Offshore Tuna Fishing Freeport NY Prime Reel Estate

Offshore Tuna Fishing Trip from Freeport NY

When you're serious about targeting tuna and other pelagic species, this 14-hour offshore charter from Freeport puts you right where the action is. Departing at 2 AM on weekends from June through mid-October, you'll maximize your time in the deep water where yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye tuna, wahoo, and even swordfish cruise the offshore canyons. Captain runs a private charter for up to six anglers, giving your group plenty of room to work without fighting crowds. All the gear comes included - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you can focus on what matters most: hooking into fish that'll test your limits.

What to Expect on the Water

The early morning departure isn't just for show - it gets you to the prime fishing grounds while the bite is still hot from the night before. You'll be running 20-40 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are showing up on the charts and reports. The boat works proven techniques throughout the day, from trolling spreads at first light to chunk baiting when conditions are right. Don't be surprised if you spot whales, dolphins, or sharks during the runs - the offshore waters here are alive with marine life. Since this is a full 14-hour trip, you'll have time to work different areas and adapt to what's happening out there. The captain knows these waters and will put you on fish, whether that means working the drop-offs, following temperature breaks, or hitting structure that's holding bait.

Proven Offshore Techniques

The boat sets up with a full trolling spread using a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains to mimic the baitfish schools that tuna can't resist. When the bite slows, you'll switch to chunk baiting with fresh butterfish or squid, letting the scent trail draw fish up from the depths. Circle hooks are the standard for these bigger fish - they hook clean and give you the best shot at landing what you're after. The tackle is sized right for the species you're targeting, with 50-80 pound class gear that can handle the runs these fish are famous for. Wire leaders come into play when wahoo are around, and the captain will adjust the spread based on what's been producing. You'll learn to read the water, watch for bird activity, and spot the subtle signs that mark productive water.

Top Catches This Season

Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of these offshore trips, with fish ranging from 20 to 80+ pounds showing up consistently through the season. These aggressive feeders hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. Peak season runs from July through September when water temperatures are prime and baitfish are thick. What makes yellowfin so exciting is their raw power - they'll take you into your backing faster than you'd expect and keep pulling until you think something's going to break.

Bluefin tuna bring a whole different level of intensity to the fight. These local giants can range from schoolies in the 30-60 pound range to true giants pushing 200+ pounds. Early and late season tend to be best for bluefin, particularly June and October when they're moving through in numbers. The meat quality is outstanding, and the fight is something every serious angler needs to experience. When a big bluefin decides to sound, you'll understand why these fish have such a legendary reputation.

Bigeye tuna are the nocturnal hunters of the bunch, often showing up on evening chunks or early morning sessions. They tend to run larger on average than yellowfin, with most fish in the 40-100 pound range. Their eyes are noticeably larger - an adaptation for hunting in deeper, darker water. Bigeye have incredible stamina and will make long, steady runs that really test your endurance on the rod.

Wahoo are the speed demons you hope to encounter, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they strike a trolled bait. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will slice through regular mono leaders like they're not there. Most wahoo here run 20-50 pounds, with their distinctive tiger-stripe pattern and torpedo shape making them unmistakable. The meat is firm and white, perfect for the grill, and the initial strike is explosive enough to wake up anyone who's not paying attention.

Swordfish add an element of mystery to these offshore trips, especially during evening sessions or when working deeper water. While not as common as the tuna species, a sword encounter is something special. These fish are built for power, with their distinctive bill and broad tail designed for deep-water hunting. Most swordfish caught here range from 40-150 pounds, and they have a unique fighting style that combines strong runs with head-shaking jumps.

Time to Book Your Spot

This world-class offshore experience fills up fast during peak season, especially the weekend slots when working anglers can get out for a full day. The combination of experienced captains, top-rated equipment, and access to some of the Atlantic's best tuna grounds makes this a customer favorite among serious offshore anglers. Whether you're looking to put quality fish in the cooler or just want to test yourself against some of the ocean's most challenging species, this 14-hour adventure delivers the real offshore experience. The early start time might seem rough, but when you're hooked up to a screaming yellowfin at sunrise, you'll understand why the best trips start before dawn. Don't wait until the last minute - the best fishing often coincides with the nicest weather, and those prime dates book solid weeks in advance.