Selden, NY Extended 16 Hour Tuna Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16hour offshore trolling expedition targeting multiple tuna speciesSmall group capacity of 6 guests for personalized fishing experienceExpert guidance from D.C. Outdoor Adventures professional crew
Looking for the ultimate offshore fishing adventure? This extended 16-hour tuna fishing expedition out of Selden, NY delivers everything serious anglers dream about. Captain and crew from D.C. Outdoor Adventures know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some of the most sought-after pelagic species swimming off Long Island. We're talking trophy Bluefin, Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Albacore Tuna – plus you might luck into some hefty Tile Fish or colorful Mahi Mahi along the way. With only 6 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a serious commitment to finding fish in the deep blue. You'll be heading out to proven tuna grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagics cruise through. The extended 16-hour timeframe gives us the luxury to cover serious water and stay flexible with changing conditions. When the bite heats up, we can stay on the fish instead of watching the clock. The boat handles the offshore swells like a champ, and with just 6 anglers maximum, there's plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. Captain keeps the coffee hot and the lines wet, but you'll want to pack your own snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during those long stretches between bites. Don't forget serious sun protection – being on the water for 16 hours means you'll be exposed to UV rays bouncing off the surface all day long.
We're primarily trolling for these tuna species, which means covering water efficiently while presenting baits and lures that trigger aggressive strikes. The crew runs a spread of high-speed trolling lures, ballyhoo rigs, and sometimes live bait when conditions are right. You'll learn how different lure colors and trolling speeds can make or break your success rate. The captain reads water temperature breaks, current edges, and marks on the fish finder to position the boat where tuna are most likely to be feeding. When we hook up, it's all hands on deck – literally. These fish can make screaming runs of several hundred yards, and proper technique matters when you're dealing with fish that can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds to well over 200. The crew will coach you through the fight, helping with proper rod positioning and drag adjustments. Circle hooks are the standard for most setups, which means letting the fish hook itself rather than setting the hook hard like you would with a bass.
The Bluefin Tuna action off Long Island has been nothing short of spectacular, with fish ranging from school-sized 40-pounders up to legitimate giants pushing 300 pounds. These apex predators show up when water temperatures hit that sweet spot, usually following bait schools in from deeper water. Yellowfin Tuna have been consistent players too, offering blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your tackle and your stamina. The Bigeye Tuna fishing has been a real sleeper hit – these deep-water specialists often bite when other species shut down, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. Albacore have been showing in good numbers, and while they might not have the size of their cousins, they make up for it with sheer numbers and excellent table fare. The bonus species like Tile Fish add variety to the cooler, and Mahi Mahi bring that tropical flair with their brilliant colors and aggressive strikes on the surface baits.
Bluefin Tuna are the undisputed kings of the offshore scene here. These powerful fish can live over 40 years and cross entire ocean basins during their lifetime. Peak season runs from June through October, when they follow massive schools of bunker and mackerel into our local waters. What makes them so special is their incredible strength – a Bluefin can tow a boat backward and dive to depths over 500 feet during a fight. The meat is prized worldwide for sushi and sashimi, making every fish a genuine trophy.
Yellowfin Tuna bring speed and athleticism to every hookup. These fish are built like torpedos and can reach swimming speeds over 40 mph. They tend to travel in schools and are most active during warmer months when water temperatures climb above 68 degrees. Yellowfins are famous for their long, screaming runs and aerial displays. Many anglers consider them pound-for-pound the strongest tuna species, and their bright yellow fins and silver sides make them absolutely beautiful fish.
Bigeye Tuna are the deep-water specialists that many anglers overlook. These fish prefer cooler water and often feed at depths exceeding 800 feet during daylight hours. Their large eyes help them hunt in low-light conditions, making them prime targets during early morning and evening hours. Bigeyes can exceed 200 pounds and are known for their stubborn, straight-down fights that'll burn your forearms.
Albacore Tuna might be the smallest of the bunch, but they're pure fun on lighter tackle. These fish travel in large schools and when you find them, you can often catch multiple fish in quick succession. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Albacore prefer cooler water temperatures and are often found along temperature breaks where different water masses meet.
This extended 16-hour tuna fishing adventure represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive waters. With D.C. Outdoor Adventures' proven track record and intimate knowledge of Long Island's offshore fishing grounds, you're getting access to some of the East Coast
Ready to battle some serious tuna? This fully-rigged motorboat is built for the long haul on Long Island waters. With room for 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while trolling for Albacore, Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Bigeye. The fish finder will help you locate the schools, while GPS and radar keep you on target even when visibility drops. Stay connected with marine VHF radio, and when you need a break from fighting fish, there's an onboard bed and head for comfort during those 16-hour runs. The ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold. Perfect for serious offshore fishing where the big tuna run deep and the action can last all day and into the night.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the perfect starter tuna - smaller at 20-45 pounds but still pack plenty of fight. They're built like silver bullets with those extra-long pectoral fins that really stand out. These fish travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles, so when you find them, the action gets fast. They stick to temperate waters and feed only during daylight hours, making them ideal for day trips. What guests really appreciate is the meat quality - it's the only tuna that can legally be sold as "white meat" tuna, with a mild flavor and firm texture. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our area. They're always on the move since they need constant water flow over their gills. Here's the key: once you hook that first fish, work the area hard because the whole school is probably right there. Cedar plugs and tuna feathers trolled 50-90 feet back work best.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep-water specialists of the tuna family, built to hunt in darker waters where other tuna won't go. These powerhouse fish average 60-150 pounds but can push over 400. They cruise deeper than most tunas, thanks to blood that carries oxygen better in low-oxygen zones. What makes them special is that fatty, rich meat - it's the most valuable tuna by weight worldwide. We target them during dawn and dusk when they move up from the depths to feed. Their oversized eyes help them hunt in dim light, which is why trolling just before dark works so well. Pro tip: run dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range on your short riggers. When you hook one, expect a serious fight - they've got the strength to pull deep and the stamina to keep you working.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful, and absolutely gorgeous with that metallic blue back. We're talking fish that average 200-400 pounds but can hit over 800. These are true athletes of the deep, diving to 3,300 feet and running at 40+ mph. They're warm-blooded, so they handle our changing water temps better than other tunas. Peak season runs April through November when they're moving through our waters. What makes them special isn't just the epic fight - though they'll take you on fast surface runs and deep dives that'll make your arms ache. It's also that this is the finest eating fish in the ocean, prized worldwide for sushi. Best bite times are dawn and dusk. Here's my go-to trick: when trolling, use fresh herring on your long riggers and stay near temperature breaks where bait schools up.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons of our tuna spread, hitting 50 mph with those bright yellow fins flashing. Most fish we see run 40-80 pounds, though they can reach over 400. They cruise the upper water column in warm offshore waters, making them perfect for trolling. What guests love is the pure power - these fish fight hard on the surface with blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is top-shelf too, second only to bluefin for sashimi quality. They're active year-round here, but summer months are prime when they're feeding heavily. Rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures work great, but nothing beats the excitement when one crushes a surface plug. Key tip: when you see birds working or breaking fish, get your spread through there fast - yellowfin often feed in schools and you might hook multiple fish.
Selden, NY