When bluefin are off Shinnecock
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Shinnecock runs from late June into the fall, and the first decision is size class. Sea Venture lists two windows for bluefin out of Shinnecock, and the run can be planned around them.
| Size class | Window | Best months |
|---|---|---|
| Giant bluefin | Late June through October | September and October |
| School bluefin | July through mid-October | November |
The Atlantic bluefin tuna species guide covers biology and general patterns. This guide stays at the inlet.
Giant bluefin
Giants arrive first, in late June, and stay through October. September and October are the best months.
School bluefin
School fish arrive a little later and run from July through mid-October. Sea Venture lists November as its best month for them.
Where boats run from Shinnecock Inlet
Fin Alley works 20-40 miles offshore in June. Gusto IV lists a shark/bluefin trip up to 40 miles offshore, June through October. The named grounds below cover that range, from a reef 2.0 nautical miles out to the shelf edge.
| Ground | Depth | Distance from inlet |
|---|---|---|
| Shinnecock Reef | 76-84 ft | 2.0 nm south of Shinnecock Inlet |
| Twelve Mile Reef | 123-143 ft | 12.0 nm from Moriches and Shinnecock inlets |
| Coimbra | South of Shinnecock, along the 20 and 30 fathom lines | n/a |
| The Dip | n/a | n/a |
| Hudson Canyon (shelf edge) | n/a | n/a |
These grounds can be plotted on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Close to the beach
Fin Alley says bluefin can show up close to the beach. Nearshore water is worth a look, but it carries no guarantee of fish.
Shinnecock Reef
Shinnecock Reef sits in 76-84 ft, 2.0 nautical miles south of Shinnecock Inlet. It is the closest named ground on the list.
Twelve Mile Reef
Twelve Mile Reef sits in 123-143 ft, 12.0 nautical miles from Moriches and Shinnecock inlets.
The Coimbra and the 20 and 30 fathom lines
A Long Island Boating World report names the Coimbra, south of Shinnecock, as a bluefin ground along the 20 and 30 fathom lines. Plot both contours and work the water between them.
The Dip
The Dip is a named ground near Shinnecock. Plotting it alongside the other grounds helps in building a run.
Hudson Canyon shelf edge
The Hudson Canyon shelf edge marks the outer end of the run. The Northeast bluefin picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide) shows how the fish sit across the region.
How bluefin are fished out of Shinnecock
Fin Alley describes trolling, chunking, live bait, and setting up near squid draggers with a chum slick. The tuna fishing guides go into rigging depth.
Trolling spreads
Fin Alley’s tuna fishing guide describes spreader bars, daisy chains, cedar plugs and rigged ballyhoo trolled at 6-8 knots in June. The spread covers a lot of water to locate fish before switching methods.
Chunking and live bait
Once fish are located, Fin Alley also fishes chunking and live bait.
Working the squid draggers
Fin Alley describes setting up near squid draggers with a chum slick. The approach is to anchor the position near the working draggers and run the slick from there.
Who fishes bluefin out of Shinnecock
These local charters list Atlantic bluefin tuna:
- Sea Venture, The Canyon Specialist: Capt. Peter Stassi. Sea Venture gives the giant and school windows above. A listing shows a 40 ft boat.
- Fin Alley Fishing Charters: Capt. Don Archer, 43 ft Tiara. Works 20-40 miles offshore in June.
- Gusto IV Fishing Charters: Boat Gusto IV. Lists a shark/bluefin trip up to 40 miles offshore, June through October.
FAQ about bluefin tuna out of Shinnecock
When are giant bluefin off Shinnecock?
Late June through October, best in September and October, per Sea Venture.
How far do boats run for bluefin out of Shinnecock?
- Fin Alley: 20-40 miles offshore in June.
- Gusto IV: up to 40 miles.
- Named grounds run from Shinnecock Reef at 2.0 nm to the Hudson Canyon shelf edge.
What speed do local boats troll?
6-8 knots in June, per Fin Alley.
Can bluefin be close to the beach?
Fin Alley says they can.
Which charters target bluefin?
Sea Venture (Capt. Peter Stassi), Fin Alley (Capt. Don Archer, 43 ft Tiara) and Gusto IV.
