Boats fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna out of Montauk run 10 to 15 miles south of Montauk Point. This page is for owner-operators taking their own boat out for bluefin from Montauk. It covers the named grounds, the buoy to read before the run, the local tournament, and where the rules sit.
Where boats run out of Montauk
Bluefin out of Montauk are fished offshore, with the Point as the reference mark for the run.
Run distance
Boats run 10 to 15 miles south of Montauk Point.
Planning the range
Use 10 to 15 miles as the one-way planning figure for fuel and range. Plan the round trip, then add the time you want to spend working the grounds. You know your own burn rate better than anyone.
Grounds and structure near Montauk
Anglers out of Montauk use a handful of named grounds. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Offshore grounds
These are the named offshore grounds anglers out of Montauk work, within the run south of the Point:
- The Frisbees
- The Pocketbook
- West Atlantis
The Haps and The Tails
Two more names come up on the dock. The Haps is close to Montauk. The Tails is the other.
When bluefin are around and reading conditions
Timing follows the regional pattern, and the nearest buoy gives you the numbers to read before you leave the dock.
Timing
The Montauk Canyon Challenge is usually in July, which is a useful marker for when the local fleet is focused on bluefin. For the wider picture, see bluefin timing across the Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
Buoy 44017
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 44017 (Montauk Point), at 40.693 N, 72.049 W. Before the run, read three numbers there:
- Wind speed and direction.
- Wave height.
- Dominant period.
Then check the official NWS marine forecast. A buoy reports one point, and your grounds are miles from it.
How bluefin are fished and who fishes here
This section covers the local operation and the local tournament. For tackle and technique, use our Atlantic bluefin tuna guide.
Star Island Yacht Club
Star Island Yacht Club is a local operation that lists Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Montauk Canyon Challenge
The Montauk Canyon Challenge is the bluefin tournament out of the port, usually held in July.
FAQ about Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Montauk
How far do boats run for bluefin out of Montauk?
Boats run offshore, 10 to 15 miles south of Montauk Point. Use that as your range reference when you plan fuel and the round trip.
What grounds do Montauk anglers name?
The Frisbees, The Pocketbook, West Atlantis, The Tails and The Haps. The Haps is close to Montauk.
Which buoy should I check before the run?
NDBC station 44017 (Montauk Point), at 40.693 N, 72.049 W. Read wind, wave height and dominant period there, then check the official NWS marine forecast.
When is the Montauk Canyon Challenge?
The Montauk Canyon Challenge is usually held in July.
Who lists bluefin trips out of Montauk?
Star Island Yacht Club lists Atlantic bluefin tuna. For other tuna species and ports, see our tuna fishing guides.
Where are the rules for bluefin out of Montauk?
NYSDEC sets state rules and NOAA Fisheries sets federal rules. Check both before fishing.
