Giant Bluefin Tuna Fishing off Chatham, MA
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting giant bluefin tuna off ChathamLive bait fishing techniques for legendary Atlantic giantsSmall group charter accommodating up to 6 guests maximum
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a top-rated charter boat, rod bent double, line screaming off your reel as a 400-pound Giant Bluefin Tuna makes its first run. The waters off Chatham are legendary among serious anglers, and there's no fish that tests your skills quite like these ocean giants. Our 8-hour charter puts you right in the heart of the action, where world-class bluefin fishing meets Cape Cod's renowned offshore fishing grounds. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to battle these monsters without bumping elbows.
Your day starts early – we're talking 5 AM departure – because that's when the bluefin are most active. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the sun come up over the Atlantic. Once we hit the productive water, usually 15-20 miles offshore, you'll see why Chatham has become a customer favorite for serious tuna hunters. The underwater canyon systems and temperature breaks create perfect feeding conditions, and when the fish are here, they're here in numbers. Don't expect to just drop a line and wait – bluefin fishing is active, demanding work that requires focus and technique. But when you hook up with one of these giants, every sore muscle becomes worth it.
We fish exclusively with live bait because that's what triggers the most explosive strikes from giant bluefin. Fresh pogies, mackerel, and herring make up our arsenal, and we'll have you fishing with circle hooks on heavy spinning gear or conventional reels loaded with 80-pound test. The technique is all about patience and precision – presenting that bait naturally in the current while staying ready for the bone-jarring strike that comes without warning. We'll position the boat over structure or temperature breaks where the tuna are feeding, then it's a waiting game until someone yells "Fish on!" The drag systems on our reels are set to perfection, because these fish will test every knot and connection you've got. Stand-up fighting belts and harnesses are standard equipment – trust me, you'll need them when you're 45 minutes into a fight with a 300-pounder.
The Giant Bluefin Tuna that cruise these waters are absolute specimens. We're talking fish that average 200-400 pounds, with giants pushing 600+ pounds when conditions are right. These aren't the small schoolie tuna you might catch closer to shore – these are fully mature fish that have been roaming the Atlantic for decades. Peak season runs from mid-June through October, with September and early October producing the largest fish as they bulk up before their southern migration. What makes catching them so special isn't just their size, but their intelligence and power. Bluefin are apex predators with incredible speed and endurance. They can dive deep, make long runs, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The meat quality is world-renowned – this is the same species that commands top dollar at fish markets in Japan. Most of our guests practice catch and release, but if you do keep one within regulations, you're looking at sushi-grade tuna that'll spoil you for life.
Giant Bluefin Tuna are the kings of New England offshore fishing, and the waters off Chatham produce some of the best specimens on the East Coast. These fish are warm-blooded, which gives them the ability to maintain high speeds and fight harder than most other species. A mature bluefin can reach speeds over 40 mph and dive to depths of 3,000 feet, though we typically encounter them feeding in the top 100 feet of water. They're incredibly smart fish that travel in small schools and can be surprisingly selective about what they'll eat. The best fishing happens during the early morning and late afternoon hours when they're actively feeding on baitfish schools. What really gets anglers excited is the visual aspect – you'll often see these giants crashing bait on the surface, creating explosive feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping before you even cast a line. The fight is legendary among serious anglers because bluefin use their entire body as a weapon, combining raw power with tactical intelligence that can humble even experienced fishermen.
Cape Cod's bluefin season is short but sweet, and the best trips book up fast among anglers who know what they're after. This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – it's a full commitment to chasing one of the ocean's most respected gamefish in some of the most productive waters on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check bluefin off your bucket list or part of a group wanting to experience world-class fishing, our 8-hour charter gives you the time and expertise needed to make it happen. The combination of Chatham's prime location, our knowledge of local fishing grounds, and the sheer abundance of giant bluefin in these waters creates opportunities that don't exist everywhere. Book your trip now and get ready for the kind of fishing story you'll be telling for years to come.
Meet our trusty 28-foot Whitewater center console – your ticket to chasing Giant Bluefin Tuna in the productive waters off Chatham. This 1997 workhorse has been battling the offshore swells for years, powered by a reliable 300HP Mercury that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and bring you home safe. Built to handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, she's got everything you need for a serious day of fishing: an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for when fog rolls in, and a quality fish finder to locate those tuna below. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the spacious deck means you can move around freely when that big bluefin decides to take a run. She's not the newest boat on the water, but she's proven herself time and again in these Atlantic waters where the giants roam.
Hyannis