Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime! Our 8-hour private tuna charter takes you right to the heart of Cape Cod's legendary fishing grounds. We're talking world-class action for bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin tuna - the holy trinity of offshore game fish. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time chasing tuna, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and decades of local know-how.
We'll meet you bright and early at the dock in Chatham or Fairhaven - your choice. Once we're loaded up, it's time to hit the open water. The run out can take a bit, but that's when the excitement really starts to build. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface - that's often a dead giveaway for tuna feeding frenzies below. When we find the fish, it's all hands on deck. Hooking into a 200+ pound bluefin is an experience you'll never forget - trust me, your arms will be feeling it for days! But man, is it worth it when you see that monster fish come up beside the boat.
We primarily use two methods to target these beasts: trolling and chunking. Trolling involves dragging large lures or rigged baits behind the boat, mimicking the tuna's favorite prey. It's a great way to cover water and find actively feeding fish. Once we locate a school, we might switch to chunking - that's when we anchor up and create a slick of cut bait to draw the tuna in close. It's an incredibly effective technique, especially for those bigger bluefin. We provide all the specialized gear you'll need, including custom rods and reels built to handle the raw power of these fish. Just listen to your captain and first mate - they'll walk you through every step of the fight.
Bluefin Tuna: The crown jewel of the North Atlantic. These giants can top 1,000 pounds, though most fish we catch range from 100-500 pounds. They're incredibly powerful, known to strip hundreds of yards of line in a single run. Bluefin are most abundant from June through November, with peak action often in September and October. The meat is prized by sushi chefs worldwide, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers.
Bigeye Tuna: Often mistaken for their bluefin cousins, bigeye are another hard-fighting gamefish. They average 100-200 pounds but can reach well over 300. Bigeye tend to feed deeper in the water column, so we'll often target them with deep-running lures or live bait. They're most common from July through October. The rich, dark meat is excellent for grilling or searing.
Yellowfin Tuna: Also known as "ahi," yellowfin are the speedsters of the tuna world. They're typically smaller than bluefin or bigeye, averaging 30-100 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. Yellowfin are famous for their long, blistering runs and spectacular jumps. We see them most often from August through October. The meat is prized for its mild flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
There's just something special about tuna fishing off Cape Cod. Maybe it's the anticipation as you watch that rod bend double. Or the rush of adrenaline when a 300-pounder grey-hounds across the surface. Could be the satisfaction of bringing a hard-earned fish to the boat after an hour-long battle. Whatever it is, this fishery gets in your blood. We've had clients come back year after year, chasing that rush and trying to best their personal records. And let's not forget - at the end of the day, you're potentially bringing home some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Nothing beats sharing fresh tuna steaks with friends and family, reliving the excitement of the catch.
While every day on the water is different, we've been seeing some monster fish lately. Just last week, we put a client on a 650-pound bluefin - that fight lasted over 3 hours! We've also been finding good numbers of 100-200 pound class fish, perfect eating size. The yellowfin bite has been steadily improving as water temperatures rise, with several fish over 80 pounds hitting the deck. Remember, we practice responsible catch-and-release for any fish we're not keeping, ensuring this fishery stays strong for years to come.
If you're ready for the offshore adventure of a lifetime, don't wait to book your trip. Our 8-hour private charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. We provide all the gear, bait, and licenses you need - just bring some snacks, drinks, and a positive attitude. Remember, a 20% tip for the first mate is customary and greatly appreciated. They work hard to put you on fish and make your day memorable. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call or book online today. Those Cape Cod tuna aren't going to catch themselves!
Bigeye tuna are prized catches here off Cape Cod. These powerful fish average 60-200 pounds but can top 400. Look for them in deeper, cooler waters - they can handle low oxygen levels better than other tuna. Bigeyes feed on smaller fish and squid, often hunting at dawn and dusk when their large eyes give them an advantage. Late summer into fall is prime time to target them. Anglers love bigeyes for their hard-fighting spirit and high-quality meat, considered by many to be the best-tasting tuna. To improve your odds, try trolling with dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range just before sunset. A local trick is using spreader bars on short riggers to really get their attention. Remember, these fish can dive deep, so be ready for a workout when you hook one!
Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna world, averaging 6-8 feet and 500 pounds, with some topping 1,000. They're incredibly powerful, built for speed and long-distance travel. You'll find them from the surface down to 3,000 feet, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Prime season here is July through October as they follow mackerel and herring north. Anglers target bluefin for the ultimate test of strength - be ready for blistering runs and deep dives. Their rich, fatty meat is also highly prized. To land one, use heavy tackle and sturdy gear. Trolling covers ground to locate schools, then try live bait or chunking. A local secret: they often bite more aggressively at dawn and dusk. Remember, bluefin are carefully managed, so know the regs before you go after these amazing fish.
Yellowfin tuna are sleek, powerful fish that put up an amazing fight. Most run 30-100 pounds around here, but they can get over 400. You'll find them in the upper 100 meters of warm water, often near floating debris or structure. They're fast swimmers, hitting 50 mph when chasing prey. Late summer is prime time as they follow the warm currents north. Anglers love yellowfin for their acrobatic jumps and delicious meat - it's prized for sushi. To catch one, try trolling with rigged ballyhoo or skirted lures. If you mark fish deep but they won't bite, switch to jigging. A local tip: "chunking" with cut bait can really get them fired up. Toss some pieces overboard to create a feeding frenzy, then drop your baited hook in the mix.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250