The Butterfish Hole, on the grounds between Block Island and Montauk, earned its name honestly, it has a history of yellowfin (and bluefin) keyed on butterfish. When the tuna lock onto that small, round bait, it becomes a classic match-the-hatch spot.
The ground
The hole and its edges concentrate bait, and when butterfish are stacked here, the tuna feed on them. Reading what the fish are eating is the key.
How to fish it
When fish are on butterfish, the answer is often the real thing, see bluefin on butterfish for the match-the-hatch approach. Otherwise, troll and jig the area.
Tip If you mark tuna here that will not eat, check for butterfish in the water. When they are locked on that bait, match it, a real butterfish drifted naturally on a light leader beats every lure in the box.