When mahi are off Shinnecock
Mahi-mahi fishing out of Shinnecock is a summer offshore fishery. Boats sail from Hampton Bays through Shinnecock Inlet, and the Shinnecock port page covers the harbor side. The fish go by mahi or dolphinfish, and the short form is what you’ll hear on the dock.
Three charters run this fishery, and their published windows overlap:
| Charter | Published window | Best months |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Venture | July through October | August and September |
| Fin Alley | Mid-summer, July to August | Not listed |
| Gusto IV | June to October | Not listed |
All three windows include August, and Sea Venture names August and September as best. Each window is the charter’s published range and doesn’t guarantee fish. For the wider picture beyond this port, see mahi-mahi across the Atlantic Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
Sea Venture
Sea Venture fishes mahi July through October, with August and September best.
Fin Alley
Fin Alley puts the fish in mid-summer, July to August.
Gusto IV
Gusto IV lists June to October, the widest of the three windows.
Where boats run and what holds fish
Mahi here are taken on the same offshore trips as tuna, so the offshore gamefish guides apply to the run. Gusto IV includes mahi on its 40-mile offshore day trip. The named structure along the way, from nearest to farthest:
| Ground | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Shinnecock Reef | 76 to 84 ft | 2.0 nm south of Shinnecock Inlet |
| Twelve Mile Reef | 123 to 143 ft | 12.0 nm from Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets |
| The Dip | None listed | None listed |
| Coimbra | None listed | None listed |
| Hudson Canyon | Shelf edge | None listed |
These are named grounds along the run, and the list doesn’t claim mahi on each one. Both reefs are among New York’s artificial reef sites. Mark Shinnecock Reef and Twelve Mile Reef against Chart Contours before you leave the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Shinnecock Reef
Shinnecock Reef lies in 76 to 84 ft, 2.0 nm south of Shinnecock Inlet. It is the first named structure past the inlet.
Twelve Mile Reef
Twelve Mile Reef sits in 123 to 143 ft, 12.0 nm from Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets. It is the next ground out.
The Dip, Coimbra and Hudson Canyon
The Dip, Coimbra and Hudson Canyon are the farther offshore grounds on the run, with Hudson Canyon at the shelf edge. They belong to the longer offshore days, such as the 40-mile trips Gusto IV runs.
Debris and weed lines
Floating debris and weed lines are the main cue on the water. Fin Alley says mahi gather around them, so when you see either, slow down and look.
How mahi are fished from this port
Boats here mostly troll. For general spreads, lures and biology, see mahi-mahi tactics and biology.
Trolling
Trolling is the main local method for mahi-mahi, worked on the same runs as the tuna.
When tuna are slow
A Hampton Bays charter report on Captain Experiences logged 18 mahi in one trip while tuna were slow, so mahi can rescue a slow tuna day.
Who fishes mahi out of Shinnecock
Three charters from this port list mahi-mahi.
Sea Venture
Sea Venture is "The Canyon Specialist," run by Capt. Peter Stassi. Captain Experiences lists a 40 ft boat.
Fin Alley Fishing Charters
Fin Alley Fishing Charters runs a 43 ft Tiara under Capt. Don Archer.
Gusto IV Fishing Charters
Gusto IV Fishing Charters runs the boat Gusto IV, with mahi included on its 40-mile offshore day trip.
FAQ about mahi-mahi fishing out of Shinnecock
What are the best months for mahi off Shinnecock?
August. All three charters’ windows include it, and Sea Venture names August and September as best. Across the three charters, the full range runs June to October.
How far do boats run for mahi from Shinnecock Inlet?
Mahi come on the offshore tuna trips, and Gusto IV’s offshore day trip is 40 miles. Along the way, Shinnecock Reef sits at 2.0 nm and Twelve Mile Reef at 12.0 nm.
Do mahi come with the tuna?
Yes. They are taken on the same trips, and a Hampton Bays report logged 18 mahi on a day when the tuna were slow.
How are mahi fished here?
Boats mostly troll. Fin Alley says the fish gather around floating debris or weed lines.
Where do I find the rules?
The offshore grounds lie beyond state waters, so federal rules apply there. Check the New York and federal rules linked in the regulations section above before you fish.
