Giant Bluefin Tuna Charters in Gloucester, MA
Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure unlike any other as you join DOGBAR Fishing for our exclusive Giant Bluefin Tuna Charter in Gloucester, MA. With early starts, meticulous planning, and decades of expertise guiding our way, we guarantee an unforgettable journey into the heart of Gloucester’s legendary waters. From securing bait to strategic anchoring and the thrill of hooking into a massive Giant Bluefin Tuna, every moment promises excitement and possibility. Get ready to test your skills, feel the rush of the ocean breeze, and create memories to last a lifetime on this unparalleled expedition with DOGBAR Fishing.
What to Expect on Your Gloucester Giant Bluefin Tuna Charter
A typical day fishing for Giant Blue Fin Tuna, GBFT, starts early, around 4:00am but sometimes earlier if bait is scarce or the fish are far away. By the time DOGBAR picks you up for your tuna charter we will have filled the ice hold, checked the wind, weather and tides, and talked to our sources to plan the days trip. We can pick you up at many different spots in Gloucester or meet you at your hotel, depending on what is easiest. Please check on the list of Gloucester accommodations on the pricing web page if you are unfamiliar with Gloucester lodging.
The first step in your tuna experience is getting bait. Usually mackerel are readily available just outside the harbor and jigging up a days bait is short work. If the bait is scarce or offshore we always have a supply from our own bait pens.
Where We fish for Bluefin Tuna in Gloucester
The run to our location can be short or take several hours, all depending on where the bite is. Well known spots like Jefferies Ledge and the NW corner of Stellwagon bank are short rides from Gloucester. However, The SE corner of Stellwagon bank, off the top of Race Point is a 50 mile run. DOGBAR cruises at a quick 25kts but it’s still two hours to get there. Many of the other charter boats make much slower speeds. The newness, speed and configuration of the boat specifically for GBFT fishing gives you more time on the fish.
Usually we anchor on a piece of structure that we suspect hold bait and fish. This is where a decade on these waters pays off because knowing where the fish are, or were yesterday, increase the odds off getting tight. Once on the numbers we will put out a spread of baits that cover the water column and wait for Charlie to show up. We have a couple of tricks to help him find us that includes acoustics that sound like a school of herring and of course we sometimes chum! Chumming can be a big part of GBFT fishing so we are glad to have your participation preparing and using the chum. Lol!
Patience is Key When Gloucester Giant Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Giant fishing is sometimes slow. We often spend hours checking baits, changing our spread and generally keeping our bait in the best spots to hook up. When the rod goes tight all hell breaks loose. These fish are often moving at 40 mph and can strip 200 yards of line off a reel in seconds. The first 30 seconds are critical and each of you will have a job to do, and you need a to do it well, to catch the fish. Don’t worry we will give everyone clear instructions an maybe a little practice before the rod goes off.
Once tight we settle in for a fight that can last hours. Everyone will get a turn on the rod and if our instruction gets a little loud, or maybe even profane, no worries it’s all in fun and the camaraderie of being together on the water.
The final tasks of harpooning, tail roping and dressing our catch are all part of the full Tuna experience. We do most of the work here but we encourage you to help!
Gloucester Bluefin Tuna Permits & Regulations
Please note that Giant Bluefin Tuna over 73″ are the property of Dogbar Fishing due to federal permitting. Bluefin tuna of any size may only be retained according to the NMFS regulations in effect on the day of your charter.
NMFS regulations change yearly and with every the tuna season to meet quotas and protect the species. Dogbar Fishing abides by the latest NMFS regulations. For the latest NMFS Bluefin Tuna, HMS Permit regulations at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/news