Bluefin Tuna and Shark Fishing Charter Massachusetts
When you're talking about world-class offshore fishing in Massachusetts waters, there's nothing quite like targeting bluefin tuna and sharks with Captain Moore at Lowe Island Fish Camp. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious 10-12 hour commitment that puts you right in the thick of some of the best big game fishing the Northeast has to offer. The fishing has been absolutely on fire from 2022 through 2024, and these Massachusetts waters are producing trophy-sized bluefin and multiple shark species that'll test your tackle and your stamina. You'll be sharing the boat with up to 5 other anglers, creating that perfect balance where everyone gets plenty of shots without feeling crowded on deck.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early – and I mean early. Captain Moore sets departure times based on the tides, because timing is everything when you're chasing bluefin tuna in Massachusetts waters. Plan on a 60 to 120 minute run to reach the prime fishing grounds, depending on where the fish are holding and what the conditions look like. This isn't a leisurely cruise – we're covering serious ground to get you to where the action is hottest. Once we're on the grounds, you're looking at a full day of fishing that'll push your limits and reward your patience. The boat handles the offshore conditions beautifully, and Captain Moore knows these waters like the back of his hand. Don't expect to be back at the dock before sunset – this is a marathon, not a sprint, and the best bites often happen when you least expect them. Pack your own food and drinks because meals aren't provided, but trust me, you'll be too focused on the fishing to think much about lunch when a 200-pound bluefin is screaming line off your reel.
Techniques and Tackle
We're talking serious big game fishing here, so the tackle needs to match the quarry. Captain Moore runs top-rated gear that can handle everything from 100-pound bluefin to aggressive mako sharks. The primary technique is trolling with spreader bars, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo to cover water and locate active fish. Once we mark fish on the sounder or spot birds working, we'll switch tactics – maybe dropping chunks or setting up a spread of live bait if we can get our hands on some. For sharks, we'll often fish deeper with wire leaders and bigger baits, especially when targeting makos and threshers. The beauty of fishing Massachusetts offshore waters is the variety – one minute you're fighting a bluefin on the surface, the next you're battling a porbeagle that's trying to sound to the bottom. Captain Moore handles all the rigging and knows exactly what presentations work best in these waters. Your job is to hang on and work the fish, but don't worry if you're not experienced with heavy tackle – the captain will coach you through every step of the fight.
Customer Stories
"We had a great time! Justin was a fantastic guide and got us on a big tuna. Will definitely go again!" - Artie
Top Catches This Season
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Massachusetts waters have been producing some absolutely spectacular fish. These powerful pelagics typically range from 40 to over 100 inches, with the giants often weighing 200 to 400 pounds or more. Peak season runs from June through October, with September and early October being particularly hot for larger fish. What makes bluefin so special isn't just their incredible strength – though they'll absolutely test every piece of tackle on the boat – it's their intelligence and the way they can appear and disappear like ghosts. One minute the water looks empty, the next you're surrounded by feeding fish. Here's the thing about Massachusetts bluefin fishing: the regulations are strict, and any fish over 73 inches has to either be released or sold commercially. Captain Moore offers a customer favorite deal – 50% off your trip cost if the tuna caught gets sold commercially, which makes this already great value even better.
Shortfin mako sharks are the speed demons of these waters, capable of hitting 60 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. These sharks are most active during the warmer months from June through September, and Massachusetts waters see some trophy-sized fish. Makos typically range from 6 to 10 feet, with the occasional giant pushing 12 feet or more. What makes them so exciting to target is their aggression – they'll absolutely crush a trolled bait and then put on an aerial show that'll leave you shaking with adrenaline.
Porbeagle sharks are often called the "poor man's great white," but don't let that fool you – these are serious fish that fight with incredible power and stamina. They're more common in cooler water, making spring and fall prime times, though they can be caught year-round in Massachusetts waters. Porbeagles typically run 6 to 8 feet and are built like torpedoes, with the muscle to match. They're notorious for long, determined fights that'll test your endurance as much as your tackle.
Blue sharks are the most abundant shark species you'll encounter, and while they might not have the raw power of a mako, they make up for it with their beauty and willingness to bite. These sleek predators are present from late spring through fall, with peak numbers in summer. Blues typically range from 4 to 8 feet, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent shark action. They're also great for kids or first-time shark fishers because they're generally more manageable than the bigger, more aggressive species.
Thresher sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for their incredibly long tail fins that can be as long as their body. These unique predators use their tails like whips to stun baitfish, and when hooked, they'll jump and spin in ways that