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Beginner-Friendly Bluefin Tuna & Shark Fishing

  • Published Date: July 23, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Massachusetts
  • $500 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Captain Moore offers an 11-hour offshore fishing trip tailored for beginners chasing Bluefin Tuna and Sharks. You'll head out early, cruising 60-120 minutes to prime fishing grounds. The waters here have been on fire lately, with tuna seasons from 2022-2024 producing some stellar results. These fish are known for their strength and fantastic flavor. By law, any tuna over 73 inches has to be sold commercially or let go - but if you land a big one and sell it, you'll get half off your trip price. Don't worry about gear; it's all provided, and the captain will walk you through every step. Whether you're reeling in your first tuna or trying your luck with sharks, you're in for a solid day on the water. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so commit when you book. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great chance to get offshore and test your skills against some serious ocean predators.
Beginner-Friendly Bluefin Tuna & Shark Fishing

Offshore Tuna Action

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How's the bait looking?!?!?!?!

Picturesque fishing adventure in MA

Using every inch of the boat.

Fishing adventure in MA

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Big Pollock pull some serious drag!

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Lots of 20+ inch haddock this summer!

4 fish caught during Essex fishing tours

These guys will be eating well all summer!

Scenic fishing tour in MA

Pretty sight

One big fishing adventure in MA

Erics First Tuna!

Breathtaking scenic view of MA landscape

How's the bait looking?!?!?!?!

Picturesque fishing adventure in MA

Using every inch of the boat.

Fishing adventure in MA

Still looking for a sponsor....

Atlantic Bonito fishing in Essex

Kirby's first bluefin. Eric becoming a solid mate

One person fishing in MA

Big Pollock pull some serious drag!

A lone fisherman reeled in a big 36-inch catch in MA

Atlantic Cod are making a great comeback!

A single snook fish caught fishing in Essex

Lots of 20+ inch haddock this summer!

4 fish caught during Essex fishing tours

These guys will be eating well all summer!

Scenic fishing tour in MA

Pretty sight

One big fishing adventure in MA

Erics First Tuna!

Breathtaking scenic view of MA landscape

How's the bait looking?!?!?!?!

Picturesque fishing adventure in MA

Using every inch of the boat.

Fishing adventure in MA

Still looking for a sponsor....

Atlantic Bonito fishing in Essex

Kirby's first bluefin. Eric becoming a solid mate

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Bluefin Tuna & Shark Fishing Adventure

Ready for some serious offshore action? Captain Moore's got you covered with this 11-hour deep sea fishing trip that's perfect for beginners looking to tangle with some of the ocean's most exciting predators. We're talking monster bluefin tuna and a variety of shark species that'll test your mettle and leave you with stories to tell for years. Don't worry if you're new to the game – the captain's here to show you the ropes and make sure you have a blast out on the big blue.

What to Expect on the Water

Rise and shine, anglers! We're hitting the dock early to make the most of our day. After a 1-2 hour cruise to the fishing grounds, it's time to get down to business. The past few seasons have been red hot for bluefin, so get ready to feel that rod bend. Just remember, any tuna over 73 inches has to be sold or released – but hey, if you land a monster and decide to sell, you'll score a sweet 50% off the trip. The captain's bringing all the gear you need, so just show up ready to learn and have a good time. Fair warning: these trips can be addictive, and you might find yourself planning your next outing before we even hit the dock.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical lake or pier action. We'll be using heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line that can handle the brutes we're after. For tuna, we'll likely be chunking – that's tossing out cut bait to create a feeding frenzy – or maybe trolling with spreader bars if the fish are on the move. When it comes to sharks, we might switch to wire leaders and bigger baits. Don't sweat the technical stuff; Captain Moore will walk you through every step, from baiting up to fighting and landing these beasts. Just be ready for a workout – these fish don't give up easily!

Top Catches This Season

The bluefin bite has been on fire lately, with some real giants hitting the deck. We're talking fish in the 200-300 pound range that'll have your arms feeling like jelly by the time you get them to the boat. As for sharks, we've been seeing some impressive makos and threshers, with a few blue sharks mixed in for good measure. The best part? You never know what might decide to crash the party out here. One day you're reeling in tuna, the next you're going toe-to-toe with a porbeagle shark that's all attitude. That's the beauty of offshore fishing – every trip is an adventure.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bluefin Tuna: These torpedo-shaped powerhouses are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world. Known for their incredible strength and stamina, hooking into a bluefin is like trying to stop a freight train with a fishing rod. They can grow over 1,000 pounds, but even the "smaller" 100-200 pounders will give you the fight of your life. Bluefin are prized for their rich, fatty meat that's a hit in sushi restaurants worldwide. Peak season is typically late spring through fall, but we've been seeing some great action in recent years.

Shortfin Mako Shark: If speed's your thing, makos are your fish. These sleek predators are considered the fastest sharks in the ocean, capable of bursts up to 45 mph. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and tail-walking across the surface when hooked. Makos are a blast to catch, with powerful runs and aerial displays that'll have your heart racing. We tend to see more makos in the warmer months, but they can show up year-round.

Porbeagle Shark: Often called the "forgotten shark" by anglers, porbeagles are like the tough cousins of the more famous makos. They're stocky, powerful, and can grow up to 8 feet long. What they lack in the mako's speed, they make up for in raw strength and endurance. Porbeagles prefer cooler waters, so we see them more in the spring and fall. Don't let their lesser-known status fool you – hooking into one of these bulldogs will give you a serious workout.

Blue Shark: These beautiful blue-gray sharks are some of the most common we encounter offshore. They're not the biggest or the strongest, but what they lack in power they make up for in abundance and willingness to bite. Blues are great for beginners because they give a good fight without being overwhelming. They're also known for their curiosity, often circling the boat and providing some great photo ops. We see blues pretty much year-round, but they're most active in the summer months.

Thresher Shark: If you want a truly unique shark experience, look no further than the thresher. These oddball sharks are easily recognized by their incredibly long, whip-like tails, which can be as long as their body. Threshers use that tail like a weapon, stunning fish by slapping the water's surface. When hooked, they put on an amazing show, often leaping clear of the water and doing backflips. They're not as common as some other species, but landing one is always a highlight of any trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about offshore fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the raw power of hooking into a bluefin that weighs more than you do. Or the adrenaline rush of watching a mako launch itself out of the water, twisting in the air like it's auditioning for a nature documentary. Perhaps it's the camaraderie that develops when you're out there with your buddies, miles from shore, sharing laughs and the thrill of the catch. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you'll be hooked (pun intended). And with Captain Moore's expertise guiding you every step of the way, even first-timers can get in on the action and make memories that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you're a complete novice looking to dip your toes into the world of offshore fishing or an experienced angler ready to tangle with some serious pelagics, this trip has got you covered. Captain Moore's wealth of knowledge, combined with some of the hottest bluefin and shark fishing in recent memory, makes for an unbeatable combination. Just remember to bring your A-game, a good attitude, and maybe some seasickness meds if you're prone to the wobbles. Oh, and don't forget the camera – you're gonna want proof when you're telling your buddies about the monster you battled out in the deep blue. Give us a call or hit that "Book Now" button to lock in your date. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action!

Learn more about the species

Blue Shark

Blue Sharks are sleek, open-ocean wanderers, typically 6-10 feet long but can grow larger. They're known for their deep blue color and long, slender build. You'll find them in cooler offshore waters, often near the surface but diving down to 1,000 feet. Blues are most active in late spring through fall in our area. They're not the hardest-fighting shark, but their acrobatic jumps and availability make them popular for beginners and pros alike. Blues are curious and will often investigate boats, making them relatively easy to attract. Chumming is key - a steady stream of ground fish will bring them in. Use fresh bait like mackerel or bluefish on a wire leader. My top trick: keep your bait about 20 feet from the boat. Blues can get frisky when hooked and you don't want them too close. Watch for their distinctive fin slicing through the chum slick.

Blue Shark

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world, ranging from 500 to over 1,000 pounds. These torpedo-shaped fish are built for speed and endurance, capable of cross-ocean migrations. You'll find them in both deep offshore waters and closer to shore, depending on the season. They follow bait movements, so look for temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring and fall are often prime times as they migrate. Anglers prize Bluefin for their incredible strength and valuable meat. When hooked, be ready for long, powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line. Heavy tackle is a must. Live bait like mackerel or herring works well, but chunking with butterfish can be deadly too. Here's a pro tip: when you see them feeding on the surface, try "greensticking" - a specialized technique using a tall pole and artificial squid lure.

Bluefin Tuna

Porbeagle Shark

Porbeagles are hefty sharks, typically 5-7 feet long and weighing 300+ pounds. They're built like torpedoes and prefer cooler waters, often hanging out near the continental shelf. Look for them in depths from 650 to 1300 feet, but they'll come shallower to feed. Summer's your best bet, when they move closer to shore. Anglers love Porbeagles for their strong fights and tasty meat. These sharks are smart and can be shy, so patience is key. Chum the water to get their attention, then drop your bait 30-90 feet down. Use a sturdy rod with heavy line - their skin is rough and can fray lighter setups. Fresh mackerel is hard to beat as bait. My top tip: keep your drag set light at first. These sharks often make long initial runs, and a tight drag can lead to pulled hooks or broken lines.

Porbeagle Shark

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin Makos are the speed demons of the shark world, clocking in at 30+ mph. These powerful predators average 6-10 feet long and 130-300 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in open water, often near the surface but diving deep when hunting. They're a prized catch for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting nature. Makos are most active in warmer months when they follow baitfish migrations. Their meat is considered top-notch among sharks. When targeting Makos, use heavy tackle and wire leaders - their teeth are no joke. Fresh bait like mackerel or bluefish works well. My go-to trick is slow-trolling live bait near temperature breaks or floating debris. Just be ready for explosive strikes and wild jumps once hooked. Remember, these sharks can be aggressive, so always use caution when handling them.

Shortfin Mako Shark

Thresher Shark

Thresher Sharks are unmistakable with that long, whip-like tail - often as long as their body. They average 8-14 feet total length and can top 500 pounds. You'll find them in open water, usually 40-50 miles offshore, but they sometimes venture closer. They like temps around 60-70°F and hunt from the surface down to 1,500 feet. Late spring to fall is prime time in our area. Anglers love Threshers for their unique looks and hard-fighting ability. They're known for wild, acrobatic jumps when hooked. Trolling is the go-to method - set your lures to run 25-50 feet deep near bait schools. Use heavy tackle with 50-80 lb braid and a long leader. Threshers have small mouths, so big baits aren't necessary. Try rigged mackerel or sardines. Pro tip: when you hook up, be patient. Threshers often make long initial runs, so let them tire themselves out before trying to gain line.

Thresher Shark

About the Fishing' Impossible

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yanmar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 440

Ready for an offshore adventure? Captain Moore's 11-hour trip is perfect for newbies looking to catch some big fish. We'll head out early and cruise for about an hour or two to reach the prime fishing spots. Our main targets are the powerful Bluefin Tuna and various shark species. The tuna fishing has been fantastic lately, with great catches from 2022 to 2024. Just keep in mind, any tuna over 73 inches has to be sold or let go - but if we sell it, you'll get half off your trip! Don't worry about gear; we've got everything you need. The captain will be right there to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy fish. It's a full day on the water, so come prepared for some serious fishing action. Remember, your deposit locks in your spot, so it's non-refundable. Get ready for a day of reeling in some monsters from the deep!
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Lowe Island Fish Camp is your gateway to unforgettable fishing and island experiences in the scenic coastal region of Massachusetts. Nestled amidst the Great Marsh and the Atlantic Ocean, we offer thrilling fishing charters, serene wildlife tours, and island dining experiences. With our expert guides and pristine natural surroundings, Lowe Island Fish Camp is your destination for creating lasting memories and discovering the beauty of Massachusetts' waters.

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