish a heavy chum slick, creating "a feeding frenzy under Fin Alley, leading to fast and furious action."
- Lobster Pot Fishing:
The extensive fields of lobster pots offshore from Long Island create natural fish-attracting devices. Pelagic species congregate around these structures, and experienced captains like Don know exactly which pots tend to hold fish based on water depth, current patterns, and recent activity.
- Live Bait Presentations:
When tuna become selective, nothing beats live bait. Unlike some operations that waste valuable charter time catching bait, Fin Alley ensures they "always have a live well full" before departing. Techniques include:
○ Slow-trolling live baits on circle hooks
○ Drift fishing with staggered depths
○ Precision placement around temperature breaks
Chunking:
This technique involves creating a consistent trail of cut bait pieces (usually butterfish or herring) to draw tuna into the strike zone. Hooks baited with similar chunks are strategically placed at various depths in the slick, often resulting in multiple hookups when a school moves in.
Seasonal Progression of Summer Tuna -
Late Summer (September)
As summer transitions toward fall, the opportunities for diverse species and trophy-class fish actually increase from our Long Island fishing grounds.
Primary Targets: Late summer presents perhaps the most diverse fishing opportunities of the season:
- Yellowfin tuna remain abundant and often school in larger numbers
- Bluefin begin staging for their fall migration, sometimes congregating in predictable areas
- The chance for encountering big eye tuna improves, especially on trips targeting the canyon edges
- Albacore appear in better numbers, with Fin Alley sometimes locating "jumbo" specimens in the 50-60lb range
This period also offers increased chances for blue marlin encounters. You might think of blue marlin as exotic fish from distant waters, but as Captain Don pointed out, "last year we landed a 250lb specimen just 17 miles off the beach!"
Tactics: Late summer fishing often requires more specialized approaches:
- Canyon Fishing: For dedicated anglers seeking trophy-class fish, the overnight canyon trips offered by Fin Alley provide access to the productive edges of Hudson Canyon and other structure along the continental shelf. These trips may target big eye tuna exceeding 200 pounds and offer opportunities for swordfish after dark.
- Temperature Break Targeting: By late summer, distinct temperature boundaries form as warm core eddies push against cooler shelf water. Experienced captains utilize satellite temperature data to locate these productive edges where predators concentrate.
- Mixed-Method Approaches: The most successful late-summer trips often combine multiple techniques throughout the day, perhaps starting with a dawn trolling session, transitioning to chunking during midday, and finishing with precision live bait presentations during the evening bite.
Specialized Equipment and Preparation
Serious tuna fishing demands specialized equipment that Fin Alley provides for their charters:
- Heavy-Duty Stand-Up Gear: Typically 30-50 class setups with two-speed reels capable of applying serious pressure to trophy fish
- Specialized Trolling Outfits: Longer rods designed specifically for spreading lures appropriately in the wake
- Light Tackle Options: For targeting smaller yellowfin or mahi when conditions permit
- Premium Terminal Tackle: Including fluorocarbon leaders, specialized offshore hooks, and proper rigging supplies
Beyond Tuna: Incidental Catches
While tuna remain the primary target, our charters regularly encounter other pelagic species during summer trips. These may include:
- Mahi Mahi: These colorful fighters frequently appear around floating debris or weed lines
- Blue Marlin: A prized gamefish that makes occasional but memorable appearances in New York waters
- Swordfish: Primarily targeted on specialized overnight trips but can provide unexpected thrills
- Various Shark Species: Including the prized mako, along with blue, thresher, dusky, and hammerhead sharks
The Fin Alley Experience
What sets Fin Alley’s tuna charters apart is the attention to detail and preparation. We cut no corners in pursuit of big tuna and ensure that all bait is fresh and premium - "never refrozen."
Our commitment extends to having all necessary equipment prepared before departure, allowing maximum fishing time rather than spending part of your day watching us catch bait. We know that each trip might be a one-in-a-lifetime experience for our customers, so this level of preparation is put into each of our trips.
We are fortunate to have a tremendous tuna fishery in Long Island, and the Fin Alley crew would love to show you some of the finest tuna fishing opportunities on the East Coast!
Ready to Book a Charter?
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