Boston Full Day Tuna & Bonito Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting striped bass near Boston harborAll skill levels welcome with personalized crew instruction providedMaximum 3 guests ensuring intimate fishing experience
Nothing beats a full day on Boston's inshore waters targeting some of the most hard-fighting fish in the Atlantic. This isn't your typical harbor cruise – we're talking about a serious fishing adventure that puts you face-to-face with yellowfin tuna, Atlantic bonito, and little tunny. With the Boston skyline as your backdrop and Massachusetts Bay as your playground, you'll spend the day working productive waters that locals have been fishing for generations. Our small group size of just 3 anglers means personalized attention and plenty of elbow room when the action heats up.
Your day starts early when the bite is hottest and the competition is lightest. We'll motor out from Boston Harbor into the prime inshore zones where baitfish stack up and predators follow. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you're battling a screaming bonito on light tackle, the next you're doubling over on a chunky yellowfin that's peeling drag like there's no tomorrow. The trip runs a full day, giving us time to move around and find the fish. Sometimes they're holding tight to structure, other times we'll find them busting bait on the surface. Weather and fish behavior dictate our approach, but rest assured we're going where the action is. The intimate group size means everyone gets prime fishing time, and our crew will be right there to help with everything from rigging to landing your catch.
We run a mix of trolling and live bait fishing depending on conditions and what the fish want. For tuna, we'll often start with trolling spreads using cedar plugs, spoons, and small lures that mimic the local bait. When we mark fish or find surface activity, we'll switch to chunking or live bait fishing with circle hooks – the most effective way to get these fish to commit. Bonito and little tunny are absolute speed demons, so we'll drop down to lighter tackle when targeting them specifically. Think spinning gear with 20-30 pound braid and small jigs or live pogies. The crew provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. We'll rig everything properly and show you the local techniques that work best in these waters. From proper hook sets to fighting technique, we'll make sure you're ready when that rod doubles over.
Yellowfin tuna are the crown jewel of this fishery and the reason many anglers book this trip. These fish typically run 20-60 pounds in our local waters, though larger specimens certainly show up. They're most active during the warmer months from June through October, with peak action often occurring in late summer when bait is thick. What makes yellowfin so special is their incredible speed and stamina – they'll make blistering runs that test your drag system and endurance. The meat quality is outstanding, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Atlantic bonito might be smaller, averaging 3-8 pounds, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped speedsters show up in good numbers during their migration periods, particularly in late summer and early fall. They school heavily and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Little tunny, also called false albacore, are the scrappy underdogs of the tuna family. Running 5-15 pounds typically, they make up for size with pure attitude and fighting ability. They're often the most cooperative when other species are finicky, making them a reliable backup plan that still delivers serious fun on light tackle.
This top-rated Boston fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime tuna season. With only 3 spots available per trip, you're getting an exclusive experience that most larger boats simply can't match. The personalized attention, prime fishing locations, and variety of target species make this a customer favorite among serious anglers. Whether you're looking to check tuna off your bucket list or just want a full day of steady action on quality fish, this trip delivers. All deposits are non-refundable, so once you book, you're locked in for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime. Don't wait – the best fishing days book weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss your shot at these world-class gamefish in one of the East Coast's most productive fisheries.
Step aboard our 2010 28' Contender center console, powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 50 knots. This boat handles Boston's inshore waters like a dream, whether you're chasing bonito runs or targeting bigger tuna. The spacious layout comfortably fits up to 3 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish. We've got all the essentials covered - GPS and radar keep us on course, while the fish finder helps locate schools. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles. Built for serious fishing, this Contender cuts through chop smoothly and gives you the stable platform you need when that fish of a lifetime hits your line. Perfect for hitting multiple spots throughout your full day on the water.
Sarda SardaThese silver bullets with dark racing stripes are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Running 3-8 pounds on average, they make up for size with blistering 40 mph runs that'll test your drag. Bonito travel in massive schools in the upper water column, usually within 10 miles of shore when water temps hit the high 50s to 60s. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign. Late summer into fall is prime time around here. While they're too oily for most dinner tables, they're fantastic live bait for bigger game. The real draw is the non-stop action and their acrobatic fights. Once you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything. My go-to trick: small metal jigs or soft plastics retrieved fast. When it's calm, those plastic lures stay in the strike zone longer than metal.
Euthynnus AlletteratusDon't let the "little" fool you - these 8-15 pound fighters pack serious punch. Also called false albacore, they're easy to spot with those distinctive black fingerprint spots and wavy lines along their backs. They cruise nearshore waters, often right around jetties, sandbars, and inlet mouths where baitfish gather. Fall is money time when they push south with cooling water. What guests love is the instant action - they school up thick and fight way above their weight class. The red meat isn't for everyone, but it's actually great when fresh and properly cleaned. They're also prime shark bait. Here's the local secret: when you see them busting bait on the surface, listen for the splashing. These fish are loud feeders. Throw small jigs or flies right into the commotion and hang on.
Thunnus AlbacaresThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around here. Most yellowfin we see run 40-80 pounds, though monsters over 200 pounds show up each season. They cruise the upper water column in warm offshore waters, usually 20+ miles out where the blue water starts. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot when water temps hit the 60s and 70s. What makes them special? Pure power - they'll peel line at 50 mph and fight like nothing else. Plus, you can't beat yellowfin for sashimi or steaks. Pro tip: when trolling, watch for birds diving on baitfish. That's where the yellowfin are feeding, and switching to chunking with whatever they're eating will often trigger explosive strikes from below.
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