Bottom Line Up Front: The pelagic season is effectively over. All reliable sources, including Bluefin IV, Rock Fish Charters, Alyssa Ann Sportfishing, Lady Grace Charters, and Finall-ey Fishing, have confirmed their boats are winterized and offshore operations have ceased for the season. The focus has shifted entirely to deep-water wreck fishing for jumbo sea bass and cod. Water temperatures have dropped significantly, and the winter weather patterns are now firmly in place, making weather windows the single most critical factor for any offshore trip.
Hudson Canyon - December 30, 2025
Technical Analysis: The Hudson Canyon is now a ghost town in terms of pelagic activity. Sea surface temperatures have plummeted into the low 40s, and the temperature breaks that held tuna and mahi are long gone. The water is a uniform cold, and the bait has moved out. Oceanographic data shows a consistent winter pattern with no significant eddies or warm-water intrusions.
Species Intelligence: All pelagic species, including yellowfin, bigeye, and mahi-mahi, have migrated south. The only remaining life is on the deep-water wrecks, where sea bass and cod are holding.
Atlantis Canyon - December 30, 2025
Technical Analysis: Similar to the Hudson, the Atlantis Canyon is now devoid of any pelagic life. The water is cold and clear, with no signs of the bait concentrations that were present in the fall. The focus here is now on the deep wrecks in 200-400 feet of water.
Species Intelligence: The story is the same here. The tuna and other pelagics are gone. The wrecks are holding good numbers of sea bass and a few cod.
Block Canyon - December 30, 2025
Technical Analysis: Block Canyon is showing the same winter conditions as the other canyons. The water is cold, and the temperature breaks have disappeared. The action is all on the bottom.
Species Intelligence: No pelagics. The wrecks are holding sea bass and cod.
Toms Canyon - December 30, 2025
Technical Analysis: Toms Canyon is a wrap for the pelagic season. The water is cold, and the bait is gone. The only game in town is deep-drop fishing for sea bass and cod.
Species Intelligence: No tuna, no mahi. The wrecks are the only place to find life.
Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - December 30, 2025
Technical Analysis: These grounds are now barren of pelagic life. The water is cold, and the bait has moved on. The focus is on the deep-water structure.
Species Intelligence: The pelagic season is over. The wrecks are holding sea bass and cod.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 30, 2025
Technical Analysis: The Montauk offshore grounds are now a winter fishery. The water is cold, and the pelagics are gone. The action is all on the deep-water wrecks.
Species Intelligence: No pelagics. The wrecks are holding good numbers of sea bass and some cod.
72-Hour Oceanographic Outlook
The next 72 hours will be dominated by strong northwest winds and cold temperatures. A brief weather window may open up on Thursday, but it will be tight. The seas will be rough, and any trip offshore will be a serious undertaking. The water temperatures will remain in the low 40s, and there are no signs of any significant changes in the oceanographic conditions.
Tactical Recommendations
For those still looking to get out, the only game in town is deep-drop fishing for sea bass and cod. The key is to find the deep-water wrecks in 200-400 feet of water. Clams on a hi-low rig are the bait of choice. You'll need heavy gear to handle the deep water and the strong currents. This is a tough fishery, but the rewards can be great, with jumbo sea bass and a few cod for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.
Captain Jack
Hudson Canyon - December 30, 2025Technical Analysis: The Hudson Canyon is now a ghost town in terms of pelagic activity. Sea surface temperatures have plummeted into the low 40s, and the temperature breaks that held tuna and mahi are long gone. The water is a uniform cold, and the bait has moved out. Oceanographic data shows a consistent winter pattern with no significant eddies or warm-water intrusions.
Species Intelligence: All pelagic species, including yellowfin, bigeye, and mahi-mahi, have migrated south. The only remaining life is on the deep-water wrecks, where sea bass and cod are holding.
Atlantis Canyon - December 30, 2025Technical Analysis: Similar to the Hudson, the Atlantis Canyon is now devoid of any pelagic life. The water is cold and clear, with no signs of the bait concentrations that were present in the fall. The focus here is now on the deep wrecks in 200-400 feet of water.
Species Intelligence: The story is the same here. The tuna and other pelagics are gone. The wrecks are holding good numbers of sea bass and a few cod.
Block Canyon - December 30, 2025Technical Analysis: Block Canyon is showing the same winter conditions as the other canyons. The water is cold, and the temperature breaks have disappeared. The action is all on the bottom.
Species Intelligence: No pelagics. The wrecks are holding sea bass and cod.
Toms Canyon - December 30, 2025Technical Analysis: Toms Canyon is a wrap for the pelagic season. The water is cold, and the bait is gone. The only game in town is deep-drop fishing for sea bass and cod.
Species Intelligence: No tuna, no mahi. The wrecks are the only place to find life.
Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - December 30, 2025Technical Analysis: These grounds are now barren of pelagic life. The water is cold, and the bait has moved on. The focus is on the deep-water structure.
Species Intelligence: The pelagic season is over. The wrecks are holding sea bass and cod.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 30, 2025Technical Analysis: The Montauk offshore grounds are now a winter fishery. The water is cold, and the pelagics are gone. The action is all on the deep-water wrecks.
Species Intelligence: No pelagics. The wrecks are holding good numbers of sea bass and some cod.
72-Hour Oceanographic Outlook
The next 72 hours will be dominated by strong northwest winds and cold temperatures. A brief weather window may open up on Thursday, but it will be tight. The seas will be rough, and any trip offshore will be a serious undertaking. The water temperatures will remain in the low 40s, and there are no signs of any significant changes in the oceanographic conditions.
Tactical Recommendations
For those still looking to get out, the only game in town is deep-drop fishing for sea bass and cod. The key is to find the deep-water wrecks in 200-400 feet of water. Clams on a hi-low rig are the bait of choice. You'll need heavy gear to handle the deep water and the strong currents. This is a tough fishery, but the rewards can be great, with jumbo sea bass and a few cod for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.
Captain Jack
