New England Offshore:

Giant tuna are being picked off on Stellwagen, but overall that fishing has been lacking. A few 60- to 80-pounders have shown up, but they aren’t on the Bank in numbers. East of Chatham, the bluefin bite has slowed. Dan from the Hook Up in Orleans said the fishing has run hot and cold. The fish are averaging between 55 and 62 inches, when anglers can find them. This mid-July slowdown in the tuna fishing isn’t unusual according to Dan. Things should heat right back up by the end of the month. Coop had the same tuna report for the waters south of Martha’s Vineyard. On and off fishing for bluefin. He did have good news regarding another pelagic.

Some white marlin have crept up toward the Vineyard, following some good water in from the canyons. Coop said having a few weightless-rigged Hogys ready to pitch at the whites is a must.

New York/New Jersey Offshore:

Blue and yellowfin tuna are the hot action in the offshore arena. There have been strong reports on both. Mahi have moved in as well. Plan accordingly to take advantage of the situation.

Kevin from Bait Your Hook Bait and Tackle recommended the Chicken Canyon if you are looking for tuna off all varieties and colors.

When they aren’t wreck fishing on the Big Kid Sportfishing, they are off shore chasing really big fish. While out at the Lindenkahl last week, they put the hook in several big eye tuna, 8 yellow fin and a cooler full of Dorado. Another trip on thie custom 44’ Topaz resulted in a 120 pound blue fin and a 200 pound mako shark. Berthed at Hoffman’s in Brielle, the Big Kid is ready, willing and certainly more than able to accommodate all of your fishing needs. Tell them that I sent you.

For Dave at the Reel Seat this week, the thought of the day was blue fin tuna. On the troll in and around the triple wrecks is the best play of recent reports.

Big bluefish out at the Hole and the Ledge are bending rods and ticking off tuna fisherman.  They can do a job and a half on your trolling gear.  There are some bluefin out at the Virginia as well.

Team Tackle Direct has been running for tuna and the running has been very good.  Bluefin and yellowfin mixed together are starting to show on the Hotdog and other lumps with both the chunk and jig bite turning on.  There are some chicken mahi mixed in and lots of sharks in the area out there.  With the warm water, we even saw a white marlin hooked up on a neighbor boat (thought it was coming in the cockpit for a visit) off of a dead butterfish bait.  Lighter fluorocarbon leaders seem to be the key with smaller circles, so be sure to dial down the heat on those lever drags.  This is the best kind of tuna fishing and when it turns on you can keep them behind the boat and hammer away.  Don’t forget to keep tossing chunks after you hook up!