Massachusetts · North Shore
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN GLOUCESTER
Gloucester is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Gloucester
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Gloucester
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Gloucester, MA.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Gloucester
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Gloucester
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin 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.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Gloucester — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Gloucester is productive during .
Yellowfin 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 (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Gloucester, your captain provides all required Massachusetts fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Gloucester, you may also catch Cod, Striped Bass, Bluefin Tuna, Bluefish, Fluke. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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