Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Captree is a September and October fishery, run offshore from the port on Long Island’s South Shore. This guide covers the season, the run, the named reefs near the port with their depths, how the fish are worked, and who fishes them. It helps you decide where to look and does not promise fish.
When yellowfin are around Captree
Yellowfin are around Captree in September and October. Those two months are the window, but the fish follow the water rather than the calendar, so conditions inside the window decide where they are on any given day.
For other tuna species and seasons, see our tuna guides. In September and October, read the ocean data closely before you decide where to run.
Where Captree boats run for yellowfin
Offshore tuna trips leave Captree and head out to the ocean through Fire Island Inlet.
The water on the day sets where the boats stop; there is no fixed spot. If you run your own boat, plan the same way and let temperature breaks and color changes pick the ground. The Northeast yellowfin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide) covers the offshore grounds at regional scale.
Grounds and structure near Captree
Four named reefs sit near Captree, in 16 to 73 ft of water. They are inshore structure and orientation points on the way out, and they are not tuna grounds. If you already fish inshore, you likely know Kismet and Fire Island Reef.
| Reef | Depth range (ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Island Reef | 62 to 73 | Deepest of the four |
| Hempstead Town Reef | 50 to 72 | Close in depth to Fire Island Reef |
| Fisherman (Yellowbar) Reef | 25 to 40 | Also called Yellowbar Reef |
| Kismet Reef | 16 to 25 | Shallowest of the four |
You can view all 4 reefs on the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How yellowfin are fished from Captree
From Captree, yellowfin are fished on offshore tuna trips that leave the port in September and October.
Offshore trips from the port
Trips run offshore through Fire Island Inlet. The plan is built around the window and the water, so each morning starts with what the ocean data shows. For methods and the species picture, see our yellowfin tuna guide.
Who fishes them
Offshore tuna trips sail from Captree, and owner-operators run the same trip in their own boats. Both work the same window and the same water.
FAQ about yellowfin tuna fishing out of Captree
When is yellowfin season out of Captree?
September and October. The months set the window, and the water on the day sets the spot.
How far do Captree boats run for yellowfin?
Boats run offshore, with the grounds set by the water on the day. The route out is through Fire Island Inlet.
Do the reefs near Captree hold yellowfin?
No. The 4 named reefs are inshore structure from 16 to 73 ft. They are orientation points on the way out and are not tuna grounds.
How deep is Fire Island Reef?
62 to 73 ft. It is the deepest of the 4 named reefs near Captree.
Where are the rules for tuna fishing out of Captree?
NYSDEC sets the state registry, and NOAA Fisheries Atlantic HMS sets the federal tuna rules and permit. Check both agencies above before fishing.
