Marathon Deep Sea Adventure: 12-Hour Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targeting Bluefin Tuna, Haddock, and CodMarathon fishing adventure accommodates up to 6 guests maximumAugust through season focuses exclusively on Tuna fishing trips
Ready to spend a full day chasing some of the best fishing the offshore waters have to offer? This 12-hour marathon charter with Tuna Tail Charters is exactly what serious anglers dream about. We're talking about a full commitment to the water – sunrise to sunset – with your choice of targeting bluefin tuna, haddock, cod, or mixing it up with a combo trip that keeps you guessing all day long. Starting August 1st, we pivot hard into tuna season, but before then, you've got options that'll keep your reel screaming and your cooler full.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Twelve hours gives us the luxury of really working the water, moving spots when the bite slows down, and adjusting our game plan based on what the fish are telling us. We keep our groups small – max six anglers – so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew. You'll want to pack layers because conditions change throughout the day, and bring your appetite because you're going to work up a serious hunger fighting these fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need tackle-wise, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got lucky ones. We launch early to make the most of prime morning bite times, then work our way through different techniques and locations as the day progresses.
Depending on what we're targeting, we'll mix up our approach throughout the day. For tuna, we're primarily trolling spreads with high-speed lures and live bait when we can get it. The key is covering water until we mark fish or find birds working. Once we're on them, it's game on with chunking and live-lining. Haddock and cod fishing takes us to structure where we'll drop jigs and bait rigs to the bottom. The electronics are your best friend here – we're looking for that perfect combination of structure, current, and bait that draws these bottom dwellers in. Mako sharks are pure adrenaline – we'll set up a chum slick and work the oil line where these speed demons cruise. Blue sharks are more patient hunters, but when they show up, they often come in multiples. The crew handles all the rigging changes as we switch between techniques, so you can focus on what matters most – fighting fish.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters average 20 to 40 pounds out here, with plenty of schoolies mixed in for non-stop action. They're most active during dawn and dusk, but in deeper water, they'll feed throughout the day. What makes stripers special is their fight – they're bulldogs that use their broad sides to pull drag and test your arms. Plus, they're fantastic eating when handled properly.
Haddock bring a different kind of satisfaction to the trip. These bottom dwellers typically run 2 to 5 pounds, perfect for filling the cooler with premium table fare. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, and they school up over rocky bottom and ledges. The bite can be fast and furious when you find them – sometimes you'll double or triple up on every drop. Their delicate white meat makes them a customer favorite for fish dinners.
Shortfin mako sharks are the Ferrari of the ocean, and hooking one will give you a story for life. These rockets can hit 40 mph and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Summer months bring them closer to shore following bait schools. Most makos we see range from 100 to 300 pounds, though bigger ones definitely swim these waters. The fight is explosive – long runs, jumps, and pure power that'll have your arms shaking.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of offshore fishing here. These muscle-bound torpedoes can range from 50-pound schoolies to giants over 200 pounds. August through October is prime time when they follow bait migrations. What sets bluefin apart is their incredible strength and stamina – they'll take you into your backing multiple times and test every knot you've tied. The meat is sushi-grade when handled right, making them as valuable on the plate as they are challenging on the line.
Blue sharks are the most common shark species we encounter, and they're perfect for anglers wanting to experience shark fishing without the intensity of a mako. They're curious, photogenic, and surprisingly good fighters for their size. Most blues run 50 to 150 pounds, and they're present from late spring through early fall. They're also great for photos before release, with their sleek blue coloration and classic shark profile.
A 12-hour charter is an investment in a world-class fishing experience that you'll be talking about for years. With only six spots available and our reputation for putting clients on fish, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season. Whether you're looking to check bluefin off your bucket list, load up on fresh haddock and cod for the freezer, or experience the raw power of offshore sharks, this marathon trip delivers it all. The crew at Tuna Tail Charters has the local knowledge and dedication to guest satisfaction that turns a good day into a great one. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what these waters have to offer – book your spot now and get ready for twelve hours of pure fishing action.
Step aboard this 35-foot custom Duffy Downeast boat, built in 2007 and powered by a reliable 420HP Caterpillar engine that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 25 knots. This vessel is perfectly rigged for serious offshore fishing, whether you're targeting giant Bluefin Tuna or working the bottom for Haddock and Cod during your 12-hour marathon session. The boat comfortably fishes up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate schools and structure, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe in any conditions. VHF radio ensures clear communication throughout the trip. Between fishing sessions, you'll appreciate the air conditioning, full kitchen, and refrigerator stocked with cold drinks. The onboard multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time, and there's even a bed for anyone who needs to rest up during the long haul. The toilet and icebox round out the amenities, making this boat feel like a floating fishing lodge that can handle whatever the ocean throws your way.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are sleek, beautiful sharks with that deep blue coloration fading to white underneath. They typically run 7-11 feet and 60-400 pounds depending on sex - females get much bigger. You'll find them in open water at depths around 1,150 feet, preferring temps between 54-68°F. They're year-round targets, but warmer months see more activity. Guests enjoy them for the classic shark experience without extreme danger - they're curious and aggressive feeders but relatively manageable. The torpedo shape makes for decent fights. Drift fishing with chum is the way to go - mash up mackerel, herring, or sardines into a bloody slick. Keep your baited line at least 20 feet from the boat since they can panic and body-slam. Use 200lb test minimum and be patient.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefins are the ultimate offshore prize - these torpedo-shaped giants average 550 pounds and 6.5 feet, but can hit twice that size. They roam deep open waters, diving to 3,300 feet while cruising at 43 mph. Peak season varies by migration, but they're most aggressive during dawn and dusk. What makes them legendary is the combination of raw power, intelligence, and that prized meat that sushi lovers pay top dollar for. They'll take you on fast surface runs and deep dives that'll test your heaviest tackle. The fight can last hours. Here's what works: troll with live herring or squid near offshore islands and feeding areas. Use outriggers and snap swivels so you can change rigs quickly. When you hook up, be patient - these fish are strong enough to break anything if you rush them.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid bottom dwellers that average 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches, with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fins. They stick to cold water between 36-50°F over sandy or rocky bottoms, typically in deeper offshore areas. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and more active. Guests love them because they're excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish and chips. They're not huge fighters, but they travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Here's the trick: use fresh clams or ragworms on a simple two-hook rig, and fish vertical with enough weight to stay on bottom. Skip the jigs if you want to avoid attracting cod and damaging their mouths.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world, hitting 30+ mph and averaging 130-300 pounds with that torpedo-shaped body built for power. You'll find them in open water near the surface, though they'll dive to 400+ feet when hunting. Warmer months bring the best action when they're more active in our waters. What draws people back is the pure adrenaline - these sharks are legendary fighters that can leap 20 feet out of the water and will test every piece of your gear. The meat's actually quite good too. My advice: bring at least 50lb tackle with heavy wire leaders and circle hooks. When chumming with mackerel and tuna, keep your distance - they're smart enough to use your boat against you and have been known to jump right in. Stay alert and be ready for anything.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are one of the most popular targets around here, running 20-40 pounds on average with those distinctive dark stripes down their sides. They're structure fish - you'll find them around rocks, drop-offs, and along shorelines where baitfish gather. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong pullers that'll test your drag, plus the meat is sweet and flaky. Being anadromous, they move between salt and fresh water, which keeps things interesting. My tip: fish early morning or late evening near moving water. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're smart, so match your bait to what they're feeding on - live eels and bunker work great when they're around.
Gloucester, MA