Private Full-Day Offshore Fishing in Boston
There's nothing quite like heading out into the deep blue waters off Boston's coast, where the real action happens. This private full-day charter with Legit Fish Sportfishing takes you up to 40 miles offshore, putting you right in the heart of some of the Northeast's most productive fishing grounds. You'll be targeting trophy species like Bluefin Tuna, Mako and Blue Sharks, Striped Bass, and Bluefish – the kind of fish that make for legendary fishing stories and Instagram-worthy photos.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical harbor cruise – we're talking about a serious fishing adventure that runs Friday through Sunday when weekend warriors can really cut loose. Your group of up to 4 anglers gets the boat all to yourselves, meaning no fighting for rod time or the best spots at the rail. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the underwater structure that holds baitfish to the temperature breaks where predators lurk. You'll head out early to make the most of your time, covering serious ground to find where the fish are feeding. The crew provides all the top-quality gear you need, but you're responsible for bringing your own food and drinks – think cooler packed with sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. Pro tip: pack light on the breakfast if you're prone to seasickness, but definitely bring energy bars for when the bite gets hot and you don't want to stop fishing to eat.
Trolling, Chunking & Live Bait
The fishing techniques change based on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For Bluefin Tuna, we'll often start with high-speed trolling using spreader bars and cedar plugs, covering water until we mark fish or find diving birds. Once we locate a school, it's time to switch to chunking – cutting up fresh bait and creating a slick that draws the tuna in close. The gear is heavy-duty stuff: 50-80lb tackle that can handle these powerful fish without getting spooled. When we're after sharks, things get even more exciting. There's an optional $30 surcharge for chumming, but trust me, it's worth every penny when you see a Mako come up behind the boat. We'll deploy a chum bag and set out chunks of fresh bait on wire leaders – sharks have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. For Stripers and Blues, we might switch to live bait like mackerel or herring, especially around structure or bait schools. The captain reads the electronics constantly, adjusting our approach based on what the fish finder and temperature gauge are telling us.
Top Catches This Season
The Striped Bass fishing has been absolutely phenomenal, especially during the spring and fall migrations when massive schools move through Boston's offshore waters. These aren't your typical schoolie bass – we're talking about trophy fish in the 30-50 pound range that'll test your drag and your arms. Stripers are smart, though. They can be finicky about presentation, especially on calm, bright days when they can see your line. The key is varying your retrieve and using the right bait – fresh herring or mackerel usually does the trick. What makes Stripers so special is their fight: they'll make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump, especially the bigger fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the regulations.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 45 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. These warm-water sharks show up in our offshore waters during summer and early fall, typically in the 100-300 pound range. Makos are pure adrenaline – they'll scream line off your reel faster than you thought possible, then come flying out of the water in spectacular fashion. The meat is actually fantastic too, similar to swordfish, so don't overlook them as just a photo opportunity. Blue Sharks are more common and easier to catch, but they're still a blast on lighter tackle. They're curious creatures that often approach the boat, giving you great photo opportunities before release.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of Northeast offshore fishing, and Boston's waters consistently produce some monster fish. These powerful pelagic predators can weigh anywhere from 200-800+ pounds, and hooking into a giant Bluefin is like being connected to a freight train. They're most active during late summer through fall, when they're feeding heavily on herring, mackerel, and squid. The key to success is finding the bait – where there's bait, there are Bluefin. These fish are incredibly valuable, so if you're lucky enough to land a keeper-sized fish, it could literally pay for your entire fishing trip and then some. The smaller "school" Bluefin in the 27-73 inch range are still amazing fighters and make excellent sashimi.
Bluefish might not get the respect they deserve, but they're pure fun on the right tackle. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop. Blues have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match – they'll hit just about any bait or lure you put in front of them. During peak season in late summer and early fall, it's not uncommon to hook double-headers. They're oily fish, so they're best when cooked fresh, but their fighting spirit and willingness to bite makes them perfect for kids or anglers who want consistent action.
Time to Book Your Spot
Weekend slots with Legit Fish Sportfishing fill up fast, especially during prime season when the Bluefin and shark bite is hot. This private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace, target the species you're most excited about, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned offshore an