Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Lewes runs from late October through early December, and the fish can be anywhere between Fenwick Shoal and the Baltimore Canyon. Boats leave through Roosevelt Inlet and work that whole span; the Lewes port guide covers the harbor and inlet. The local method is trolling Joe Shute lures, one rigged with a ballyhoo. This page covers the season window, the range, the named grounds, and who runs the trips.
When bluefin are off Lewes
Fishing reports put the window at late October through early December. Bottom Line’s October calendar rates bluefin "Good Odds," which describes odds, not a guarantee. For the species itself, see the Atlantic bluefin tuna guide.
The late-fall window
The window opens in late October and closes in early December. Plan the trip inside those weeks and leave a spare day.
- Opens: late October
- Rated: "Good Odds" on Bottom Line’s October calendar
- Closes: early December
Where boats run from Lewes
The range is the main decision. Fenwick Shoal is inshore and Baltimore Canyon is offshore, with a lot of water between them, and where you commit sets your fuel use and your weather window. For the run beyond this range, see the regional Atlantic bluefin run (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide).
Fenwick Shoal to Baltimore Canyon
In late October, reports say fish could come from anywhere between Fenwick Shoal and the Baltimore Canyon. There is no single hot spot to point at. Charters list bluefin on 12-hour canyon trips, which gives a sense of what the offshore end of the range involves.
| Point on the range | What it is |
|---|---|
| Fenwick Shoal | Inshore end of the reported range |
| Baltimore Canyon | Offshore end of the reported range |
| 12-hour canyon trip | The charter format that lists bluefin |
Weighing in at Lewes Harbour Marina
Lewes Harbour Marina is the weigh-in and reporting stop for private boats.
Grounds and structure near Lewes
These are the named grounds and structure off Lewes. Chart layers are not for navigation, so use official charts and your own plotter for the run.
The walls
- Outer Wall: the Delaware Breakwater and Harbor of Refuge, a rock jetty outside Roosevelt Inlet.
- Inner Wall
- Ice Breakers: known as the "Haystacks."
Shoals and ocean grounds
- Old Grounds
- Fenwick Shoal: also holds blues, Spanish mackerel and triggerfish, and marks the inshore end of the bluefin range above.
Wrecks
| Wreck | Type and length | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsum Prince | 357-ft steel barge | 48 ft | Inshore of Cape Henlopen, sunk 1942 |
| Star Dust | 90-ft fishing vessel | 104 ft | Northeast of the breakwaters |
| Mars-54 | 79-ft crane barge | , | East-northeast of Cape Henlopen, sank 1979 |
The 104 ft listed for Star Dust is the least depth.
How bluefin are fished out of Lewes
Local boats rely on one method.
Trolling Joe Shutes
Boats troll Joe Shute lures, one rigged with a ballyhoo. For broader technique, see our tuna fishing guides.
- Lure: Joe Shute
- Added bait: ballyhoo on one lure
- Style: trolling
Who fishes for bluefin out of Lewes
Charters and private boats both work this fishery.
Bottom Line Sportfishing
Bottom Line Sportfishing out of Lewes is run by Captain Jon Fazekas. The boat carries 6 anglers on twin Cummins 485 hp engines and lists bluefin, and its October calendar carries the "Good Odds" rating.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf trolling charters lists bluefin.
Private boats
Owner-operators run the Fenwick Shoal to Baltimore Canyon range on their own and weigh in and report at Lewes Harbour Marina.
FAQ: bluefin tuna out of Lewes
When is bluefin season off Lewes?
Late October through early December. Bottom Line’s October calendar rates bluefin "Good Odds."
How far do Lewes boats run for bluefin?
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Lewes covers a wide range. Late-October fish can be anywhere between Fenwick Shoal and the Baltimore Canyon, and charters list bluefin on 12-hour canyon trips.
Where do private boats weigh in?
Lewes Harbour Marina is the weigh-in and reporting stop for private boats.
What do Lewes boats troll?
Joe Shute lures, one rigged with a ballyhoo.
Which Lewes charters target bluefin?
Bottom Line Sportfishing, run by Captain Jon Fazekas, carries 6 anglers on twin Cummins 485 hp engines. Fisherman’s Wharf also lists bluefin.
