Expert-Guided Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Northeast

Reel in Giants: Tuna & Shark Charter in MA

Looking to battle some of the ocean's most powerful predators? You're in the right spot. Lowe Island Fish Camp's bluefin tuna and shark fishing charters off the Massachusetts coast are where the real action is. We're talking serious rod-bending, drag-screaming fights that'll test your mettle and maybe even put some premium sushi-grade meat in the cooler. But fair warning: once you've felt the rush of a 500+ pound tuna on the line, regular fishing might never quite cut it again.

What to Expect on the Water

First things first – we're not messing around with beauty sleep on these trips. We'll be hitting the docks early, sometimes before the sun's even thinking about coming up. That's because the big boys are often most active at first light. After a good 60 to 120-minute run to the offshore grounds, we'll be setting lines and hunting for the telltale signs of feeding tuna or cruising sharks. These are full-day adventures, typically lasting 10 to 12 hours, so pack accordingly. Bring snacks, water, and maybe something to keep you busy during the ride out (though the excitement usually takes care of that). Oh, and don't forget the camera – you're gonna want proof of what you catch out here.

Tuna Tactics & Shark Strategies

When it comes to bluefin tuna, we're usually employing a mix of techniques. We might start trolling spreader bars or daisy chains to cover ground and locate the schools. Once we're on fish, we could switch to live bait fishing with mackerel or herring, or even try some topwater popping for surface-feeding tuna. For sharks, we'll often set up a chum slick and drift baits at different depths. The gear is heavy-duty – we're talking 80 to 130-pound class rods and reels spooled with hundreds of yards of heavy braid. Fighting these beasts is a team effort, and everyone on board gets a shot at the rod. Just remember, with the current regulations, any tuna over 73 inches has to be either sold commercially or released. But here's the sweet part – if we do land a commercially viable tuna, Captain Moore offers a 50% discount off your trip cost. Not a bad deal for world-class fishing, right?

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We had a great time! Justin was a fantastic guide and got us on a big tuna. Will definitely go again!" - Artie

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bluefin Tuna: The star of the show, bluefin are the heavyweight champions of the tuna world. These torpedo-shaped powerhouses can tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds, though fish in the 100-400 pound range are more common on our trips. They're known for blistering runs that can dump hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The best part? If you manage to land a keeper, you're in for some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Prime bluefin season here runs from June through October, with some of the biggest fish showing up in the fall.

Shortfin Mako Shark: If speed is your thing, makos are your fish. These sleek predators are considered the fastest sharks in the ocean, capable of bursts over 40 mph. They're also known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. Makos typically range from 100 to 300 pounds in our waters, though bigger specimens aren't uncommon. We usually target them from late spring through summer when water temperatures are right.

Blue Shark: The most common shark species we encounter, blues are known for their striking coloration and acrobatic fights. They average 100 to 200 pounds but can grow much larger. Blues are abundant from late spring through fall and are often the first sharks to show up in the chum slick.

Porbeagle Shark: Often called "mackerel sharks" due to their preference for cooler waters, porbeagles are the tuna of the shark world. They're powerful swimmers with a stocky build, typically weighing between 200-300 pounds. We see them most often in spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler.

Thresher Shark: With their distinctive long tail fins that can be as long as their body, threshers are a unique catch. They use that tail like a whip to stun prey, making for some interesting fights when hooked. Most threshers we encounter are in the 200-400 pound range. They're typically a summer and early fall target for us.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – these trips aren't for the faint of heart. We're talking long days, potentially rough seas, and battles with some of the strongest fish in the ocean. But for serious anglers looking for the ultimate offshore challenge? There's nothing quite like it. The past few seasons have been red hot for tuna, and our shark fishing is consistently top-notch. Whether you're dreaming of landing that trophy bluefin or checking a mako off your bucket list, now's the time to lock in your date. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Give us a call, and let's get you out there for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Trust me, once you feel that first run from a giant tuna or see a massive shark appear in the chum slick, you'll be hooked for life.