Full Day Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Gloucester
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore Bluefin Tuna fishing adventure from GloucesterAccommodates up to six passengers with expert crew guidanceIncludes fishing license and professionalgrade equipment provided
When you're serious about chasing bluefin tuna, there's no messing around with half-day trips. This 8-hour offshore adventure with Voodoo Charters puts you right where the giants roam, targeting some of the most coveted fish swimming in New England waters. We're talking about a 5:00 AM departure that gets you to the prime grounds while the water's still quiet and the fish are active. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough rods in the water and keeping things comfortable for everyone aboard. Your fishing license comes with the package, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe some coffee for that early start.
This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip where you're casting at structure close to shore. We're heading to the deep blue where bluefin tuna patrol the offshore grounds, often 20-30 miles out from Gloucester Harbor. The ride out gives you time to wake up, get your sea legs, and watch the coastline fade behind you as we hit open water. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the conditions and adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Some days they're feeding on the surface, creating those heart-stopping moments when you see fins cutting through the water. Other days we're working deeper, using the electronics to mark schools and position ourselves for the best shots. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we have time to adapt, move spots if needed, and really work the fish when we find them. You'll be fishing with top-shelf tackle designed specifically for these powerful fish - we're talking heavy conventional reels, stout rods, and circle hooks that give you the best chance at a clean hookup and successful release.
Bluefin tuna fishing is all about being ready when opportunity strikes, and that means having multiple techniques in your arsenal. We typically start with trolling to cover water and locate active fish, pulling a spread of lures at different depths and distances behind the boat. When we mark fish or see surface activity, we'll switch to chunking - cutting up bait fish and creating a slick that draws the tuna in close. This is where things get really exciting, watching these powerful fish come up in the chum line and deciding which bait looks best. We'll also work with live bait when available, using mackerel or herring on circle hooks to entice even the most finicky fish. The tackle setup is crucial here - we're using 80-130 pound class conventional reels paired with rods that can handle the initial run of a 200+ pound bluefin. The drag systems are smooth and reliable because when these fish take off, they're not asking permission. Circle hooks are the standard, both for conservation and because they significantly increase your chances of a successful hookup. Our crew handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and gear adjustments so you can focus on the fight when it happens.
The bluefin tuna fishery off Gloucester has been producing some phenomenal catches, with fish ranging from schoolies in the 30-50 pound range all the way up to giants pushing 300 pounds or more. What makes this fishery special is the consistency - we're not just hoping to get lucky with one fish, but often finding ourselves in situations where multiple hookups are happening simultaneously. The smaller grade fish are perfect for newer anglers or those who want to experience the speed and power of bluefin without the marathon battle that comes with the big ones. These fish still pack a punch, making screaming runs and testing your technique, but they're manageable on lighter tackle and don't require the same endurance as their bigger cousins. The medium-grade fish in the 100-150 pound range are often considered the sweet spot - big enough to give you a real fight but not so large that it becomes a grueling endurance test. When we hook into the giants, that's when things get serious. These fish can take line for what feels like forever, diving deep and using their weight and power to test every component of your tackle system.
Bluefin tuna are the undisputed kings of the New England offshore scene, and for good reason. These are warm-blooded fish that can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to dive deep and maintain their power throughout long fights. Atlantic bluefin can live for decades and reach massive sizes, with the largest specimens exceeding 600 pounds, though our local fishery typically produces fish from 30 to 300 pounds. What makes them so special to catch is their combination of speed, power, and endurance - they're built like torpedoes and can reach speeds over 40 miles per hour. The best fishing typically runs from June through October, with peak action often in late summer when bait fish are abundant and the tuna are fattening up before their southern migration. Early season fish tend to be hungry and aggressive, while late season fish are often at their heaviest and strongest. The fight characteristics vary dramatically with size - smaller fish rely on speed and acrobatics, sometimes jumping clear of the water, while the giants use brute strength and deep diving tactics that can last for hours. Bluefin are also incredibly intelligent, which adds another layer to the challenge. They can be line-shy, leader-shy, and will often follow a bait for long periods before committing. This intelligence makes every hookup feel earned and every successful catch that much more rewarding.
If you're ready to test yourself against one of the ocean's most powerful predators, this full day bluefin tuna trip delivers everything serious anglers are looking for. Eight hours gives us the time to find fish, adapt to conditions, and make the most of every opportunity. The 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable while ensuring everyone gets their shot at the action. With licenses included and expert crew handling the details, you can focus entirely on the
Gloucester, MA