The shipping lanes, the marked deep-water traffic routes running to and from Boston and around the Cape, cross bait-rich water that regularly holds bluefin. The deeper water along and beside the lanes concentrates herring, mackerel and squid, and the tuna follow. It is productive water, but it demands constant attention to vessel traffic.
The ground
Fish the deep water and edges along the lanes, keying on bait marks and life. The depth means fish often hold down, so your sounder is your best friend out here.
How to fish it
Jigging marked deep fish is a go-to given the depth, along with trolling to cover water. Match herring and mackerel profiles.
Mind the traffic You are fishing among large commercial ships that cannot stop or turn quickly and may not see you. Monitor AIS and the radio, stay clear of the traffic separation scheme lanes themselves, and never anchor or drift where you cannot get out of a ship's way. Safety first.
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.