Tuna And Shark Fishing in Orleans | 10 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing charter targeting tuna and sharksModern 26ft Regulator boat with dual 225HP Yamaha enginesPrivate trip accommodates up to 4 guests with gear included
Looking for the kind of fishing trip that'll have you talking for years? This 10-hour private charter out of Orleans puts you right in the action with some of the most sought-after species in these waters. We're talking serious fishing here – yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and bonnethead sharks that'll test your skills and give you stories worth telling. With Unchained Sportfishing's top-rated charter, you're not just booking a trip; you're securing your spot on one of the best offshore adventures Cape Cod has to offer. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so bring your crew or make it a family affair – just be ready to work for your catch.
You'll be fishing from a beautifully restored 26-foot Regulator center console that's built for serious offshore work. This isn't some weekend warrior boat – we're talking about a vessel that was completely rebuilt in 2022 with dual 225HP Yamaha engines pushing you to the fish at 30 knots. That means less time getting there and more time with lines in the water. The boat's loaded with everything you need: quality reels, fresh tackle, and even a porta potti so you can stay comfortable during those long battles with big fish. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up, which you'll appreciate when multiple tuna decide to hit at once. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, reading the conditions and bird activity to put you on the bite. Expect to cover some serious ground – we're not anchored in one spot hoping fish swim by. This is active, mobile fishing where we chase the action.
Out here, it's all about trolling and reading the water. We'll be pulling spreads of cedar plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and tube lures at varying speeds depending on what's showing on the finder. The dual Yamahas give us the flexibility to troll anywhere from 6 to 12 knots, adjusting on the fly when we mark fish or see diving birds. You'll learn to watch for the telltale signs – temperature breaks, color changes, and bait schools that signal feeding fish below. The tackle setup varies by target species, but expect heavy conventional gear for the big bluefin and spinning setups for when the action gets hot and heavy. Don't worry if you're not familiar with offshore techniques – the crew will get you dialed in on proper fighting positions, pump-and-wind rhythm, and how to work a fish without burning out your arms. The key out here is staying alert and ready to react fast when fish appear on the sonar or birds start diving. Some days it's a grind, other days you'll have multiple hookups that'll have everyone scrambling for the gaffs.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of offshore fishing around Orleans, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle, typically ranging from 30 to 80 pounds in our local waters, with the occasional giant pushing triple digits. They're most active during the warmer months from June through October, when bait concentrations draw them into our fishing grounds. What makes yellowfin so special is their incredible speed and endurance – they'll make screaming runs that'll have your drag singing and test every knot you tied. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, with that deep red color that makes for perfect sashimi. Anglers love them because they're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, there's usually more around.
Bluefin tuna represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing in New England waters. These are the fish that legends are made of – powerful, intelligent, and capable of growing to massive proportions. Local bluefin can range anywhere from school fish in the 30-50 pound range up to giants exceeding 200 pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with some of the best fishing happening during the cooler months when they're fattening up for their offshore migration. What sets bluefin apart is their incredible fighting ability and the strategy required to land them. They're known for their deep, powerful runs and have the stamina to fight for hours. The regulations are strict and change frequently, so we stay current on size limits and quotas to ensure everything's done by the book.
Bonnethead sharks might not be the biggest sharks in the ocean, but they're scrappy fighters that provide consistent action when the tuna fishing slows down. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2 to 4 feet long and are perfect for anglers looking to experience shark fishing without the intimidation factor of larger species. They're most active during the warmer months and can be found in both deeper offshore waters and shallower areas near structure. What makes bonnetheads fun to target is their aggressive feeding behavior and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, spin, and make multiple runs before coming to the boat. They're also excellent for photos with their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, and they handle catch-and-release well when proper techniques are used.
This 10-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace with your own crew, making it perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on the prime fishing grounds off Orleans. The restored Regulator and experienced crew put you in the best position to connect with the fish of a lifetime, whether that's a screaming yellowfin, a giant bluefin, or a feisty bonnethead shark. With world-class fishing grounds just minutes from the harbor and a boat equipped to handle whatever these waters throw at you, this trip delivers the authentic offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait until the prime dates are booked up – these private charters fill fast, especially during peak tuna season. Bring your appetite for adventure and get ready to see why
Thunnus ThynnusThe king of all tuna fishing - these giants average 200-400 pounds but can hit 800+ when conditions align. They're built like torpedoes but fight like freight trains, capable of 40 mph runs and deep dives to 1000+ feet. Peak season runs late spring through early summer when they follow bait north. What draws anglers back? The raw power and that first-class sushi meat that sells for crazy money in Tokyo. These fish require heavy tackle and serious endurance. Pro tip: they bite best at dawn and dusk, so time your chunking sessions around those magic hours when they're actively feeding near the surface.
Sphyrna TiburoThe friendly hammerhead with the shovel-shaped noggin - these little sharks run 3-4 feet and are perfect for anglers wanting shark action without the massive size. They hang in shallow coastal waters, bays, and channels where they hunt crabs and small fish. Summer brings them north to our waters, though they head south when it cools off. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters that won't break your back, plus they're completely harmless to handle. The secret weapon? Fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg - they can't resist it. Use 20-pound test with a wire leader and get ready for some fun.
Thunnus AlbacaresThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are what dreams are made of out here. Yellowfin typically run 60-100 pounds in our waters, though we've seen monsters push 200+. They cruise the upper water column around 50-150 feet, often following baitfish schools. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot when water temps hit their sweet spot. What makes them special? They hit 50 mph when hooked and put up one hell of a fight - plus the meat is top-shelf sushi grade. My go-to trick is chunking with fresh herring to bring them up from the depths, then switch to live bait once they're fired up and feeding on the surface.
Hyannis