Bigeye tuna fishing out of Wachapreague runs on the May and June canyon season. Boats leaving Wachapreague run about 50 miles from the inlet to the canyons, and Washington Canyon is the named canyon on that run. Every distance on this page is measured from Wachapreague Inlet.
When bigeye are off Wachapreague
Bigeye off Wachapreague fit the May and June canyon season. The bigeye tuna guide covers the fish itself. Treat the season as a window of opportunity; it does not guarantee fish.
The May and June canyon season
- Window: May and June
- Where: the canyons, about 50 miles from the inlet
Where the boats run
Wachapreague boats run about 50 miles from the inlet to the canyons. The Atlantic Northeast bigeye (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide) page carries the wider canyon picture.
| Leg | Figure |
|---|---|
| Inlet to canyons | About 50 miles |
| Run time on Teaser’s 12-hour trip | 2 to 3 hours |
About 50 miles to the canyons
The distance is approximate, so build that into your planning. On Teaser’s 12-hour trip the run to the canyons takes 2 to 3 hours each way, which leaves a limited share of the day for fishing. Plan fuel and range for the round trip.
Washington Canyon
Washington Canyon is the named canyon on the run of about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet. For bigeye tuna fishing out of Wachapreague, plot it first.
Reading the channel before you leave
NOAA CO-OPS tide station 8631044 sits in Wachapreague Channel (NDBC ID WAHV2, 37.608N 75.686W). The Wachapreague Channel water-level station reports tide and water level in the channel, which says nothing about sea state at the canyon. For offshore wind, wave height and period, read the official NWS marine forecast.
Grounds and structure off Wachapreague
Eight named grounds sit between Wachapreague Inlet and the canyon edge, from inshore reefs to Washington Canyon. The table lists them from inshore to offshore:
| Name | Depth or note |
|---|---|
| Wachapreague Reef | 45 ft |
| Parramore Reef | 55 ft |
| 21 Mile Hill | Named off Wachapreague by Salt Water Sportsman |
| 26 Mile Hill | Named off Wachapreague by Salt Water Sportsman |
| Washington Canyon | Canyons about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet |
Sam’s Hill, Lumpy Bottom and The Crotch are also named grounds near Wachapreague.
Inshore reefs
Parramore Reef (55 ft) and Wachapreague Reef (45 ft) are named inshore structure you pass on the way out.
The hills
Salt Water Sportsman names 21 Mile Hill and 26 Mile Hill off Wachapreague. Sam’s Hill is a third named hill on the list.
Other named grounds
Lumpy Bottom and The Crotch complete the list of named grounds. Plot them and read them against the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How bigeye are fished here
Offshore trolling is the local method, and Teaser’s 12-hour trip runs either chunking or trolling. For technique, see the notes on tuna trolling and chunking technique.
Offshore trolling
Trolling means towing baits or lures behind a moving boat while you work the canyon water.
Chunking or trolling on a 12-hour trip
The 12-hour chunking or trolling trip is the local format, with a 2 to 3 hour run to the canyons. Chunking means holding the boat in place and feeding cut bait into the water behind it.
Who fishes for bigeye out of Wachapreague
Teaser Sportfishing LLC is the Wachapreague charter that lists bigeye tuna. Its 12-hour trip runs chunking or trolling, with a 2 to 3 hour run to the canyons.
FAQ: bigeye tuna fishing out of Wachapreague
When is bigeye season out of Wachapreague?
The season is May and June, the canyon season.
How far is the run to the canyons?
The canyons are about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet.
How long does the run take?
The run is 2 to 3 hours to the canyons on Teaser’s 12-hour trip. Plan range for the round trip.
Which canyon do Wachapreague boats run to?
Washington Canyon is the named canyon on the run.
How do local boats fish for bigeye?
Offshore trolling is the local method. Teaser’s 12-hour trip runs chunking or trolling.
Is there a charter that targets bigeye here?
Teaser Sportfishing LLC lists bigeye tuna out of Wachapreague.
