OffshoreHookup
School of yellowfin tuna busting the surface at dawn

Yellowfin Tuna SeasonNortheast

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

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

Yellowfin are a summer and fall target in the Northeast, concentrated at Hudson Canyon and the surrounding shelf breaks. Montauk and Point Judith have the most direct access; Gloucester runs longer but reaches the same fish on productive days. July through November is the window, with August and September being the core. The fish follow warm-core eddies pushed north by the Gulf Stream — when the eddies spin close, the canyon edge lights up.

Port by port2 ports

Yellowfin Tuna bite calendar by port, Northeast
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Montauk, NYPeak Jul–SepOffOffOffOffOffFishablePeakPeakPeakOffOffOff
Point Judith, RIPeak Jul–AugOffOffOffOffOffOffPeakPeakFishableOffOffOff

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 York

Montauk

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

Point Judith

Peak Jul–AugFishable Sep
Primary runabout 12 milesto Block Island

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 Northeast?

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

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

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

Which Northeast port has the longest yellowfin tuna season?

Montauk, NY: 4 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Jul–Sep.

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.