Cape Cod Offshore Bigeye and Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Bigeye, Bluefin, and Yellowfin Tuna 60 miles offshorePremium gear, licenses, and catch cleaning service includedExperienced captain leads groups up to 6 guests
When you're talking serious offshore fishing on Cape Cod, this 60-mile run to the deep water is what separates the weekend warriors from the real deal. Strike 2 Fishing Charters knows exactly where these giants cruise, and Captain's got the experience to put you on fish that'll test every muscle in your body. We're talking Bigeye, Bluefin, and Yellowfin tuna – the kind of fish that make grown anglers weak in the knees. This isn't your typical harbor fishing trip; you're heading to the canyon edges and drop-offs where these apex predators hunt, and trust me, when one of these torpedoes hits your line, you'll know why people travel from across the country just for a shot at Cape Cod tuna.
Your day starts early – we're talking before sunrise early – because the best fishing happens when these tuna are most active. The ride out takes about two hours, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the sun come up over some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. Captain and crew have all your gear sorted: premium rods and reels that can handle 200+ pound fish, fresh bait, and tackle that won't let you down when it counts. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space like on those cattle boat operations. Everything's included except your food and drinks – pack a cooler with plenty of water and snacks because you'll be working up an appetite. The first mate busts his tail all day rigging baits, gaffing fish, and keeping you in the game, so plan on tipping around 20% – these guys earn every dollar when a big bluefin decides to take you for a sleigh ride.
Out here in the deep water, we're primarily trolling spreads of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column. The captain reads the water like a book – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and temperature breaks where tuna stack up to feed. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot them busting bait on the surface, we might switch to live bait or chunking to get them fired up. The gear is heavy-duty because these fish don't mess around: 50-80 pound class tackle with circle hooks and wind-on leaders that can handle the abuse. Fighting chairs and harnesses are available for the big fish, and trust me, you'll want them when a 200-pound bigeye decides to sound to 400 feet. The crew coaches you through the fight, adjusting drag and keeping you positioned right so you don't get spooled. It's a team effort, and that's what makes landing one of these bruisers so satisfying.
The tuna fishing off Cape Cod has been absolutely lights-out this season. These waters consistently produce fish that make other fishing destinations jealous, and there's good reason why charter boats from other ports make the run here when their local fishing gets tough. Bluefin tuna have been showing up in good numbers from June through October, with the bigger breeding-class fish arriving as water temperatures climb. Bigeye tuna fishing peaks during summer months when they follow bait schools up from deeper water, and yellowfin have been a bonus catch that always gets everyone fired up. The crew knows exactly where to find them based on current conditions, water temperature, and bait movements. Plus, there's always a chance at mahi-mahi when we're running the edges – those golden beauties love the same warm water breaks that attract tuna, and they're pure dynamite on lighter tackle.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of Cape Cod offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are built like submarines and fight like they're possessed – a 100-pound bluefin will give you a workout that'll have you talking about it for years. They show up consistently from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish often arriving during the summer months when water temperatures hit their peak. What makes them so special is their speed and endurance; they can hit 40+ mph and dive to incredible depths, testing every piece of gear and every ounce of determination you've got.
Bigeye tuna are the night shift workers that often bite during daylight hours, and they're absolute brutes when hooked. These fish typically run larger than yellowfin in our waters, often hitting the scales between 100-300 pounds. They prefer slightly cooler water than their cousins and have those distinctive large eyes that help them hunt in deeper, darker water. When a bigeye eats your bait, expect a freight train run followed by a deep, punishing fight that'll have you questioning your life choices – in the best possible way.
Yellowfin tuna bring pure electricity to any fishing trip. They're the speed demons of the tuna family, known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. While they typically run smaller than bluefin and bigeye in our waters – usually 40-100 pounds – they make up for it with attitude and fighting spirit. They love warm, blue water and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Mahi-mahi are the wild cards that add color and excitement to any offshore trip. These golden beauties are aggressive feeders that absolutely demolish trolled baits and provide some of the most spectacular fights you'll see – they jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that never gets old. They typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters and prefer the same warm water edges and weed lines that attract tuna. Plus, they're fantastic eating, so you'll go home with some prime table fare along with your fishing stories.
Strike 2's 30-foot Black Watch is built for serious offshore tuna hunting on Cape Cod waters. Twin 250hp Cummins engines push this rig to 22 knots, getting you to the productive grounds 60 miles out where the big Bigeye and Bluefin roam. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting surface action, while the fish finder helps locate schools in the depths. Your catch stays fresh in the onboard icebox and refrigerator. GPS and radar keep you on course even when fog rolls in. The experienced first mate handles everything from rigging lines to gaffing your fish, so you can focus on the fight. With room for 6 anglers, comfortable seating, and a head onboard, you're set for a full day chasing these prized gamefish. All tackle, licenses, and cleaning services included.
Thunnus ObesusBigeyes are the deep-water specialists that can make or break an offshore trip. These chunky tuna typically run 60-150 pounds with massive eyes built for hunting in low light. They spend most of their time 200+ feet down in cooler water where oxygen levels drop. Dawn and dusk are prime time - their big eyes give them an edge when light fades. Summer months from May through August are best here off Cape Cod. What sets them apart? They're incredibly strong fighters that dive deep and stay down. The meat is rich and fatty, commanding top dollar at market. Local trick: switch to darker lures like purple or black as the sun sets. Bigeyes respond better to subtle colors in dim light, and don't be afraid to fish well after sunset when they're most active.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefins are the heavyweight champions that every angler dreams about. These monsters average 200-400 pounds but can push 800+ pounds. They're built like submarines with incredible power and stamina. We find them anywhere from 50-500 feet deep, following bait schools along temperature breaks. Peak season here is June through October when they migrate through our waters. What makes them legendary? The fight is absolutely brutal - long runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours. The meat is world-class, especially the fatty belly cuts prized for sushi. Fair warning: you need serious tackle and patience. My best advice: when you hook a big bluefin, settle in for the long haul. Don't rush the fight or you'll lose fish. Let them run, keep steady pressure, and they'll eventually tire out.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the colorful bonus fish that make offshore trips special. These golden beauties with electric blue-green backs average 15-29 pounds, though we see plenty in the 40+ range. They love floating debris and weed lines in warm water, usually in the upper 100 feet. Peak season runs May through September when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them great targets? They fight hard with spectacular jumps, travel in schools so multiple hookups are common, and the meat is some of the best eating you'll find - mild, sweet, and perfect grilled. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly while rigging more lines. The hooked fish will often keep the school around, giving everyone a shot at doubling up.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the speed demons of the tuna family, built like torpedoes and hitting 50 mph when they want to. Most fish we see run 40-80 pounds, though 100+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise the top 100 feet of warm offshore water, often mixed with dolphin and other pelagics. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when water temps climb. These fish are pure adrenaline - long screaming runs, bulldogging fights, and they never quit. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sushi or searing on the grill. What guests love most is the action - yellowfins travel in schools and feed aggressively. My go-to trick: when trolling isn't producing, try chunking with live herring or mackerel. Get them fired up and you'll have multiple fish competing for your bait.
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