OffshoreHookup
Massive bluefin tuna arching out of deep blue water beside a sportfishing boat at dawn

Bluefin Tuna SeasonMid-Atlantic

Bluefin Tuna season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Jun–Jul, Dec–Feb: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. January, February, June, July and December are the hottest, with 1 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic May–Oct, Dec–Mar.

Bars: share of the 2 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Giant bluefin move south through the Mid-Atlantic in fall, and Virginia Beach and Cape May are positioned to intercept them. October through December is the window; the fish are running from the Northeast grounds at speed and are not always stacked and waiting. Some years the runs are explosive, other years they are thin. When it is on, it is some of the most intense fishing on the East Coast.

Port by port2 ports

Bluefin Tuna bite calendar by port, Mid-Atlantic
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cape May, NJPeak Jun–JulOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakFishableFishableFishableOffOff
Virginia Beach, VAPeak Dec–FebPeakPeakFishableOffOffOffOffOffOffOffOffPeak

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for bluefin tuna. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

New Jersey

Cape May

Peak Jun–JulFishable May, Aug–Oct
Primary runabout 15-25 milesto Mid-shore pot lines and debris
Virginia

Virginia Beach

Peak Dec–FebFishable Mar
Primary runabout 13 milesto Chesapeake Light Tower

How to fish it

Tackle class:80-130lb standup, two-speed lever drag reels. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the bluefin tuna page.

Kits for this fish

  • The Blue-Water Trolling Starter KitThe reel, rod, braid, leader, and gaff you need to run a real bump-and-wind spread on giant bluefin, yellowfin, and wahoo, bundled so you're not guessing what pairs with what.

Frequently asked

When is bluefin tuna season in the Mid-Atlantic?

Bluefin Tuna season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Jun–Jul, Dec–Feb: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. January, February, June, July and December are the hottest, with 1 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic May–Oct, Dec–Mar.

What is the best month for bluefin tuna in the Mid-Atlantic?

January, February, June, July and December. In January, 1 of the 2 ports we track are at peak: Virginia Beach.

Which Mid-Atlantic port has the longest bluefin tuna season?

Cape May, NJ: 6 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Jun–Jul.

What rig do you use for bluefin tuna?

80-130lb standup, two-speed lever drag reels. Start with The Bump-and-Wind Rig for Bluewater Tuna or The Canyon Run: Finding and Hooking Giant Bluefin.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.