Massachusetts · North Shore
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN GLOUCESTER
Gloucester is an excellent destination for bluefin tuna fishing, with peak season in July, August, September and good catches in October. Book a charter and target bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Gloucester
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the ultimate big game fish of the northeast, with giants exceeding 1,000 pounds caught off New England each year. Stellwagen Bank and the canyons off Montauk are legendary grounds for these incredible fighters.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are the largest, most powerful, and most valuable tuna species in the world. These magnificent fish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are the ultimate test of angler and tackle. Their torpedo-shaped body is dark blue-black on top with silver-gray sides and a series of yellow finlets along the tail. Bluefin are warm-blooded — they maintain a body temperature well above the surrounding water, which gives them extraordinary power and stamina. Giant bluefin tuna can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at fish markets, making them one of the most economically important fish in the ocean.
Scientific name: Thunnus thynnus
Bluefin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Gloucester
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Gloucester, MA.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Gloucester
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
Recommended Tackle
School bluefin (under 73 inches): medium-heavy spinning or 30-50 lb conventional. Giants (over 73 inches): 80-130 lb stand-up or chair gear, Shimano Tiagra or Penn International reels, 130 lb mono or braid, wind-on leaders to 300+ lb. Fights with giants can last 2-6+ hours.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Gloucester
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Jeffreys Ledge
Jeffreys Ledge is a long underwater ridge approximately 30 miles northeast of Gloucester where the hard bottom rises from surrounding depths and attracts bluefin tuna, sharks, cod, and haddock. The ledge's nutrient-rich upwelling supports an enormous baitfish population that draws giant bluefin tuna from July through November. Gloucester's tuna fleet has fished Jeffreys Ledge for generations, and it remains one of the premier bluefin tuna grounds in the world.
Tillies Bank
Tillies Bank is an elevated section of seafloor northeast of Cape Ann where the hard bottom concentrates cod, haddock, pollock, and cusk over productive fishing structure. The bank's position between the coast and the deeper water of Jeffreys Ledge makes it accessible on half-day trips from Gloucester. Bottom-fishing over Tillies Bank with jigs and bait rigs produces reliable catches of groundfish throughout the year.
Middle Bank
Middle Bank lies between Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge in the Gulf of Maine, providing offshore fishing structure over hard bottom in 150 to 250 feet of water. Cod, haddock, and pollock are the primary bottom-fishing targets, while bluefin tuna cruise the bank's edges during summer and fall. The bank's central location makes it a productive waypoint for Gloucester boats running between the inshore grounds and the deeper ledges.
Stellwagen Bank North (Bluefin Grounds)
The northern edge of Stellwagen Bank is a prime bluefin tuna fishing ground accessible from Gloucester, where giant tuna patrol the bank's drop-off feeding on sand eels and herring. The edge creates a defined contour line where tuna concentrate, making it fishable by trolling, chunking, and live-baiting along the depth transition. Gloucester captains have pursued bluefin along this edge for decades, and the fishery remains world-class.
Other Species in Gloucester
More fish you can target while visiting Gloucester.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Gloucester — FAQ
The peak months for Bluefin Tuna fishing in Gloucester are July, August, September. During these months, Bluefin Tuna are most active and abundant in the Gloucester area.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Gloucester are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Gloucester, your captain provides all required Massachusetts fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefin Tuna regulations in Massachusetts include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Bluefin Tuna in Gloucester, you may also catch Cod, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, Yellowfin Tuna. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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