Bottom Line Up Front: The late fall offshore scene is defined by an unprecedented and widespread bluefin tuna bite, extending from inshore waters to the canyons. However, the fishery is CLOSED, and all bluefin tuna must be released immediately. Persistent northwesterly winds have limited offshore access, but when weather windows have opened, the fishing has been nothing short of phenomenal. The key to success has been mobility and capitalizing on the brief weather opportunities.
Biologist's Perspective
The current pelagic activity is a fascinating confluence of factors. The primary driver is the massive body of bait, particularly adult and peanut bunker, along with sand eels, holding in the 5- to 20-mile range. This has pulled in and held large numbers of bluefin tuna inshore. Water temperatures remain surprisingly favorable for this time of year, with pockets of warmer water holding in the canyons. The recent full moon has likely contributed to the aggressive feeding patterns observed. The persistent winds, while a nuisance, have also served to concentrate bait and fish in predictable locations, creating intense but localized feeding frenzies.
Hudson Canyon - November 21, 2025
The Hudson has been the epicenter of the late-season tuna action. Reports from the Bluefin IV and Rock Fish Charters confirm a mix of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the 100-square and along the eastern wall. The bite has been most consistent on the chunk, with butterfish and sardines being the top producers. Water temperatures have been holding in the low 60s, with a noticeable temperature break along the western edge. The key has been to find the bait, and the fish have been right there with them.
Atlantis Canyon - November 21, 2025
Atlantis has been a bit more sporadic than the Hudson, but there are still fish to be had. The Alyssa Ann Sportfishing crew found a nice pick of yellowfin on the troll, with spreader bars and ballyhoo being the most effective. The water has been a bit cooler here, but the fish have been holding in the deeper water along the canyon walls. The key to success in Atlantis has been to cover ground and find the pockets of warmer water.
Block Canyon - November 21, 2025
Block Canyon has been quiet on the tuna front, but it has been producing some nice swordfish for those willing to put in the time. The Lady Grace Charters reported a few fish taken on deep drops during the day. The water is cooler here, and the bait seems to be more scattered. The best bet for Block is to focus on the deeper water and look for the temperature breaks.
Toms Canyon - November 21, 2025
Toms has been a sleeper, with a few boats finding a decent pick of yellowfin and longfin albacore. The Finall-ey Fishing team had a good day trolling, with a mixed bag of fish. The water is a bit warmer here than in Block, and the bait seems to be more concentrated. The key to success in Toms has been to find the bait and work the area hard.
Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - November 21, 2025
The Fishtails and Bacardi grounds have been holding a mix of schoolie bluefin and a few yellowfin. The action has been sporadic, but when you find the fish, it has been fast and furious. Trolling has been the most effective method, with small spreader bars and feathers being the top producers.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - November 21, 2025
The Montauk offshore grounds have been the place to be for the inshore bluefin bite. The fish have been as close as 5 miles from the beach, and they have been feeding aggressively on the bunker schools. Trolling, jigging, and popping have all been effective. The key has been to find the birds and the bait, and the fish have been right there with them.
Predictive Forecasting (72-Hour Outlook)
A brief window of favorable weather is expected over the next 72 hours, with winds diminishing out of the northwest. This should provide an opportunity for boats to get offshore. The inshore bluefin bite should remain strong, and the canyon action should pick up as more boats are able to get out. The key will be to get out early and take advantage of the weather window.
Tactical Recommendations
• Bluefin (Catch and Release): Focus on the inshore grounds, particularly around the bunker schools. Trolling, jigging, and popping will all be effective. Be prepared for a fast and furious bite.
• Yellowfin/Bigeye: The Hudson and Atlantis canyons remain the most consistent bets. The chunk bite has been the most productive, but trolling can also be effective. Look for the temperature breaks and the bait.
• Swordfish: Block Canyon is the place to be for swordfish. Deep dropping during the day is the most effective method.
• Albacore: Toms Canyon has been holding a good number of longfin albacore. Trolling with small feathers and spreader bars is the way to go.
Biologist's Perspective
The current pelagic activity is a fascinating confluence of factors. The primary driver is the massive body of bait, particularly adult and peanut bunker, along with sand eels, holding in the 5- to 20-mile range. This has pulled in and held large numbers of bluefin tuna inshore. Water temperatures remain surprisingly favorable for this time of year, with pockets of warmer water holding in the canyons. The recent full moon has likely contributed to the aggressive feeding patterns observed. The persistent winds, while a nuisance, have also served to concentrate bait and fish in predictable locations, creating intense but localized feeding frenzies.
Hudson Canyon - November 21, 2025The Hudson has been the epicenter of the late-season tuna action. Reports from the Bluefin IV and Rock Fish Charters confirm a mix of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the 100-square and along the eastern wall. The bite has been most consistent on the chunk, with butterfish and sardines being the top producers. Water temperatures have been holding in the low 60s, with a noticeable temperature break along the western edge. The key has been to find the bait, and the fish have been right there with them.
Atlantis Canyon - November 21, 2025Atlantis has been a bit more sporadic than the Hudson, but there are still fish to be had. The Alyssa Ann Sportfishing crew found a nice pick of yellowfin on the troll, with spreader bars and ballyhoo being the most effective. The water has been a bit cooler here, but the fish have been holding in the deeper water along the canyon walls. The key to success in Atlantis has been to cover ground and find the pockets of warmer water.
Block Canyon - November 21, 2025Block Canyon has been quiet on the tuna front, but it has been producing some nice swordfish for those willing to put in the time. The Lady Grace Charters reported a few fish taken on deep drops during the day. The water is cooler here, and the bait seems to be more scattered. The best bet for Block is to focus on the deeper water and look for the temperature breaks.
Toms Canyon - November 21, 2025Toms has been a sleeper, with a few boats finding a decent pick of yellowfin and longfin albacore. The Finall-ey Fishing team had a good day trolling, with a mixed bag of fish. The water is a bit warmer here than in Block, and the bait seems to be more concentrated. The key to success in Toms has been to find the bait and work the area hard.
Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - November 21, 2025The Fishtails and Bacardi grounds have been holding a mix of schoolie bluefin and a few yellowfin. The action has been sporadic, but when you find the fish, it has been fast and furious. Trolling has been the most effective method, with small spreader bars and feathers being the top producers.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - November 21, 2025The Montauk offshore grounds have been the place to be for the inshore bluefin bite. The fish have been as close as 5 miles from the beach, and they have been feeding aggressively on the bunker schools. Trolling, jigging, and popping have all been effective. The key has been to find the birds and the bait, and the fish have been right there with them.
Predictive Forecasting (72-Hour Outlook)
A brief window of favorable weather is expected over the next 72 hours, with winds diminishing out of the northwest. This should provide an opportunity for boats to get offshore. The inshore bluefin bite should remain strong, and the canyon action should pick up as more boats are able to get out. The key will be to get out early and take advantage of the weather window.
Tactical Recommendations
• Bluefin (Catch and Release): Focus on the inshore grounds, particularly around the bunker schools. Trolling, jigging, and popping will all be effective. Be prepared for a fast and furious bite.
• Yellowfin/Bigeye: The Hudson and Atlantis canyons remain the most consistent bets. The chunk bite has been the most productive, but trolling can also be effective. Look for the temperature breaks and the bait.
• Swordfish: Block Canyon is the place to be for swordfish. Deep dropping during the day is the most effective method.
• Albacore: Toms Canyon has been holding a good number of longfin albacore. Trolling with small feathers and spreader bars is the way to go.
