Selden, NY 8 Hour Tuna Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Early 4am departure targets prime Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna watersAll gear, bait, licenses and fish cleaning services includedSmall group offshore charter accommodates maximum six guests
Picture this: it's 4 AM, the harbor's quiet except for the gentle lapping of waves, and you're about to spend the next eight hours chasing some of the ocean's most prized fighters. Our Selden-based tuna fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Long Island's best offshore action, where Yellowfin, Bluefin, Albacore, and Bigeye tuna cruise the deep blue waters. With D.C. Outdoor Adventures, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a top-rated experience that consistently delivers the kind of memories anglers talk about for years. We handle everything from gear and bait to your fishing license and cleaning your catch, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe some coffee for that early start.
Starting before dawn isn't just for show – it's when the magic happens. The early morning bite is legendary out here, and by the time most people are having breakfast, we'll already be working the productive waters where these pelagic predators feed. The boat heads out from Long Island's waters into the deeper offshore zones where tuna schools move through following bait fish and temperature breaks. You'll be fishing in a small group of just six anglers, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – everyone's here for the same reason, and when that first rod starts screaming, the energy on deck is electric. These eight-hour trips give us real time to work different areas and techniques, adjusting our approach based on what we're seeing on the fish finder and how the bite develops throughout the day.
Offshore tuna fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right speed. We run a spread of high-speed trolling lures – cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic the baitfish these tuna are hunting. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels loaded with heavy braid and fluorocarbon leaders that can handle these fish when they decide to make their blistering runs. When we mark fish or hit a temperature break, we might switch to chunk baiting or live bait fishing, dropping lines into the strike zone and letting the tuna come to us. The crew knows these waters and will put you on fish using techniques that have been proven effective in Long Island's offshore fishery. Whether you're new to big game fishing or a seasoned angler, our captain adjusts the approach to make sure everyone gets their shot at hooking up with these world-class gamefish.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of our offshore fishery, typically running 30 to 80 pounds with occasional giants pushing triple digits. These fish are pure muscle and speed, known for their initial blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line before you know what hit you. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. What makes Yellowfin so special is their combination of size, fight, and table fare – they're absolutely phenomenal eating and will test your tackle and technique every time.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of Northeast fishing, and when one shows up, everything else stops. These giants can range from 40-pound "school" fish to monsters over 200 pounds that fight like they're twice that size. Bluefin are most active during cooler months and early season, often feeding aggressively in the early morning hours when we're out there grinding. The power of a big Bluefin is something every angler needs to experience – they're incredibly intelligent fish that will use every trick in the book to break you off, making each hookup a true battle of wills.
Albacore Tuna might be smaller than their cousins, usually in the 15 to 40-pound range, but pound-for-pound they're some of the scrappiest fighters in the ocean. They school up in good numbers and provide consistent action when the bite is on. Albies are perfect for anglers who want to experience tuna fishing without necessarily needing heavy tackle, and they're fantastic eating with their light, flaky meat that's prized by chefs and home cooks alike.
Bigeye Tuna are the deep-water specialists, often caught while targeting other species but always a welcome surprise. These fish typically range from 50 to 150 pounds and are known for their incredible stamina and deep fighting style. Bigeye tend to show up during specific conditions and times of year, making each encounter feel special. Their rich, dark meat is highly sought after, and their fighting ability rivals any tuna species in our waters.
This renowned eight-hour tuna adventure represents the best value in Long Island offshore fishing, combining prime fishing time with experienced crew and quality equipment. With only six spots available per trip, this customer favorite fills up quickly during peak season. The 4 AM start time might seem early, but it puts you in the strike zone when these fish are most active, maximizing your chances of connecting with multiple species. Since we handle all the details – gear, bait, licenses, and cleaning – you can focus entirely on the fishing experience. Whether you're looking to check tuna off your bucket list or add another successful trip to your offshore resume, this world-class fishery delivers the goods consistently. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Long Island's tuna fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This fully equipped offshore fishing boat is built for serious tuna hunting in Long Island waters. At 4 AM, you'll head out aboard a vessel designed to handle the open Atlantic, complete with radar and GPS to find the best fishing grounds where Yellowfin, Bluefin, Albacore, and Bigeye Tuna roam. The fish finder helps locate schools while the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and shore. With an ice box to preserve your catch and comfortable amenities like a bed and toilet for those long 8-hour trips, this motorboat accommodates up to 6 anglers. D.C. Outdoor Adventures provides all your gear, bait, and fishing licenses, plus they'll clean whatever you land. Perfect for getting after big tuna when they're most active in the early morning hours off Selden.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons of the tuna world - torpedo-shaped bodies that can hit 50 mph with those signature bright yellow fins. Most fish we catch run 60 pounds, but they can reach over 400. They stay in the upper 100 meters of water and are constantly on the move through warm offshore waters. Summer months are prime time when they're feeding heavily near the surface. What guests love most is the surface strikes - nothing beats watching one come out of nowhere to smash a topwater plug. The meat makes outstanding sushi and grilling steaks. Pro tip: when you mark fish deep but nothing's biting on the troll, bring in the spread and start jigging. They'll often hit a jig when they won't touch surface baits.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller, scrappy cousins in the tuna family - usually running 20-45 pounds with those distinctive long pectoral fins. They travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in our deeper offshore waters, making for some fast action when you find them. Spring through summer is your best bet when they're moving through our area. What's cool about these fish is they never stop moving - constant swimmers that need to keep water flowing over their gills. The meat is fantastic - it's the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat tuna." Here's the key: when you hook that first fish, work fast because the whole school will usually bite. But if that lead fish gets away, they'll spook the entire group and you'll lose your shot.
Thunnus ThynnusThe holy grail of tuna fishing - these monsters average 550 pounds and can top 12 feet long. They're warm-blooded, so they handle our cooler Atlantic waters better than other tunas, diving as deep as 3,300 feet. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're moving through our waters. What makes them legendary isn't just the size - it's the fight. Expect blistering surface runs and deep power dives that'll test your heaviest tackle. The meat is unmatched for sushi, which is why they're so prized. Best fishing happens during evening and morning hours when they feed most aggressively. Key tip: once you hook up, stay patient and let your drag do the work. These fish will run you around for hours if you let them.
Thunnus ObesusThese deep-water fighters are built different - massive heads, huge eyes, and bodies that can push 400 pounds. What makes them special is their ability to hunt in the twilight zone where most fish can't survive, diving to depths with barely any oxygen. You'll find them in 250+ feet of water, and they're most active at dawn and dusk when their sensitive eyes give them the advantage. The meat is incredibly rich and fatty - currently the most valuable tuna by weight worldwide. Best tip I can share: fish right before dark with short, stocky lures in dark colors. They hit hard when they do bite, and that first hookup often means there's more down there.
Selden, NY