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Oceanographer Canyon

A canyon carved into the bank. Oceanographer Canyon cuts dramatically into Georges Bank, a deep, structure-rich big-game ground that holds tuna, billfish, swordfish and mahi in season.

Oceanographer Canyon is one of the most dramatic of the Georges Bank canyons, cutting deep into the bank and creating outstanding structure. It is a rich big-game ground for yellowfin and bigeye, bluefin, marlin, swordfish and mahi.

The canyon

Fish the edge and the steep walls where the canyon cuts into Georges Bank. The pronounced structure concentrates bait and current, and the surrounding bank is famously productive water.

How to fish it

Troll the edge and the canyon, chunk overnight in a slick, deep-drop for swords, and cast to mahi around any floating structure.

Tip Note that some canyons on Georges Bank fall within closed or restricted areas for certain fisheries and gear. Know the current area regulations for where you are fishing before you drop or set anything.

Canyon-run safety The canyons are a long run into deep, open ocean, usually an overnight or multi-day trip far beyond help. Go in a capable, well-found boat, watch the weather window closely, carry proper safety and communications gear (EPIRB, life raft, redundant electronics), and file a float plan. This is serious offshore fishing.
Regulations Tuna are federally managed highly migratory species requiring an HMS permit, with category, size and retention rules that change through the season. Confirm current rules with NOAA Fisheries HMS before fishing.

Related in the Library

GamefishBigeye TunaAreaThe Northeast CanyonsAreaLydonia CanyonAreaHydrographer Canyon
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Note: fishing regulations (size limits, bag limits, seasons, permits) change often. Always confirm current rules with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (saltwater), MassWildlife (freshwater), or NOAA Fisheries (offshore/HMS) before you keep a fish.