Massachusetts · North Shore
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN PLYMOUTH
Plymouth 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 Plymouth
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 — Plymouth
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Plymouth, MA.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Stellwagen Bank (Western Edge)
Stellwagen Bank's western edge is accessible from Plymouth in approximately 20 miles across Cape Cod Bay, where the bank's shallow plateau attracts bluefin tuna, cod, haddock, and pollock. The bank's proximity to Plymouth makes it a feasible full-day trip, and the western edge is often the first area to fire with bait and tuna during the summer season. Charter boats from Plymouth target both groundfish and tuna along the bank's productive contour lines.
Cape Cod Bay Deep Holes
Cape Cod Bay contains several deep holes and depressions in its floor that concentrate fish over otherwise uniform sandy bottom. Cod, haddock, and winter flounder hold in these deeper pockets, and bluefin tuna pass through the bay following bait concentrations during summer and fall. Plymouth-based boats work these deep holes with jigs and bait rigs for reliable groundfish catches within a few miles of the harbor.
South Channel (Plymouth Access)
The South Channel between Cape Cod and Stellwagen Bank provides a deep-water corridor where bluefin tuna, cod, and sharks travel between the bank and the bay. The channel's depth transitions create current breaks that concentrate baitfish and attract predators moving through the area. Plymouth charters work the South Channel edges for tuna and groundfish during longer offshore trips beyond the bay.
Provincetown Deep Water
The deep waters north of Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod are accessible from Plymouth on extended offshore trips, offering access to bluefin tuna, haddock, and cod over the deeper sections of Stellwagen Bank and Race Point. The convergence of Cape Cod Bay and Atlantic currents creates productive fishing grounds where migrating species concentrate. Plymouth boats make the run to these waters when tuna reports indicate fish staging at the bay's outer edge.
Other Species in Plymouth
More fish you can target while visiting Plymouth.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Plymouth — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Plymouth is productive during July, August, September.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Plymouth 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cod, Bluefish, Fluke, Tautog. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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