Season for bluefin out of Freeport
Inshore giants are listed from mid May through early October. Carolann P says tuna activity peaks August through October. For bluefin timing across the wider Northeast, the regional guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide) covers fish beyond this port.
| Window | Months | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore giants listed | Mid May through early October | Local charter listings |
| Peak tuna activity | August through October | Carolann P |
How far boats run
Carolann P describes a run of 25 to 35 miles offshore for bluefin, so plan fuel against those distances. The longer trolling and chunking runs fall into three tiers:
- Up to 30 miles
- Up to 40 miles
- Over 40 miles
Grounds and structure near Freeport
Four named reefs sit within about 3.3 nautical miles of the beach, in 32 to 72 ft of water. They are the named structure near the port; the bluefin runs above go much farther out.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Hempstead Reef (Hempstead Town Reef) | 50 to 72 | 3.3 nautical miles south of Jones Beach State Park |
| Atlantic Beach Reef | 55 to 64 | 3.0 nautical miles south of Atlantic Beach |
| Fishing Line (McAllister Grounds) Reef | 50 to 53 | 2.8 nautical miles south of Long Beach |
| Rockaway Reef | 32 to 40 | |
| Fran S (tug at Atlantic Beach Reef) | ||
| Meadowbrook bridge (striper spot) |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Hempstead Reef
Hempstead Reef, also called Hempstead Town Reef, lies in 50 to 72 ft of water, 3.3 nautical miles south of Jones Beach State Park.
Atlantic Beach Reef and the Fran S
Atlantic Beach Reef runs 55 to 64 ft and sits 3.0 nautical miles south of Atlantic Beach. The Fran S, a tug, is on the reef.
Fishing Line Reef and Rockaway Reef
Fishing Line (McAllister Grounds) Reef runs 50 to 53 ft, 2.8 nautical miles south of Long Beach. Rockaway Reef sits in 32 to 40 ft.
Meadowbrook bridge
Meadowbrook bridge is a striper spot.
How bluefin are fished here
Live bait is the inshore method, used for fish listed at 80 to 500 lb, most of them over 250 lb. Trolling and chunking take over on the longer runs. For more on method, see our tuna fishing guides.
Live bait inshore
Inshore giants are fished with live bait. Most of the listed fish are over 250 lb.
Trolling and chunking
Trolling and chunking are the methods on the longer runs, the up to 30, up to 40 and over 40 mile tiers above.
Gear class
Carolann P lists high-speed trolling lures plus live bait and chunk baits on 50 and 80 lb class gear. The charter’s listing has Carolann P’s listed tuna tackle in full.
Who fishes Atlantic bluefin tuna out of Freeport
Two Freeport charters list Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Freeport Charter Boats
Freeport Charter Boats lists these boats:
- Sorry Charlie (35 ft custom)
- Freeport Gem
- Beach Princess (pontoon)
Carolann P Fishing Charters
Carolann P Fishing Charters runs these:
- Captain Ray Pasieka
- Christine P, 31 ft
The 25 to 35 mile run, the August through October peak and the 50 and 80 lb gear above all come from this operator.
FAQ: bluefin tuna out of Freeport
When is peak bluefin season out of Freeport?
Peak is August through October, per Carolann P. Inshore giants are listed from mid May through early October.
How far do boats run for Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Freeport?
Carolann P describes 25 to 35 miles offshore. The longer trolling and chunking runs go up to 30, up to 40 and over 40 miles.
What size bluefin are listed inshore?
Fish are listed at 80 to 500 lb, most over 250 lb, fished with live bait.
What gear class do local captains use?
Carolann P lists 50 and 80 lb class gear, paired with high-speed trolling lures, live bait and chunk baits.
Which Freeport charters list bluefin tuna?
Freeport Charter Boats (Sorry Charlie, Freeport Gem, Beach Princess) and Carolann P Fishing Charters (Captain Ray Pasieka, Christine P, 31 ft).
