UTERBigeye tuna fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, bigeye tuna peak August–September and are around July–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: Bigeye on the canyon walls at dawn on ballyhoo and spreader bars.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Bigeye tuna in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyArriving
- AugustPeakBigeye on the canyon walls at dawn on ballyhoo and spreader bars.
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberLeaving
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish bigeye tuna near Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City
Delaware Bay's big, shoaly estuary with the lumps and sloughs off Slaughter Beach and the Coral Beds; the Delaware, Maryland and Assateague surf; the inland bays and back bays behind them (Rehoboth, Indian River, Assawoman, Sinepuxent, Chincoteague); Virginia's wild seaside barrier islands; and the offshore lumps (Jackspot, Hambone) out to Baltimore, Poor Man's and Washington canyons.
Fish Scouter charts 1 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Delmarva & Delaware Bay map area — the kinds bigeye tuna hold on.
What to use for bigeye tuna
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Flying fishRigged whole on a trolling rig for tuna and marlin, or a strip on a skirted lure.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 60–78°F water, best at 64–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch bigeye tuna in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Peak season is August–September. Bigeye tuna are in Delaware Bay and Ocean City July–October. August: Bigeye on the canyon walls at dawn on ballyhoo and spreader bars.
Where do bigeye tuna hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on ledge / hard bottom — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for bigeye tuna in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), flying fish. Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
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All about bigeye tuna · Delmarva & Delaware Bay, the whole year