Cape Cod Offshore Bigeye and Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Bluefin, Bigeye, and Yellowfin Tuna offshore Cape Cod watersPremium gear, bait, ice, and fishing license included with charterComplimentary catch cleaning service provided after fishing trip
Cape Cod's offshore waters are legendary among serious tuna anglers, and Strike 2 Fishing Charters puts you right in the action. We're talking about some of the most productive tuna grounds on the East Coast, where massive Bluefin, hard-fighting Bigeye, and lightning-fast Yellowfin cruise the deep waters beyond the continental shelf. Running out of both Chatham and Fairhaven gives us flexibility to hit the best spots based on current conditions – whether that's the famous Stellwagen Bank, the canyons south of Martha's Vineyard, or the productive waters off Provincetown. This isn't your typical inshore trip; we're heading to the big leagues where world-class tuna roam.
Your day starts early – we're usually casting off before sunrise to maximize our time in the prime fishing zones. The run out can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on where the fish are showing, but trust me, it's worth every minute when you see that first tuna come up behind the spread. We keep our groups small at just 6 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of shots and personalized attention from our experienced crew. The boat comes fully rigged with top-shelf Penn and Shimano gear, custom rods built for tuna fishing, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. We've got the bait situation dialed in with fresh butterfish, mackerel, and squid, plus we'll have the lures that have been producing. The first mate earns his keep through tips – 20% is standard for good service, and these guys work their tails off to put you on fish. Don't worry about packing a cooler full of ice; we've got that covered, plus we'll clean and bag your catch so it's ready for the table or the taxidermist.
Offshore tuna fishing is all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We run a spread of high-speed trolling lures – think cedar plugs, spreader bars loaded with squid, and ballyhoo rigs that mimic the baitfish these tuna are hammering. When we mark fish on the finder or see birds working, we'll switch to chunking with fresh bait or throwing topwater plugs that'll get your heart racing when a 200-pound Bluefin explodes on the surface. The gear we use is serious business – 50-80 pound class tackle with reels that can handle screaming runs and have the drag to turn these fish. Our rods are custom-built for the job, with the backbone to move big fish but enough tip to feel every head shake. We fish circle hooks for conservation and better hookup ratios, and our wire leaders are crimped to perfection. The captain uses GPS, fish finders, and water temperature readings to locate the thermoclines where tuna concentrate, plus we stay in touch with other boats to share intel on where the bite is happening.
Bluefin Tuna are the kings of Cape Cod waters, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, capable of peeling off 300 yards of line in their first run. We typically see fish ranging from 40 to over 200 pounds, with the giants showing up in late summer and fall. Bluefin are incredibly smart – they'll inspect your baits, follow lures without committing, and test every ounce of your skill and tackle. The meat is absolutely premium, especially from the smaller fish in the 40-80 pound range that are perfect for sashimi. Peak season runs from June through October, with September and October producing some absolute monsters.
Bigeye Tuna might not get the same press as Bluefin, but ask any serious offshore angler and they'll tell you these are special fish. They're typically found in deeper water and tend to bite better at dawn, dusk, or even at night. Bigeye have that classic torpedo shape and fight with incredible stamina – they don't jump like some tuna species, but they'll take you into your backing and test your endurance. These fish average 50-150 pounds in our waters and their meat rivals Bluefin for quality. They're often caught while targeting other species, making them a bonus that can make your entire trip.
Yellowfin Tuna are the speed demons of the bunch. When a Yellowfin hits your lure at 15 knots, you'll know it instantly – the rod nearly gets ripped from your hands and the fish takes off like it's been shot from a cannon. They're typically smaller than Bluefin in our waters, running 30-80 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. Yellowfin are more common during the warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their distinctive yellow fins and sleek build make them easy to identify, and they're fantastic eating with firm, flavorful meat.
Cape Cod offshore tuna fishing with Strike 2 Fishing Charters isn't just another day on the water – it's your shot at some of the best big game fishing the Atlantic has to offer. We've got the local knowledge, the right equipment, and the experience to put you on fish when conditions line up. The fact that we operate from both Chatham and Fairhaven means we can always find the best launch point based on weather and where the tuna are concentrated. Remember to bring your own food and drinks for the day, dress in layers since it can be cool on the water even in summer, and don't forget sun protection – the reflection off the water is intense. Most importantly, come ready for a workout because fighting a big tuna is like nothing else in fishing. Book your charter now and get ready to experience why Cape Cod has built
Get ready to target trophy tuna aboard Strike 2's 30-foot Black Watch, your platform for serious offshore fishing around Cape Cod. This saltwater fishing machine runs on twin 250hp Cummins engines, cruising at 22 knots to get you to the prime Bluefin and Bigeye grounds fast. The flybridge gives you elevated views for spotting fish activity, while the fish finder pinpoints exactly where the big ones are holding. Navigate confidently with GPS and radar systems, essential for those early morning runs to deep water. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and refrigerator, plus there's a head for convenience during long fishing days. With space for up to 6 anglers and a skilled first mate to help land those monsters, this boat has everything needed for productive tuna fishing. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered - just bring your appetite for battle with some of the ocean's strongest fighters.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep-water specialists of the tuna family, with those big eyes helping them hunt in darker waters down to 800 feet. These streamlined fish average 60-150 pounds but can hit 400+ pounds. They're most active at dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. What makes them special is their rich, fatty meat - it's actually more valuable per pound than most bluefin now. The fight is strong and steady, with powerful runs that'll test your gear. Best months are late summer through fall when they're feeding heavily off our continental shelf. Pro tip: switch to darker lures like black-purple combinations as the sun gets low - bigeye eyes are super sensitive to light, and they'll hit lures they can't see well in bright conditions.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful fish that average 200-400 pounds but can top 800 pounds off Cape Cod. These torpedo-shaped giants are warm-blooded, so they handle our cooler waters perfectly and show up from June through October. They're found anywhere from 50 to over 1,000 feet, following bait schools. What makes them legendary is the brutal fight - expect screaming runs and deep dives that'll put you through the wringer. Plus, the meat quality is unmatched for sushi. Early morning and late afternoon are peak feeding times. They love herring, mackerel, and squid. Local secret: when you find them finicky, try chunking with fresh herring pieces while drifting - gets them fired up when trolling won't.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the speed demons out there, hitting 50 mph with those bright yellow fins flashing. Most run 30-80 pounds, though 200-pounders show up. They cruise the upper 300 feet of water and love warm edges and temperature breaks. Summer through early fall is prime time when they follow bait up from the south. What guests love is the surface action - nothing beats watching a yellowfin smash a popper in a shower of spray. The meat is top-shelf for sushi or steaks, and they fight hard with long runs. You'll find them around floating debris, birds, and breaking fish. Here's a local trick: when you mark them deep but they won't bite your trolling spread, pull everything in and drop jigs fast. Sometimes they just want something falling through their zone.
Cape Cod, MA and Island's