Massachusetts · North Shore
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN NEWBURYPORT
Newburyport is a solid destination for bluefin tuna fishing, with good fishing in July, August, September. Book a charter and target bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Newburyport
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 — Newburyport
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Newburyport, MA.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Newburyport
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 Newburyport
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Jeffreys Ledge (Northern Section)
The northern section of Jeffreys Ledge is accessible from Newburyport in approximately 25 miles, where the underwater ridge rises from the Gulf of Maine floor to concentrate cod, haddock, pollock, and bluefin tuna. The ledge's hard bottom and nutrient-rich upwelling create one of the most productive offshore fishing grounds in New England. Bluefin tuna fishing on Jeffreys Ledge from Newburyport is a premier seasonal fishery from July through November.
Stellwagen Bank (Northern Approach)
Stellwagen Bank's northern reaches are accessible from Newburyport as part of longer offshore trips, where the bank's shallow plateau attracts cod, haddock, and bluefin tuna over sandy and gravel bottom. The bank's status as a National Marine Sanctuary ensures healthy marine habitat that supports abundant fish populations. Charter boats from Newburyport combine bottom-fishing for groundfish with trolling for tuna along the bank's productive edges.
Ipswich Bay Grounds
Ipswich Bay stretches from Cape Ann north toward Newburyport, and its deeper offshore waters hold cod, haddock, and winter flounder over mixed sand and gravel bottom. The bay's gentle seafloor provides productive bottom-fishing grounds closer to port than the deeper offshore ledges. Spring and fall cod fishing in Ipswich Bay is a New England tradition, with party boats and charter boats running from Newburyport and Gloucester.
Fippennies Ledge
Fippennies Ledge is a rocky underwater ridge in the Gulf of Maine approximately 40 miles northeast of Newburyport where the hard bottom rises from surrounding depths. The ledge holds cod, haddock, cusk, pollock, and halibut over its productive rocky structure. Long-range trips from Newburyport target Fippennies Ledge for quality groundfish, and bluefin tuna are sometimes encountered along the ledge's edges during summer.
Other Species in Newburyport
More fish you can target while visiting Newburyport.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Newburyport — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Newburyport is productive during July, August, September.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Newburyport 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 Newburyport, 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 Newburyport, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cod, Bluefish, Tautog, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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