Why aren't Party Boats tuna fishing this time of year?

[2na]

Just wondering...Why don't party boats tuna fish this time of year? I'm reading reports of tuna action in canyons that are within the range of the offshore party boats in our area. I notice a few area boats DO head offshore for other species from time to time but, why not tuna? Is there no chunk bite? Is it more cost effective to fish closer to home? Any ideas?

[makosnax]

Why drive 70 miles when you can make more money driving ten miles to catch fluke.

[njboarder]

From what I heard, the charters usually catch them while trolling during early seaons, and partyboats are not able to do so for its 20+ fares. They usually go when there is a big enough body of fish in the area and chunk bite turns on.

[Captain Rich]

Originally Posted by njboarder

From what I heard, the charters usually catch them while trolling during early seaons, and partyboats are not able to do so for its 20+ fares. They usually go when there is a big enough body of fish in the area and chunk bite turns on.

Correct.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by njboarder

From what I heard, the charters usually catch them while trolling during early seaons, and partyboats are not able to do so for its 20+ fares. They usually go when there is a big enough body of fish in the area and chunk bite turns on.

Yep - they usually start up in August and September when the chunk bite turns on and they usually over night.

[Dino]

Originally Posted by 2na

Just wondering...Why don't party boats tuna fish this time of year? I'm reading reports of tuna action in canyons that are within the range of the offshore party boats in our area. I notice a few area boats DO head offshore for other species from time to time but, why not tuna? Is there no chunk bite? Is it more cost effective to fish closer to home? Any ideas?

the general idea is that spring and early summer the tuna are moving fast, spread out, hunting over wide areas, and responding to the troll much more than the chunk. of course there are many exceptions such as when commercial fishing is present in an area (read: 2012 spring bluefin bite in the glory hole. the fish were hanging around 1 small area eating scallop slop day after day until the scallopers left). for a PB to run tuna right now, you would see a few shark bites at night, maybe some tuna on jigs, but historically speaking the chunk bite would be slow. that said, the PBs that tile fish this time of year often troll between drifts, and they catch a few fish. 2 day tilefish trips will sometimes chunk at night this time of year but again I think the results are marginal.

[tautog]

Can only keep a handful so lots of guys would go home with nothing on a $300 trip.

[BCinerie]

Pure Economics!!! They can run for fluke of Blues 2-3 times a day and gross much more then 1 not sold out Tuna trip and expenses are lower!!! Trolling on a Party boat is not all that good or economical for any one!!

[1captainron]

With all this Great Fluke stroking, why would anyone want to tuna fish!

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by tautog

Can only keep a handful so lots of guys would go home with nothing on a $300 trip.

Not true. Yellowfin the limit is 3 per person per day and there is no bag limit on albacore or bigeyes. Add in mahi mahi and the occasional swordfish and there is plenty you can bring home.

I think you are talking about mid range bluefin, where the vessel limit is low.