Selden, NY 12 Hour Tuna Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore tuna fishing adventure in Selden watersExpert guidance from D.C. Outdoor Adventures professional crewSmall group experience accommodating up to 6 guests maximum
Listen, if you're serious about tuna fishing on Long Island, this is the trip that'll put you on the fish. D.C. Outdoor Adventures knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on the biggest, hardest-fighting tuna that cruise these New York offshore grounds. This isn't some half-day tourist trip – we're talking a full 12-hour commitment to chasing the giants that make grown anglers weak in the knees. You'll be fishing with a top-rated crew that's been working these waters for years, and they know exactly where to find the schools when they're feeding. Pack your patience and get ready to feel your drag screaming.
Your day starts early – and I mean early – because the best tuna action happens when most people are still hitting the snooze button. We're talking about a serious run offshore to reach the productive grounds where these pelagic beasts roam. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space with a crowd of strangers. D.C. Outdoor Adventures runs a tight ship, and their guides have been putting clients on trophy tuna for years. You'll spend the day working the canyons, temperature breaks, and structure where these fish stack up to feed. The captain reads the water like a book – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and those telltale signs that big fish are below. When the bite turns on, it's pure chaos in the best possible way. Rods bend, drags scream, and everyone on deck knows they're in for a fight.
These guides know their tackle inside and out, and they'll set you up with the right gear for the species we're targeting. We're talking heavy conventional reels loaded with plenty of backing, because tuna don't mess around when they decide to make a run. The crew will have you rigged with circle hooks and the right leader material to handle these bruisers. Trolling is the name of the game out here – pulling spreads of lures at different speeds to cover water and find active fish. You'll learn to work daisy chains, cedar plugs, and those proven tuna magnets that have been fooling these fish for decades. When we mark fish on the sonar, it might be time to switch tactics and get some bait in the water. The guides will show you how to read the electronics, watch for diving birds, and spot the subtle signs that separate the pros from the weekend warriors.
Bigeye tuna are the heavy hitters in these waters, and for good reason. These deep-water monsters can push 200 pounds or more, and they fight like they're twice that size. Bigeyes tend to bite better in low-light conditions – early morning and late evening – which is why that 12-hour commitment really pays off. They're built for the deep water, with those massive eyes adapted for hunting in darker depths. When you hook into a bigeye, you better settle in for a long fight because they'll take you down deep and test every knot on your rig. Yellowfin tuna bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These fish are pure speed and power, known for those blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Yellowfins love warm water and tend to travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're also more likely to feed during daylight hours, making them a favorite target during the middle part of your trip.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail for most serious tuna fishermen, and New York waters hold some real giants. These fish are incredibly smart and can be finicky feeders, but when they turn on, it's game over. Bluefins are built like torpedoes and fight with a combination of power and endurance that'll humble even experienced anglers. The regulations on bluefin are strict, so make sure you understand the rules before you wet a line. Albacore might be the smallest tuna on our target list, but don't let their size fool you. These fish are scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. They're often the most cooperative species when the bite gets tough, and they make great practice for anglers working their way up to the bigger species. Albies tend to school up tight and feed aggressively when conditions are right.
D.C. Outdoor Adventures has built their reputation on consistently putting clients on fish, and that doesn't happen by accident. These guides live and breathe tuna fishing, and they're constantly adjusting their tactics based on current conditions, water temperatures, and fish movements. The 12-hour format gives you the best shot at connecting with multiple species as feeding patterns change throughout the day. Early morning might be prime time for bigeyes, midday could fire up the yellowfins, and that late-day bite often produces the trip's biggest fish. You're not just paying for boat time – you're buying into years of local knowledge and proven techniques that separate the successful trips from the ones where you're just hoping to get lucky. The crew will teach you to read the water, understand fish behavior, and develop the skills that turn weekend anglers into serious tuna fishermen.
Here's the deal – this isn't the kind of trip where you just show up and hope for the best. Tuna fishing requires commitment, preparation, and the right crew to put you on fish. D.C. Outdoor Adventures has earned their reputation as one of the top tuna operations working out of New York, and their calendar fills up fast during prime season. The 12-hour format means you're getting maximum time on the water when these fish are most active. You'll learn techniques that work in these specific waters, gain confidence handling big fish, and hopefully land the tuna of a lifetime. Remember to bring plenty of foo
Get ready to chase trophy tuna off the Long Island coast with this fully-rigged fishing machine. This sturdy motorboat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need for a productive 12-hour offshore adventure. The fish finder will help you locate schools while the GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing grounds. When visibility drops, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. Stay connected with other boats and the Coast Guard using the VHF radio system. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to fight those hard-pulling bluefin and yellowfin. After hours of battling fish, stretch out on the onboard bed or grab a cold drink from the ice box. The private head means no cutting trips short. Captain D.C. Outdoor Adventures knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while teaching proven techniques. Whether you're targeting giants or filling the cooler, this well-equipped vessel delivers the perfect platform for serious tuna fishing off Selden.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the workhorses of the tuna fleet - smaller but scrappy fighters that travel in massive schools. These bullet-shaped fish run 20-45 pounds with distinctive long pectoral fins. They roam deep subtropical waters, constantly moving since they need to keep swimming to breathe. Spring through summer offers peak fishing when they chase bait near the surface. What guests love is the nonstop action once you find a school - sometimes 19 miles wide! The meat is excellent, the only tuna that can be labeled "white meat." They're also great for beginners since the fight is manageable but still fun. Key tip: when trolling, position lures 50-90 feet back. If the first fish gets away, move fast - the whole school will follow it out.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize - the biggest, strongest, and most valuable tuna swimming. These giants average 200-400 pounds but can top 800. They're built like torpedoes with incredible endurance, capable of diving 3,000+ feet. You'll find them from spring through fall in our waters, following bait schools. What makes them legendary is the fight - expect brutal runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours. The meat is pure gold, especially for sushi. They're smart fish that require heavy tackle and patience. My best advice: when trolling, use fresh herring and watch for morning and evening bite windows. Once hooked, stay calm and let your drag do the work - trying to horse them in will only break you off.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are speed demons that'll test your tackle and stamina. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise at 50 mph and typically run 60-80 pounds, though they can hit 400+. You'll find them in the top 100 feet of warm offshore waters. The bright yellow fins and crescent-shaped tail make them easy to spot. They're active year-round but summer brings the best action. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make blistering surface runs and deep dives that'll have your drag screaming. The meat is top-shelf, perfect for searing or sashimi. When you mark fish deep but nothing's biting topwater, switch to jigging. Often they're down there waiting, and a vertical presentation can turn the day around.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep-water specialists of the tuna family. These chunky fish average 60-150 pounds but can push over 400. What sets them apart is their ability to dive deep into cold, oxygen-poor waters where other tuna can't go - sometimes over 800 feet down. Their big eyes and unique blood chemistry let them hunt in the twilight zone. Best fishing happens at dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. The meat is incredibly rich and fatty, making it highly prized for sashimi. They're strong fighters that make long runs. Pro tip: use dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range when the light starts fading - their sensitive eyes pick up contrast better in dim conditions.
Selden, NY