Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Out of Shinnecock: When and Where

Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Shinnecock runs from June into October, and local operators put the peak in July and August. Boats leave through the inlet at Shinnecock, and every distance on this page is measured from that inlet. Below are the season windows, the three kinds of trip boats run, the named grounds from the reefs out to the shelf edge, how local charters fish, and who runs them.

When yellowfin are off Shinnecock

Three local operators state overlapping windows, and each is credited below. For how the run builds across the region, see Northeast yellowfin (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).

The overall window

Gusto IV fishes June to October, the widest of the three windows. Sea Venture runs July through October.

The peak

Fin Alley puts its peak in July and August. Sea Venture says its best stretch is mid-July through September. All three operators cover July and August.

How far Shinnecock boats run

Shinnecock boats fish yellowfin on three kinds of trip: shorter troll trips, day trips up to 40 miles offshore, and canyon trips.

Shorter troll trips

Fin Alley catches yellowfin on shorter trips, troll in particular.

40-mile day trips

Gusto IV runs a day trip up to 40 miles offshore, targeting yellowfin, mahi, albacore and bluefin tuna.

Canyon trips

Gusto IV also runs canyon trips, and Sea Venture bills itself as "The Canyon Specialist." Hudson Canyon is the shelf-edge destination.

Before any run, check the NWS offshore marine forecast for wind, wave height and period.

Grounds and structure south of the inlet

The named grounds step out from the inlet: two reefs inside 13 nm, The Dip and Coimbra in the middle ground, and Hudson Canyon at the shelf edge.

Reef depths are charted ranges. The shelf edge shows on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.

Shinnecock Reef

Shinnecock Reef lies in 76-84 ft, 2.0 nautical miles south of Shinnecock Inlet. It is the closest named ground on this list.

Twelve Mile Reef

Twelve Mile Reef lies in 123-143 ft, 12.0 nautical miles from Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets. The Moriches reference is a distance marker only.

The Dip and Coimbra

The Dip and Coimbra sit in the middle ground.

Hudson Canyon

Hudson Canyon is the shelf-edge run and the destination for canyon trips.

How yellowfin are fished here

Fin Alley lists five ways it fishes yellowfin: trolling, draggers, lobster pots, live bait, and chunking with butterfish or herring. Tackle and rigging are covered in the yellowfin tuna guide.

Trolling

Fin Alley trolls on its shorter trips.

Draggers and lobster pots

Dragger fishing and lobster pot fishing are both part of Fin Alley’s local methods.

Live bait and chunking

Fin Alley fishes live bait and also chunks with butterfish or herring, the two baits it names.

Fish size

Fin Alley says fish typically run 40-80 lb, with some over 150. That figure comes from one operator and does not describe the whole fishery.

Who fishes yellowfin from Shinnecock

Three charters list yellowfin out of Shinnecock. Between them they cover the troll, the 40-mile day trip and the canyon.

Sea Venture

Sea Venture is "The Canyon Specialist," run by Capt. Peter Stassi. Captain Experiences lists a 40 ft boat. Its season is July through October, with the best fishing mid-July through September.

Fin Alley Fishing Charters

Fin Alley Fishing Charters runs a 43 ft Tiara under Capt. Don Archer. It puts its peak in July and August, fishes shorter troll trips, and lists five methods. It says typical fish run 40-80 lb, with some over 150.

Gusto IV Fishing Charters

Gusto IV Fishing Charters fishes June to October. It runs a day trip up to 40 miles offshore for yellowfin, mahi, albacore and bluefin tuna, and also runs canyon trips.

FAQ about yellowfin tuna fishing out of Shinnecock