When bigeye are off Freeport
Bigeye tuna fishing out of Freeport runs on the offshore tiers of the local fleet. Boats troll and chunk, and trips are priced by distance, from inshore to over 40 miles, plus 24 and 36 hour tuna tile runs. For more on the port, see Freeport waters and access.
No published season gives months for bigeye out of Freeport. The fleet lists the species, but its menu attaches no calendar to it. Water temperature preferences and biology are covered in the species guide.
How far Freeport boats run
The Sorry Charlie offshore tuna menu lists runs from inshore trolling out past 40 miles, plus 24 and 36 hour tuna tile trips. Trips are priced by distance, and the menu does not tie bigeye to a tier. For how these tiers relate to the wider canyon picture off the Northeast, see canyon geography and regional timing (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide).
| Tier | Menu wording | Methods listed |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore to 30 miles | Trolling inshore, up to 30 miles | Trolling |
| Up to 40 miles | Trolling/chunking up to 40 miles | Trolling, chunking |
| Over 40 miles | Trolling/chunking over 40 miles | Trolling, chunking |
| Overnight | 24 and 36 hour tuna tile trips | Not stated |
Inshore and up to 30 miles
The menu reads "trolling inshore, up to 30 miles." Trolling is the only method listed on this tier.
Up to 40 miles
The menu reads "trolling/chunking up to 40 miles." Chunking first appears at this tier.
Over 40 miles
The menu reads "trolling/chunking over 40 miles." No upper distance is given.
24 and 36 hour tuna tile trips
The menu lists 24 and 36 hour tuna tile trips. The name suggests these overnight runs pair tuna with tilefish.
Grounds and structure near Freeport
The named structure near Freeport is all inshore: reefs 2.8 to 3.3 nautical miles off the beach in 50 to 72 ft, plus Rockaway Reef at 32 to 40 ft.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Location as given |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | – | At Atlantic Beach Reef |
| Meadowbrook bridge (striper spot) | – | – |
The bigeye trips on the menu run to the offshore tiers, so nothing here indicates that these reefs hold bigeye. Meadowbrook bridge is listed as a striper spot.
The Chart Contours layer shows the bottom around these depths, so you can mark the reefs before leaving the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How bigeye are fished out of Freeport
Freeport boats troll and chunk for tuna, the two methods on the local menu. Spreads, baits and setups across tuna species are covered in trolling and chunking technique.
Trolling
Trolling appears on every distance tier, including inshore.
Chunking
Chunking appears alongside trolling on the up to 40 mile and over 40 mile tiers.
Who fishes for bigeye out of Freeport
Freeport Charter Boats lists bigeye on three boats: Sorry Charlie, Freeport Gem and Beach Princess.
Sorry Charlie
A 35 ft custom boat listed for bigeye. It carries the "Offshore/Canyon Tuna Fishing" menu.
Freeport Gem
Listed for bigeye.
Beach Princess
A pontoon boat listed for bigeye.
FAQ: bigeye tuna fishing out of Freeport
What is the bigeye season out of Freeport?
No published season gives months. The local fleet lists bigeye without a calendar.
How far do Freeport boats run for tuna?
The menu tiers run inshore, up to 30, up to 40 and over 40 miles, plus 24 and 36 hour tuna tile trips. No tier is tied to bigeye.
Do the inshore reefs hold bigeye?
The reefs are 32 to 72 ft structure, 2.8 to 3.3 nautical miles off the beach. Nothing ties bigeye to them, and the bigeye trips run to the offshore tiers.
Which Freeport charters list bigeye?
Freeport Charter Boats lists Sorry Charlie (35 ft custom), Freeport Gem and Beach Princess (pontoon).
What methods do Freeport boats use?
Trolling on every tier, and trolling plus chunking on the up to 40 and over 40 mile tiers.
