12 Hour Tuna Fishing in Maine Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Exclusive 12hour tuna fishing trips with limited summer availabilitySmall groups of 4 guests targeting recreationalsized tuna offshoreProfessional charter targeting tuna after commercial quotas close
Get ready for one hell of a day on the water! This 12-hour tuna fishing adventure with Struggle is Reel Charters isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious commitment to chasing some of the most powerful fish swimming in the North Atlantic. Limited to just 4 anglers per trip, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention as we hunt down yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and even some impressive sharks in Maine's offshore waters. These trips only happen a handful of times each summer, making them one of the most sought-after fishing experiences on the East Coast.
Your day starts before dawn, meeting at the dock while the stars are still out. We'll load up the boat with everything needed for a marathon fishing session – rods, reels, bait, and enough ice to keep your catch fresh. The run out to the fishing grounds takes us into deep water where the real action happens. This isn't inshore fishing where you're casting at structure – we're heading to the blue water where tuna schools move through following baitfish. Expect to cover some serious miles as we search for temperature breaks, bird activity, and other signs that scream "fish here." The captain keeps close tabs on water temps and current breaks since that's where the food chain stacks up, and where you'll find feeding tuna. Bring layers because it gets chilly out there, especially in the morning, and don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen – you'll be spending the entire day under the open sky.
We'll be running a spread of trolling lures designed specifically for tuna – think cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic schools of baitfish. The boat runs at trolling speed, usually around 6-8 knots, pulling multiple lines at different depths to cover the water column. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck. Tuna fishing requires heavy tackle – we're talking 50-80 pound class rods and reels loaded with enough line to handle long runs. These fish don't just fight at the boat; they'll peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The technique is all about patience and endurance. Once hooked up, it's a battle of wills between angler and fish, sometimes lasting an hour or more. We'll coach you through the fight, helping with technique and making sure you stay safe while battling a fish that can weigh as much as you do. The boat stays positioned perfectly to give you the best angle, and we'll clear other lines quickly to give you room to work.
The yellowfin tuna we target here are absolute rockets in the water. These fish typically run 40-80 pounds in Maine waters, with their distinctive bright yellow fins and incredible speed making them a favorite among serious anglers. They show up consistently from mid-July through September when water temperatures hit that sweet spot above 65 degrees. What makes yellowfin special is their stamina – they'll fight hard right to the boat, never giving up. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, perfect for sashimi if you want to take some home. Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of Maine fishing, and the recreational-sized fish we target after commercial quotas are filled can range from school fish around 27 inches up to larger specimens. These fish are pure muscle, built for speed and endurance. They're incredibly smart too, often requiring precise presentations to get them interested. Bluefin have that deep red meat that's prized worldwide, and catching one is like winning the fishing lottery. Porbeagle sharks add another dimension to these trips, often showing up when we're focused on tuna. These sharks are built like torpedoes, incredibly fast and aggressive fighters that will test your tackle and technique. They're common in Maine's cold waters and provide non-stop action once hooked. Thresher sharks are the wild cards – massive, powerful fish with that distinctive long tail they use to stun baitfish. When a thresher hits your line, you know immediately from the way they fight, using that tail like a whip and making long, powerful runs that will have you questioning your gear choices.
These 12-hour tuna trips represent the pinnacle of Maine fishing experiences. With only a limited number available each summer and space for just 4 anglers per trip, spots fill up fast among serious fishermen who understand what's on offer here. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're securing a shot at some of the most challenging and rewarding angling on the East Coast. The combination of world-class tuna fishing, professional guidance, and Maine's pristine offshore waters creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Don't wait to secure your spot – these trips book months in advance, and once the season starts, availability disappears quickly. Contact Struggle is Reel Charters now to lock in your date and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you talking for years to come.
Get ready to chase big tuna aboard our sturdy 2002 Parker 2501! This 25-foot fishing machine packs serious power with a 250HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise at 35 knots, getting you to the best fishing grounds fast. Built tough for Maine's waters, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day – GPS and radar keep us on course, while the fish finder helps locate those monster tuna hiding in the depths. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on where the fish are biting. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight these powerful fish without getting tangled up. The onboard bed and head mean you can stay comfortable during the long 12-hour hunt. This boat handles Maine's offshore conditions like a champ, giving you a stable platform to battle tuna that can weigh hundreds of pounds. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to big game fishing, this Parker delivers the reliability and performance you need for an epic day chasing one of the ocean's most prized gamefish.
Thunnus ThynnusThe holy grail of tuna fishing. These giants average 200-400 pounds in our waters but can top 800, distinguished by their smaller pectoral fins and deep blue-silver coloration. They roam from surface down to 200 feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks. Our best action runs June through October when they're feeding heavily before migration. What makes them special isn't just the fight - though they'll peel off 300 yards in seconds - it's the meat quality. Nothing beats fresh bluefin sashimi. We focus on trolling cedar plugs and live herring, but the secret is fishing dawn and dusk when they feed most aggressively. Heavy tackle is essential - these fish will test every piece of gear you own.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are Maine's cold-water sharks, built like torpedoes with that distinctive white patch behind their first dorsal fin. These tough fighters average 150-300 pounds and can stretch 6-8 feet, staying in 30-650 feet of water near continental shelves. Summer months bring them close to shore when water temps hit 50-60°F. What guests really appreciate is the pure power - they'll jump clear out of the water and fight for an hour. Plus, they're excellent eating, prized worldwide for their firm, white meat. My tip: use a full mackerel on heavy tackle with 400-lb mono, and don't be shy with the chum. These guys are opportunistic and will come investigate oily scents from pretty far off.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for that massive tail that's as long as their body. These 300-500 pound fighters cruise 25-100 feet deep around bait balls, using that tail like a whip to stun schools of mackerel and herring. Late summer into fall is prime time when they follow warm water into our area. Guests get hooked on watching them leap completely out of the water during fights - it's something you won't see with other sharks. They're also great eating with firm, mild meat. The trick is using smaller hooks (8/0) since they have surprisingly small mouths for such big fish. Troll fresh mackerel at 2-4 knots and watch for diving birds - that's where the action usually is.
Thunnus AlbacaresThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are what make our summer trips special. Yellowfin average 60 pounds but can hit 200+ with their bright yellow fins and metallic blue backs making them easy to spot. They cruise the upper 100 feet of offshore waters, moving at 50 mph when hooked. Peak season is July through September when they follow baitfish into Maine's warmer surface waters. Guests love the long, powerful runs and their excellent table fare - second only to bluefin for sashimi quality. We typically troll rigged ballyhoo or cast poppers when we mark schools, but here's the key: when they're finicky, try chunking with fresh herring to draw them up from deeper water.
Saco, ME