Epic 16-Hour Tuna Hunt from Selden, NY
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16-hour offshore trolling expedition targeting four tuna speciesMaximum 6 guests with potential Tile Fish and Mahi encountersAll-day adventure departing from Selden with snacks required
Picture this: you're 16 hours into the best fishing day of your life, watching a massive Bluefin explode on your spread as the sun starts to dip toward the horizon. That's what D.C. Outdoor Adventures delivers on this world-class offshore marathon out of Selden, NY. We're talking serious blue water fishing here – the kind where you'll be telling stories for years afterward. This isn't your weekend warrior charter; it's a full-blown expedition targeting some of the ocean's most prized gamefish. With just six anglers max, you get the personalized attention and prime fishing real estate that makes all the difference when the bite gets hot.
When you step aboard for this extended fishing adventure, you're signing up for the real deal. We'll be running hard to the offshore grounds where the big tuna roam, often 50+ miles out where the water turns that deep cobalt blue that gets every angler's heart racing. The beauty of a 16-hour trip is we've got time to work multiple spots, adjust our game plan based on what we're seeing, and really dial in on the bite. You'll spend most of your day trolling the productive waters where Albacore, Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Bigeye Tuna cruise the currents. Don't be surprised when we hook into some bonus Tile Fish during bottom drops or spot Mahi Mahi crashing our spread – that's just how good these Long Island waters can be. The extended timeframe means we're not rushing back to the dock when the fish start biting; we can stay on them and make the most of every opportunity.
This is trolling at its finest, and we've got the spread dialed in to trigger strikes from multiple tuna species. We'll be running a mix of high-speed trolling with cedar plugs, spoons, and diving plugs, plus some slower presentations with ballyhoo and skirted baits when conditions call for it. The captain knows exactly which lures produce in these waters – those tried-and-true combinations that have been putting fish in the boat season after season. When we mark fish or hit a temperature break, we might switch gears and throw some chunks or live bait to get the tuna fired up. The boat's rigged with top-rated Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid, because when a 200-pound Bluefin decides to make a run, you need gear that won't let you down. Circle hooks are the standard for conservation, and we'll walk you through proper fighting techniques to boat your fish safely and efficiently.
Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel of Northeast offshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce fish ranging from school-size 40-pounders up to genuine giants pushing 300+ pounds. Bluefins are incredibly smart and can be finicky feeders, but when they turn on, it's pure chaos in the best possible way. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through early winter, though we see them throughout the season. What makes Bluefin so special is their raw power – they'll strip line like it's going out of style and test every bit of your endurance during the fight.
Yellowfin Tuna bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their blistering speed and acrobatic fights. These customer favorites typically range from 30 to 80 pounds in our local waters, with their golden flanks flashing as they rocket through the water column. Yellowfins are aggressive feeders that love our high-speed trolling presentations, especially during the warmer summer months when they move closer to shore following bait schools. Their firm, sashimi-grade meat makes them a top choice for anglers who love bringing home dinner.
Albacore Tuna might be smaller than their cousins, typically running 15-40 pounds, but pound-for-pound they're some of the scrappiest fighters you'll encounter. These long-finned speedsters are renowned for their sustained runs and stubborn nature once hooked. Peak Albacore action usually happens from late summer into fall when they follow the bait migrations along our coast. They're also fantastic table fare with their light, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or making into steaks.
Bigeye Tuna are the mysterious deep-water nomads of the tuna family, often showing up when you least expect them. These powerful fish can reach impressive sizes, sometimes topping 100 pounds, and they're known for their distinctive large eyes that help them hunt in deeper, darker waters. Bigeye typically bite better during low-light periods – early morning, late evening, or on overcast days. Landing one is always a special moment because they're less common than other tuna species, making them a real trophy catch that serious anglers dream about.
Look, fishing trips like this don't come around every day. You've got an experienced crew, prime fishing grounds right out of Selden, and 16 full hours to make it happen on some of the Atlantic's best tuna fishing waters. Whether you're chasing your personal best Bluefin or just want to experience what world-class offshore fishing feels like, this trip delivers the goods. Remember to pack your snacks, drinks, and sun protection – we'll handle everything else. The boat's ready, the tackle's dialed in, and the fish are out there waiting. Don't let another season slip by wondering what could have been. Book your spot with D.C. Outdoor Adventures and get ready for a day on the water you'll never forget. These extended trips fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season, so grab your dates while they're available.
Our fully-equipped motorboat is built for serious tuna hunters heading into Long Island's deep waters. With advanced fish finder tech and GPS navigation, you'll track down Albacore, Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Bigeye with precision. The radar keeps you safe when visibility drops, while VHF radio maintains contact with the fleet. During those long 16-hour runs to the fishing grounds, you'll appreciate the onboard bed for catching some rest between bites. The ice box keeps your catch fresh, and the toilet means no cutting trips short. Accommodating up to 6 anglers, this boat handles offshore conditions while you focus on landing trophy tuna. Perfect setup for targeting those prime fishing zones where the big ones cruise.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, typically running 20-45 pounds with long pectoral fins and that classic bullet shape. They're the only tuna you can legally call "white meat" - firm texture and mild flavor that's perfect for those who find other tunas too strong. These fish travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in our deeper, cooler waters, making for fast action when you find them. They spawn March through July, which is prime fishing time. What's great about albacore is they're always moving since they need constant water flow over their gills, so they're aggressive feeders during daylight hours. When you hook the lead fish in a school, work fast - land it quickly or the whole school will spook and disappear. Troll cedar plugs or tuna feathers 50-90 feet behind the boat for best results.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the heavyweights of our offshore trips, growing up to 400 pounds with those distinctive large eyes and heads. They're deep-water hunters that can handle the low-oxygen zones where other fish can't survive, often found around 250 meters down in warmer Atlantic waters. Best fishing happens at dawn or dusk when their sensitive eyes work better in dim light - we often troll right into darkness for these guys. What makes them special is their incredibly fatty, premium meat that rivals bluefin prices at market. They're strong fighters that make deep runs when hooked. My tip: use short, stocky lures in dark colors like the Braid Bigeye Rocket around sunset - that's when they come up to feed and you'll get your best shots at landing one of these valuable fish.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive fish averaging 550 pounds with that distinctive blue-silver coloring and incredible strength. These are warm-blooded fish that can dive over 3,000 feet and handle both cold and warm waters as they migrate along our coast. Peak season runs spring through fall, especially during their Gulf spawning period from April to June. What makes them special is the fight - expect fast surface runs and deep dives that'll test your tackle and endurance. The meat is legendary, especially for sashimi lovers. They're heavily regulated, so you need proper permits and reporting. Best fishing happens morning and evening around offshore structure and feeding areas. My advice: use heavy tackle and a fighting belt, troll with fresh herring or mackerel, and be ready to switch to chunking if they show but won't commit to lures.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are speed demons that can hit 50 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and bright yellow fins. Most of what we catch runs around 60 pounds, though they can reach over 400. These warm-water tuna stay in the upper 100 meters and are constantly on the move through our offshore waters. They're active year-round but really fire up during warmer months. What guests love is the explosive surface strikes - nothing beats watching a yellowfin destroy a popper out of nowhere. The meat is top-notch too, perfect for sushi or grilling. They're aggressive feeders that hit rigged ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and spreader bars well. When you mark fish deep but they won't bite on the troll, bring in your spread and start jigging - that often triggers them. Chunking with whatever baitfish they're feeding on can turn a slow day around fast.
Selden, NY