Bodega Bay Bluefin & Albacore Tuna Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 20hour charter targeting Bluefin and Albacore TunaAccommodates 612 guests with all fishing equipment providedDeparts 2:00 AM for offshore fishing adventures
When serious anglers talk about world-class tuna fishing on the West Coast, Bodega Bay sits right at the top of the list. This private 20-hour charter with Bodega Bay Charters puts you right in the thick of some of California's most productive offshore waters, where bluefin and albacore tuna cruise the deep blue in serious numbers. We're talking about a full-day commitment here – departing at 2 a.m. and staying out there until the fish stop biting or the sun sets, whichever comes last. Your group of 6 to 12 anglers gets the entire boat to yourselves, which means no crowding at the rail and plenty of room to work when the bite gets hot.
This isn't your typical half-day bay trip – we're heading out to where the big fish live, sometimes 20 to 40 miles offshore depending on where the tuna are showing up on the sonar. The early departure gives us maximum time to locate schools and put you on fish when they're most active. Captain and crew handle all the navigation and fish-finding, using top-rated electronics to track bait balls and temperature breaks where tuna love to hunt. You'll spend your day in prime offshore habitat, working productive water that recreational anglers rarely get to experience. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and a tackle selection that's been fine-tuned for these waters over years of charter experience. Weather conditions can change plans, but that's fishing – safety always comes first, and the crew knows these waters better than anyone.
Tuna fishing off Bodega Bay is all about covering water and presenting the right bait at the right speed. We'll be trolling most of the day, pulling spreads of lures and live bait behind the boat at speeds that trigger strikes from hunting tuna. The provided tackle includes heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with 40 to 80-pound test line – these fish can peel off 200 yards in their first run, so light gear just won't cut it. When we mark fish on the finder, we'll often switch to live bait fishing, dropping anchovies or sardines down to cruising schools. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but they'll teach you the finer points of fighting these powerful fish. Proper technique makes all the difference when you're dealing with 20 to 60-pound tuna that want to sound deep or make long runs toward the horizon.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of West Coast fishing, and Bodega Bay offers some of the most consistent bluefin action you'll find anywhere. These fish typically range from 20 to 50 pounds in our waters, though larger specimens over 60 pounds show up regularly during peak season from July through October. Bluefin are incredibly strong fighters, known for their initial screaming runs and stubborn deep fights that can last 20 minutes or more. They're also prized for their incredible meat quality – this is sashimi-grade fish that rivals anything you'd find in top restaurants. The best fishing usually happens when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 62 and 68 degrees, and the crew knows exactly where to find these thermal breaks. What makes bluefin so special is their intelligence and wariness – they'll inspect your bait and test your drag system like no other fish.
Albacore tuna might not get the same headlines as bluefin, but they're absolute customer favorites for good reason. These silver bullets typically run 12 to 25 pounds and are famous for their non-stop fighting style and acrobatic jumps. Albacore season peaks from late July through September when schools migrate through our offshore waters, following bait and favorable currents. They're much more aggressive feeders than bluefin, often hitting lures at high speeds and providing that classic arm-burning fight that keeps anglers coming back. The meat is lighter than bluefin but still excellent eating, and albacore are perfect for smoking or grilling. On a good day, it's not unusual for each angler to boat multiple fish, especially when you locate a hot school that's actively feeding on the surface.
This private charter represents the best way to experience offshore tuna fishing without the crowds and limitations of party boat fishing. With a minimum of 6 anglers and space for up to 12, you're looking at a premium fishing experience that gives your group the flexibility to fish at your own pace and target the species you want most. The 20-hour duration means you're not racing against the clock – there's time to travel to productive water, work multiple spots, and really maximize your chances of connecting with quality fish. All the essential gear is provided, but remember to bring your own food and drinks for the long day ahead. Weather can be unpredictable offshore, so this trip operates subject to safe conditions, but when it's fishable, you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after game fish swimming in Pacific waters. Book now to secure your dates during peak tuna season.
The Jones-Goodell Headboat cuts through Pacific waters with the confidence of a vessel that's been chasing tuna for decades. This 65-foot workhorse runs twin C-12 engines pushing 450HP each, getting you to those deep offshore grounds where the big Bluefin and Albacore roam. Built tough in 1977, she's designed for serious anglers who don't mind a 2:00 a.m. departure and 20 hours on the water when the fish are running hot. The fish finder will mark your targets while GPS and radar keep you locked onto productive spots even when visibility drops. Your catch stays fresh in the onboard icebox and refrigerator, and the head keeps everyone comfortable during those marathon fishing sessions. With room for up to 12 anglers, this private charter gives your crew the whole boat to work prime tuna water without fighting crowds.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are smaller than bluefin but pack plenty of action, typically running 20-45 pounds with their distinctive long pectoral fins. They travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles in the deep Pacific waters off our coast. Best fishing happens during daylight hours when they're actively feeding near the surface. What guests love about albacore is they're steady fighters and the only tuna you can legally call "white meat" - firm texture with mild, clean flavor that's perfect for grilling or canning. They're always moving since they need constant water flow over their gills. Here's a key tip: when you hook the first fish in a school, work fast and keep it tight - if that lead fish gets away, it'll often take the whole school with it, leaving you searching empty water.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna family - these torpedo-shaped fish average around 130 pounds in Pacific waters, though they can get much bigger. They're built for speed and power, hitting 43 mph and diving over 3,000 feet deep. We find them in deeper offshore waters, especially around structure and temperature breaks. The bite tends to pick up during morning and evening hours. What makes bluefin special is the incredible fight - they'll make blistering surface runs followed by deep dives that'll test your tackle and endurance. The meat quality is outstanding too, prized for sashimi worldwide. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits 50-90 feet behind the boat and be ready with heavy tackle - these fish don't give up easy and you'll need every advantage to land one.
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