The False Albacore Run at Montauk Point
Every October through November, something happens at Montauk Point that gets anglers talking from the docks to the parking lots at fishing spots all over town. False albacore—also called little tunny—move through the waters around the Point in numbers that can turn an ordinary fall morning into something memorable. If you've never targeted them, you're missing one of the most reliable and exciting runs we get here year-round.
False albacore are sleek, aggressive fish that rarely exceed eight pounds but fight like something twice that size. They're built for speed and they know it. What makes the fall run special is the sheer volume of them. Schools will tear through baitfish in the channels and along the rockier bottom off the Point, and you can actually see the water boiling from the shore. It's chaos in the best way.
Where and How to Fish Them
The waters directly around Montauk Point itself—especially around the lighthouse and the rocky outcrops—concentrate these fish as they follow the migration patterns of bunker and silversides. You can fish from the rocks if you're comfortable with the footing, though many locals prefer to book a charter or guided boat to cover more water and reach the deeper feeding zones. The Point's geography funnels baitfish into tight areas, which means the albacore are predictable—if not always cooperative.
Small metal jigs and live bait work, but many anglers swear by light spinning tackle and small popping plugs. False albacore have excellent eyesight and no patience for sitting still, so casting accuracy and retrieve speed matter. Expect arm-tiring action if the conditions align. Water temperature is key: you want late fall when the ocean is still in the mid-50s, but cooling. That's typically the first three weeks of November here at the Point.
What You Need to Know
The weather in November at Montauk is unpredictable. Bring more layers than you think you'll need. The Point can be 10 degrees colder and 20 percent windier than anywhere else in town, and the exposed granite offers no shelter. Tide and current change the bite significantly—slack tide often produces better action than hard flowing water.
The false albacore run doesn't last long. By mid-November most of them have moved on or the water cools enough to shut things down. If you're thinking about targeting them, don't wait until Thanksgiving week to make a plan.
Local tip: Check conditions at the Point before you go. Calm mornings in early November usually mean less wind and better visibility for the fish to find your lure—and better odds that you'll actually land something instead of just getting tangled on the rocks.