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

Bluefin Tuna SeasonNortheast

Bluefin Tuna season in the Northeast peaks Jun–Jul, Sep: that's when at least half of the 3 ports we track are at peak. June, July and September are the hottest, with 2 of 3 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Northeast Jun–Nov.

Bars: share of the 3 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Giant bluefin tuna define the Northeast offshore season. Gloucester has the direct shot to Stellwagen Bank, where fish from 100 to 1,000-plus pounds have been documented since commercial longliners worked the grounds. Montauk and Point Judith cover the canyon edge from the south. September through November is the prime window; the fish show up fast, leave fast, and when they are on the surface in breaking schools they are one of the most spectacular sights in saltwater fishing. Chunking with butterfish and kite fishing with live mackerel are the benchmark methods.

Port by port3 ports

Bluefin Tuna bite calendar by port, Northeast
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Gloucester, MAPeak Jul–OctOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakPeakFishableOff
Montauk, NYPeak Jun, SepOffOffOffOffOffPeakFishableFishablePeakFishableOffOff
Point Judith, RIPeak Jun–JulOffOffOffOffOffPeakPeakFishableFishableOffOffOff

Where to run

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

Massachusetts

Gloucester

Peak Jul–OctFishable Jun, Nov
Primary runboundary about 3 miles southeast of Cape Annto Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
New York

Montauk

Peak Jun, SepFishable Jul–Aug, Oct
Primary runabout 14 milesto Block Island
Rhode Island

Point Judith

Peak Jun–JulFishable Aug–Sep
Primary runabout 12 milesto Block Island

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 Northeast?

Bluefin Tuna season in the Northeast peaks Jun–Jul, Sep: that's when at least half of the 3 ports we track are at peak. June, July and September are the hottest, with 2 of 3 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Northeast Jun–Nov.

What is the best month for bluefin tuna in the Northeast?

June, July and September. In June, 2 of the 3 ports we track are at peak: Montauk, Point Judith.

Which Northeast port has the longest bluefin tuna season?

Gloucester, MA: 6 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Jul–Oct.

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.