Bluefin Tuna Shark Fishing for Skilled Anglers
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
11hour private charter targets bluefin tuna and sharks offshoreFederal regulations require large tuna sales with 50% trip discountAll tackle provided for up to six skilled anglers
Captain Moore's 11-hour private offshore charter from Lowe Island Fish Camp isn't your typical day on the water – this is serious big game fishing for anglers who know their way around heavy tackle and aren't afraid of a fight that could last hours. We're talking about targeting some of the ocean's apex predators in deepwater grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the real monsters cruise. With just six spots available per trip, you'll have plenty of elbow room when that screaming reel signals game time. Pack your patience and stamina because we're chasing bluefin tuna and sharks that can easily tip the scales over 200 pounds.
Your day starts before sunrise with a 60 to 120-minute run to the productive deepwater grounds where these trophy species patrol. Captain Moore has dialed in the hotspots over years of experience, and the fishing from 2022 to 2024 has been absolutely lights-out for both tuna and sharks. Once we reach the fishing zone, you're looking at serious stand-up fishing with heavy conventional reels and stout rods designed to handle fish that can peel off 300 yards of line in seconds. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got your own preferred setup for big game, feel free to bring it along. Don't expect constant action – offshore fishing requires patience and endurance, but when a giant bluefin crashes your spread or a mako comes hot on a bait, you'll understand why serious anglers live for these moments. The unique federal regulation twist adds another layer: any bluefin over 73 inches must be sold commercially or released, but if Captain Moore can sell your fish, he'll knock 50% off your trip cost.
We're fishing with chunking, live bait, and trolling depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Chunking involves setting up a slick with cut bait pieces while drifting live or dead baits back in the chum line – this drives both tuna and sharks absolutely crazy when done right. Live bait fishing means working with frisky mackerel, herring, or pogies on circle hooks, letting them swim naturally while we watch the rods for that telltale bounce or screaming run. Trolling covers water when we need to locate schools, pulling spreads of cedar plugs, daisy chains, and lures at varying depths. The tackle is no joke – we're talking 50 to 80-pound class conventional reels loaded with heavy braid, paired with rods that can apply serious pressure without folding. Fighting belts and harnesses are essential gear because you'll be locked into battle for 30 minutes to over an hour with the bigger fish. Captain Moore will coach you through the fight, calling out when to pump and wind, when to apply side pressure, and how to work the fish up from the depths without breaking them off.
The bluefin tuna action has been phenomenal, with fish ranging from school-sized 40-pounders up to true giants pushing 300 pounds and beyond. These fish are pure muscle and attitude – they'll sound straight down when hooked, then come up and greyhound across the surface in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. Peak season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often showing up during cooler months. The shortfin mako sharks bring a different kind of excitement – they're the Formula One cars of the shark world, capable of hitting 45 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Porbeagle sharks are the bulldozers, not as flashy as makos but incredibly strong with stamina that'll test your endurance. Blue sharks show up in good numbers and while they're smaller, they're scrappy fighters that newcomers to shark fishing love. Thresher sharks are the wildcards with their massive tail fins – when you hook one, you're in for a unique battle as they use that tail like a weapon.
Bluefin tuna represent the holy grail of offshore fishing – these fish are built like living torpedoes with the power to strip hundreds of yards of line in their initial run. They school up over structure and temperature breaks, feeding aggressively on baitfish. The smaller school fish in the 40 to 100-pound range are fantastic eating and put up incredible fights, while the giants over 200 pounds are lifetime trophy fish that'll push your tackle and technique to the limit. Prime time is typically early morning and late afternoon when they feed most actively near the surface.
Shortfin mako sharks are every angler's dream shark species – they're fast, aggressive, and absolutely spectacular when hooked. These apex predators can hit 12 feet and 1,000 pounds, though most fish we encounter run 100 to 300 pounds. They prefer warmer water and are most active during summer months. When a mako takes your bait, expect multiple jumps and blistering runs that'll have you questioning your drag settings.
Porbeagle sharks might not jump like makos, but they make up for it with sheer power and endurance. These cold-water sharks can reach 500 pounds and are known for their incredible stamina – fights can last well over an hour. They're most common during cooler months and are prized by serious shark anglers who appreciate their tenacious fighting style.
Blue sharks are the most common species you'll encounter, typically running 50 to 150 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They're beautiful fish with that distinctive blue coloration and are perfect for anglers new to shark fishing. They're active year-round but peak during warmer months when baitfish are abundant.
Thresher sharks are the most unique fighters you'll encounter, using their elongated tail fin that can measure half their body length. These fish can reach 500
The Bluefin Canyon Runner cuts through offshore waters like a knife, built specifically for serious anglers chasing trophy bluefin tuna and sharks in the deep. This 33-foot powerhouse combines speed with fishability – twin 440 Yanmar inboards push her at 30 mph to get you on the grounds fast, while the 12.5-foot beam and full walk-around design give you room to work when the big fish hit. Everything's onboard for those long 11-hour runs: air conditioning, full galley, head, and sleeping quarters, plus all the electronics you need – GPS, radar, VHF, and fish finder. The spacious layout handles up to six anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for fighting those powerful fish that call the deepwater home. Captain Moore knows these grounds well, and with the exceptional fishing we've seen from 2022-2024, this boat puts you right where the action is when bluefin and sharks are feeding.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the most beautiful sharks out here with that brilliant blue coloring that fades to white underneath. They average 7-11 feet and up to 400 pounds, cruising our deepwater grounds around 1,150 feet but will come up to feed. These curious sharks are found year-round in our 54-68 degree waters, following the Gulf Stream. While not the hardest fighters, they're abundant and great for building confidence with newer shark anglers. They're also surprisingly acrobatic when hooked. The key is setting up a good chum slick with mackerel, herring, or squid - they'll go crazy for it. Keep your baited lines at least 20 feet from the boat because blues will absolutely jump aboard if they get the chance. Use 200-pound test minimum and circle hooks for easy releases.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate offshore challenge - averaging 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but giants over 1,000 pounds roam these waters. These metallic blue torpedoes cruise our deepwater grounds where they hunt mackerel and squid, often diving over 3,000 feet. Peak action happens during morning and evening hours when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes bluefin special is their combination of size, speed (43 mph), and that legendary sashimi-grade meat that fetches top dollar. The fight is pure adrenaline - expect blistering runs and deep dives that'll test your heaviest tackle. My go-to technique is trolling fresh herring or mackerel, but once you mark fish, switching to chunking with a good chum slick really fires them up. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for a marathon battle.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water cousins of makos, averaging 5-7 feet but capable of hitting 550 pounds. You'll find them in our deeper waters from 30-300 feet, especially during summer when they move closer to continental shelves. These stocky sharks have that distinctive white patch behind their dorsal fin and pack serious power despite their smaller size. What draws anglers is their tenacious fight - they'll leap clean out of the water and battle for hours. The meat's considered a delicacy too, some of the best eating shark around. They love full mackerel baits and can be shy until you get some chum going. Pro tip: use heavy 200-400 pound mono because their skin is so abrasive it'll cut through lighter lines during the fight. These fish will test your endurance as much as your gear.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe shortfin mako is the speed demon of the shark world, hitting 30+ mph and averaging 13 feet with some reaching 1,300 pounds. These torpedo-shaped predators roam our deepwater grounds year-round, typically found in the upper water column but will dive to 400+ feet when hunting. What makes makos special is their raw power and acrobatic jumps - they can leap 20 feet out of water during fights. The meat's actually excellent eating, some of the best shark you'll taste. Fair warning though: these are incredibly intelligent and aggressive fighters that sometimes jump right into boats. My tip? Keep your drag settings conservative at first - let them burn off that initial burst of energy before you start applying real pressure, or they'll snap your line every time.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are easily the most unique sharks we target with that massive tail that's as long as their body - sometimes reaching 20 feet total and over 1,000 pounds. These apex predators hunt our continental shelf waters 40-50 miles offshore, usually between 25-300 feet deep. They use that tail like a whip to stun schools of mackerel and sardines at 50 mph. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot at one. What makes threshers special is watching them hunt and that explosive fight when hooked - they'll leap completely out of water. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so use 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders. My trick is trolling fresh mackerel or sardines around bait balls at 2-4 knots and letting the boat drift. These are rare catches that'll give you bragging rights for years.
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