Yellowfin fishing out of Lewes is a summer canyon fishery, and boats run offshore to get at it. If you run your own boat from Lewes, this page covers when the fish are around, where boats run, the grounds you pass on the way, how local boats fish them, and who fishes yellowfin from this port. It should help you decide when and where to look. It does not promise fish.
When Yellowfin Are Around Lewes
Summer is the season, and the odds fall off by October. For general species behavior, read the yellowfin tuna guide. This page covers only what is local to Lewes.
Summer
The yellowfin season here is summer, so plan canyon runs for that window.
October
Bottom Line’s October calendar rates yellowfin "Poor Odds." Treat October as a low-odds month and put your canyon days in summer.
Where Lewes Boats Run
Lewes boats run to the canyons for yellowfin. The broader canyon and regional picture is in the Northeast Atlantic yellowfin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide).
The Canyons
Lewes Harbour Marina relayed reports of private boats fishing the canyons. Bottom Line Sportfishing runs a 12-hour canyon trip for yellowfin.
Delaware Bay and the Neighboring Atlantic
Fisherman’s Wharf says tuna can be caught in the Delaware Bay and the neighboring Atlantic. That statement is about their own trolling trips, and it sits alongside the canyon pattern above.
Grounds and Structure Near Lewes
The landmarks below lie between the inlet and the run offshore. No local report ties yellowfin to them, so use them for orientation rather than as tuna spots.
Chart Contours will show where the named wrecks lie. Chart layers are not for navigation.
The Walls and Ice Breakers
- Outer Wall (Delaware Breakwater / Harbor of Refuge): a rock jetty outside Roosevelt Inlet.
- Inner Wall: a named local structure.
- Ice Breakers: a named local structure, also called the "Haystacks."
Old Grounds and Fenwick Shoal
Old Grounds is a named ground near Lewes. Fenwick Shoal also holds blues, Spanish mackerel and triggerfish.
Wrecks
| Name | Type | Depth | Position note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsum Prince | 357-ft steel barge | 48 ft | Inshore of Cape Henlopen, sunk in 1942 |
| Star Dust | 90-ft fishing vessel | 104 ft least depth | Northeast of the breakwaters |
| Mars-54 | 79-ft crane barge | Not listed | East-northeast of Cape Henlopen, sank in 1979 |
How Yellowfin Are Fished Here
Local boats mix two methods, trolling and chunking, and the useful part is knowing when to switch. For technique beyond this port, see the tuna fishing guides.
Trolling and Chunking
Bottom Line describes a mix of trolling and chunking on its canyon trip. Fisherman’s Wharf lists yellowfin on its trolling trips.
When to Switch
Bottom Line switches to chunking when it marks fish or sees birds. Troll to search, then chunk once you mark fish or see birds.
Who Fishes Yellowfin Out of Lewes
Three groups fish yellowfin from this port: private boats, Bottom Line Sportfishing and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Private Boats
Private boats make the canyon run, according to reports Lewes Harbour Marina passes along.
Bottom Line Sportfishing
Capt. Jon Fazekas runs the boat, which carries 6 anglers and is powered by twin Cummins 485 hp engines. The 12-hour canyon trip is the one that targets yellowfin. See the Bottom Line Sportfishing canyon trips.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf lists yellowfin on its trolling trips. See the Fisherman’s Wharf trolling charters.
FAQ: Yellowfin Tuna Out of Lewes
When is yellowfin season out of Lewes?
Summer. Bottom Line’s October calendar rates yellowfin "Poor Odds."
Where do Lewes boats run for yellowfin?
Boats run to the canyons. Lewes Harbour Marina relayed that private boats fished the canyons, and Bottom Line runs a 12-hour canyon trip. Fisherman’s Wharf also says tuna can be caught in the Delaware Bay and the neighboring Atlantic.
Do the local wrecks and walls hold yellowfin?
They are inshore reference structure near Roosevelt Inlet and Cape Henlopen. The yellowfin run is to the canyons.
How do local boats fish for yellowfin?
Bottom Line mixes trolling and chunking, and switches to chunking when it marks fish or sees birds.
Which Lewes charters list yellowfin?
Bottom Line Sportfishing lists yellowfin on a 12-hour canyon trip with Capt. Jon Fazekas and room for 6 anglers. Fisherman’s Wharf lists yellowfin on its trolling trips.
