When bluefin are here off Chincoteague
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Chincoteague starts with trolling on the 20-fathom line from mid-June to mid or late July, then switches to chunking for the rest of the season. The timing comes from a 2006 local forum post. The 20-fathom line sits at 120 ft, and every ground below is measured against it.
For bluefin biology and migration, see the species guide. For the regional picture (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide), start with the Atlantic Northeast guide. Chart Contours can trace the 20-fathom line, though chart layers are not for navigation.
Where boats run
The Parking Lot sits about 24 to 25 miles from Chincoteague Inlet on the 20-fathom line. Boats working the line also fish Lumpy Bottom, Little Hill and the Washington Canyon grounds.
| Ground | Position relative to the 20-fathom line | Distance from the inlet |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Lot | On the line | About 24 to 25 miles |
| Lumpy Bottom | On the line | |
| Little Hill | Just inside the line | |
| Washington Canyon | Also fished |
Parking Lot
The Parking Lot is about 24 to 25 miles from the inlet and about 25 miles off the beach, on the 20-fathom line. The big steel barge sits near its center.
Lumpy Bottom
Lumpy Bottom is the other named ground on the 20-fathom line.
Little Hill
Little Hill sits just inside the 20-fathom line.
Washington Canyon
The Washington Canyon grounds are also fished from this port.
Structure between the inlet and the grounds
Heading out, the named structure runs from wrecks near the inlet to Blackfish Bank Reef at 65 ft, then to the big steel barge on the Parking Lot.
- Inlet to the state reef: an unidentified wreck on the north side of the channel
- North of the inlet: the P. J. Hooper wreck
- Nearshore reef: Blackfish Bank Reef, about 5.5 miles offshore
- Offshore: the big steel barge near the center of the Parking Lot
Unidentified wreck on the north side of the channel
It lies on the way out of Chincoteague Inlet toward the state reef.
P. J. Hooper wreck
It lies north of the inlet, around the point.
Blackfish Bank Reef
The reef is at 65 ft, about 5.5 miles offshore. It includes a subway car patch and probable menhaden vessel wrecks.
Large unidentified wreck northwest of Blackfish Bank Reef
It lies about 1,200 yards northwest of the reef’s northwest corner.
Big steel barge
It sits near the center of the Parking Lot.
How it is fished locally
Boats troll the 20-fathom line early, chunk once mid or late July passes, and switch to live spot or croaker when the fish get picky. For broader technique, see tuna trolling and chunking setups.
Who fishes for them out of Chincoteague
Reel Freedom Charters LLC lists Atlantic bluefin tuna. It runs a 28 ft Triton center console with outriggers and takes 6 passengers. Boat details are on the Reel Freedom Charters bluefin listing.
FAQ about Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Chincoteague
How far is the Parking Lot from Chincoteague Inlet?
About 24 to 25 miles, on the 20-fathom line (120 ft). The big steel barge sits near its center.
When do boats switch from trolling to chunking?
According to a 2006 local forum post, trolling the 20-fathom line runs from mid-June to mid or late July. Chunking takes over for the rest of the season.
What bait works when bluefin are picky?
Live spot or croaker. No bait guarantees a bite.
Who runs bluefin charters from Chincoteague?
Reel Freedom Charters LLC runs a 28 ft Triton center console with outriggers and takes 6 passengers.
Where are the rules for bluefin out of Chincoteague?
On the Virginia regulations page and the federal Atlantic tunas page. Check both before fishing.
