Tuna Fishing Trips - Massachusetts
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Up to 10 hours of offshore tuna fishing in Massachusetts watersCaptain Bobby Rice provides expert guidance with years of charter experienceSmall group trips accommodate up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Bobby Rice knows where the giants swim. His tuna fishing charters off Massachusetts put you right in the heart of some of the most productive bluefin waters on the East Coast. These aren't your typical half-day trips – we're talking up to 10 hours of serious fishing time, giving you the best shot at hooking into a fish that could change your whole perspective on what saltwater fishing can be. With just four spots on the boat, you get the personal attention and prime fishing real estate that makes all the difference when you're targeting these apex predators.
You'll head out before dawn when the ocean's still quiet and the coffee's hitting just right. Captain Rice has been running these waters for years, and he's got the kind of local knowledge that only comes from putting in the time – season after season, learning where the baitfish stack up and the tuna follow. The boat's rigged specifically for tuna fishing, with the heavy tackle and fighting chairs you'll need when a 200-pound bluefin decides to make a run for it. Don't expect to just drop a line and wait around – tuna fishing is active, demanding work. You'll be watching the fish finder, scanning for birds, and staying ready to react when things happen fast. The smaller group size means everyone gets hands-on time with the gear and Captain Rice's full attention when you need coaching through the fight.
We're talking serious tackle here – 50 to 80-pound class rods paired with reels that can handle blistering runs and brutal head shakes. Captain Rice runs a spread of trolling lures designed to mimic the bunker, mackerel, and squid that Massachusetts bluefin go crazy for. Cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains get deployed at different distances behind the boat, each one running at the precise depth and speed that triggers strikes. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck – literally. The angler gets in the fighting chair while everyone else clears lines and gets ready for what could be an hour-long battle. Circle hooks are the standard now, better for the fish and more likely to stay pinned during those legendary tuna runs that can strip 300 yards of line in seconds.
The bluefin have been showing up in serious numbers, with fish ranging from schoolies in the 40-pound range all the way up to giants pushing 300 pounds. Most of the action happens over structure – underwater ledges and drop-offs where baitfish congregate and the big predators come to feed. Captain Rice has been finding consistent action around Stellwagen Bank and the outer edges of Massachusetts Bay, where the deep water meets the continental shelf. The key is mobility – when one spot goes quiet, he's already plotting a course to the next GPS mark where the fish have been showing. Water temperature and bait concentration drive everything, and Rice reads these conditions like a road map. Recent trips have been producing multiple hookups, with anglers getting their arms stretched by fish that fight harder than anything else swimming in these waters.
Bluefin tuna are the ultimate game fish for good reason. These are warm-blooded predators that can hit 40 miles per hour and dive to incredible depths, using every trick in the book to throw your hooks. Massachusetts bluefin typically range from 40 to 400 pounds, with the giants showing up more consistently from late summer through fall. They're incredibly smart fish – they'll follow your spread for miles without committing, then suddenly explode on a lure with enough force to snap heavy line if your drag isn't set perfectly. What makes them so addictive to catch is the combination of their size, speed, and fight duration. A good bluefin will test every piece of gear on the boat and push your endurance to the limit. They're also highly prized for their meat – the same fish that ends up in top sushi restaurants starts right here in Massachusetts waters. Peak season runs from June through October, with September and early October producing the largest fish as they bulk up for their southern migration.
Captain Bobby Rice's tuna trips fill up fast, especially during the peak months when the giants are moving through. With only four spots available, you're getting a premium experience that larger boats simply can't match – more fishing time per person, better instruction, and the flexibility to chase fish wherever they're biting best. These 10-hour trips give you the time you need to really get into the tuna, covering water and staying with schools when you find them. Whether you're looking to check a bluefin off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler ready to tangle with Massachusetts' toughest fish, this is your chance to fish with someone who knows exactly where to find them and how to put you on the bite.
Captain Bobby Rice's fishing boat is built for serious tuna hunting off the Massachusetts coast. This motorboat handles open ocean swells like a champ, getting you and up to 3 other anglers out to where the big fish are biting. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps track of those hot spots you'll want to hit again. When fog rolls in, the radar system keeps you safe and on course. The VHF radio stays connected to other boats sharing intel on where tuna are running. Ice box keeps your catch fresh for the ride back to port. With 10 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to work the waters Captain Rice knows best. This boat's got everything needed for a productive day chasing bluefin and yellowfin in Massachusetts waters.
Truro, MA