Effect of cold winter on tuna season? - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

njboarder · #1 04-23-2014, 03:14 AM

It seems like the unusually long winter has delayed all species in general and I was wondering what your opinion was for tuna.
About to put down deposit for fall yellowfin trips and wanted to pick the best window as i can't afford to get skunked like last year. After I got skunked 2 out of 3, and only had a small longfin to show for it when i didn't, wife is not letting me go as many times as i want this year.

so i gotta maximize my chances.
Thinking of booking first 2 weeks in October.
Any ideas?

Dino · #2 04-23-2014, 03:37 AM

wouldnt over think it. for yellowfin its all about the gulf stream and the slightly warmer water that eddies off of it. it can be a slow season, then a good body of water rollls over the bank loaded with yellowfin and swordfish and you have the trip of your life. you go the week before or after that happens and you might catch nothing. the best bet is to try to delay booking as late as possible and be ready to get on a boat and go at a moments notice when the bite is on. not always possible, so if you have to book far in advance, might try booking around the moons

Sharkyispy · #3 04-23-2014, 04:28 AM

nj- feel your pain, blown out by weather though past 2 years when trips were scheduled. Dino puts it into good perspective. Depends on the water and Gulf flow.Have seen great fishing in July some years, sometimes later. If we're fortunate and see some of the warmer weather called for this summer combined with the flow along the canyons, should turn up the bite. Good luck this year!!

frugalfisherman · #4 04-23-2014, 06:59 AM

You won't know until you get there.

Gerry Zagorski · #5 04-23-2014, 07:33 AM

October is historically the best month. Only problem is the weather gets unsettled and lots of trips get blown out. If however you can get out the fishing is usually lights out.

nmc02 · #6 04-23-2014, 08:03 AM

I usually find that late Sept-early Oct are best. I also find that less pressure (FISH MON-FRI) is quite helpful. I booked two trips the last two weeks in September. Anyway, I continually hear how the fishing is delayed due to the long & cold winter. I DON'T SEE IT!!!!! Stripers are on schedule compared to last year. They showed up mid April in the Raritan and guess what, they are here this year.....mid april. So, as far as bass are concerned.....they are on schedule. Good luck with the tuna. Who are you booking with? Also, you may want to get a July bluefin trip in. The past several seasons have been more productive for me compared to YFT. I fish with Sykk Physh for bluefin. MR charters also does well with bluefin. Good luck.

Ol Pedro · #7 04-23-2014, 09:09 AM

Every year is different. If I had to pick I would go last week of September , first week of October . I like it better when we have more defined temp breaks later in the Season.

njboarder · #8 04-23-2014, 12:16 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys.
I guess you never know what happens. Will go ahead and book as usual.
I usually book well in advance because I like corner stern spots, so I try to book as soon as tuna schedule comes out.
I usually book a few trips starting mid/late September, until mid October, and a couple trips get blown out.
BUT last year, nothing was blown out and the fishing SUCKED on my trips!!

Thanks again. tight lines.

BCinerie · #9 04-23-2014, 12:19 PM

If possible choose a longer trip!!! I like those 48-50 hr trips on the Gambler. The longer trip gives you more shots at the fish. You get a nite bite, day bite , nite bite then another day bite!!! Plus MAhi and bottom/tile fishing duringthe "off" times etc. 1 st trip i got the skunk on day one and 13 assorted tuna on day 2 , and a few tile, 2nd trip hooked 1 first day and hooked 4 second day landed 2(was get by braid once) but they were big yellows !!! the longer trip lets you recover and captain time to find the fish!!!! Go big or go home!!! I am hoping to get out for at least 1 50hr trip this year~!!!

JerseyNutz · #10 04-23-2014, 12:27 PM

It is always hard to tell before it comes that time. By that time of year though, there will usually be fish somewhere within reach so you need to book a boat that is willing to find the fish. Not sure who you go out with but may be a lack of effort on their part. Not trying to proclaim they did not put effort in though. Just a thought. We still have several days available that time of year for booking. Like i said though, it's tough to say when for sure the fishing will be hot. Give a call if interested.