Bluefin Tuna Shark Fishing for Beginners
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 11-hour offshore trip targeting Bluefin Tuna and SharksAll gear included with expert guidance for beginnersExceptional results in recent seasons with commercial tuna opportunities
Looking to get into serious offshore fishing? Captain Moore's got you covered with an 11-hour private charter that'll have you battling some of the ocean's most powerful fish. This beginner-friendly trip targets bluefin tuna and sharks in productive offshore waters, and trust me – these aren't your typical harbor fish. We're talking about apex predators and legendary game fish that'll test your limits and leave you with stories to tell for years. Recent seasons from 2022 to 2024 have been absolutely stellar, with consistent action and trophy-class fish. Plus, if you land a monster bluefin over 73 inches that we sell commercially, you'll get 50% off your trip cost.
This is a full-day commitment that starts before sunrise – we're talking early morning departure to make the most of prime fishing hours. The run to our fishing grounds takes anywhere from one to two hours, depending on where the fish are showing up and what the conditions look like. Captain Moore knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position you over the most productive structure and current breaks. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to move around and take turns on the rods. No meals are provided, so pack a cooler with your favorites – you'll work up an appetite battling these fish. The captain provides all tackle, bait, and gear, plus he'll walk you through every technique step by step. Don't worry if you've never held a fishing rod before; that's exactly what this trip is designed for.
We'll be running a spread of heavy trolling gear designed specifically for big pelagic species. Think 50 to 80-pound class outfits with high-capacity reels loaded with plenty of backing – these fish make long, powerful runs that'll strip line faster than you'd believe. Captain Moore sets up a variety of lures including cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic the baitfish schools these predators follow. When the bite is on, we'll also deploy chunk baits and live offerings to keep the action going. The key technique here is trolling at the right speed over structure, temperature breaks, and current edges where these fish congregate. You'll learn to read the fish finder, understand how to work a fish properly, and master the art of the pump-and-wind retrieve that's essential for landing big tuna and sharks.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are absolute tanks – pure muscle and attitude wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package that can exceed 400 pounds. They're most active during cooler months when water temperatures drop and baitfish schools are thick. What makes bluefin special isn't just their incredible fighting ability, but their incredible value as table fare. The meat is prized worldwide, and any fish over 73 inches gets sold to commercial buyers, with you getting half the trip cost back. Shortfin mako sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These are probably the most athletic sharks in the ocean, known for spectacular jumps and blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Makos average 100-200 pounds but can push much larger, and they're incredibly smart fighters that'll test every knot and connection.
Porbeagle sharks are the northern cousin of the great white and are absolute bulldogs on the end of a line. They prefer cooler water and fight with incredible determination, making long, steady runs that seem to go on forever. Blue sharks are the most common catch and perfect for beginners – they're aggressive, readily take baits, and put up a respectable fight without being overwhelming. They're also beautiful fish with that distinctive blue coloration. Thresher sharks are the wildcards of the bunch, with that signature long tail that they use to stun baitfish. They're less common but absolutely spectacular when they show up, and their unique fighting style makes them a favorite among experienced anglers.
Captain Moore's bluefin tuna and shark fishing trips represent some of the best offshore action available to beginner anglers. You'll get hands-on instruction from an experienced captain, fish with top-quality gear, and target species that most anglers only dream about. The 11-hour format gives you plenty of time to learn, practice, and hopefully hook into multiple fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date when you book. With the exceptional fishing we've seen over the past few seasons, there's never been a better time to get into offshore fishing. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or just want to experience what big game fishing is all about, this trip delivers the real deal.
The Bluefin Canyon Runner cuts through offshore waters like a knife, delivering you to the prime fishing grounds where the big ones bite. This 33-foot fishing machine packs twin 440 Yanmar inboards that cruise at 30 mph, meaning less travel time and more lines in the water. The full walk-around design gives your crew of 6 plenty of elbow room to work the rails and battle those hard-fighting bluefin tuna and sharks. Captain Moore knows these waters inside and out, and this boat's loaded with the gear to find fish - radar, GPS, fish finder, and VHF radio keep you connected and on target. The spacious cockpit handles the chaos of big game fishing, while the air-conditioned cabin offers refuge between bites. Pack light or pack heavy - the icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. When nature calls or you need a quick nap between the action, the onboard head and sleeping quarters have you covered during those long 11-hour runs to the productive offshore grounds where the monsters swim.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the most common shark we encounter offshore, and they're absolutely beautiful fish - that deep blue color fading to white is something to see. They typically run 7-10 feet and females can hit 400 pounds. You'll find them in deeper water, usually around 1,000+ feet, cruising for squid and small fish. They prefer temps in the mid-60s, so late spring through early fall is prime time. What guests love about blues is they're willing biters and put up a decent scrap, though they're not as aggressive as makos. They're curious by nature, which can work for or against you. The trick with blues is drift fishing with a good chum slick - mashed up mackerel and herring works great. Keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat though - they can get excited and jump aboard unexpectedly.
Thunnus ThynnusThese are the holy grail of offshore fishing - massive, fast, and worth their weight in gold. Atlantic bluefin average around 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but the giants can push 12 feet and over 1,000 pounds. They're built for speed, hitting 40+ mph, and they'll dive to 3,000 feet if they want to. We find them in deeper offshore waters, usually where the temperature breaks are. Spring through fall are prime time, especially early morning and evening bites. The fight is legendary - they'll make blistering surface runs then sound straight down. The meat is world-class sashimi grade. Remember, anything over 73 inches has to be sold commercially by law. My go-to technique is chunking with fresh mackerel or herring, but trolling cedar plugs works great for locating schools. Key is heavy tackle and patience.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water cousins of makos, built like torpedoes with that distinctive white patch behind their dorsal fin. These guys average 5-7 feet but can hit 300+ pounds of pure muscle. They love cooler waters around 40-60°F and hang out anywhere from 30 feet down to 600+ feet deep. Summer's your best bet when they move closer to shore and onto the continental shelf. What makes them special is their fight - they're stubborn as hell and will leap clear out of the water. The meat's considered a delicacy too. Here's the thing about porbeagles: they can be shy until you get some oily chum in the water. Once they smell mackerel guts, they turn aggressive fast. Use whole mackerel for bait and heavy tackle - their rough skin will shred lighter lines.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world - they'll hit 30+ mph and can leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. You'll find them in open water, usually cruising near the surface but they'll dive deep when hunting. They're curious and aggressive, which makes them easier to attract but dangerous once boated - they've been known to jump right into the cockpit! The meat is excellent, some of the best-eating shark around. Best fishing is during warmer months when baitfish are active. My tip: use a heavy wire leader and keep that drag loose at first - when they make their initial run, nothing's stopping them. Always have a plan for getting them in the boat safely.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are probably the most unique shark you'll encounter - that tail can be as long as their body, sometimes reaching 20 feet total length. They average around 16 feet and 500 pounds of serious gamefish. These guys hunt in open water, usually 25-50 feet down around baitballs where they use that massive tail like a whip to stun schools of mackerel and sardines. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes threshers special is that incredible tail and their tendency to jump - it's quite a sight. Despite their size, they have surprisingly small mouths and teeth. The key is trolling slowly around 2-4 knots near bait concentrations. I always use marlin lures or whole mackerel, and here's the important part - use smaller 8/0 hooks despite their size, because that mouth is tiny compared to their body.
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