Private 16-Hour Tuna & Shark Trip in Boston Harbor
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 16hour offshore fishing adventure targeting tuna and sharksAll gear, bait, and professional guidance included for maximum successSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, this private 16-hour charter is exactly what you've been looking for. Starting at 6:00 AM from Boston Harbor, you'll head out into the deep waters where bluefin tuna and blue sharks roam. With space for up to 4 anglers, this isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious fishing adventure that separates the weekend warriors from the dedicated anglers. Captain and crew provide all the heavy-duty tackle, fresh bait, and local knowledge you need to put fish in the boat.
This 16-hour marathon starts before sunrise for good reason – we need every hour of daylight to reach the productive waters where the big fish live. Once we clear Boston Harbor, it's a run offshore to the deeper structures where tuna and sharks patrol. The boat comes equipped with top-shelf electronics to locate bait schools and mark fish, plus all the heavy tackle needed for these bruisers. You'll be fishing with circle hooks, wire leaders, and reels that can handle 200+ yards of screaming line. The crew handles all the rigging and bait preparation, so you can focus on what matters – fighting fish. Bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, and pack enough to fuel a long day on the water. Weather plays a huge role in offshore fishing, so be prepared for changing conditions as we chase fish throughout the day.
We're talking serious offshore gear here – heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. For tuna, we'll troll spreader bars, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo at various speeds to cover water efficiently. When we mark fish on the sounder, it's time to break out the chunking rods and work the water column with fresh bait. Shark fishing means deploying circle hooks on wire leaders with chunks of fresh fish – no messing around with light tackle when blues are in the area. The crew knows exactly when to switch techniques based on conditions, water temperature, and what the fish are telling us. Wire line trolling might come into play if we're working specific depth zones, and don't be surprised if we drift and chunk over productive bottom when the bite slows down.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of New England offshore fishing, and Boston waters produce some monsters. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and endurance. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when schools move through following bait. What makes bluefin so special is their raw power – they'll take 300 yards of line in seconds and fight dirty with long, punishing runs. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, making every successful trip a culinary victory too.
Blue sharks are the ultimate test of stamina, often reaching 6-8 feet and fighting with relentless determination. These pelagic predators cruise the offshore waters year-round but peak during summer months when water temperatures climb. Blues are known for their acrobatic fights, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're catch-and-release only in Massachusetts waters, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights last forever. Their curiosity makes them relatively easy to attract, but don't let that fool you – a big blue shark will humble any angler.
Atlantic cod might seem like an odd addition to a tuna and shark trip, but when we're working structure in 100+ feet of water, these bottom dwellers provide steady action between the big fish bites. Boston Harbor cod can push 20+ pounds, and they're excellent table fare. Fall and winter months produce the best cod fishing, when they stack up on rocky bottom and wrecks. They fight different than the pelagic species – more bulldogging than speed – but a big cod on light tackle is no joke.
Haddock share the same habitat as cod and provide fantastic eating with their mild, flaky meat. These fish school heavily during certain times of year, leading to multiple hookups and full coolers. Spring and fall tend to be peak seasons, when haddock move into shallower waters to feed. They're not the strongest fighters, but what they lack in power they make up for in numbers and taste. Massachusetts has specific regulations for haddock, so the crew stays on top of size limits and seasons.
Pollock round out the groundfish opportunities, often showing up in good numbers when we're bottom fishing. These fish are underrated fighters that can surprise anglers with their speed and determination. They school like haddock but tend to hold in slightly deeper water. Pollock seasons overlap nicely with tuna and shark fishing, making them perfect bonus fish on offshore trips. They're excellent table fare when prepared properly, though many anglers overlook them in favor of cod and haddock.
This private charter gives you and three friends exclusive access to some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast. Sixteen hours on the water means you're getting maximum value and fishing time – no rushing back to the dock when the bite turns on. The crew's local knowledge and quality equipment stack the odds in your favor, whether you're chasing your first bluefin or adding to an already impressive list. Boston Harbor's proximity to deep, productive waters makes it a launching point for world-class fishing adventures. Don't wait for the perfect forecast or the ideal moon phase – the best trips happen when you commit to spending time on the water. Book your private 16-hour charter now and get ready to battle some of the ocean's most respected gamefish.
Gadus MorhuaCod are the heavy hitters of the groundfish family, averaging 2-4 feet and 15-25 pounds, though we've seen some real doorstops over 40. Look for that distinctive chin barbel and white lateral line running down their sides. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 50-200 feet of water. Best fishing is fall through early spring when they move inshore to feed. These fish are pure gold - some of the best eating you'll find, with firm white meat that's perfect for chowder or fish and chips. They're strong fighters that'll test your gear with powerful runs toward the bottom. Here's what works: fresh clams or cut squid on a high-low rig with 8-16 oz of lead. Keep your drag loose at first - they'll make a hard run when they feel the hook, and you don't want them breaking off on structure.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are beautiful predators with that classic torpedo shape and brilliant blue coloring that fades to white underneath. They run 6-10 feet and 60-200 pounds, with females getting much bigger than males. You'll find them in deeper water offshore, usually beyond the continental shelf where they hunt squid and small fish. Summer months are best when water temps are in the 60s. These sharks give you a different kind of fight - long runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. They're curious fish that'll circle the boat, giving everyone a great show. We practice catch and release to keep the population healthy. The trick is setting up a good chum slick with ground mackerel or herring. Keep your baited hook about 20 feet from the boat and use at least 200-pound test leader. They're smart and won't just grab anything, so fresh bait is key.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate game fish - powerful, fast, and absolutely stunning with that metallic blue top fading to silver. We're talking 100-400 pound fish that can hit 6-8 feet long. They're open ocean nomads, following bait schools in deep water 30+ miles offshore. Peak season runs June through October when water temps hit 60-65 degrees. These fish will test everything you've got - brutal surface runs, deep dives, and fights that can last hours. The meat is legendary - top-grade sushi that sells for crazy money in Japan. Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of a giant bluefin taking off on its first run. Here's the key: when trolling, keep your baits 150-200 feet back and watch for bird activity. Once you hook up, clear all other lines fast and settle in for the fight of your life. Heavy tackle is a must - 80-130 pound class gear minimum.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusThese bottom-dwellers are part of the cod family and run 14-30 inches, typically 2-7 pounds. You'll find them over sandy bottoms and rocky areas in cold water, usually 100-200 feet down. They're easy to spot with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above their pectoral fin and dark lateral line. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active after spawning. What makes haddock special is they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky meat that's prized by chefs. They travel in schools and put up a decent fight for their size. Here's a local trick: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and fish vertical with enough weight to stay on bottom. Skip the jigs - they prefer natural bait and it keeps cod from stealing your catch.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the scrappy fighters of the cod family, running 20-30 inches and 3-8 pounds on average. You can tell them apart by their pronounced underbite and greenish-black coloring along the sides. They love rocky structure and ledges in 100-400 feet of water. Summer and fall are your best bet when they're feeding heavily. Don't let their size fool you - these fish are pure muscle and will drag you around the boat if you're not ready. They're decent eating, though the meat's a bit darker than cod. Great for fish cakes or smoking. The fight is what keeps people coming back - they'll dive straight for the rocks and test every knot. Pro tip: wear good boots with ankle support because these fish will pull hard. Sand eel patterns or black soft plastics work best. Fish them fast and aggressive - pollock like a lure with some action to it.
Boston