Newburyport Offshore Tuna & Shark Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets Bluefin Tuna and Blue SharksPremium gear, licenses, and expert guidance included with Captain PaulSmall group experience limited to six passengers maximum
Captain Paul knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his charter in Newburyport, you're signing up for some serious offshore action. This full-day fishing adventure targets two of the ocean's most powerful predators – Bluefin Tuna and Blue Sharks – in the productive waters that make this stretch of Massachusetts coastline legendary among serious anglers. With a maximum of six passengers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. We're talking premium gear, all licenses covered, and a captain who's dedicated his life to putting clients on fish.
Your day starts early at the Newburyport dock, where Captain Paul will have everything rigged and ready to roll. Within an hour of clearing the harbor, you'll be in the zone where the magic happens – those deep offshore waters where big fish cruise and feed. The boat carries top-shelf rods and reels matched perfectly for the species we're targeting, along with fresh bait and a tackle selection that's been fine-tuned through years of experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler who knows the drill or someone who's never held a fishing rod, Captain Paul adjusts his approach to make sure everyone has a shot at success. Pack your own food and drinks because we'll be out there all day, and trust me, you'll want to stay hydrated when you're battling these powerful fish under the Massachusetts sun.
Offshore fishing for tuna and sharks is a whole different ballgame from inshore casting. We're talking about trolling spreads with carefully positioned lures, chunking operations that bring sharks up from the depths, and live bait presentations that drive bluefin absolutely wild. Captain Paul runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Some days we'll set up a chunking drift where we're ladling ground bait overboard to create a slick that draws sharks from miles away. Other times we're running and gunning, covering water with trolling spreads until we mark fish or spot surface activity. The gear is heavy-duty because these fish don't mess around – we're talking 50-80 pound class tackle with reels that can handle blazing runs and sustained fights. When a bluefin decides it wants to head for Portugal, you'll understand why we don't compromise on equipment quality.
The waters off Newburyport host an impressive lineup of apex predators that get your heart racing the moment they show up. Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel here – these fish are pure muscle wrapped in silver, capable of reaching speeds over 40 mph and growing to massive sizes. Peak season runs from June through October, with the biggest fish often showing up in late summer when the baitfish are thick. What makes bluefin so special isn't just their size, but their intelligence and fighting ability. They'll sound deep, make blistering runs, and test every ounce of your skill and endurance. Blue Sharks are the most common shark species we encounter, and while some anglers underestimate them, these sleek predators put up fantastic fights and are absolutely beautiful fish. They're curious and aggressive, often showing up in numbers once you get a good chum slick going.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the offshore world, and when one shows up, everyone on the boat knows it. These fish are built like torpedoes and famous for their aerial displays – there's nothing quite like watching a mako launch itself completely out of the water. Porbeagle Sharks are the coldwater cousins of great whites, thick-bodied powerhouses that prefer the cooler months and fight with incredible determination. Thresher Sharks are the wild cards – these unique predators with their elongated tail fins are becoming more common in our waters, and hooking one is always a memorable experience. Each species requires different tactics and brings its own personality to the fight, which is why offshore fishing never gets old.
Hogg Tide Charters has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish when others come back empty-handed. Captain Paul's knowledge of seasonal patterns, current breaks, and fish behavior comes from decades of working these waters, not just reading about them. With only six spots available per trip, you're getting a semi-private charter experience at a fraction of what you'd pay for a dedicated boat. The fact that all gear, bait, tackle, and licenses are included means you can focus on what matters – fighting fish and creating memories. These offshore grounds don't fish well every single day, but when conditions align and the bite turns on, you'll understand why people drive hours to fish out of Newburyport. Book your spot now and get ready to test yourself against some of the ocean's most powerful predators.
The Duffy cuts through Newburyport waters with purpose, her 440HP Yanmar engine pushing this 2006 Downeast hull toward bluefin and shark territory at a steady 25 knots. Built for serious offshore fishing, she's equipped with everything you need for a productive day chasing big fish - GPS to mark the spots, fish finder to locate the action, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the bite gets finicky. The onboard kitchen and fridge keep your provisions fresh during long runs to the fishing grounds, while the multimedia system provides weather updates and communication with other boats. When you need a break between hookups, there's a comfortable bed and full facilities onboard. Captain Paul limits trips to six anglers maximum, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. With premium tackle, fresh bait, and all licenses included, you'll be rigged and ready when you reach those productive offshore waters about an hour from the dock.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the perfect shark for first-timers - they're curious, cooperative, and put up a solid scrap. These sleek predators average 6-8 feet and 60-200 pounds, with that gorgeous blue coloration that fades to white underneath. They prefer open ocean around 1000+ feet deep, cruising the surface layers hunting squid and small fish. We see them best May through September in water temps 55-70°F. What makes them great? They respond well to chum, fight consistently, and won't try to destroy your boat like some other sharks. They're also beautiful to see up close. The key is a good chum slick with ground mackerel and herring - Blues will follow that scent trail for miles. Keep your baited line at least 100 feet back from the boat and use circle hooks for easy releases.
Thunnus ThynnusGiants of the deep that'll test every piece of gear you own. Atlantic Bluefin here average 6-7 feet and 400-600 pounds, but we see fish pushing 1000+ pounds. They're built for speed - that torpedo body can hit 40+ mph and dive over 3000 feet. We find them in deep offshore water, usually following bait schools around temperature breaks. Peak season runs June through October when they're feeding heavily before their migration. The fight's legendary - long screaming runs followed by deep dives that'll make your arms burn. Plus, there's no better eating fish on the planet. My go-to technique: troll cedar plugs or feathers at dawn and dusk when they're most active. Once you mark them, switch to chunking with fresh herring - but be ready for a battle that could last hours.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water cousins of the Mako, built tough for our North Atlantic waters. These stocky sharks average 5-7 feet and 200-400 pounds, with that distinctive white patch behind their first dorsal fin. They love temps between 40-60°F and cruise depths from 30 feet down to 600+, making them perfect for our offshore grounds. Summer's your best bet when they move onto the continental shelf to feed. Guests love them because they fight like bulldogs - all power and endurance, sometimes even jumping. The meat's considered a delicacy too. Here's what works: drop a whole mackerel on a 10/0 circle hook down to 100-200 feet. These sharks can be shy, so a good chum slick with oily fish parts will bring them in from a distance.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, Makos are pure adrenaline on a line. These torpedo-shaped predators average 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds, but can hit 12 feet and really test your gear. They cruise open waters from the surface down to 400+ feet, following baitfish and squid. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit 60°F+. What makes them special? Speed, power, and those legendary jumps - they can leap 20 feet out of the water during a fight. The meat's also top-notch if you're keeping one. My tip: when chumming, use a mix of mackerel and tuna scraps, but keep that chum line steady. These sharks are smart and will circle looking for the source before committing to your bait.
Alopias VulpinusThe showboat of the shark world, Threshers are instantly recognizable by that massive tail that's as long as their body. These unique predators average 12-16 feet and 300-500 pounds, using that whip-like tail to stun schools of baitfish at 50+ mph. They patrol open waters 25-200 feet down, following mackerel and herring schools along the shelf edge. Late summer into fall is prime time when bait concentrations peak. Anglers love them for their acrobatic fights and that spectacular tail-whipping behavior you'll see at boatside. The meat's excellent too. Best approach is trolling mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep around bait schools. When you hook one, give it plenty of room - that tail can reach you from surprisingly far away, and these fish know how to use it.
Newburyport, MA