Full Day Tuna Fishing Charter in Cape Cod
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour Bluefin Tuna charter departing from Scituate HarborFish proven grounds like Stellwagen Bank up to 15 miles offshoreAll gear included with experienced captain guiding up to 6 anglers
Looking for world-class bluefin tuna action right off Massachusetts? This top-rated 8-hour charter from Scituate puts you in the heart of Cape Cod's legendary tuna grounds from mid-June through September. We're talking about serious fishing here – heading up to 15 miles offshore to spots like Stellwagen Bank where the big bluefins feed. Your experienced local captain knows these waters inside and out, and with all gear included plus no fishing license required, you just need to show up ready to fish. At $1,400 for your group of up to six anglers, this is your ticket to some of the best tuna fishing on the East Coast.
We launch early from Scituate Harbor and make the run out to the proven tuna grounds that have been producing consistently season after season. The 8-hour trip gives us plenty of time to work different areas and techniques, adjusting our approach based on what the fish are doing that day. These aren't your typical inshore trips – we're heading to deep water where the big bluefins cruise, following bait schools and temperature breaks that hold fish. The boat accommodates six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or joining a smaller group, everyone gets quality fishing time. Pack your own food and drinks, plus don't forget sunscreen, polarized glasses, and layers for changing conditions out there. The captain handles all the navigation and fish-finding while you focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat.
Bluefin tuna fishing off Cape Cod is all about covering water and reading the signs. We'll be trolling spreads of cedar plugs, tube lures, and fresh bait to trigger strikes from these fast-moving predators. The gear is heavy-duty stuff – 50 to 80-pound class rods with reels that can handle long runs and serious drag pressure. When a bluefin hits, you'll know it instantly as line screams off the reel. These fish can make multiple runs of several hundred yards, so be ready for a workout. We use circle hooks for better fish survival and follow all current regulations for this renewable fishery. The captain will coach you through the fight, helping with technique and making sure you stay connected to the fish. Between the electronics for finding schools and the captain's knowledge of seasonal patterns, you're set up for success on some of the most sought-after gamefish in New England waters.
The Stellwagen Bank area and surrounding waters have been producing consistent bluefin action throughout the summer months. These productive grounds sit right in the path of migrating tuna following massive schools of sand eels, mackerel, and herring. Water temperatures in the 60-68 degree range create perfect conditions for bluefin feeding, and the underwater topography funnels baitfish into concentrated areas where tuna can feed efficiently. Local regulations currently allow for harvest of school bluefin in the 27-73 inch range, with larger fish being released to preserve the breeding stock. The fishing typically peaks during incoming tides when bait gets pushed up against structure, but these fish can be active throughout the day when conditions are right. Many trips also encounter other species like striped bass, bluefish, and occasional sharks while working the tuna grounds.
Bluefin tuna are the main event on this charter, and for good reason. These powerful fish are built for speed and endurance, capable of reaching speeds over 40 mph and diving to depths exceeding 3,000 feet. Off Cape Cod, we typically encounter school-size bluefin ranging from 30 to 70 inches, though larger fish are always possible. Peak season runs from late June through early September when water temperatures stabilize and baitfish concentrations draw hungry tuna into our local waters. What makes bluefin so special is their incredible fight – they combine raw power with tactical intelligence, often making multiple long runs and direction changes that test both angler skill and tackle limits. The meat quality is renowned worldwide, and successfully landing one of these fish represents a pinnacle achievement for many saltwater anglers.
Great white sharks, while not the primary target, are occasional visitors to these same productive waters. These apex predators follow similar food sources as the tuna, including seals, large fish, and abundant bait schools around Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay. Encounters typically happen during summer months when water temperatures rise and prey species are most active. While we practice catch and release with all sharks, seeing one of these magnificent animals up close is a customer favorite moment that anglers remember for years. Great whites in this area can range from juvenile fish around 6-8 feet up to mature adults exceeding 15 feet. Their presence actually indicates a healthy ecosystem, and the Massachusetts waters around Cape Cod have become renowned as important habitat for this recovering species.
Cape Cod's bluefin tuna season is relatively short but intense, running from June 15 through September 15 when conditions and fish movements align perfectly. This charter gives you access to some of New England's best tuna fishing with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish. The all-inclusive approach means you can focus on fishing rather than worrying about gear, licenses, or regulations. At $1,400 for up to six anglers, you're getting premium access to world-class fishing grounds that attract anglers from across the country. These summer dates fill up fast as word spreads about the quality fishing, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. Whether you're looking to check bluefin tuna off your bucket list or add to your offshore experience, this trip delivers the goods with professional guidance in some of Massachusetts' most productive waters.
The First Pic is a serious tuna hunter built for Cape Cod waters. This 35-foot 2008 Contender cuts through the chop with twin Yamaha F300s pushing her to the productive grounds around Stellwagen Bank. Modern Simrad electronics help locate the fish while keeping you on course during the 15-mile run offshore. The boat handles six anglers comfortably with plenty of room to fight those powerful bluefin. Full USCG safety equipment gives you confidence when targeting these apex predators in open water. Her deep-V hull design delivers a smooth ride even when the seas pick up, getting you to the bite zone quickly and bringing you back safely with your catch.
Thunnus ThynnusAtlantic Bluefin are the heavyweights of the tuna family - these torpedo-shaped fighters average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but we've seen giants push 1,000 pounds in our waters. They cruise Stellwagen Bank and offshore ledges from mid-June through September, typically 10-15 miles out in 100-300 feet of water. What makes them special? The fight is pure chaos - lightning runs, deep dives, and that chrome-blue beauty when they surface. The meat is world-class sashimi grade too. My go-to technique is trolling cedar plugs or fresh mackerel early morning near the temperature breaks. When you hook up, tighten that drag gradually - these fish will test every knot you've tied.
Carcharodon CarchariasGreat Whites patrol our Cape Cod waters from July through October, cruising seal colonies and drop-offs in 40-80 feet of water. These apex predators stretch 12-20 feet and pack serious muscle - some push 5,000 pounds. While they're federally protected and catch-and-release only with special permits, spotting one is pure magic. Their gray backs and white bellies cut through the water at 35 mph, and that triangular dorsal fin still gives everyone chills. We often see them following our tuna spreads or working the outside of Stellwagen. Best sightings happen on calm mornings when the water's clear. Keep your eyes peeled near baitfish schools - where there's food, these legends aren't far behind.
Scituate, MA