Tuna Ground

the Regal Sword

The wreck that holds giants. The Regal Sword, a wreck complex east of Chatham, stacks bait over structure and has a track record for big bluefin, plus excellent groundfishing.

The Regal Sword is a wreck complex on the east-of-Chatham grounds with a strong reputation for big bluefin. The wrecks and varied bottom hold serious bait, and that structure-and-bait combination has made it consistently productive for large tuna, with good ground fishing on the same piece.

The ground

The wreck structure and the bait it holds are the draw. The varied depths mean fish can be down deep on the structure, so heavy tackle and a good sounder pay off.

How to fish it

This is a spot where heavy jigs earn their keep, twelve to sixteen ounces to reach and work fish down on the structure. Jig the marks and troll the area; the same structure fishes well for groundfish too.

Tip Bring heavy jigs to the Regal Sword. The depth and structure mean you need enough weight, twelve to sixteen ounces, to get down and stay in contact with fish holding on the wrecks.

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.