**Captain Jack's Complete Offshore Report - December 9, 2024****Bottom Line Up Front:** The late-season offshore scene is a game of precision and opportunity. A significant temperature break is holding the last of the pelagic species in the major canyons, but a powerful cold front arriving Wednesday will likely mark the end of the 2024 season. The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category is now **CLOSED**, so all bluefin must be released.
**Biologist's Perspective:** The current offshore activity is a classic example of late-season pelagic behavior. The remaining warm-core eddies and fingers of the Gulf Stream are creating distinct temperature breaks along the canyon edges, concentrating the remaining baitfish and, consequently, the predators. We are seeing a 5- to 7-degree temperature differential, which is a significant thermal barrier that is holding fish in predictable locations. The impending cold front will rapidly cool the surface waters, break up these thermal structures, and push the remaining fish south, effectively ending the season.
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Hudson Canyon - December 9, 2024**Intelligence from the Hudson has been limited, but reports from the **Bluefin IV** confirm that there is still life to be found. The key is locating the pockets of warmer water in the 60- to 70-fathom range, where water temperatures have been holding in the low 60s. Scattered schools of yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi have been reported by boats working these temperature breaks. Trolling with small ballyhoo and spreader bars has been the most effective method for covering water and locating these scattered fish.
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Atlantis Canyon - December 9, 2024**The Atlantis Canyon has been holding a significant body of 62- to 64-degree water, making it a prime location for late-season yellowfin. Reports from **Rock Fish Charters** indicate a consistent pick of yellowfin in the 40- to 50-pound class. The fish have been holding deep, and chunking with butterfish has been the most productive technique. The bite has been most active during the low-light periods of early morning and late afternoon.
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Block Canyon - December 9, 2024**Block Canyon has been the most consistent and productive of the offshore grounds over the past week. The water temperature has been holding in the low 60s, and there is a high concentration of bait in the area. The **Alyssa Ann Sportfishing** has been on a steady bite, with reports of yellowfin, bigeye tuna, and even a few wahoo. The variety of bait, including squid, mackerel, and sand eels, has made both trolling and jigging effective.
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Toms Canyon - December 9, 2024**The fishing in Toms Canyon has been more challenging, with hit-or-miss results. The water is slightly cooler than the other canyons, but there are still isolated pockets of warmer water holding fish. The **Lady Grace Charters** reported a few yellowfin and a single bigeye on a recent trip, emphasizing the need to cover a lot of water to find the scattered fish.
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Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - December 9, 2024**Despite a good amount of bait in the area, the Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds have been slow. The water temperature has dropped into the high 50s, and it appears that the majority of the fish have moved on to warmer waters. Reports from the **Finall-ey Fishing** have been disappointing, with little to show for the long run.
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Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 9, 2024**The Montauk offshore grounds have been quiet, with most of the fishing activity having moved south. There have been a few reports of bluefin tuna being caught on the troll, but the bite has been inconsistent and the bait is scarce. The water temperature is in the mid-50s, and it is unlikely that there will be any significant improvement in the coming days.
**72-Hour Oceanographic Outlook:**
A strong cold front is forecasted to impact the offshore waters on Wednesday, bringing gale-force winds of 25-35 knots and seas building to 10-17 feet. This weather system will effectively shut down the offshore bite. The water temperatures will continue to drop, and any remaining fish will likely make a final push south. Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, but the fishing will likely be over for the season.
**Tactical Recommendations:**
* **Focus on the Canyons:** The most productive areas will continue to be the Hudson, Atlantis, and Block Canyons. Use satellite imagery to identify the warmest water and the most significant temperature breaks.
* **Trolling and Chunking:** Trolling is the best way to cover water and locate fish. Once you find them, chunking with butterfish is the most effective way to get them to bite.
* **Timing is Critical:** The bite has been best during the early morning and late afternoon hours. The upcoming full moon could also trigger a final feeding frenzy before the fish move on.
* **Weather is Paramount:** The weather is the biggest factor this time of year. Be sure to check the forecast before you go and be prepared for rough conditions. The window of opportunity is closing fast.
