Charter Fishing in Maine | 12 Hour Tuna Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12-hour offshore tuna fishing charter in Maine watersLimited summer availability after commercial quota fillsMaximum 4 guests with Struggle is Reel Charters
If you're looking for a fishing adventure that'll test your skills and push your limits, this 12-hour tuna charter out of Maine is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical day on the water – we're talking about a serious offshore mission targeting some of the ocean's most powerful fish. With only four spots available per trip and a limited number of charters each summer, you're getting access to something pretty special. Captain and crew from Struggle is Reel Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish when conditions are right. Pack your patience, bring your A-game, and get ready for a day that'll have you talking for years.
This is a full-day commitment that starts early and finishes when the job's done. You'll be heading out into Maine's deep waters where the big fish roam, and trust me, it's a different world out there. The boat ride alone gives you time to get your head in the game and watch the coastline disappear behind you. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's all business. The crew will have lines in the water, and you'll be rotating through the rods when fish show up. These aren't small fish we're after – yellowfin and bluefin tuna are pure muscle, and when one hits, everyone on board knows it. The fights can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the fish and how stubborn it wants to be. Between the tuna action, you might hook into some serious sharks that'll give you a completely different kind of battle.
We're running a spread of heavy trolling gear designed specifically for these big pelagic species. The captain sets up a pattern of lures and baits at different depths and distances behind the boat, covering water efficiently while we search for active fish. You'll be working with 50-80 pound class tackle – rods that have the backbone to handle fish that can weigh hundreds of pounds. The reels are loaded with plenty of line because these fish make long, powerful runs that can strip off several hundred yards in seconds. When a fish hits, the crew will coach you through the fight, helping with the drag settings and making sure you're positioned properly in the fighting chair. It's not just about muscle – technique matters a lot when you're battling fish this size. The boat stays mobile during the fight, and the captain will work with you to gain line and tire out the fish.
The yellowfin tuna around here are absolute rockets. These fish typically run between 30 and 80 pounds, with their bright yellow fins and torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. They show up consistently through the warmer months, usually from July through September, and they're aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits hard. What makes yellowfin so exciting is their initial run – they'll scream line off your reel faster than you can believe, and they don't give up easy. The meat quality is outstanding too, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of New England fishing, and Maine waters hold some giants. These fish can range from school-sized 30-pounders all the way up to massive fish over 200 pounds. Bluefin are incredibly strong and smart – they'll use every trick in the book to break you off, including diving deep, making long runs, and even trying to tangle your line with other lines in the water. The best action typically happens from late summer into early fall when the fish are feeding heavily before their migration. Landing a bluefin is a team effort, and the sense of accomplishment when you finally get one to the boat is hard to match.
Porbeagle sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the day. These are proper sharks – fast, aggressive, and built like underwater missiles. They average 100-200 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the battle. Porbeagles are active year-round in Maine waters but peak during the cooler months. They're curious and will often follow the boat, giving you a chance to see them before they hit your bait.
Thresher sharks are the wildcards of the trip. These unique sharks are famous for their incredibly long tail fins, which they use like whips to stun their prey. They're typically smaller than porbeagles, running 50-100 pounds, but their unusual appearance and fighting style make them a prized catch. Threshers are most active during the summer months and are known for making spectacular jumps that show off that distinctive tail.
Here's the deal – this isn't something you can decide on at the last minute. With only a handful of these charters available each summer and just four spots per boat, these trips book up fast among serious anglers who know what they're getting into. The timing depends on when the commercial quota gets filled, which varies each year, but when these recreational opportunities open up, they don't last long. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're securing a spot on one of the most sought-after charters in Maine waters. The crew at Struggle is Reel Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, and this tuna program is the pinnacle of what they offer. Bring your own food and drinks for the long day, dress in layers for changing offshore conditions, and come ready to work. This is big game fishing at its finest, and spots won't stay available for long.
The 2002 Parker 2501 is your ticket to Maine's legendary tuna grounds. This rugged 25-footer packs serious punch with its 250HP Yamaha, cruising at 35 knots to get you on the fish fast. Built for serious anglers, she handles Maine's choppy waters like a champ while keeping up to 4 guests comfortable during those long battles with bluefin. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS and radar to find the hotspots, VHF radio for safety, and a quality fish finder to locate those deep-water giants. When you're not fighting fish, there's a bed for quick rest between runs and a head for convenience during those marathon 12-hour days. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to work, whether you're setting lines or bringing in that fish of a lifetime. Maine's tuna season is short and sweet, and this Parker is perfectly rigged to make the most of every precious day on the water chasing these incredible gamefish.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, silver-blue torpedoes averaging 200-400 pounds, with giants pushing 600+. They roam deep offshore waters but come up to feed, especially dawn and dusk. Late summer into fall is peak season here when they're fattening up. The fight is legendary: blistering runs that strip line, then bull-dog deep. This is the Ferrari of sushi fish - one good bluefin pays for the whole trip. They're federally managed, so you need permits and must report every catch. My advice: when you hook one, tighten that drag gradually. Don't horse them early or they'll sound deep and stay there. Let them run, then work them up slow and steady.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are cold-water sharks that love Maine's summer temps. They average 5-7 feet and pack serious muscle - think 200-400 pounds of pure fight. You'll find them 30-300 feet down over deeper water, especially around the continental shelf edge. They're most active June through September when they follow bait inshore. What makes them special is that leaping fight - they'll jump clear out of the water. The meat is actually really good eating, firm and mild. Here's the key: use a whole mackerel on a heavy rig and don't be shy with the chum. These sharks have incredible noses and will follow a scent trail from way down deep. Once hooked, hold on tight.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the acrobats of the shark world with that signature whip-like tail as long as their body. Most run 12-16 feet and 300-500 pounds. They cruise 40-200 feet down in open water, using that tail to stun baitfish at 50 mph. Late spring through fall is best when they follow mackerel schools inshore. The fight is pure spectacle - they'll leap, spin, and tail-walk across the surface. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so the hookup can be tricky. Here's what works: drift with live mackerel about 50 feet down near bait schools. When birds are working, threshers are usually underneath. Use a strong 8/0 hook - that tail creates incredible leverage once hooked.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our tuna trips - torpedo-shaped with bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most run 60-100 pounds here, though giants over 200 show up. They cruise the upper water column around 50-100 feet, often chasing bait schools. Summer through early fall is prime time when warm water pushes north. These fish hit 50 mph and fight like crazy - long runs, deep dives, the whole show. The meat is top-shelf sashimi grade, second only to bluefin. My tip: when trolling, watch for birds working bait. Yellowfin often feed underneath. If you see that, get your spread through there fast - they move quick and won't stick around long.
Saco, ME