New York/New Jersey
The spotter planes are reporting thresher sharks on some of the schools of bunker close to shore, and the best way to target these is using live bunker. Mako sharks have been hanging between the 20- and 30-fathom lines, but will have to pick through the blue sharks.
Jeff at Harry’s Adventure Outfittters in Robbinsville said there are a lot of thresher sharks being caught within three miles as they are coming in to feed on the enormous schools of bunker.
Following a week’s delay due to bad weather, Mako Mania took place last weekend with Lockout taking first place with a 301-pound mako, followed by Tin Knocker with a 271 pounder and Black Gold at 251 pounds. Mako Fever is set for this weekend.
The best tuna bite is still in Norfolk Canyon, but there has been some smaller yellowfin coming from the Baltimore, Lindenkohl and Wilmington.
In Hampton Bays, NY at White Water Outfitters, Jake reports an increase in action for bluefin tuna and sharks offshore.
Tonya at West Lake Marine had a 70-pound big eye tuna brought in recently from offshore aboard the Luna Sea.
New England
It appears that the full moon has the Cape Cod bluefin tuna fishing in a funk. Steve of Chaser Offshore Fishing reported that a few fish are being taken on ballyhoo East of Chatham, but for the amount of boats fishing, the catching has been sparse. John of Fish Chatham Charters reported seeing busting tuna out east, but not getting any bites.
Steve reported that there is lots of life south of the Vineyard, but no boats have come back with fish yet. He expects the fishing down there to light up soon, given the amount of bait and life in the area.
Some nice water is moving into Welkers and Hydrographer’s canyons, Steve reported, and it appears that a few boats are preparing to make the run this weekend.