Yellowfin Tuna in East Hampton & Montauk: The Offshore Angler’s Dream
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are one of the most sought-after offshore game fish in the waters off East Hampton and Montauk. Known for their speed, agility, and delicious, sushi-grade meat, yellowfin provide a thrilling challenge for anglers and are a staple of the East End’s offshore fishery. With their signature torpedo-shaped bodies, bright yellow fins, and impressive fighting ability, these tuna are a favorite target for both sport and commercial fishermen.
How We Catch Them
Yellowfin tuna are aggressive feeders and can be caught using a variety of techniques, including:
Trolling with spreader bars, cedar plugs, rigged ballyhoo, and daisy chains to mimic schooling baitfish.
Chunking & Live Baiting by setting up a chum slick with butterfish or sardines to draw yellowfin to the boat.
Jigging & Popping with heavy metal jigs and topwater poppers, particularly when tuna are feeding near the surface.
Yellowfin often travel in large schools, making for fast-paced action when a bite turns on. They are known for their blistering runs and sustained strength, requiring anglers to use heavy-duty tackle and a strong game plan to land them successfully.
Migration Patterns
Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and move with warm water currents. They arrive in the offshore waters off Montauk and East Hampton during the summer and early fall, typically from June through October. These fish are often found around the Canyons, The Dip, and The Coimbra Wreck, where deepwater temperature breaks, underwater structures, and baitfish attract large schools of tuna.
The Yellowfin Tuna Fishery
Yellowfin tuna are a crucial part of Montauk’s offshore fishery, supporting both recreational anglers and commercial operations. Their stocks are managed through catch limits and size restrictions to ensure sustainability. Yellowfin are prized for their firm, flavorful meat, making them a favorite for sushi, sashimi, grilling, and searing. Unlike bluefin, yellowfin are more abundant and have a shorter lifespan, leading to a more stable fishery.
With their relentless fights, high-speed runs, and exceptional table quality, yellowfin tuna remain one of the most exciting offshore targets for anglers in Montauk. Whether trolling the deep blue waters or battling a hooked tuna on stand-up gear, landing a yellowfin is a bucket-list experience for any serious fisherman venturing off the East End.