Bottom Line Up Front
The offshore pelagic fishery is effectively closed for the season. Severe winter weather, cold water temperatures, and the absence of bait have shut down all canyon systems from Hudson to Montauk. A winter storm is currently impacting the region with northeast winds 15-20 knots gusting to 25, seas 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet, and snow reducing visibility. Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday bring gale force conditions with west winds 30-40 knots and seas 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. These are not fishable conditions, and there are no target species present in the canyons that justify the risk.
The offshore sea bass season is winding down with the final trips scheduled for December 31st. Party boats are running 13-hour deep-water trips targeting giant sea bass and porgies on offshore structure, but this is bottom fishing, not pelagic fishing. The tuna, mahi, marlin, and other pelagic species that define the offshore season have long since migrated south or offshore to warmer water.
Biologist's Perspective: Why the Offshore is Shut Down
From a fisheries biology standpoint, the current conditions make offshore pelagic fishing impossible. Let me break down the environmental and biological factors that have closed the fishery:
Sea Surface Temperatures: Water temperatures in the canyon systems have dropped to 48-52°F at the surface, with the thermocline essentially non-existent as the water column mixes vertically during winter storms. Pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and mahi-mahi require water temperatures in the 65-75°F range for optimal feeding and metabolism. At 48-52°F, these species have either migrated south to the Carolinas and beyond, or moved offshore to the Gulf Stream's warmer core where temperatures remain in the 60s and 70s.
Ocean Current Activity: The Gulf Stream has retreated offshore to its winter position, with the core flow running 100+ miles east of the continental shelf. The warm water eddies and fingers that push onto the shelf during summer and fall, bringing pelagic species into the canyons, are absent. The cold water mass dominating the New York Bight is not suitable habitat for tuna, mahi, or billfish.
Bait Presence and Movement: The forage base that supports pelagic fishing has collapsed. Squid, which were present in the western Sound and inshore waters in early December, have moved offshore or south. Butterfish, sand eels, and mackerel schools that concentrate in the canyons during the season are gone. Without bait, there are no predators. Pelagic fish are highly mobile and follow the food. Right now, the food is not in our waters.
Storm Patterns and Barometric Pressure: The region is experiencing a series of winter storms with rapidly changing barometric pressure. High pressure retreated north today as low pressure in the Midwest moves east. The winter storm is impacting the region through Saturday morning before exiting offshore. High pressure briefly returns before a strong frontal system tracks through the Great Lakes, impacting the local area Monday through Tuesday. These rapid pressure changes and associated wind events make offshore fishing dangerous and unproductive.
Migration Patterns and Seasonal Cycles: All pelagic species in the Western Atlantic follow seasonal migration patterns driven by temperature and food availability. Yellowfin tuna, which were present in the canyons through November, have migrated south to the Carolinas and offshore to the Gulf Stream. Bigeye tuna, which tolerate cooler water than yellowfin, have moved to deeper offshore waters beyond the reach of recreational anglers. Mahi-mahi, which are highly temperature-sensitive, have migrated to the Caribbean and South Florida. Bluefin tuna, which can tolerate cold water, have moved inshore to the New Jersey and Long Island coasts where they're feeding on bunker and herring, but these fish are under strict regulations with limited harvest opportunities.
The bottom line from a biological perspective is that the ecosystem has shifted into winter mode. The warm-water pelagic fishery that defines the offshore season from June through November is over, and it won't return until May when water temperatures climb back into the 60s and the Gulf Stream pushes back onto the shelf.
Hudson Canyon - December 26, 2025
Hudson Canyon is closed for pelagic fishing. Water temperatures at the shelf break are 48-50°F, with no thermal structure or temperature breaks present. The canyon, which produces excellent yellowfin, bigeye, and mahi fishing during the season, is now a cold, barren environment with no bait and no gamefish.
The weather conditions make the 110-mile run from Montauk or the 90-mile run from Shinnecock Inlet impossible. Current seas are 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25. Tonight brings snow and east winds increasing to 15-20 gusting to 25 with seas 2-4 feet occasionally to 5 feet. Saturday continues with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25 and seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet.
Even if the weather were fishable, there's nothing to target. The yellowfin tuna that were present in the canyon in October and November have migrated south. The bigeye tuna that tolerate cooler water have moved to deeper offshore waters. The mahi-mahi are gone. The only species present are deep-water bottom fish like tilefish and deep-sea bass, which require specialized gear and techniques.
Species Activity: None. No pelagic species present.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-50°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no Gulf Stream influence, no bait presence.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Hudson Canyon until May when water temperatures climb back into the 60s and pelagic species return to the region.
Atlantis Canyon - December 26, 2025
Atlantis Canyon is in the same condition as Hudson. Water temperatures are 48-50°F with no thermal structure. The canyon is approximately 100 miles from Shinnecock Inlet, and the current weather makes the run impossible. Seas are building throughout the day Friday and Saturday, with a brief window Sunday before severe conditions return Monday and Tuesday.
Atlantis, which produces good mahi fishing during the season and occasional yellowfin and bigeye action, is now devoid of pelagic species. The warm water eddies that push into the canyon during summer and fall are absent. The Gulf Stream core is 100+ miles to the east, and there's no mechanism to bring warm water or pelagic fish onto the shelf.
Species Activity: None. No pelagic species present.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-50°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no bait presence.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Atlantis Canyon until the spring migration begins in May.
Block Canyon - December 26, 2025
Block Canyon, located approximately 70 miles south of Montauk, is the closest major canyon system to Long Island ports. During the season, Block produces excellent fishing for yellowfin, bigeye, mahi, and white marlin. In late December, it's a cold, empty canyon with no pelagic activity.
Water temperatures are 48-52°F with no thermal structure. The canyon walls, which create upwelling and concentrate bait during the season, are not producing any food chain activity. The squid, butterfish, and mackerel that attract tuna and mahi are absent. The pelagic species have migrated south or offshore to warmer water.
The weather conditions make even the shorter run to Block Canyon impossible. Current seas are 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25. Monday and Tuesday bring gale force conditions with west winds 30-40 knots and seas 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. No responsible captain would attempt this run in these conditions, and there's no reason to try given the absence of target species.
Species Activity: None. No pelagic species present.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-52°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no bait presence.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Block Canyon until May when the spring migration begins and water temperatures climb into the 60s.
Toms Canyon - December 26, 2025
Toms Canyon, located off the New Jersey coast, is showing the same winter conditions as the other canyon systems. Water temperatures are 48-50°F with no thermal structure. The canyon is approximately 80 miles from Shinnecock Inlet and 60 miles from Manasquan Inlet, and the current weather makes the run impossible.
Toms Canyon produces excellent fishing during the season for yellowfin, bigeye, mahi, and billfish. The canyon's proximity to the Gulf Stream during summer and fall makes it a reliable producer. In winter, the Gulf Stream has retreated offshore, and the canyon is in cold, unproductive water.
There are reports from the northern New Jersey coast of bluefin tuna close to shore, with commercial permit holders able to harvest one fish under the new December regulations. However, this is inshore fishing for bluefin on bunker and herring, not canyon fishing for pelagic species. The bluefin are feeding in 50-100 feet of water within sight of land, not in the canyons.
Species Activity: None in the canyon. Bluefin tuna present inshore along the New Jersey coast, but under strict regulations.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-50°F in the canyon, no thermocline, no temperature breaks. Inshore waters 45-48°F with bluefin present on bunker schools.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Toms Canyon for pelagic species. If targeting bluefin inshore, ensure you have the proper permits and understand the regulations.
Fishtails / Bacardi Grounds - December 26, 2025
The Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds, located on the continental shelf between the inshore waters and the canyon systems, are shut down for pelagic fishing. These areas, which produce excellent mahi fishing during the season and occasional tuna action, are now in cold water with no bait and no gamefish.
Water temperatures are 48-52°F with no thermal structure. The weed lines and floating debris that concentrate mahi during the season are absent. The squid and butterfish schools that attract tuna are gone. The only fishing opportunity in this zone is deep-water bottom fishing for sea bass and porgies, which is what the party boats are targeting on their final trips of the season.
The Captree Fleet reports that their last boat is running 13-hour deep-water trips for giant sea bass and porgies, with the final trip scheduled for December 31st. This past week, they reported a full boat limit of sea bass on their Saturday trip. This is productive fishing, but it's not pelagic fishing. It's bottom fishing with heavy tackle targeting structure in 200-300 feet of water.
Species Activity: None for pelagic species. Sea bass and porgies present on deep-water structure.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-52°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no pelagic bait presence. Bottom structure holding sea bass and porgies.
Tactical Recommendations: If you want to fish offshore, book a deep-water sea bass trip before December 31st. Do not attempt to target pelagic species in the Fishtails or Bacardi Grounds.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 26, 2025
The Montauk offshore grounds, including the areas around the Montauk Point Rip, the South Side, and the offshore lumps and wrecks, are shut down for pelagic fishing. Water temperatures are 48-52°F with no thermal structure. The fall blitzes of striped bass, false albacore, and bonito are over. The tuna that were present in October and November have migrated south or offshore.
The inshore waters around Montauk are showing some bluefin tuna activity, similar to the New Jersey coast, but these fish are under strict regulations. The December bluefin regulations allow commercial permit holders to harvest one fish, but recreational anglers face significant restrictions. The fish are feeding on bunker and herring schools in relatively shallow water, not in the offshore grounds.
The weather conditions make offshore fishing from Montauk impossible. Current seas are 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25. Monday and Tuesday bring gale force conditions with west winds 30-40 knots and seas 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. The Montauk fleet is tied up at the docks, and the charter boats have ended their seasons.
Species Activity: None in the offshore grounds. Some bluefin tuna present inshore under strict regulations.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-52°F offshore, 45-48°F inshore, no thermocline, no temperature breaks. Bunker and herring schools present inshore attracting bluefin.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish the Montauk offshore grounds for pelagic species. If targeting bluefin inshore, ensure you have the proper permits and understand the regulations.
72-Hour Oceanographic Outlook
The next 72 hours bring continued winter conditions with no improvement for offshore fishing. Friday and Saturday see the current winter storm exit offshore, with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25 and seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet. Sunday offers a brief window with northwest winds 5-10 knots and seas 2-3 feet, but this is not enough time to make an offshore run, and there are no target species present anyway.
Monday and Tuesday bring severe conditions with a strong frontal system tracking through the Great Lakes. Southwest winds build to 25-30 knots Monday, then west winds 30-40 knots Monday night and Tuesday with seas 5-8 feet building to 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. These are gale force conditions that make offshore fishing impossible and dangerous.
Water temperatures will remain in the 48-52°F range throughout the forecast period. There is no mechanism for warm water to push onto the shelf, and the Gulf Stream will remain in its winter position 100+ miles offshore. Pelagic species will not return to the canyon systems until May when water temperatures climb back into the 60s and the seasonal migration begins.
The Reality of Winter Offshore Fishing
As a fisheries biologist and offshore angler, I need to be clear about the current situation. The offshore pelagic fishery is closed for the season. This is not a temporary weather-related closure. This is a seasonal ecological shift driven by water temperature, bait availability, and fish migration patterns. The tuna, mahi, marlin, and other pelagic species that define the offshore season are not in our waters, and they won't be until spring.
The only offshore fishing opportunity right now is deep-water bottom fishing for sea bass and porgies, and that season is ending on December 31st. If you want to fish offshore, book one of the final trips before the month ends. Otherwise, focus your efforts on inshore species like white perch in the tidal rivers, stocked trout in the freshwater streams, or prepare your gear for the spring season.
The offshore season will return in May when water temperatures climb, the Gulf Stream pushes back onto the shelf, and the pelagic species migrate north. Until then, the canyons are cold, empty, and unfishable.
Stay safe, stay warm, and I'll see you back on the water in the spring.
Captain Jack
Fisheries Biologist & Offshore Specialist
The offshore pelagic fishery is effectively closed for the season. Severe winter weather, cold water temperatures, and the absence of bait have shut down all canyon systems from Hudson to Montauk. A winter storm is currently impacting the region with northeast winds 15-20 knots gusting to 25, seas 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet, and snow reducing visibility. Looking ahead, Monday and Tuesday bring gale force conditions with west winds 30-40 knots and seas 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. These are not fishable conditions, and there are no target species present in the canyons that justify the risk.
The offshore sea bass season is winding down with the final trips scheduled for December 31st. Party boats are running 13-hour deep-water trips targeting giant sea bass and porgies on offshore structure, but this is bottom fishing, not pelagic fishing. The tuna, mahi, marlin, and other pelagic species that define the offshore season have long since migrated south or offshore to warmer water.
Biologist's Perspective: Why the Offshore is Shut Down
From a fisheries biology standpoint, the current conditions make offshore pelagic fishing impossible. Let me break down the environmental and biological factors that have closed the fishery:
Sea Surface Temperatures: Water temperatures in the canyon systems have dropped to 48-52°F at the surface, with the thermocline essentially non-existent as the water column mixes vertically during winter storms. Pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and mahi-mahi require water temperatures in the 65-75°F range for optimal feeding and metabolism. At 48-52°F, these species have either migrated south to the Carolinas and beyond, or moved offshore to the Gulf Stream's warmer core where temperatures remain in the 60s and 70s.
Ocean Current Activity: The Gulf Stream has retreated offshore to its winter position, with the core flow running 100+ miles east of the continental shelf. The warm water eddies and fingers that push onto the shelf during summer and fall, bringing pelagic species into the canyons, are absent. The cold water mass dominating the New York Bight is not suitable habitat for tuna, mahi, or billfish.
Bait Presence and Movement: The forage base that supports pelagic fishing has collapsed. Squid, which were present in the western Sound and inshore waters in early December, have moved offshore or south. Butterfish, sand eels, and mackerel schools that concentrate in the canyons during the season are gone. Without bait, there are no predators. Pelagic fish are highly mobile and follow the food. Right now, the food is not in our waters.
Storm Patterns and Barometric Pressure: The region is experiencing a series of winter storms with rapidly changing barometric pressure. High pressure retreated north today as low pressure in the Midwest moves east. The winter storm is impacting the region through Saturday morning before exiting offshore. High pressure briefly returns before a strong frontal system tracks through the Great Lakes, impacting the local area Monday through Tuesday. These rapid pressure changes and associated wind events make offshore fishing dangerous and unproductive.
Migration Patterns and Seasonal Cycles: All pelagic species in the Western Atlantic follow seasonal migration patterns driven by temperature and food availability. Yellowfin tuna, which were present in the canyons through November, have migrated south to the Carolinas and offshore to the Gulf Stream. Bigeye tuna, which tolerate cooler water than yellowfin, have moved to deeper offshore waters beyond the reach of recreational anglers. Mahi-mahi, which are highly temperature-sensitive, have migrated to the Caribbean and South Florida. Bluefin tuna, which can tolerate cold water, have moved inshore to the New Jersey and Long Island coasts where they're feeding on bunker and herring, but these fish are under strict regulations with limited harvest opportunities.
The bottom line from a biological perspective is that the ecosystem has shifted into winter mode. The warm-water pelagic fishery that defines the offshore season from June through November is over, and it won't return until May when water temperatures climb back into the 60s and the Gulf Stream pushes back onto the shelf.
Hudson Canyon - December 26, 2025Hudson Canyon is closed for pelagic fishing. Water temperatures at the shelf break are 48-50°F, with no thermal structure or temperature breaks present. The canyon, which produces excellent yellowfin, bigeye, and mahi fishing during the season, is now a cold, barren environment with no bait and no gamefish.
The weather conditions make the 110-mile run from Montauk or the 90-mile run from Shinnecock Inlet impossible. Current seas are 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25. Tonight brings snow and east winds increasing to 15-20 gusting to 25 with seas 2-4 feet occasionally to 5 feet. Saturday continues with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25 and seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet.
Even if the weather were fishable, there's nothing to target. The yellowfin tuna that were present in the canyon in October and November have migrated south. The bigeye tuna that tolerate cooler water have moved to deeper offshore waters. The mahi-mahi are gone. The only species present are deep-water bottom fish like tilefish and deep-sea bass, which require specialized gear and techniques.
Species Activity: None. No pelagic species present.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-50°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no Gulf Stream influence, no bait presence.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Hudson Canyon until May when water temperatures climb back into the 60s and pelagic species return to the region.
Atlantis Canyon - December 26, 2025Atlantis Canyon is in the same condition as Hudson. Water temperatures are 48-50°F with no thermal structure. The canyon is approximately 100 miles from Shinnecock Inlet, and the current weather makes the run impossible. Seas are building throughout the day Friday and Saturday, with a brief window Sunday before severe conditions return Monday and Tuesday.
Atlantis, which produces good mahi fishing during the season and occasional yellowfin and bigeye action, is now devoid of pelagic species. The warm water eddies that push into the canyon during summer and fall are absent. The Gulf Stream core is 100+ miles to the east, and there's no mechanism to bring warm water or pelagic fish onto the shelf.
Species Activity: None. No pelagic species present.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-50°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no bait presence.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Atlantis Canyon until the spring migration begins in May.
Block Canyon - December 26, 2025Block Canyon, located approximately 70 miles south of Montauk, is the closest major canyon system to Long Island ports. During the season, Block produces excellent fishing for yellowfin, bigeye, mahi, and white marlin. In late December, it's a cold, empty canyon with no pelagic activity.
Water temperatures are 48-52°F with no thermal structure. The canyon walls, which create upwelling and concentrate bait during the season, are not producing any food chain activity. The squid, butterfish, and mackerel that attract tuna and mahi are absent. The pelagic species have migrated south or offshore to warmer water.
The weather conditions make even the shorter run to Block Canyon impossible. Current seas are 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25. Monday and Tuesday bring gale force conditions with west winds 30-40 knots and seas 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. No responsible captain would attempt this run in these conditions, and there's no reason to try given the absence of target species.
Species Activity: None. No pelagic species present.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-52°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no bait presence.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Block Canyon until May when the spring migration begins and water temperatures climb into the 60s.
Toms Canyon - December 26, 2025Toms Canyon, located off the New Jersey coast, is showing the same winter conditions as the other canyon systems. Water temperatures are 48-50°F with no thermal structure. The canyon is approximately 80 miles from Shinnecock Inlet and 60 miles from Manasquan Inlet, and the current weather makes the run impossible.
Toms Canyon produces excellent fishing during the season for yellowfin, bigeye, mahi, and billfish. The canyon's proximity to the Gulf Stream during summer and fall makes it a reliable producer. In winter, the Gulf Stream has retreated offshore, and the canyon is in cold, unproductive water.
There are reports from the northern New Jersey coast of bluefin tuna close to shore, with commercial permit holders able to harvest one fish under the new December regulations. However, this is inshore fishing for bluefin on bunker and herring, not canyon fishing for pelagic species. The bluefin are feeding in 50-100 feet of water within sight of land, not in the canyons.
Species Activity: None in the canyon. Bluefin tuna present inshore along the New Jersey coast, but under strict regulations.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-50°F in the canyon, no thermocline, no temperature breaks. Inshore waters 45-48°F with bluefin present on bunker schools.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish Toms Canyon for pelagic species. If targeting bluefin inshore, ensure you have the proper permits and understand the regulations.
Fishtails / Bacardi Grounds - December 26, 2025The Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds, located on the continental shelf between the inshore waters and the canyon systems, are shut down for pelagic fishing. These areas, which produce excellent mahi fishing during the season and occasional tuna action, are now in cold water with no bait and no gamefish.
Water temperatures are 48-52°F with no thermal structure. The weed lines and floating debris that concentrate mahi during the season are absent. The squid and butterfish schools that attract tuna are gone. The only fishing opportunity in this zone is deep-water bottom fishing for sea bass and porgies, which is what the party boats are targeting on their final trips of the season.
The Captree Fleet reports that their last boat is running 13-hour deep-water trips for giant sea bass and porgies, with the final trip scheduled for December 31st. This past week, they reported a full boat limit of sea bass on their Saturday trip. This is productive fishing, but it's not pelagic fishing. It's bottom fishing with heavy tackle targeting structure in 200-300 feet of water.
Species Activity: None for pelagic species. Sea bass and porgies present on deep-water structure.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-52°F, no thermocline, no temperature breaks, no pelagic bait presence. Bottom structure holding sea bass and porgies.
Tactical Recommendations: If you want to fish offshore, book a deep-water sea bass trip before December 31st. Do not attempt to target pelagic species in the Fishtails or Bacardi Grounds.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 26, 2025The Montauk offshore grounds, including the areas around the Montauk Point Rip, the South Side, and the offshore lumps and wrecks, are shut down for pelagic fishing. Water temperatures are 48-52°F with no thermal structure. The fall blitzes of striped bass, false albacore, and bonito are over. The tuna that were present in October and November have migrated south or offshore.
The inshore waters around Montauk are showing some bluefin tuna activity, similar to the New Jersey coast, but these fish are under strict regulations. The December bluefin regulations allow commercial permit holders to harvest one fish, but recreational anglers face significant restrictions. The fish are feeding on bunker and herring schools in relatively shallow water, not in the offshore grounds.
The weather conditions make offshore fishing from Montauk impossible. Current seas are 3-5 feet building to 4-6 feet with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25. Monday and Tuesday bring gale force conditions with west winds 30-40 knots and seas 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. The Montauk fleet is tied up at the docks, and the charter boats have ended their seasons.
Species Activity: None in the offshore grounds. Some bluefin tuna present inshore under strict regulations.
Oceanographic Data: SST 48-52°F offshore, 45-48°F inshore, no thermocline, no temperature breaks. Bunker and herring schools present inshore attracting bluefin.
Tactical Recommendations: Do not attempt to fish the Montauk offshore grounds for pelagic species. If targeting bluefin inshore, ensure you have the proper permits and understand the regulations.
72-Hour Oceanographic Outlook
The next 72 hours bring continued winter conditions with no improvement for offshore fishing. Friday and Saturday see the current winter storm exit offshore, with northeast winds 15-20 gusting to 25 and seas 4-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet. Sunday offers a brief window with northwest winds 5-10 knots and seas 2-3 feet, but this is not enough time to make an offshore run, and there are no target species present anyway.
Monday and Tuesday bring severe conditions with a strong frontal system tracking through the Great Lakes. Southwest winds build to 25-30 knots Monday, then west winds 30-40 knots Monday night and Tuesday with seas 5-8 feet building to 8-11 feet occasionally to 14 feet. These are gale force conditions that make offshore fishing impossible and dangerous.
Water temperatures will remain in the 48-52°F range throughout the forecast period. There is no mechanism for warm water to push onto the shelf, and the Gulf Stream will remain in its winter position 100+ miles offshore. Pelagic species will not return to the canyon systems until May when water temperatures climb back into the 60s and the seasonal migration begins.
The Reality of Winter Offshore Fishing
As a fisheries biologist and offshore angler, I need to be clear about the current situation. The offshore pelagic fishery is closed for the season. This is not a temporary weather-related closure. This is a seasonal ecological shift driven by water temperature, bait availability, and fish migration patterns. The tuna, mahi, marlin, and other pelagic species that define the offshore season are not in our waters, and they won't be until spring.
The only offshore fishing opportunity right now is deep-water bottom fishing for sea bass and porgies, and that season is ending on December 31st. If you want to fish offshore, book one of the final trips before the month ends. Otherwise, focus your efforts on inshore species like white perch in the tidal rivers, stocked trout in the freshwater streams, or prepare your gear for the spring season.
The offshore season will return in May when water temperatures climb, the Gulf Stream pushes back onto the shelf, and the pelagic species migrate north. Until then, the canyons are cold, empty, and unfishable.
Stay safe, stay warm, and I'll see you back on the water in the spring.
Captain Jack
Fisheries Biologist & Offshore Specialist
