5.0(1 Reviews)Bluefin Tuna and Shark Fishing Charter Massachusetts
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target bluefin tuna and sharks on 10-12 hour offshore chartersCaptain offers 50% discount when tuna sells commerciallyEarly morning departures with 60-120 minute rides to grounds
When you're talking serious offshore fishing in Massachusetts, there's nothing quite like targeting the apex predators that cruise these waters. Captain Moore at Lowe Island Fish Camp has built a reputation on putting anglers onto the fish of a lifetime - giant bluefin tuna and powerful sharks that'll test every ounce of your strength and skill. These aren't your typical day trips. We're talking 10-12 hours of hardcore fishing, running 60-120 minutes offshore to reach the prime feeding grounds where the big fish hunt. The action has been absolutely phenomenal from 2022 through 2024, with consistent hookups and some truly memorable catches. Pack your patience and bring your A-game - these fish don't give up easy.
Your day starts early, and I mean early. Captain Moore times these trips around the tides, so you might find yourself at the dock before sunrise with coffee in one hand and tackle bag in the other. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, which means plenty of room to work without bumping elbows when the action heats up. Once we clear the harbor, it's a solid run to reach the productive waters where tuna and sharks patrol. Don't expect to wet a line right away - this is about covering water to find the life. You'll see the captain scanning for bird activity, temperature breaks, and bait schools that signal feeding fish below. When we find the zone, that's when things get real. Rods start bending, drags start screaming, and suddenly that long boat ride feels worth every minute. Be ready for a workout - these fish will push you to your limits.
Captain Moore runs a tight ship when it comes to gear and technique. For tuna, we're primarily trolling spreads of cedar plugs, large spoons, and ballyhoo rigs at various depths to cover the water column. The key is matching the bait size to what the tuna are feeding on - some days they want smaller offerings, other days they're crushing anything that moves. Shark fishing involves a different approach entirely. We'll deploy chunked bait on heavy circle hooks with wire leaders, creating a scent trail that draws these predators in from miles away. The tackle is serious business - 50-80 pound class rods paired with high-capacity reels that can handle long, blistering runs. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to - the boat is rigged with everything you need to battle these monsters. Just remember, Massachusetts has strict regulations on tuna retention, so any fish over 73 inches either gets released or sold commercially. Captain Moore offers a 50% trip discount if your catch goes to market, which helps offset the cost while supporting local fisheries.
"We had a great time! Justin was a fantastic guide and got us on a big tuna. Will definitely go again!" - Artie
Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and for good reason. These incredible fish can exceed 400 pounds and possess raw power that's unlike anything else in these waters. Bluefin are most active during the cooler months when baitfish are abundant, typically from late spring through early fall. What makes them special isn't just their size - it's their intelligence and fighting ability. A hooked bluefin will make multiple long runs, sound deep, then come back to the surface for aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. The meat is absolutely premium, commanding top dollar in sushi markets worldwide. Landing one is a badge of honor among serious anglers.
Shortfin Mako Sharks bring speed and acrobatics to the fight like no other species. These sharks are built for velocity, capable of reaching 45 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Makos average 100-300 pounds in Massachusetts waters and are most active during the warmer months when they follow bait migrations north. Their torpedo-shaped bodies and oversized eyes make them unmistakable, and their fighting style is pure adrenaline. They'll make screaming runs that can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds, then leap repeatedly in spectacular fashion. It's this combination of speed and showmanship that makes makos a favorite target for sport fishermen.
Porbeagle Sharks are the bulldozers of the shark world, using brute strength rather than speed to challenge anglers. These stocky sharks prefer cooler water and are often caught in the spring and fall when water temperatures drop. Porbeagles can reach 400 pounds and are known for their incredible stamina - they'll pull hard and steady for what feels like hours. Unlike their mako cousins, porbeagles rarely jump, instead using their powerful bodies to dive deep and wage war from below. Their distinctive white-tipped dorsal fins and robust build make them easy to identify, and their meat is considered excellent table fare.
Blue Sharks are the most common shark species in Massachusetts offshore waters, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy targets. These sleek predators can reach impressive sizes and put up surprisingly good fights on appropriate tackle. Blues are present almost year-round but peak during summer months when water temperatures climb. They're known for their beautiful coloration - deep blue backs fading to bright white bellies - and their long, graceful pectoral fins. While they may not have the raw power of makos or porbeagles, blues compensate with endurance and the occasional surprise run that catches anglers off guard.
Thresher Sharks are perhaps the most unique species you'll encounter on these charters. Distinguished by their massive tail fins that can equal the length of their bodies, threshers use these appendages to stun baitfish before feeding. They're less common than other shark species but show up consistently during summer months. Threshers are known for putting up spectacular fights, often leaping clear of the water while whipping
The Bluefin Canyon Runner is built for serious offshore tuna and shark fishing off the Massachusetts coast. This 33-foot walkabout design gives you plenty of room to work big fish, with twin 440 Yanmar inboards that cruise at 30 mph to get you to the fishing grounds fast. The 12.5-foot beam provides solid stability when you're battling monster bluefin, while the full walkabout lets you follow fish around the boat without losing ground. Onboard amenities include air conditioning, galley with fridge, head, and berth for those long 10-12 hour trips. Electronics package features GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate schools and mark structure. With an icebox for bait and catch, plus seating for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped for everything from jigging for tuna to live-baiting sharks. Captain Moore knows these waters and where the fish are running, making this the perfect platform for targeting trophy bluefin and big sharks in Massachusetts waters.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing - beautiful, plentiful, and willing biters. These sleek predators average 7-10 feet with that gorgeous deep blue coloring that fades to white underneath. They cruise open ocean depths around 100-400 feet, following the Gulf Stream's warm waters. Late summer into fall brings the best action when water temperatures hit that sweet spot of 60-70°F. Guests love them because they're active fighters without being dangerous, and they respond well to chum slicks. They're curious sharks that will investigate your boat, making for great photos before release. Key tip: keep your baited hooks at least 50 feet from the boat when chumming. These sharks get excited in feeding mode and might decide to visit uninvited.
Thunnus ThynnusThe holy grail of Northeast fishing. These silver and blue torpedoes are built for speed and power, averaging 6-8 feet and 400-600 pounds in our waters. Bluefin roam from the surface down to 1000+ feet, following baitfish along temperature breaks and underwater structure. Peak season runs June through October, with morning and evening bites being strongest. What makes them legendary? They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your gear and endurance for hours. Plus, the meat is world-class - that rich, buttery flavor that makes sushi chefs weep. Remember, anything over 73 inches needs special handling due to regulations. My go-to technique: troll cedar plugs or chunk with fresh herring near temperature breaks. When one hits, clear the deck and hold on tight.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water cousins of makos, built tough for our Massachusetts waters. These chunky sharks average 5-7 feet and 300 pounds, with that distinctive white patch behind their dorsal fin. They love temperatures in the 40-60°F range and patrol depths from 30 feet down to 600+ feet along the continental shelf. Summer brings the best action when they move closer to shore chasing mackerel and herring. What guests love about porbeagles is their bulldog mentality - they fight hard and deep, sometimes even leaping clear of the water. Plus they're excellent eating, prized worldwide for their firm, flavorful meat. Pro tip: drop a whole mackerel down 50-100 feet and be patient. They can be shy, but once hooked, you're in for a battle.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are pure adrenaline on the line. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds, but can hit 12+ feet. They cruise open waters from the surface down to 400+ feet, following baitfish and squid. Summer through early fall brings them into our Massachusetts waters as they chase tuna and mackerel. What makes them special? They'll leap 20 feet out of the water during the fight and can hit 30+ mph underwater. Their meat is excellent too - firm and mild like swordfish. Warning: they're smart and aggressive, sometimes jumping right into the boat when hooked. My tip: use a heavy wire leader and keep your distance when landing one. These sharks have zero quit in them.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for that massive tail that's half their body length. These unique predators average 12-16 feet and 400-500 pounds, using that tail like a whip to stun schools of baitfish. They patrol depths from 50 feet down to 600+ feet along the continental shelf edge. Late spring through fall offers the best shots when they follow mackerel and herring migrations. What makes them special? They put on an aerial show, breaching completely out of the water during fights. Their unusual hunting style and spectacular jumps make for unforgettable battles. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so don't go too big on hooks. My advice: troll mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep near bait schools and be ready for fireworks.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great time! Justin was a fantastic guide and got us on a big tuna. Will definitely go again!
Massachusetts