Captain Jack's Offshore Pelagic Report - October 21, 2025
Executive Summary - Bottom Line Up Front
The offshore bite remains exceptional despite the mid-October nor'easter disruption. Yellowfin tuna continue to dominate the dragger fleet areas inshore of the major canyon systems, with multiple hookups and sustained action reported throughout the pre-storm and post-storm windows. The bite is characterized by light-tackle presentations, hand-feeding techniques, and aggressive fish behavior. Water temperatures are cooling into the optimal range for fall pelagic activity, and the next 72-hour window presents excellent conditions for offshore operations. Giant bluefin are expected to move into the zone as water temps continue to drop.
Biologist's Perspective - Environmental Drivers
The current offshore bite is being driven by several converging oceanographic factors. Sea surface temperatures have dropped into the 62-68°F range across the shelf edge and canyon systems, creating the thermal gradient that concentrates baitfish and attracts pelagic predators. The recent nor'easter, while disruptive to fishing operations, generated significant upwelling and nutrient mixing that has enhanced primary productivity along the shelf break.
We're seeing classic fall thermocline compression, with the warm surface layer thinning and temperature breaks becoming more defined. This concentrates bait species - particularly butterfish, squid, and mackerel - into tighter vertical and horizontal zones, making them more accessible to tuna and other pelagics. The lunar phase (we're moving away from the full moon) is reducing nocturnal feeding pressure and increasing daytime aggression, particularly for yellowfin.
Current activity remains moderate, with Gulf Stream influence pushing warm eddies and fingers toward the shelf edge in the southern canyon systems. This is creating productive temperature breaks and current edges, particularly in the Hudson Canyon and Atlantis Canyon zones. Chlorophyll concentrations indicate healthy bait concentrations, and the presence of marine mammal activity (whales, dolphins) confirms abundant forage.
The nor'easter's barometric drop triggered a feeding frenzy in the days leading up to the storm, and the post-frontal high pressure is stabilizing conditions for the next several days. This is prime time for offshore operations.
Hudson Canyon - October 21, 2025
The Hudson Canyon system remains the epicenter of the yellowfin tuna action. The dragger fleet areas inshore of the canyon proper - roughly 30 to 50 miles offshore - are producing exceptional fishing. Yellowfin in the 50 to 70-pound class are feeding aggressively on butterfish and squid being kicked up by the commercial draggers.
The technique that's dominating is chunking with light leaders and small hooks. Anglers are using 30-pound fluorocarbon topshots with 2/0 to 4/0 circle hooks, hand-feeding chunks into a slick and letting the fish come to them. The key is getting the bite started with live bait - mahi-style presentations with live spot or small mackerel - then transitioning to chunking once the fish are in the slick.
Multiple hookups are common. Four fish on at once is not unusual when the bite is hot, and the action can be sustained for hours if you manage your chum supply correctly. The fish are not particularly leader-shy right now, but lighter presentations are still outproducing heavy tackle.
Depth range: Surface to 50 feet. The fish are feeding high in the water column, often visible on the surface crashing bait.
Best timing: First light through mid-morning, with a secondary bite in the late afternoon. Midday can be productive if you stay in the slick and keep the chum flowing.
Atlantis Canyon - October 21, 2025
Atlantis Canyon has been producing a mix of yellowfin and bigeye tuna, with the bigeye showing up in deeper water and during low-light periods. The canyon edges in 600 to 1,200 feet are holding fish, and the temperature breaks along the shelf edge are concentrating bait.
Trolling has been effective here - spreader bars, rigged ballyhoo, and topwater plugs are all producing. The key is covering water and locating temperature breaks. When you find a 2 to 3-degree temp change, slow down and work the area thoroughly.
Chunking at anchor or drift has also been productive, particularly for bigeye. Deep-dropping during the day and chunking at dawn and dusk is a solid strategy for targeting both species.
Depth range: Surface trolling for yellowfin, 100 to 300 feet for bigeye on the chunk.
Best timing: Dawn and dusk for bigeye, midday for yellowfin on the troll.
Block Canyon - October 21, 2025
Block Canyon has seen good yellowfin activity, particularly on the eastern edge and in the deeper water. The bite has been more sporadic than Hudson or Atlantis, but when you find them, the fish are quality grade.
The eastern edge of Block Canyon - "The Dump" area - has been holding bait and fish. Look for whale and dolphin activity as an indicator of bait concentrations. When the mammals are working, the tuna are usually close by.
Jigging has been effective here. Butterfly jigs in the 150 to 250-gram range worked in 100 to 200 feet of water are producing aggressive strikes. The fish are feeding on sand eels and mackerel, so match your jig profile accordingly.
Depth range: 100 to 300 feet for jigging, surface for trolling.
Best timing: Early morning and late afternoon. Midday can be slow unless you're on a major temperature break.
Toms Canyon - October 21, 2025
Toms Canyon has been fishing well for yellowfin, with good reports from the shelf edge and canyon rim. The fish are in the 40 to 80-pound range, with some larger specimens mixed in.
The troll bite has been solid - rigged ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and spreader bars are all producing. Work the 100-fathom curve and look for temperature breaks and current edges. The fish are using these features to ambush bait.
Chunking has also been effective, particularly in the morning and evening. Set up on a temperature break, establish a slick, and let the fish come to you. Light leaders and small hooks are critical - these fish are getting a lot of pressure and they're not stupid.
Depth range: Surface to 100 feet.
Best timing: First light and last light for the chunk bite, midday for trolling.
Fishtails & Bacardi Grounds - October 21, 2025
The Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds - the inshore lumps and humps between the beach and the canyon systems - have been producing excellent yellowfin action. These areas are closer to home (40 to 60 miles offshore) and offer a shorter run for anglers looking to capitalize on the dragger bite.
The technique is the same as the Hudson Canyon area: chunking with light leaders around the dragger fleet. The fish are feeding on butterfish and squid, and they're aggressive. Multiple hookups are common, and the action can be sustained for hours.
This is a great option for smaller boats or anglers who don't want to make the long run to the canyons. The fish are quality grade, the bite is consistent, and the run time is manageable.
Depth range: Surface to 50 feet.
Best timing: First light through mid-morning.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - October 21, 2025
The Montauk offshore grounds - the area from Montauk Point out to the Butterfish Hole and beyond - have been fishing well for a mixed bag of pelagics. Yellowfin tuna are still in the mix, along with false albacore, bonito, and even some late-season mahi-mahi.
The albie bite has been exceptional before the storm, with fish in the 6 to 15-pound range feeding aggressively on bait balls close to shore. Fly anglers and light-tackle spin fishermen are having a field day. The key has been downsizing leaders - 12-pound tippet is outfishing heavier setups on spooky fish.
Yellowfin are being caught on the troll and chunk in deeper water offshore. The fish are smaller on average than the canyon fish - 30 to 60 pounds - but they're still quality eating and excellent sport on appropriate tackle.
Depth range: Surface for albies, 50 to 200 feet for yellowfin.
Best timing: Early morning for albies, all day for yellowfin if conditions are right.
Species-Specific Analysis
Yellowfin Tuna: Exceptional abundance and feeding activity. Fish are in the 40 to 80-pound range with some larger specimens. Feeding aggressively on butterfish, squid, and mackerel. Light leaders (30-pound fluoro) and small hooks (2/0 to 4/0 circles) are critical. Hand-feeding chunks into a slick is the dominant technique. Multiple hookups common.
Bigeye Tuna: Present in the deeper canyon systems, particularly Atlantis and Block. Fish are feeding during low-light periods and in deeper water (100 to 300 feet). Chunking at dawn and dusk is the most effective technique. Fish are in the 60 to 150-pound range.
False Albacore: Still abundant off Montauk and the North Fork. Fish are in the 6 to 15-pound range, feeding on bait balls close to shore. Light tackle and downsized leaders are critical. Fly fishing and light spin tackle are both effective.
Mahi-Mahi: Still in the mix, though numbers are declining as water temps drop. Fish are scattered, but when you find them, they're aggressive. Live bait and trolling are both effective.
Giant Bluefin: Not yet in the zone in significant numbers, but expected to arrive as water temps continue to drop. Monitor reports closely and be ready to shift tactics when they show up.
Environmental Conditions - Current Status
Water Temperature: 62-68°F across the shelf edge and canyon systems. Cooling trend continuing, which is favorable for sustained pelagic activity.
Current Activity: Moderate Gulf Stream influence in the southern canyons. Temperature breaks and current edges are well-defined and productive.
Bait Concentrations: Excellent. Butterfish, squid, mackerel, and sand eels are abundant. Marine mammal activity confirms healthy forage base.
Weather Impact: Post-nor'easter stabilization. High pressure moving in, light winds, calming seas. Excellent conditions for the next 72 hours.
Tactical Recommendations - Actionable Intelligence
Multi-Species Strategy: Focus on the dragger fleet areas for yellowfin. If you want bigeye, fish the deeper canyon edges at dawn and dusk. If you want variety, work the Montauk grounds for albies, bonito, and smaller yellowfin.
Bait and Lure Selection: Butterfish chunks for yellowfin. Live spot or mackerel to start the bite. Small circle hooks (2/0 to 4/0) on 30-pound fluoro. For trolling, rigged ballyhoo, spreader bars, and cedar plugs. For jigging, butterfly jigs in the 150 to 250-gram range.
Technology and Fish-Finding: Use your sounder to locate bait balls and temperature breaks. Mark the dragger fleet on your GPS and work the edges of their activity. Watch for whale and dolphin activity as indicators of bait concentrations.
Timing Optimization: First light through mid-morning is prime time for the chunk bite. Midday trolling can be productive if you're on temperature breaks. Late afternoon offers a secondary bite window. Dawn and dusk are critical for bigeye.
72-Hour Forecast
The next three days present excellent offshore conditions. High pressure is stabilizing the weather, winds are light (10 to 15 knots from the west/southwest), and seas are calming (2 to 4 feet). Water temperatures will continue to cool gradually, which should sustain the yellowfin bite and potentially trigger the arrival of giant bluefin.
The dragger fleet areas will remain the most consistent producers for yellowfin. The canyon systems will offer opportunities for mixed bags of yellowfin and bigeye. The Montauk grounds will continue to produce albies and smaller yellowfin for anglers looking for a shorter run.
This is prime time. The conditions are right, the fish are here, and the bite is on. Get out there and make it happen.
Tight lines and tight drags,
Captain Jack
Executive Summary - Bottom Line Up Front
The offshore bite remains exceptional despite the mid-October nor'easter disruption. Yellowfin tuna continue to dominate the dragger fleet areas inshore of the major canyon systems, with multiple hookups and sustained action reported throughout the pre-storm and post-storm windows. The bite is characterized by light-tackle presentations, hand-feeding techniques, and aggressive fish behavior. Water temperatures are cooling into the optimal range for fall pelagic activity, and the next 72-hour window presents excellent conditions for offshore operations. Giant bluefin are expected to move into the zone as water temps continue to drop.
Biologist's Perspective - Environmental Drivers
The current offshore bite is being driven by several converging oceanographic factors. Sea surface temperatures have dropped into the 62-68°F range across the shelf edge and canyon systems, creating the thermal gradient that concentrates baitfish and attracts pelagic predators. The recent nor'easter, while disruptive to fishing operations, generated significant upwelling and nutrient mixing that has enhanced primary productivity along the shelf break.
We're seeing classic fall thermocline compression, with the warm surface layer thinning and temperature breaks becoming more defined. This concentrates bait species - particularly butterfish, squid, and mackerel - into tighter vertical and horizontal zones, making them more accessible to tuna and other pelagics. The lunar phase (we're moving away from the full moon) is reducing nocturnal feeding pressure and increasing daytime aggression, particularly for yellowfin.
Current activity remains moderate, with Gulf Stream influence pushing warm eddies and fingers toward the shelf edge in the southern canyon systems. This is creating productive temperature breaks and current edges, particularly in the Hudson Canyon and Atlantis Canyon zones. Chlorophyll concentrations indicate healthy bait concentrations, and the presence of marine mammal activity (whales, dolphins) confirms abundant forage.
The nor'easter's barometric drop triggered a feeding frenzy in the days leading up to the storm, and the post-frontal high pressure is stabilizing conditions for the next several days. This is prime time for offshore operations.
Hudson Canyon - October 21, 2025The Hudson Canyon system remains the epicenter of the yellowfin tuna action. The dragger fleet areas inshore of the canyon proper - roughly 30 to 50 miles offshore - are producing exceptional fishing. Yellowfin in the 50 to 70-pound class are feeding aggressively on butterfish and squid being kicked up by the commercial draggers.
The technique that's dominating is chunking with light leaders and small hooks. Anglers are using 30-pound fluorocarbon topshots with 2/0 to 4/0 circle hooks, hand-feeding chunks into a slick and letting the fish come to them. The key is getting the bite started with live bait - mahi-style presentations with live spot or small mackerel - then transitioning to chunking once the fish are in the slick.
Multiple hookups are common. Four fish on at once is not unusual when the bite is hot, and the action can be sustained for hours if you manage your chum supply correctly. The fish are not particularly leader-shy right now, but lighter presentations are still outproducing heavy tackle.
Depth range: Surface to 50 feet. The fish are feeding high in the water column, often visible on the surface crashing bait.
Best timing: First light through mid-morning, with a secondary bite in the late afternoon. Midday can be productive if you stay in the slick and keep the chum flowing.
Atlantis Canyon - October 21, 2025Atlantis Canyon has been producing a mix of yellowfin and bigeye tuna, with the bigeye showing up in deeper water and during low-light periods. The canyon edges in 600 to 1,200 feet are holding fish, and the temperature breaks along the shelf edge are concentrating bait.
Trolling has been effective here - spreader bars, rigged ballyhoo, and topwater plugs are all producing. The key is covering water and locating temperature breaks. When you find a 2 to 3-degree temp change, slow down and work the area thoroughly.
Chunking at anchor or drift has also been productive, particularly for bigeye. Deep-dropping during the day and chunking at dawn and dusk is a solid strategy for targeting both species.
Depth range: Surface trolling for yellowfin, 100 to 300 feet for bigeye on the chunk.
Best timing: Dawn and dusk for bigeye, midday for yellowfin on the troll.
Block Canyon - October 21, 2025Block Canyon has seen good yellowfin activity, particularly on the eastern edge and in the deeper water. The bite has been more sporadic than Hudson or Atlantis, but when you find them, the fish are quality grade.
The eastern edge of Block Canyon - "The Dump" area - has been holding bait and fish. Look for whale and dolphin activity as an indicator of bait concentrations. When the mammals are working, the tuna are usually close by.
Jigging has been effective here. Butterfly jigs in the 150 to 250-gram range worked in 100 to 200 feet of water are producing aggressive strikes. The fish are feeding on sand eels and mackerel, so match your jig profile accordingly.
Depth range: 100 to 300 feet for jigging, surface for trolling.
Best timing: Early morning and late afternoon. Midday can be slow unless you're on a major temperature break.
Toms Canyon - October 21, 2025Toms Canyon has been fishing well for yellowfin, with good reports from the shelf edge and canyon rim. The fish are in the 40 to 80-pound range, with some larger specimens mixed in.
The troll bite has been solid - rigged ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and spreader bars are all producing. Work the 100-fathom curve and look for temperature breaks and current edges. The fish are using these features to ambush bait.
Chunking has also been effective, particularly in the morning and evening. Set up on a temperature break, establish a slick, and let the fish come to you. Light leaders and small hooks are critical - these fish are getting a lot of pressure and they're not stupid.
Depth range: Surface to 100 feet.
Best timing: First light and last light for the chunk bite, midday for trolling.
Fishtails & Bacardi Grounds - October 21, 2025The Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds - the inshore lumps and humps between the beach and the canyon systems - have been producing excellent yellowfin action. These areas are closer to home (40 to 60 miles offshore) and offer a shorter run for anglers looking to capitalize on the dragger bite.
The technique is the same as the Hudson Canyon area: chunking with light leaders around the dragger fleet. The fish are feeding on butterfish and squid, and they're aggressive. Multiple hookups are common, and the action can be sustained for hours.
This is a great option for smaller boats or anglers who don't want to make the long run to the canyons. The fish are quality grade, the bite is consistent, and the run time is manageable.
Depth range: Surface to 50 feet.
Best timing: First light through mid-morning.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - October 21, 2025The Montauk offshore grounds - the area from Montauk Point out to the Butterfish Hole and beyond - have been fishing well for a mixed bag of pelagics. Yellowfin tuna are still in the mix, along with false albacore, bonito, and even some late-season mahi-mahi.
The albie bite has been exceptional before the storm, with fish in the 6 to 15-pound range feeding aggressively on bait balls close to shore. Fly anglers and light-tackle spin fishermen are having a field day. The key has been downsizing leaders - 12-pound tippet is outfishing heavier setups on spooky fish.
Yellowfin are being caught on the troll and chunk in deeper water offshore. The fish are smaller on average than the canyon fish - 30 to 60 pounds - but they're still quality eating and excellent sport on appropriate tackle.
Depth range: Surface for albies, 50 to 200 feet for yellowfin.
Best timing: Early morning for albies, all day for yellowfin if conditions are right.
Species-Specific Analysis
Yellowfin Tuna: Exceptional abundance and feeding activity. Fish are in the 40 to 80-pound range with some larger specimens. Feeding aggressively on butterfish, squid, and mackerel. Light leaders (30-pound fluoro) and small hooks (2/0 to 4/0 circles) are critical. Hand-feeding chunks into a slick is the dominant technique. Multiple hookups common.
Bigeye Tuna: Present in the deeper canyon systems, particularly Atlantis and Block. Fish are feeding during low-light periods and in deeper water (100 to 300 feet). Chunking at dawn and dusk is the most effective technique. Fish are in the 60 to 150-pound range.
False Albacore: Still abundant off Montauk and the North Fork. Fish are in the 6 to 15-pound range, feeding on bait balls close to shore. Light tackle and downsized leaders are critical. Fly fishing and light spin tackle are both effective.
Mahi-Mahi: Still in the mix, though numbers are declining as water temps drop. Fish are scattered, but when you find them, they're aggressive. Live bait and trolling are both effective.
Giant Bluefin: Not yet in the zone in significant numbers, but expected to arrive as water temps continue to drop. Monitor reports closely and be ready to shift tactics when they show up.
Environmental Conditions - Current Status
Water Temperature: 62-68°F across the shelf edge and canyon systems. Cooling trend continuing, which is favorable for sustained pelagic activity.
Current Activity: Moderate Gulf Stream influence in the southern canyons. Temperature breaks and current edges are well-defined and productive.
Bait Concentrations: Excellent. Butterfish, squid, mackerel, and sand eels are abundant. Marine mammal activity confirms healthy forage base.
Weather Impact: Post-nor'easter stabilization. High pressure moving in, light winds, calming seas. Excellent conditions for the next 72 hours.
Tactical Recommendations - Actionable Intelligence
Multi-Species Strategy: Focus on the dragger fleet areas for yellowfin. If you want bigeye, fish the deeper canyon edges at dawn and dusk. If you want variety, work the Montauk grounds for albies, bonito, and smaller yellowfin.
Bait and Lure Selection: Butterfish chunks for yellowfin. Live spot or mackerel to start the bite. Small circle hooks (2/0 to 4/0) on 30-pound fluoro. For trolling, rigged ballyhoo, spreader bars, and cedar plugs. For jigging, butterfly jigs in the 150 to 250-gram range.
Technology and Fish-Finding: Use your sounder to locate bait balls and temperature breaks. Mark the dragger fleet on your GPS and work the edges of their activity. Watch for whale and dolphin activity as indicators of bait concentrations.
Timing Optimization: First light through mid-morning is prime time for the chunk bite. Midday trolling can be productive if you're on temperature breaks. Late afternoon offers a secondary bite window. Dawn and dusk are critical for bigeye.
72-Hour Forecast
The next three days present excellent offshore conditions. High pressure is stabilizing the weather, winds are light (10 to 15 knots from the west/southwest), and seas are calming (2 to 4 feet). Water temperatures will continue to cool gradually, which should sustain the yellowfin bite and potentially trigger the arrival of giant bluefin.
The dragger fleet areas will remain the most consistent producers for yellowfin. The canyon systems will offer opportunities for mixed bags of yellowfin and bigeye. The Montauk grounds will continue to produce albies and smaller yellowfin for anglers looking for a shorter run.
This is prime time. The conditions are right, the fish are here, and the bite is on. Get out there and make it happen.
Tight lines and tight drags,
Captain Jack
