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 1012 hour offshore chartersCaptain offers 50% discount when tuna qualifies for commercial saleRecent seasons show exceptional fishing success in Massachusetts waters
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.
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.
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.
"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 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
The Bluefin Canyon Runner delivers serious firepower for targeting tuna and sharks off Massachusetts waters. This 33-foot walk-around boat packs twin 440 Yanmar inboards that cruise at 30 mph, cutting your run time to the fishing grounds and giving you more time with lines wet. The 12.5-foot beam creates plenty of cockpit space for battling big bluefin, while the full walk-around design lets you follow fish around the boat during long fights. Air conditioning keeps you cool between bites, and the fish finder helps locate bait schools and structure. With radar and GPS navigation, Captain Moore can find productive water even in marginal conditions. The onboard kitchen, refrigerator, and head mean you're comfortable during those 10-12 hour battles with giants. When tuna are feeding and the bite is on, this boat gets you there fast and gives you the platform to land fish of a lifetime.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the most common shark we see offshore, and they put on a great show for first-time shark anglers. These sleek, torpedo-shaped sharks average 6-8 feet with that gorgeous deep blue coloring fading to white underneath. We find them 15-30 miles offshore in 200-1000 feet of water from late spring through early fall. They're curious by nature and respond well to a good chum slick made from ground mackerel and herring. The fight isn't as intense as a mako, but they're acrobatic and will jump when hooked. What guests love is how willing they are to bite - perfect for getting multiple hookups on a trip. One thing to remember: keep your bait at least 30 feet from the boat. Blues get excited in the chum and have been known to jump right into the cockpit when they're fired up.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of Massachusetts fishing - powerful, fast, and worth their weight in gold. These torpedo-shaped giants average 6-8 feet and 200-400 pounds, but we see fish pushing 800+ pounds. They're built for speed, hitting 40+ mph with that signature blue-black back and silver sides. We find them from June through October in 60-200 feet of water, usually around structure or bait schools 20-50 miles offshore. The fight is legendary - blistering surface runs followed by deep dives that'll test your gear and endurance. Fresh herring or mackerel works best for bait. The meat quality is outstanding, especially for sashimi. Here's my tip: when they're being picky, try chunking with butterfish - it's oily, stays on the hook well, and drives them crazy when the bite gets tough.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water sharks that show up best during summer months when they move onto our continental shelf. These stocky, torpedo-shaped sharks average 5-7 feet and pack serious power despite their smaller size compared to other mackerel sharks. You can spot them by that white patch behind the first dorsal fin. We target them in 100-600 feet of water, usually 20-30 miles out where the water's still cool. They're tough fighters with surprising endurance - some even jump clear of the water when hooked. What makes them special is they're built for our New England waters, staying comfortable in temps that send other sharks south. Pro tip: full mackerel works best as bait, and don't be shy about going heavy on the leader - their skin is like sandpaper and will cut lighter lines during the fight.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the ultimate shark challenge - the fastest sharks in the ocean hitting 30+ mph and known for spectacular jumps up to 20 feet out of the water. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds, with that distinctive pointed snout and metallic blue coloring. We find them in open water from late spring through fall, usually within 20-40 miles offshore where water temps hit 60-70°F. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit anything from bluefish to squid. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs, deep dives, and those famous aerial shows. Here's the key: when chumming, keep your boat moving slowly. Makos are smart and will use the boat to break your line, so stay mobile and be ready for them to come up under the hull.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are one of the most unique sharks you'll encounter - that tail is as long as their body and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish. These impressive sharks average 12-16 feet and can hit 400+ pounds. We target them 25-50 miles offshore in 100-400 feet of water during summer and early fall. They're spectacular fighters, often launching completely out of the water with that distinctive long tail. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so we use smaller hooks than you'd expect. The key is finding them around bait schools where they're actively hunting. They're solitary hunters but worth the effort when you connect. My best tip: troll slowly around 2-3 knots near temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Fresh mackerel or sardines work best, and don't be surprised if the hookup feels light at first - that small mouth fools a lot of anglers.
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