The Northeast has a genuinely world-class bluefin tuna fishery, and much of it is within reach of Boston and Cape Cod ports. When the fish are on Stellwagen Bank or push into Cape Cod Bay, you can tangle with a fish of a lifetime and be back at the dock the same day.
Where the fish are
The heart of it is Stellwagen Bank and its corners, but bluefin also work Cape Cod Bay, the rip off Race Point, and the grounds east of Chatham. Follow the bait, the whales and the birds, and you find the tuna.
When it is best
The bluefin bite generally runs June through November, building through the summer and often best in the late season, though it varies year to year with the bait. See the seasonal calendar for how it fits the year.
How to catch them
Every method has its day: trolling to find fish, jigging and popping marked or breaking fish, and live bait or butterfish when they get picky. This is heavy tackle on a capable boat, exactly the kind of trip to do with a pro.
Chase a giant with a guide
Offshore tuna is the big one. A guided offshore tuna charter gives you the boat, the heavy tackle, the permits and the know-how to put you tight to a bluefin. Get in touch to talk dates and options.