Bluefin Tuna Shark Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 11hour offshore trip targeting Bluefin Tuna and SharksBeginnerfriendly with Captain Moore providing complete guidance and gearCommercialsize tuna catches earn 50% trip discount when sold
Get ready for some serious offshore action with Captain Moore's beginner-friendly 11-hour fishing adventure targeting the ocean's most powerful predators. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing bluefin tuna and sharks in deep water where these apex species roam. Starting before dawn, you'll make the 1-2 hour run to productive offshore grounds where the real fishing begins. Captain Moore knows these waters like the back of his hand and has been guiding beginners through their first encounters with these monsters for years. Recent seasons have been absolutely stellar, with 2022-2024 producing some of the best fishing we've seen in decades.
This trip is built for first-timers who want to experience world-class offshore fishing without feeling overwhelmed. Captain Moore takes his time explaining everything – from how to read the fish finder to proper fighting techniques when you hook into something serious. The early morning departure isn't just for show; these fish are most active during specific tide and light conditions, and getting to the grounds early gives you maximum fishing time. Once we reach the fishing zone, expect to see a mix of trolling and chunking techniques depending on what's biting. The boat is equipped with everything you need, including heavy tackle capable of handling fish that can weigh several hundred pounds. Don't worry about experience level – Captain Moore has guided complete beginners to their first bluefin, and he'll be right there coaching you through every step of the fight.
We primarily use two proven methods on these trips: high-speed trolling for tuna and chunking for sharks. The trolling spread includes cedar plugs, spreader bars, and ballyhoo rigged on 80-130 lb tackle – gear that can handle the initial strike and sustained runs these fish are famous for. When we switch to shark fishing, we'll set up a chum slick using fresh bait and deploy heavy circle hooks on wire leaders. Captain Moore provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait, so you don't need to bring anything except yourself and a willingness to learn. The fighting belts and harnesses are essential when battling these fish – a big bluefin can fight for over an hour, and proper technique saves your back and increases your chances of landing the fish. We use quality Penn and Shimano reels with smooth drags, because when a 200-pound tuna decides to make a run, you need equipment that won't let you down.
Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish combine incredible speed, power, and endurance in a package that can exceed 500 pounds. In our waters, most bluefin range from 100-300 pounds, though giants over 73 inches do show up – and by law, these must be sold commercially or released. If you land a commercial-sized fish that gets sold, you'll receive a 50% discount on your trip cost. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when schools move through following bait. The fight is legendary – expect multiple long runs, deep dives, and at least 30-45 minutes of hard work for an average fish.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are pure adrenaline on a hook. Known as the fastest shark in the ocean, makos can hit 45 mph and are famous for spectacular jumps when hooked. They're most active during warmer months and prefer the blue water we'll be fishing. A typical mako in our area runs 100-200 pounds, though 300-pounders show up regularly. What makes them special isn't just the fight – it's their intelligence. Makos will sound, run, jump, and change tactics mid-fight, keeping you guessing until the leader hits the boat.
Porbeagle Sharks offer a different kind of excitement. These cold-water cousins of the mako are incredibly strong and prefer the cooler months. They're known for their bulldogging fights – less jumping than makos but more sustained power. Porbeagles typically range from 75-150 pounds in our waters and are curious by nature, often following the boat before striking. They're excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite for those looking to take fish home.
Blue Sharks are the most common species you'll encounter, and they're perfect for beginners. These sleek predators are found year-round in offshore waters and provide steady action when the bite is on. Blues typically range from 50-100 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights near the surface. They respond well to chum and often show up in numbers, making them great for groups wanting consistent action.
Thresher Sharks are the wildcards of offshore fishing. With their distinctive long tail, threshers use their appendage like a whip to stun baitfish. When hooked, they put on an aerial show unlike any other shark species. They're more seasonal than other species, with peak activity during summer months. Most threshers range from 75-150 pounds, and their unique fighting style makes every hookup memorable.
Captain Moore's beginner-friendly approach to offshore fishing has made this one of the most popular trips at Lowe Island Fish Camp. The combination of top-tier fishing grounds, quality equipment, and expert instruction creates the perfect environment for your first serious offshore adventure. With only 6 spots available per trip and recent seasons producing exceptional fishing, these dates fill up fast. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date before booking. Whether you're looking to cross bluefin tuna off your bucket list or experience the raw power of offshore sharks, this 11-hour journey delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. The early start and long day on the water are worth it when you're connected to a fish that can
The Bluefin Canyon Runner delivers serious fishing power with twin 440 Yanmar inboards that'll get you to the tuna grounds fast, cruising at 30 mph. This 33-footer's full walk-around design gives you plenty of room to work the deck when you're battling big bluefin or sharks. The 12.5-foot beam means stability when the fish are running hard and the action gets intense. Captain Moore knows these offshore waters and will put you on fish while teaching you the ropes. The boat's equipped with everything you need - fish finder to mark the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus air conditioning, fridge, and even a bed for those long 11-hour days on the water. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out whether you're ground fishing or fighting trophy fish. Recent seasons have been outstanding for tuna, and if you land a monster over 73 inches that goes commercial, you'll get half your trip cost back. All tackle included - just bring your appetite for some serious offshore fishing action.
Prionace GlaucaBeautiful deep blue sharks that average 7-10 feet, with females getting bigger than males. These curious predators cruise deeper offshore waters around 1,150 feet, preferring temps between 54-68°F. They're found year-round but cooler months often bring better action when water temps drop. Blues are perfect for beginners - aggressive biters that put up a solid fight without being too dangerous to handle. We drift fish with chum made from mackerel and herring, which drives them crazy. They'll come right up to investigate, making for great photo opportunities before release. One important tip: keep your baited line at least 20 feet from the boat. When they're in a feeding frenzy, blues have been known to body-slam right into the gunwale trying to get at the chum.
Thunnus ThynnusThese powerhouse fish average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but giants over 1,000 pounds cruise our waters. Bluefins are built like torpedoes with that classic blue-silver coloring and can dive over 3,000 feet deep. We target them in offshore waters during their feeding times - early morning and evening typically produce the best bites. What makes them special? Pure raw power and speed hitting 43 mph, plus they're the ultimate table fare for sushi lovers. The fight combines lightning-fast surface runs with bone-jarring deep dives. We troll with herring or chunk with fresh squid and mackerel. Key tip: when you hook one, tighten that drag gradually - they'll snap you off if you horse them early. Heavy tackle and a good belt are essential for these battles.
Lamna NasusThese stocky, torpedo-shaped sharks average 5-6 feet and 300 pounds, with that distinctive white patch behind their first dorsal fin. Porbeagles love cold water and hang around 30-300 feet deep on continental shelves. Summer brings them closer to shore, making it prime time for targeting them. They're scrappy fighters with serious endurance - don't be surprised if one jumps clear out of the water during the fight. What guests love most is their dog-like tenacity once hooked and the fact they're considered a delicacy. We typically find them by chumming with oily fish parts. My go-to trick: drop a fresh whole mackerel down 30-90 feet and wait. Use heavy line - their abrasive skin will cut lighter stuff in a heartbeat.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos average 13 feet and pack serious muscle. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise offshore waters, often near the surface where they hunt tuna and billfish. What makes them special? They're the world's fastest shark, hitting 30+ mph, and they'll leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. The fight is legendary - they use every trick including circling your boat to snap lines. We find them year-round in deeper offshore waters, but summer brings the best action. Their meat is some of the tastiest shark you'll eat. Pro tip: use heavy wire leaders and keep your distance when they're boatside - they've been known to jump right into the cockpit when they're fired up.
Alopias VulpinusUnmistakable sharks with tails as long as their bodies, threshers average 16 feet and 510 pounds. These unique predators use their massive tails like whips, stunning baitfish at 50 mph before eating them. We find them 40-50 miles offshore in 25-200 feet of water, especially around baitballs during late spring through fall. What makes them special? Watching one hunt is pure poetry, and they'll often leap completely out of the water when hooked. Despite their size, they have small mouths and are surprisingly challenging to hook. We troll mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep, drifting around 2-4 knots near feeding schools. Key trick: use smaller 8/0 hooks despite their size - their mouths are deceivingly small. Heavy leaders are essential since that tail can wrap your line in seconds.
Massachusetts