Where Sheepshead Bay boats run for dolphin
Mahi-mahi fishing out of Sheepshead Bay is an offshore canyon fishery, run by the party and charter fleet on overnight canyon trips. If you run your own boat from the Sheepshead Bay port page, the fleet’s routine shows what the run asks of a private crew.
This page covers where boats run, what you pass on the way, how the fleet fishes, and who runs it.
Canyon water, not the bay
Local catch lists say "dolphin," the common name for mahi-mahi. Explorer’s catch list uses it too, so a search for either name turns up the same fish.
Boats leave through Rockaway Inlet and run to the offshore canyons. Canyon trips from this port are overnight runs, and the fleet builds boats with bunk rooms for them.
Timing
Timing and migration are covered elsewhere. The mahi-mahi species guide explains when and why the fish move, and the Atlantic Northeast guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide) covers regional timing and water.
Quick reference for this port:
- Fishery type: offshore canyon trips
- Local name: dolphin
- Exit point: Rockaway Inlet
- Trip format: overnight runs
Grounds between the piers and the canyons
These are the grounds you already know or pass on the way out. They are not dolphin water.
| Ground | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Rockaway Reef (Rockaway Artificial Reef) | 30 ft | 4.2 nautical miles south southeast of Rockaway Inlet |
| New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, Coney Island | 20 to 50 ft depending on area | Inshore bottom grounds used by Marilyn Jean |
Rockaway Reef
Rockaway Reef is a 30 ft inshore structure, 4.2 nautical miles south southeast of Rockaway Inlet. Canyon boats run past it on the way out.
Inshore bottom grounds
Marilyn Jean fishes New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Coney Island in 20 to 50 ft, depending on area. The fleet’s dolphin come from the canyon trips, not these grounds. Anglers who fish fluke or stripers here will find the canyons a different run.
How dolphin are fished from this port
The method behind mahi-mahi fishing out of Sheepshead Bay is the one the fleet uses for tuna. Dolphin come to the same slick as the bigger gamefish, so the trip is built around one tactic.
Chum and chunk
On canyon trips the fleet chums and chunks. Tuna, swordfish, sharks and dolphin all come to the same slick. Our coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover the tuna, swordfish and sharks that share it.
What the slick draws on a canyon trip:
- Tuna
- Swordfish
- Sharks
- Dolphin
Running it on your own boat
The 30-man bunk room shows the fleet treats this as an overnight canyon run. For a private boat, that points to three planning areas:
- Range: the run out and back sets your fuel and timing.
- Crew rest: an overnight run needs a watch schedule.
- Provisioning: food, water and spare gear for the whole trip.
Anyone who has fished the head boat knows the method. On your own boat you also take on the running, the watch schedule and the supplies the crew handled. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Who fishes for dolphin out of Sheepshead Bay
Explorer Fishing
Explorer Fishing lists dolphin. The Explorer is an 85-foot fiberglass super cruiser built in 1995, with a 30-man bunk room for overnight canyon runs.
| Operator | Vessel | Built | Bunk room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Fishing | 85-foot fiberglass super cruiser | 1995 | 30-man |
The Explorer’s website domain is listed for sale, so confirm the boat is sailing before you plan around it.
FAQ about mahi-mahi fishing out of Sheepshead Bay
Is dolphin the same as mahi-mahi?
Yes. "Dolphin" is the common name for mahi-mahi, and it is the name on Explorer’s catch list.
How far do boats run?
Boats run out Rockaway Inlet to the offshore canyons. The fleet runs these trips overnight, with bunk rooms for the crew and passengers.
Do you catch dolphin on the inshore grounds?
The fleet fishes dolphin on canyon trips. Rockaway Reef (30 ft) and the 20 to 50 ft bottom grounds are inshore water.
Is Explorer still running?
Its website domain is listed for sale. Confirm the boat is sailing before you plan a trip around it.
Where are the rules?
Check the New York regulations page and the federal dolphin and wahoo rules before fishing.
