When yellowfin are around New London / Waterford
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of New London / Waterford depends on warm water. The fish stay as long as the water stays warm, so the yellowfin tuna guide treats temperature as the driver and the calendar as a rough guide. The window can open late or close early, and nothing here promises fish. This guide covers the window, the water you cross on the way out, who fishes yellowfin from this port, and where the rules live.
August into early fall
Keepin’ It Reel’s tuna page puts yellowfin in the area from August into early fall, for as long as the water stays warm. The end of that window depends on temperature, not a fixed date.
July to October on the tuna schedule
The Lucky Strike tuna schedule runs July to October, a second operator window that brackets the first. Water temperature should guide the decision more than the calendar.
Running out from the Thames River
Boats leave the Thames River into eastern Long Island Sound, and the route east toward open water goes through The Race. Chart layers are not for navigation, so run on official charts. Before you commit to the run, read the NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period, and base the decision on those numbers.
The Race
The Race is the exit corridor east out of the Sound, and the run should be planned around it.
Bartlett Reef and The Spindle
Bartlett Reef is named structure near the port. The Spindle is the navigational aid on the rock pile at the south end of the reef. Both are worth marking on the way out as landmarks; neither is tuna water.
Black Point
Black Point is named structure west of the port. It works as a reference point but is not part of the eastward run.
Watch Hill reefs
The Watch Hill reefs lie on the eastward route. You pass them on the way out, and they are not yellowfin grounds.
Past the local water
Yellowfin are found beyond this named local water. The Northeast yellowfin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide) covers the offshore grounds and distances.
Who fishes for yellowfin from this port
Anglers here split between charter clients and owner-operators running their own boats.
Keepin’ It Reel Sportfishing
Keepin’ It Reel Sportfishing is a local charter that lists yellowfin tuna. A charter is a good way to learn the fishery before running your own boat.
Running your own boat
Owner-operators leave from the Thames River and plan the run around The Race. The window depends on water temperature, and the marine forecast numbers drive the go decision. Methods are covered in our tuna fishing guides.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of New London / Waterford
What months are yellowfin around New London / Waterford?
Late summer into early fall. Keepin’ It Reel gives August into early fall while the water stays warm. The Lucky Strike tuna schedule runs July to October.
Where do boats leave the Sound?
Boats leave through The Race, heading east. The Watch Hill reefs lie on that route.
Do Bartlett Reef or the Watch Hill reefs hold yellowfin?
They are landmarks and structure on the way out, not yellowfin grounds. The regional guide covers the offshore grounds.
Is there a local charter that lists yellowfin?
Yes. Keepin’ It Reel Sportfishing lists yellowfin tuna. A charter is a good way to learn the fishery first.
Where are the rules for keeping yellowfin?
Check Connecticut DEEP for state rules and NOAA Atlantic HMS for federal tuna rules, and check both before you fish.
