OffshoreHookup
School of yellowfin tuna busting the surface at dawn

Yellowfin Tuna SeasonMid-Atlantic

Yellowfin Tuna season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Jul–Sep: that's when at least half of the 3 ports we track are at peak. July, August and September are the hottest, with 2 of 3 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic Apr–Dec.

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

The canyons define this fishery. Baltimore Canyon, Wilmington Canyon, the Fingers — canyon edges 60 to 80 miles offshore hold yellowfin from July through October. Runs are long; boats leave before midnight and reach the grounds at dawn. When warm-core eddies spin off the Gulf Stream and push bait onto the shelf, the fishing is excellent. An 80-pound yellowfin on the canyon edge in August is the benchmark trip for the region.

Port by port3 ports

Yellowfin Tuna bite calendar by port, Mid-Atlantic
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cape May, NJPeak Jul–SepOffOffOffOffFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableOffOff
Ocean City, MDPeak Jun–JulOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakFishableFishableFishableOffOff
Virginia Beach, VAPeak Aug–OctOffOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableFishable

Where to run

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

New Jersey

Cape May

Peak Jul–SepFishable May–Jun, Oct
Primary runabout 15-25 milesto Mid-shore pot lines and debris
Maryland

Ocean City

Peak Jun–JulFishable May, Aug–Oct
Primary runabout 30 milesto Jackspot
Virginia

Virginia Beach

Peak Aug–OctFishable Apr–Jul, Nov–Dec
Primary runabout 13 milesto Chesapeake Light Tower

How to fish it

Tackle class:30-50lb spinning or conventional. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the yellowfin 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 yellowfin tuna season in the Mid-Atlantic?

Yellowfin Tuna season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Jul–Sep: that's when at least half of the 3 ports we track are at peak. July, August and September are the hottest, with 2 of 3 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic Apr–Dec.

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

July, August and September. In July, 2 of the 3 ports we track are at peak: Cape May, Ocean City.

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

Virginia Beach, VA: 9 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Aug–Oct.

What rig do you use for yellowfin tuna?

30-50lb spinning or conventional. Start with The Bump-and-Wind Rig for Bluewater Tuna or Chunking Bluewater for Yellowfin.

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.