Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Sheepshead Bay rests on a thin local record. One Brooklyn operator lists the species, and the nearest named structure is Rockaway Reef, 30 ft down and 4.2 nautical miles south southeast of Rockaway Inlet. From Sheepshead Bay, the record leaves out dates, offshore grounds and methods. This page covers the measured structure near the inlet, which operators list bluefin, and where to find the general picture and the rules.
When bluefin are around Sheepshead Bay
No local operator publishes dates for bluefin from this port. Gypsea lists the species and gives no dates. For seasonality and biology, read our Atlantic bluefin tuna guide, which covers the general timing. This page does not guess at the local calendar.
Where boats run and the grounds near the port
The named grounds near the port, with depths and positions as documented:
| Ground | Depth | Position/Area |
|---|---|---|
| Rockaway Reef (Rockaway Artificial Reef) | 30 ft | 4.2 nm SSE of Rockaway Inlet |
| Marilyn Jean bottom grounds | 20 to 50 ft by operator account | New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, Coney Island |
The Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint shows the 30 ft reef and the 20 to 50 ft bottom against the surrounding contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Rockaway Inlet and Rockaway Reef
Rockaway Inlet is the reference point for the run. Rockaway Reef sits 4.2 nautical miles south southeast of the inlet, in 30 ft of water. Plotting it from the inlet gives you the first usable number.
Marilyn Jean’s bottom grounds
By its own account, Marilyn Jean fishes New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Coney Island at 20 to 50 ft, depending on the area. These are documented bottom-fishing grounds, not documented bluefin grounds, so read them on the chart as local structure rather than as a tuna map.
Beyond the inshore grounds
The named structure near the port ends at these inshore depths, and no named bluefin grounds are documented from this port. For the regional picture of where bluefin hold (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide), use the Atlantic Northeast guide.
How bluefin are fished locally
Local operators do not publish their bluefin methods, and Gypsea’s listing names the species only. For technique, start with general tuna methods and build from there.
Who fishes for bluefin out of Sheepshead Bay
Gypsea Charters (Gypsea Fishing Fleet) lists Brooklyn as its location and bluefin tuna among its species, with no grounds or dates published. It runs two boats:
- Gypsea II is part of the Gypsea fleet.
- Lil’ Gypsea is 35 ft and takes up to 6 on private trips.
FAQ: Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Sheepshead Bay
Can you catch bluefin tuna out of Sheepshead Bay?
Gypsea Charters lists bluefin among its species for Brooklyn. No grounds or dates are published for this port, and no fish are promised.
How far is Rockaway Reef from Rockaway Inlet?
It is 4.2 nautical miles south southeast of the inlet, in 30 ft of water.
Which Sheepshead Bay charters list bluefin tuna?
Gypsea Charters (Gypsea Fishing Fleet) lists it, with Gypsea II and Lil’ Gypsea (35 ft, up to 6 private). A trip is one way to see the local water before running your own boat.
How deep are the grounds near Sheepshead Bay?
Rockaway Reef is 30 ft. Marilyn Jean’s bottom grounds run 20 to 50 ft by its account. These are bottom grounds, not documented bluefin grounds.
Where are the bluefin rules for boats leaving Sheepshead Bay?
A federal HMS permit applies, plus New York rules for fish landed at the port. Check both before every trip, using the pages linked in the regulations section above.
