Tuna Ground

the BB Buoy

The underfished south end. The BB Buoy is the southernmost of the east-of-Chatham marks, a spot that gets overlooked but that tuna move to as they shift from the water south of the Vineyard.

The BB Buoy marks the southernmost of the classic east-of-Chatham grounds. It tends to be underfished relative to the closer spots, but it can pay off, tuna migrating up from the water south of Martha’s Vineyard move through this area, so it is worth a look when the fish are shifting.

The ground

Deeper water south of the elbow, holding bait and traveling bluefin. Because it is off the beaten path, you may have it to yourself.

How to fish it

Troll to locate traveling fish and jig the marks. Think of it as an option when the fish are moving between the southern grounds and the Cape.

Tip Keep the BB Buoy in mind as the season shifts. When the bite south of the Vineyard tails off, fish move, and this underfished southern mark can be holding them before anyone else notices.

About the coordinates The coordinates on this page are an approximate reference to orient you, not a navigation waypoint. Fish move, and numbers vary boat to boat, get exact, current marks locally and always run on a plotter with proper charts.
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.
From the page to the water

Learn it here, land it out there

Reading is a great start. The fastest way to get good is a day on the water with someone who does it every day.

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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.