The distance offshore for tuna in Long Island varies significantly depending on the species and the time of year. During the peak summer months (June through August), Bluefin tuna are known for their proximity to shore, sometimes appearing as close as 5 to 10 miles out, and occasionally even within sight of the beach. For those targeting larger Bluefin or Yellowfin tuna, the more consistent action is usually found between 20 and 40 miles offshore, where the water temperature hits the "sweet spot" of 62-68°F. For the truly "trophy" sized fish and the most diverse tuna schools, anglers typically head to the "canyons"—the edge of the continental shelf—which is a much longer run of 70 to 100 miles from ports like Montauk or Shinnecock. In 2026, the early season (June) often starts with Bluefin in the "mid-shore" range (20-30 miles), with the fish moving closer or further out based on the movement of baitfish like sand eels and menhaden throughout the fall.