Offshore Tuna Fishing Trip Freeport NY
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
14-hour offshore charter targeting migrating tuna species seasonallyPrivate trips accommodate up to six guests with equipment providedWildlife encounters include whales, dolphins during offshore runs
When you're serious about targeting big pelagic fish, this 14-hour offshore charter from Freeport puts you right in the action. We're talking about a real bluewater experience here - departing at 2 AM on weekends from June through October to maximize your time on the productive offshore grounds. Prime Reel Estate Sportfishing runs a tight operation, taking up to six anglers per trip on a private charter setup where you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew.
This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip. We're heading out into the deep blue where the migrating tuna schools are moving through, and that early departure gets us to the prime fishing grounds right as the bite starts heating up. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need - we're talking circle hooks, fluorocarbon leaders, and fresh bait that these pelagics can't resist. The crew knows these waters inside and out, reading the temperature breaks, working the color changes, and positioning the boat where the action is happening. You'll spend the majority of your 14 hours actually fishing, not just running to spots. Between the focused tuna action, you've got legitimate shots at mahi when they're around, and during peak season, billfish encounters aren't uncommon. The wildlife show is just a bonus - seeing whales, dolphins, and sharks cruising through adds to the whole offshore experience.
Out here, we're primarily trolling with proven offshore spreads that have been putting fish in the boat season after season. The crew runs a combination of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and ballyhoo rigs at different levels in the water column to cover where these tuna are feeding. When we mark fish on the finder or see birds working, we'll switch tactics - maybe dropping chunks or working with live bait if conditions are right. The gear is sized appropriately for these fish - we're talking 30 to 50-pound class tackle that can handle a screaming yellowfin or a stubborn bluefin without being overkill. Wire leaders come into play when wahoo are in the mix, and the crew adjusts the spread based on what species are most active that day. Temperature is everything out here, so we're constantly working the thermocline and looking for that optimal water where baitfish concentrate and the big predators follow.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, typically running 30 to 80 pounds through the summer months. These fish are pure muscle and endurance - when a good yellowfin takes off on its initial run, you'll understand why offshore anglers get addicted to this fishery. They feed aggressively during dawn and dusk but can be caught throughout the day when you find the right water. Peak season runs July through September when the largest concentrations are moving through our offshore waters.
Bluefin tuna bring a different level of intensity to the fight. These fish can exceed 100 pounds and have the power to test both your tackle and your stamina. Early season bluefin in June and late season fish in October tend to be more cooperative, while midsummer fish can be finicky but worth the effort. The meat quality on bluefin is outstanding, and landing one is always a trip highlight.
Bigeye tuna are the night shift workers, often caught during the pre-dawn hours or evening bite. These deep-water specialists average 50 to 150 pounds and fight with incredible strength in the lower water column. Their large eyes are perfectly adapted for feeding in low-light conditions, making them prime targets during those early morning hours when we first reach the grounds.
Wahoo show up sporadically but when they're around, they provide some of the fastest action you'll experience. These speed demons can hit 60 mph and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. They average 20 to 40 pounds in our area and their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Swordfish are the wild card species that can show up during daytime hours, especially when we're fishing deeper water or temperature breaks. These prehistoric-looking billfish are incredibly strong fighters and landing one during daylight hours is becoming more popular with offshore anglers who appreciate their unique fighting characteristics and excellent table fare.
This type of world-class offshore fishing doesn't happen everywhere, and having access to these productive waters right from Freeport makes it a customer favorite for serious anglers. The 14-hour format gives you maximum fishing time, and the private charter setup means you're fishing with your group at your pace. Weekend availability fills up during peak season, especially those prime July and August dates when the tuna bite is most consistent. The crew provides everything you need tackle-wise, so you can focus on what matters - putting quality fish in the boat. If you're ready to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this is the trip that delivers.
The Prime Reel Estate is a serious 35-foot Viking sportfisher that means business when chasing tuna in the deep blue. Twin Caterpillar diesels push this boat through offshore swells with authority, while outriggers and downriggers give you the spread needed for pelagic species. The electronics package includes GPS, radar, fish finder, and VHF radio to keep you connected and on the fish. Below deck, you'll find air conditioning, a full galley, head with shower, and even a bed for those marathon 14-hour runs. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water and working room for up to six anglers. With an icebox and fridge onboard, your catch stays fresh and drinks stay cold during long offshore sessions targeting tuna, mahi, and whatever else swims these waters.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye tuna are the night shift workers of the tuna family, with those huge eyes built for hunting in low light. These chunky fish average 40-200 pounds and prefer deeper water than other tunas, often 800+ feet down. They're most active during dawn and dusk, making our early morning departure perfect timing. What sets bigeye apart is their rich, fatty meat - it's the most valuable tuna by weight and tastes closer to bluefin than yellowfin. They fight deep and strong, using that thick body to their advantage. Peak season runs July through September when they follow the warm water north. My go-to technique is trolling dark-colored lures in 8-10 inch range just before sunrise - that's when they're actively feeding near the surface.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - powerful, fast, and incredibly valuable. These warm-blooded giants can weigh 200-800+ pounds and fight harder than anything else in the ocean. They migrate through our waters June through October, following massive baitfish schools. What makes bluefin legendary is their strength and stamina - expect long battles with deep dives and surface runs that'll test your tackle and technique. The meat quality is unmatched, especially for sushi. They're heavily regulated, so we follow all federal guidelines and reporting requirements. These fish are smart and can be picky, often requiring live bait or precise presentations. When we find a school, stay quiet and focused - one mistake and they're gone. The payoff is worth it though - nothing compares to a giant bluefin.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the gladiators of deep water, averaging 100-400 pounds with that iconic flat sword extending from their snout. These nocturnal hunters spend daylight hours 1000+ feet down, rising to feed at night. While our trips focus on daytime tuna fishing, we occasionally connect with daytime swords in 600-1200 feet. The fight is legendary - long, powerful runs that test your gear and endurance. The meat is firm, meaty, and perfect for grilling. Peak season runs July through October when they follow warm water currents. These fish require serious tackle and patience, but landing one is a career highlight. If we mark one on the sounder in deep water, dropping a large squid or chunk bait with heavy weights can sometimes produce magic.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built like rockets - streamlined bodies that can hit 60 mph when they take your bait. These silver bullets with blue zebra stripes typically run 20-50 pounds, though giants over 100 pounds show up. They cruise the open ocean from June through October in our waters, usually in the top 200 feet. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run and the premium table fare - the meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious. They're loners or travel in small packs, often hitting trolled baits at high speed. Pro tip: use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. The bite often comes fast and hard, so keep your drag set right and hold on tight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - consistent biters that put up a serious scrap. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 30-100 pounds, with their bright yellow fins flashing as they fight. You'll find them in the top 300 feet of water, often mixed with dolphins or feeding under birds. June through September is prime time when they follow bait schools north. What guests love is the combination of strong runs and great eating - yellowfin makes excellent sushi or grilled steaks. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to trolled ballyhoo or chunk baits. When the bite gets tough, try chunking with fresh herring to bring them up from the depths. Watch for diving birds and work those areas - that's where the action usually heats up.
Freeport, NY