Offshore Fishing Report

This was definitely the breakout week for bluefin on Cape Cod. Calm seas early in the week made for great conditions, and spinning and trolling anglers hooked up. A number of giants were caught, including a 92-incher caught with Got Stryper charters on a spinning rod and Strategic Anglers stickbait. Captain Eric Stewart trolled up a 72- and a 69-inch fish this week. Bobby Rice of Reel Deal Fishing Charters in Truro tied into some big 73-inch-plus fish on RonZ jigs this week as well. Tuna seemed to be patrolling anywhere from Peaked Hill down to Crab Ledge.

By Thursday the tuna bite had cooled off. The big tuna can cover a lot of ground very quickly, and as Captain Dom of Coastal Charters put it, tuna of that size don’t feed heavily every day. The weather looks like it will keep boats off the water until Sunday, and by then, the tuna could very well be back on the feed.

In New Jersey, bluefin are starting to be caught, but the more reliable offshore action is with sharks. Big blue sharks, some pushing 250 pounds, are pretty thick over midshore structures like the 28-Mile Wreck and the Glory Hole. Some makos are around as well, and anglers have tussled with a few smaller ones so far.

Off Long Island, the first weeks of June usually bring the first shark action of the year, so when the waters calm on Sunday, it could be worth a look for anglers hoping to hook up with some big game.