CTLICCGRL

Been boating Long Island Sound for the last 6 years. Every year I move the boat further and further east, for better fishing. I’ve taken a few trips to Montauk and next year I plan on trying tuna fishing. I have a small CC 22ft, and was wondering what is the closest (miles) anyone has caught a BF tuna from Montauk. Not looking for anyone’s secret spots, just an idea of miles from Montauk. Thanks for your help!

jillybird

This year loads of bluefin have been caught at the Ranger wreck which is about 35 miles offshore of Montauk. But you can catch them sometimes 10 miles off of the Point, and more often at the Inner or Outer Butterfish Holes which begin at 20 miles out. The inshore bluefin you'll most often find around draggers that are culling their catch and throwing over the bycatch. Or, you might find bluefins kind of randomly cruising along. In the Ranger Wreck area this summer, the bluefins and yellowfins hung around for months, feeding on enormous quantities of bait. The whale and porpoise life was insane. In your size boat, it's best if you have twin engines, an EPIRB or PLB, and a small life valise life raft is nice. Bring a handheld VHF too.

Rez123

There really aren't many secrets spots anymore in the world we live in. With a 22' CC you will have to pick your days to ensure you have a good weather window. The fish are as close as 10 miles off the point but the 2 hot spots this year were between 30 and 40 miles. I would suggest fishing with someone else till you get the hang of it. Else at least coordinate with some others to at least buddy boat.

A 22' boat can get small quickly but it is done all the time. I've ran to the ledge and back many a time in a 23' boat

Best of luck

CTLICCGRL

Really appreciate the info! It’s been on my mind the last few seasons and I really want to give it a try next next summer. Thank you!

rwp2101

Have fun! Keep that PLB on you at all times and that killswitch lanyard attached to your belt when running-- small boats don't do as well hitting submerged debris. With the PLB vs the EPIRB you can get help if you run alone and find yourself overboard and unable to get back to the boat. I ended up getting satellite weather this year and it's great. And really there's so much to know, listen to jilly and rez and hook up with someone else out there and buddy boat at least the first few trips.

CTLICCGRL

I will do exactly that! I’m not a risk take and take things very slow. Thanks for the info!

Ct Contender

One of the members on here was running a 22' this season out to those spots and absolutely cleaned up so it can be done. Just make sure to have the proper safety equipment. What type of boat are you running?

justthisway

Great to hear and thanks for the info! We have a 219 Key West we bought new in 2015. Really like the boat but will want to go bigger eventually.

LinesUp

I've seen a fly guide put his client on a BF in 30' of water on the South side. They come inshore pretty regularly during the albie and bass blitzes.
Montauk is a pretty special place when it really comes alive.

justthisway

Thanks everyone for the information. I actually just created a new account justthisway (our boat name) the original account (ctliccgrl) is my wife's account, so I figured this would be more clear moving forward. Really appreciate everyone who has responded and I look forward to share some fishing reports very soon. If the weather allows for it we will be striper fishing Saturday at the race and possibly Montauk.

LISteiger

You can try the Coimbra wreck as well, I've done 6 trips this year (mostly Coimbra/Ranger/Horns) in a 21'. Leaving from Ct we typically run 120-220 miles total. As noted you really have to pick your days carefully.

justthisway

Good to know....I’ll be out of Westbrook next summer and hope to buddy up with other boaters from the area. Thanks for the info.

Gmart

I’m out of CT too, mostly the Niantic area( boat is trailered) on a Cobia 240, been having the same thoughts and would considered budding up on a trip.

Ct Contender

A lot of us on here are out of the Groton/New London area as well as Niantic.

justthisway

While we are on the tuna topic...any suggestions for new gear? I’m 100% getting new safety gear but how about for rods, reels, line and lures/plugs. Any suggestions?

Rez123

You better sit down. The tuna game gets expensive

For trolling
4 to 6 - 50's trolling rod setups
6" to 9" spreader bars-various colors (purple, green, white)
6" wide tracker bars-various colors (purple, green, white)
deep diver plugs
Jet heads rigged for ballyhoo

Popping
2 - 7'+ rods with Saragossa reel (else Penn,twin power, Stella or dogfight)
assortment of lures and poppers

Jigging
2 - 5'+ rods with Saragossa reel (else Penn, twin power, Stella or dogfight)
ronz 4x strong
assortment of metal jigs



The above is a minimum of about 2k if you conservative and the high end could go to 10k

Tuna can blow gear apart very quickly so you need to buy the appropriate gear.

Buy once cry one

justthisway

Wow... Thanks for the great itemized list. Very helpful. Will need to take a few trips to BassPro this winter and start getting all the gear together.

Ray G

I have nothing against BPS, but you are better off patronizing a local shop. You might spend a little more, but the good shops have the game dialed in. Buy it once, keeping in mind the hot lure changes year to year with the standbys always working. Hope that helps.

squid711

Go to Whitewaters in Hampton Bays...they will take care of all your tuna needs.

justthisway

White Water is great! Have had my reels serviced with them in the past. A bit of a drive for me now, but always stop in on my way out to Montauk.