Massachusetts is one of the few places on earth where you can hook a giant bluefin within sight of land. From the tuna grounds on Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay to the offshore edges, our waters hold everything from schoolie “footballs” on light-ish popping gear to giants that require an hour of stand-up combat.
Where & when
Bluefin follow bait and water temperature. In our region the season generally runs June through November, with fish showing on the inshore banks in summer and often getting thick in the fall. Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod Bay, the backside of the Cape and the offshore canyons all produce, depending on the year and the class of fish.
How to catch them
Jig & pop
The most exciting way to catch bluefin: run to feeding or marked fish and cast stickbaits and poppers or drop vertical jigs on heavy spinning gear. When a football-to-large-school fish eats a popper on the surface, it's as good as fishing gets. This needs a dedicated tuna popping setup.
Trolling
Cover water and find fish by pulling spreader bars, daisy chains and ballyhoo at the right speed. Effective for locating scattered fish and for larger classes.
Chunking & live bait
Anchor or drift and establish a chunk slick with butterfish or herring, or live-line a mackerel or bluefish. A patient, proven way to get bit, especially for the biggest fish.
Tip Bluefin are powerful and unforgiving of weak links. Learn to tie a solid FG knot for your braid-to-leader connection, keep your drags and hooks in top shape, and check your leader for abrasion after every fish.
The fight & handling
Even a “small” bluefin will test you. Use the boat, keep steady pressure, and don't give line you don't have to. If you're releasing, get the fish boatside quickly, keep it in the water, and revive it. If you're keeping one within the regulations, bleed and ice it immediately, bluefin is some of the finest table fare in the ocean.