Offshore Tuna Fishing Trip Freeport NY
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
14hour offshore charter targets migrating tuna and pelagic speciesPrivate trips accommodate up to six guests with tackle includedSeasonal Saturday and Sunday departures from June through October
When you're serious about offshore fishing and want to get into the real deal, this 14-hour marathon trip out of Freeport puts you right in the middle of the action. We're talking about a 2 AM departure that gets you to the prime offshore grounds where the big pelagic fish are cruising the blue water. This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise – it's a dedicated fishing adventure that maximizes your time on the water during peak feeding periods. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Atlantic, with experienced crew who know exactly where to find them and how to put you on fish. The trip runs weekends from June through mid-October when the migration patterns bring these world-class gamefish right to our doorstep.
This is a private charter experience limited to six anglers, so you're not fighting crowds or waiting your turn at the rail. The early departure might seem brutal, but there's method to the madness – we're getting out to the productive waters while it's still dark, positioning ourselves for the dawn bite when tuna are most active. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need, plus fresh bait and lures proven to work in these waters. You'll spend the day working different techniques as conditions and fish activity dictate, moving between productive areas to stay on the bite. Don't be surprised if you encounter some amazing wildlife along the way – whales, dolphins, and sharks are regular sights when you're working the deep water. The crew knows these waters inside and out, reading the signs that indicate where fish are holding and adjusting tactics throughout the day to keep lines tight.
We run a combination of trolling and chunking techniques depending on what the fish are doing. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic the baitfish these pelagic species are feeding on. When we mark fish on the finder or see surface activity, we'll often switch to chunking – setting up a chum slick with cut bait that brings fish right to the boat. The tackle is sized appropriately for the target species, with enough backbone to handle big tuna but still sporting enough to give you a real fight. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and the crew will handle all the rigging and bait changes so you can focus on fishing. We're constantly watching the electronics, water temperature, and current breaks that concentrate baitfish and attract the predators we're after. The captain adjusts the game plan throughout the day based on what's working, whether that's working the canyons, temperature breaks, or following bird activity that signals feeding fish below.
The Yellowfin Tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, typically running 30 to 80 pounds with occasional fish pushing triple digits. These fish are pure muscle and make blistering runs that'll test your endurance and the drag system. They're most active during the early morning and late afternoon periods, often feeding in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. What makes yellowfin so exciting is their combination of size, speed, and the fact that they're excellent table fare – sashimi-grade fish that'll spoil you for store-bought tuna.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate prize in these waters, with fish ranging from school-size 40-pounders up to giants exceeding 200 pounds. These are highly regulated fish with strict quotas, but when conditions align and we encounter them, it's a bucket-list experience. Bluefin are incredibly powerful and smart, often requiring finesse presentations and perfect timing. The bigger fish are typically caught and released, but the memories of battling one of these torpedoes last forever.
Bigeye Tuna are the night shift workers, often biting best during the darker hours of our early departure or late in the day. They're deep-water specialists that average larger than yellowfin in these waters, with thick shoulders and incredible stamina. Bigeye have excellent eating qualities and are prized by sushi chefs, making them a favorite target for anglers who appreciate both the fight and the table fare.
When Wahoo show up, they bring pure speed and excitement to the day. These fish are built for velocity, capable of runs that'll burn line off your reel before you can react. They typically hit trolled baits with violent strikes, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. Wahoo are somewhat unpredictable in these waters, making them a bonus catch that adds variety to the offshore experience.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, typically caught during the early morning hours when we're running to the grounds or setting up for the day. These deep-water gladiators require specialized techniques and heavy tackle, but hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. Swordfish are powerful, unpredictable fighters that can weigh several hundred pounds and provide battles measured in hours rather than minutes.
This top-rated offshore experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. The private charter format means you're getting personalized attention and maximum fishing time without the crowds found on larger party boats. With only weekend departures and a limited season, spots are at a premium for serious anglers who want to target trophy pelagic species. The 14-hour format gives you the best shot at multiple species and allows the crew to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler or looking to step up your game, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing and weather windows book up well in advance.
The Prime Reel Estate is a 35-foot Viking sportfisher that's built to handle serious offshore runs chasing tuna and other pelagics. Twin Caterpillar diesels power this rig through ocean swells while outriggers and downriggers give you multiple ways to present baits in the blue water. The boat's loaded with top-shelf electronics including fish finders, GPS, and radar to locate schools and navigate safely in any conditions. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable during the long 14-hour trips, and there's a full galley, head with shower, and even bunks if you need to grab some rest between bites. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds, bait balls, and that telltale tuna boil on the horizon. With room for six anglers, this Viking has everything needed for productive days targeting migrating tuna from June through October.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the night shift workers of the tuna world, with those massive eyes built for hunting in deep, dark water. These bruisers average 60-150 pounds and can push over 400. They live in the deeper blue water, often 200+ feet down during the day, but move shallower at dawn and dusk. Our best fishing runs from June through October when they're passing through on migration routes. What sets bigeye apart is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your gear and endurance. They're also premium table fare, with rich, fatty meat that's highly prized for sashimi. The meat quality rivals bluefin at a fraction of the cost. Best tip I can give: fish the twilight hours with dark-colored lures. When the sun starts dropping, that's when these deep-water hunters really turn on.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, warm-blooded fish that can exceed 800 pounds, though most we encounter run 100-300. They're built like torpedoes with incredible power and endurance. These fish roam from surface waters down to 300+ feet, following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season here runs June through October during their northern migration. What makes bluefin legendary is their raw power - they'll make blistering surface runs then sound deep, testing every part of your tackle. They're also the ultimate table fare, with rich, buttery meat that commands top dollar. Note: bluefin are heavily regulated, requiring federal permits and careful handling. Best technique is chunking with fresh herring or mackerel. When they show up in the chum slick, it's game on.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the gladiators of deep water - massive, powerful fish averaging 100-200 pounds with that iconic flat bill. They live in the deep blue, typically 800-1500 feet down during daylight hours. Best fishing happens from July through September when they move into our waters. What makes swordfish special is they're primarily night feeders, coming up to 300-400 feet after dark. The fight is different from tuna - more of a bulldogging battle than speed runs. They're also premium eating with firm, meaty steaks that have almost no fishy taste. We target them by deep-dropping squid with heavy weights and light sticks. Key tip: patience is everything. Swordfish bites can be subtle, and the fight might start slow, but once they feel the hook, you're in for a real tug-of-war in the deep water.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting 60 mph when they take off. Most wahoo we catch run 20-40 pounds, but 60+ pounders show up regularly during our summer and fall runs. They cruise the top 200 feet of blue water, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season here runs July through October when they're migrating through. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast initial run - they'll scream line off your reel before you know what hit. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a wire leader and troll fast - 12-15 knots. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, and they won't chase slow-moving baits.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our offshore trips - reliable fighters with that distinctive bright yellow trim on their fins and tail. Most fish we see run 40-100 pounds, though they can grow much larger. They school in the upper water column, usually in the top 300 feet of warm blue water. Prime time here is June through October, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s. What anglers love about yellowfin is their consistent aggressive strikes and strong, steady fights without the crazy runs of other tunas. They're also excellent eating - firm, meaty steaks that grill perfectly or make great sashimi. The meat's not as fatty as bluefin but still top quality. My go-to technique is chunking with live bait when we mark fish on the sounder. Once you get them fired up in a chum line, the action can be non-stop.
Freeport, NY