Offshore Tuna

[jpkil318]

Hi,
I summer in Nantucket and I was wondering about how far offshore I would have to go to get into some offshore fish such as bluefin, Skipkacks, Mahi, and sharks. How close do they come? Do they come within 5 miles? Whats the best way of catching them on the fly (chumming or trolling or finding fish on the surface). And if you are willing could you name some locations that I might have some luck
Thanks

[Slamdance]

Hi,
I summer in Nantucket and I was wondering about how far offshore I would have to go to get into some offshore fish such as bluefin, Skipkacks, Mahi, and sharks. How close do they come? Do they come within 5 miles? Whats the best way of catching them on the fly (chumming or trolling or finding fish on the surface). And if you are willing could you name some locations that I might have some luck
Thanks

Every year is different. I've seen white marlin as close as 4 miles from Smith's Point and had yellowfin tuna in Miacomet Rip, but those are the exception. In most cases I think you'd have to head about 15-20 miles south before you could expect to start seeing anything. Where to head is dependant on the time of year and thew water temps. The Star has been known to have some good action on SBFT in July. Mahi can come in closer and you look for those under high flyers and pots, or anything floating on the surface.

[jpkil318]

Do they really come that close? What type of conditions usually make them come that close? That would be really awsome if they came within five miles.

[Bob Parsons]

What type of conditions usually make them come that close
Think warm temperatures and winds that blow the warm water towards shore.
Offshore fishing involves looking for temperature breaks to find potenial fishing areas.

[riptide]

Last year the mahi were about 10 miles off the Vineyard. There were SBFT within a couple miles of MV at times. As for whitey, neither the FBI or I have found him yet ;)