Expert Guided Bluefin Tuna Charters from Scituate Harbor
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour Bluefin Tuna charter departing from Scituate HarborFishing up to 15 miles offshore at Stellwagen BankAll gear included, accommodates six guests maximum
Cape Cod's tuna fishing doesn't get much better than this. First Pic Sportfishing runs an 8-hour charter from Scituate that puts you right in the thick of the action from mid-June through mid-September. We're talking about heading up to 15 miles offshore to hit spots like Stellwagen Bank where the big bluefin hang out. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with all gear included plus no fishing license needed, you just show up ready to fish. The boat handles up to six anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. At $1,400 for the whole group, you're splitting one of the best tuna fishing experiences on the East Coast.
This isn't your typical harbor fishing trip. We're heading offshore where the real action happens, and that means you'll feel like you're part of Cape Cod's commercial fishing heritage. The morning starts early from Scituate Harbor, and once we clear the breakwater, it's a straight shot to the tuna grounds. Your captain will be watching the fish finder, looking for bait schools and temperature breaks where bluefin like to feed. The vibe is serious but relaxed – everyone's here to catch fish, but there's plenty of laughs between the action. Bring your own food and drinks because eight hours flies by when the fish are biting. Don't forget polarized sunglasses and sunscreen; the reflection off the water is no joke, and you'll want to spot those fins when they come up to feed.
Bluefin tuna fishing is all about trolling, and your captain has the setup dialed in. We're talking heavy tackle – 50 to 80-pound class rods with reels that can handle screaming runs. The spread typically includes a mix of tube lures, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs running at different distances behind the boat. Speed matters with tuna, usually between 6 to 8 knots, and the captain adjusts based on water conditions and what the fish are showing. When a tuna hits, you'll know it – these fish don't nibble. The rod doubles over, the reel screams, and suddenly you're connected to 100+ pounds of pure muscle. The fighting chair becomes your best friend during the battle, and with proper technique, even novice anglers can land these fish. Your captain and crew handle all the technical stuff like adjusting drag and coaching you through the fight.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of New England fishing, and Cape Cod waters host some of the best bluefin action on the planet. These fish show up in June when the water warms and stick around through September, with peak action typically in July and August. We're targeting fish in the 40 to 200-pound range, though giants over 300 pounds aren't unheard of in these waters. Bluefin are incredibly smart and strong – they can hit 40 mph and dive to 300 feet during a fight. What makes them so special is their unpredictability. One minute you're trolling in calm water, the next you're watching a school of giants crashing bait on the surface. The meat is world-class sashimi grade, and the fight is something every serious angler needs to experience at least once.
Great white sharks are the unexpected bonus species that can show up during tuna season. While we're not specifically targeting them, Cape Cod waters have become famous for great white activity, especially around seal colonies. These apex predators follow the same bait schools and temperature breaks that attract tuna, so encounters happen. Seeing a great white roll on your tuna lure or cruise by the boat is a heart-stopping moment that puts everything in perspective. Most are in the 8 to 12-foot range, though bigger fish patrol these waters. If you hook one, it's catch and release only – but the photos and stories last a lifetime. The peak season overlaps perfectly with tuna fishing, making late summer the prime time for potential encounters.
Cape Cod tuna fishing operates on a short but intense season, and the best trips book up fast. First Pic Sportfishing has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish, and at $1,400 for up to six people, you're getting top-rated charter fishing at a price that makes sense when split among your group. The combination of experienced local knowledge, prime fishing grounds like Stellwagen Bank, and peak-season timing from June 15 to September 15 creates the perfect setup for landing the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check bluefin off your bucket list or a group wanting to experience world-class fishing together, this charter delivers. The gear is provided, the captain knows where to find them, and all you need to do is show up ready for eight hours of some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
The First Pic is built for serious tuna fishing off Cape Cod. This 35-foot 2008 Contender cuts through the waves with twin Yamaha F300s, getting you and five fellow anglers to Stellwagen Bank and other productive grounds fast. Modern Simrad electronics help locate the fish while USCG safety equipment keeps everyone secure during those 8-hour runs up to 15 miles offshore. The boat handles Cape Cod's waters well, whether you're trolling for giants or fighting that trophy bluefin back to the boat. All fishing gear and tackle are provided, so you can focus on landing Massachusetts tuna during peak season from mid-June through September.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna family - we typically see fish between 100-400 pounds out here, though some monsters can hit 800+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped powerhouses cruise our deeper waters from mid-June through September, feeding heavily on mackerel and herring around Stellwagen Bank. What makes them special? They're warm-blooded fish that can hit 40+ mph and dive over 1,000 feet deep. The fight is pure adrenaline - expect long screaming runs and deep dives that'll test your endurance. Plus, the meat quality is top-shelf, especially the belly cuts. My tip: when we find feeding birds and bait balls, position yourself updrift and let your bait drift naturally into the action. They're spooky fish, so a quiet approach often makes the difference between watching them and hooking up.
Carcharodon CarchariasGreat whites cruise our Cape Cod waters mainly during late summer and fall, typically 12-18 feet long and weighing 2,000-4,000 pounds. They patrol the outer beaches and seal colonies, preferring water temps between 55-70 degrees. You'll spot them around Chatham, Nauset, and the backside beaches where seals are active. Important note: these sharks are federally protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release with special permits required. What draws people? The sheer size and power - nothing compares to seeing a 15-footer cruise by the boat. Their incredible senses can detect blood from miles away, and they're surprisingly fast swimmers. If you're lucky enough to encounter one legally, use heavy tackle and stay calm. The key is having fresh bait and being near seal activity, but remember - we're just observers of these amazing apex predators.
Scituate, MA