When white marlin are off Shinnecock
White marlin fishing out of Shinnecock runs from late June through September, with the best fishing from July through September. The jump-off point is Shinnecock Inlet, and the Shinnecock port guide covers the inlet, ramps and forecast sources. This guide covers the season window, the named grounds off the inlet, how the local charter fishes and where the rules live. It points you to a better place and time to look, and it doesn’t promise fish.
The season window
Sea Venture runs its marlin line from late June through September, with the best fishing July through September. The line isn’t split by species, so the window covers all marlin, white marlin included. For behavior and biology, see the white marlin species guide.
Use the window to pick your trip weeks:
- Late June: the start of marlin season on the Sea Venture line.
- July through September: the stretch Sea Venture lists as best.
- After September: outside the window Sea Venture gives for marlin.
Where boats run from Shinnecock Inlet
The inshore reefs sit between 2 and 12 nm of the inlet, with the named offshore grounds beyond them. Marlin move with the water, so treat these grounds as reference points rather than places where fish will be.
| Ground | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| The Dip | – | – |
| Coimbra | – | – |
| Hudson Canyon (shelf edge) | – | – |
The depth and distance figures for the two reefs come from New York’s artificial reef locations.
Shinnecock Reef
Shinnecock Reef sits in 76-84 ft, 2.0 nm south of Shinnecock Inlet. It is the closest named structure to the inlet.
Twelve Mile Reef
Twelve Mile Reef sits in 123-143 ft, 12.0 nm from Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets. Since the distance is measured from both inlets, it also works as a shared reference if you are comparing jump-off points.
The Dip and Coimbra
The Dip and Coimbra are offshore grounds that boats run to from Shinnecock. This offshore structure is shared across Northeast ports, and the Northeast white marlin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide) covers the regional picture.
Hudson Canyon
Hudson Canyon is the shelf edge and the farthest of the named grounds. Work out the run to The Dip, Coimbra and Hudson Canyon on your own chart, using your boat’s fuel burn and reserve. Chart Contours shows the shelf edge near Hudson Canyon, though chart layers are not for navigation.
How white marlin are fished here
The local method is tag and release.
Tag and release
Sea Venture tags and releases all billfish, which is how the local canyon charter fishes. For general method, see the billfish guides.
Who fishes for them out of this port
Charter captains who work the canyons offer the fastest look at how the grounds are fished before you run your own boat.
Sea Venture, The Canyon Specialist
Sea Venture "The Canyon Specialist" is run by Capt. Peter Stassi out of Shinnecock (seaventure44.com). The Captain Experiences white marlin listings show a 40 ft boat. A canyon charter lets you watch a local captain fish the grounds before you run them yourself.
Quick reference:
- Boat: Sea Venture, "The Canyon Specialist"
- Captain: Capt. Peter Stassi
- Listed boat length: 40 ft on Captain Experiences
- Practice: all billfish tagged and released
FAQ about white marlin fishing out of Shinnecock
When is white marlin season out of Shinnecock?
Sea Venture’s marlin line for white marlin fishing out of Shinnecock runs late June through September, best July through September. The line isn’t split by species.
How far is Twelve Mile Reef from the inlet?
Twelve Mile Reef is 12.0 nm from Shinnecock and Moriches Inlets, in 123-143 ft.
What grounds do Shinnecock boats fish offshore?
The Dip, Coimbra and the Hudson Canyon shelf edge, beyond the inshore reefs. Plan the run with your own chart and fuel numbers.
Do Shinnecock charters keep white marlin?
Sea Venture tags and releases all billfish.
Where do I find the rules?
Check the New York saltwater regulations and the federal billfish rules before fishing.
