Montauk Tuna Fishing - Aisling Charters

In Montauk, we begin our tuna fishing journeys in July when the bluefins first start to show up. They can be tricky to catch during this early migration period. The trick is to catch them migrating through the right temperatures. All sportfishing enthusiast needs to consider water temperatures. This really applies to the offshore species like tuna, sharks and billfish.

Depending on the water temperatures and other factors, the yellowfins usually start showing up "locally" in August.

When fishing for tuna, we utilize different types of fishing:

1. Trolling
2. Diamond jigging
3. Chunking
4. Light-tackle

Each one of these methods can be highly successful. In each circumstance, stand-up gear is provided and we employ different "weighted" gear depending on the size and strength of the fish.

Montauk is, relatively, close to fishing grounds that hold different types of tuna including:

Bluefin Tuna
Latin name: Thunnus thynnus
Size: Normally 30 - 100 lbs, but can reach over 1,000 lbs
Season: Varied, but we catch them from July - October
Recommended Charter: Extended Day Offshore
Location: Offshore, between 15 and 65 miles
Description:

Yellowfin
Latin name: Thunnus alacares
Size: Normally 30 - 80 lbs, but can reach over 300 lbs
Season: August and September
Recommended Charter: Extended Day Offshore or Overnight Canyon
Location: Offshore, between 30 and 65 miles
Description: Easily to recognize by the sickle-shap of their anal and second dorsal fins.

Bigeye
Latin name: Thunnus obesus
Size:
Season: August and September
Recommended Charter: Extended Day Offshore or Overnight Canyon
Location: Offshore

Albacore
Latin Name: Thunnus alalunga
Size: 20 - 45 lbs, but can reach over 70 lbs
Season: August and September
Recommended Charter: Extended Day Offshore or Overnight Canyon
Location: Offshore 40 - 65 miles
Description: Long pectoral fins, which reach to behind the anus and by their dark blue backs and blue-grey flanks and belly

Skipjack
Latin Name: Katsuwonus pelamis
Size: Normally 5 - 20 lbs, but can reach over 40 lbs
Season: July - October
Recommended Charter: Offshore full day or extended day
Location: Offshore, between 15 and 65 miles
Description: Skipjack Tunas are distinguished by the presence of four to seven dark, longitudinal stripes on their bellies. Their dark blue backs are accentuated by a clearly defined area of green above the pectoral fin, which fades away towards the middle of the body. They have silvery flanks and bellies and short fins.