Private Full-Day Offshore Fishing in Boston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Bluefin Tuna and Sharks up to 40 miles offshorePrivate charter accommodates up to 4 guests with expert guidanceWeekend trips include topquality gear and chumming options
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the most beautiful sharks in our waters - deep blue on top fading to bright white below, with that classic torpedo shape. They typically run 6-8 feet and 60-200 pounds, depending on sex (females get much bigger). These curious predators prefer deeper water, usually cruising around 100+ feet but they'll come up to investigate. Mid-summer through early fall gives us the best shots when water temps hit 54-68°F. What makes them fun to target? They're aggressive feeders that respond well to chum, and they'll give you a solid scrap without the danger factor of bigger shark species. They're curious too, often circling the boat. Here's what works: drift with a good chum slick using mackerel or herring chunks, and keep your baited lines at least 20 feet from the boat - blues can get pretty excited in a feeding situation.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - massive, fast, and built like living torpedoes. We're talking fish that average 200-400 pounds but can hit 800+ in our waters. These deep-blue speedsters cruise at 40+ mph and dive to incredible depths. Peak season runs late spring through fall when they follow bait migrations up from the Gulf of Mexico. Why do anglers obsess over them? The fight is legendary - long powerful runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours. Plus, bluefin is the holy grail of sushi-grade fish. We target them 20-40 miles offshore using heavy trolling gear, live bait like herring or mackerel, and chunking techniques. Pro tip: watch for birds and bait schools on the surface, but be ready to fish deep too - these fish often feed below the action you can see.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - probably the most vicious feeders you'll encounter in our waters. These blue-green torpedoes typically run 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp triangular teeth and serious attitude. They school up along the continental shelf, often pushing baitfish right to the surface in feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitz." Peak action runs mid-June through October when they migrate through. What makes them popular? Non-stop action when you find a school, plus they're great eating when prepared fresh. They'll hit just about anything - spoons, poppers, cut bait, even bare hooks. Local trick: when you see birds diving and water churning white, get there fast with metal lures or chunks. But watch your fingers - these things will bite anything that moves, including you. Use circle hooks only and handle with care.
Isurus OxyrinchusMako sharks are pure adrenaline on a line - hands down the fastest sharks in the ocean, hitting 30+ mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped predators average 6-8 feet and 130-300 pounds, with metallic blue backs and white bellies. We find them in open water, usually near the surface but they'll dive to 400+ feet chasing food. Summer through early fall brings the best action when water temps warm up. What draws people back? Makos jump - sometimes 20 feet out of the water - and fight with incredible power and speed. Plus, they're excellent eating if you're looking for table fare. My advice: use 50+ pound tackle with wire leaders and circle hooks. When chumming, keep your boat moving slightly - stationary boats can become targets when these smart fish get aggressive.
Morone SaxatilisBoston's striped bass are legendary fighters, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we see some real monsters over 50. They love structure - rocky outcrops, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around. Spring and fall migration periods are prime time, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-68°F. What makes stripers special? They fight hard, taste great, and you can find them from shallow surf to 40+ feet deep. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working the surface and bait getting pushed up, get your live eels or chunks ready. These fish will absolutely hammer a properly presented eel drifting near the bottom around structure.
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