Ready for some serious offshore action? Strap in for a 12-hour adrenaline rush chasing monster bluefin tuna off the coast of Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay. Captain Ed knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to test your mettle against 800-pound giants or a family wanting to feel the raw power of offshore game fish, this trip delivers white-knuckle excitement from start to finish.
We'll steam out of Plymouth Harbor before sunrise, watching the coast fade away as we head for the productive grounds of Cape Cod Bay and beyond. The hunt for bluefin is a game of patience and explosiveness - hours of trolling or chunking can erupt into chaos in seconds when a tuna decides to crush our spread. Be ready to sprint for the rod, because these fish hit like freight trains and don't look back. Captain Ed and his crew will be there every step of the way, from setting the hook to finessing the fight to that heart-pounding moment when color flashes deep beneath the boat. While tuna are the stars of the show, we might tangle with big sharks or run into schools of striped bass if the opportunity presents itself. One thing's for sure - there's never a dull moment when you're offshore in these legendary waters.
Forget about light tackle - we're talking heavy-duty rods, two-speed reels spooled with hundreds of yards of braid, and terminal tackle built to withstand the brutal runs of a giant bluefin. We'll employ a mix of techniques depending on conditions and fish behavior. Some days it's all about trolling spreads of ballyhoo and artificial lures, creating a bubble trail that draws curious tuna up from the depths. Other times, we'll set up a drift and start chumming, using live bait or chunks to bring the fish to us. Captain Ed's boat is rigged with state-of-the-art electronics to help locate bait balls and temperature breaks where tuna love to feed. Don't worry if you're new to big game fishing - the crew will walk you through every step, from working the dredges to proper fighting technique when it's your turn in the chair. Just be ready to put your back into it, because these fish will push you to your limits!
Bluefin Tuna: The undisputed kings of the North Atlantic, Cape Cod's bluefin are the stuff of fishing legend. These torpedo-shaped powerhouses can top 1,000 pounds, though most of our catches fall in the 100-500 pound range. What sets bluefin apart is their raw strength and endurance - hook into one, and you're in for the fight of your life. They're here from June through November, with peak action usually in August and September. There's nothing quite like watching a giant bluefin greyhounding across the surface, your reel screaming as it spools off hundreds of yards of line in seconds.
Striped Bass: While not our primary target offshore, we sometimes encounter big schools of stripers, especially early in the season. These iconic East Coast gamefish are beloved for their aggressive strikes and stubborn fights. They can push 50+ pounds in these waters, and they're excellent eating if you want to take a few home for the grill. Stripers typically show up in May and stick around into October, with some of the biggest fish caught during their fall migration.
Sharks: The waters off Cape Cod are home to a variety of shark species, including blue sharks, makos, and the occasional thresher. While we're focused on tuna, hooking into a big shark can add an exciting dimension to the trip. Blue sharks are the most common, known for their acrobatic leaps and long, sleek bodies. If we're lucky, we might tangle with a high-flying mako - pound for pound one of the fastest, strongest fish in the ocean.
Atlantic Cod: Though not as glamorous as tuna or sharks, cod fishing has a rich history in these waters. If the tuna aren't cooperating, we might drop some lines for these tasty bottom-dwellers. Cod fishing is more relaxed, but hauling up a 20-pounder from hundreds of feet down is still a workout. They're available year-round, with some of the best action in spring and fall.
Ask any serious Northeast angler about their bucket list trips, and Cape Cod tuna fishing is bound to come up. It's not just the chance at a true monster fish - it's the whole package. The anticipation as you leave the dock in the pre-dawn darkness. The vast expanse of open water stretching to the horizon. The sudden eruption of chaos when a fish crashes the spread. And of course, the unmatched satisfaction of seeing a giant bluefin slide over the rail after an epic battle. Captain Ed's years of experience mean you're fishing with one of the best in the business, maximizing your chances at that fish of a lifetime. Plus, with a 6-person max, everyone gets plenty of time on the rods. Whether you're looking to check "giant tuna" off your list or create lasting memories with family and friends, this trip delivers the goods time and time again.
Look, I'll be straight with you - tuna fishing isn't cheap, and it's not for the faint of heart. But if you're after a true bucket-list experience, something you'll be talking about for years to come, this is it. Captain Ed and his team at Cuz Charters have the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to put you on fish most anglers only dream about. The 12-hour trip gives us plenty of time to find the bite, even if we have to run offshore a ways. Just remember, the tuna don't always cooperate - that's fishing. But I can promise you this: you'll come back with a newfound respect for these incredible gamefish and memories that'll last a lifetime. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're a hardcore angler or just looking for an unforgettable day on the water with family or friends, Cape Cod's legendary tuna grounds are calling. You ready to answer?
Atlantic cod are bottom-dwelling fish typically found in cooler, deeper waters offshore. Adults average 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. They prefer rocky or sandy areas 100-500 feet deep. Cod fishing is best in fall through spring when water temperatures are cooler. They're opportunistic feeders, so a variety of baits work well - clams, squid, and cut fish are all good choices. While not known for blistering runs, cod put up a solid fight, especially in deep water. Their firm, flaky white meat is prized for fish and chips. To target cod, try jigging with diamond jigs or bucktails tipped with bait. Drift fishing with bait rigs can also be effective. A local tip: when you find one cod, you've likely found a school. Stay in that area and work it thoroughly. Cod populations have declined due to overfishing, so always follow regulations. With some patience and the right spot, you can still experience the thrill of hauling up these classic bottomfish.
Summer flounder, also called fluke, are a popular flatfish species in our coastal waters. They typically range from 2-5 pounds, though trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for fluke on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters. They're ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sand with just their eyes exposed. Fluke fishing is best from late spring through early fall when waters warm. They're aggressive feeders and will chase down both live and artificial baits. Their fight includes head shakes and short runs - they can be surprisingly acrobatic for a flatfish. To target them, try drifting with bucktails or jigs tipped with strips of squid or fish. A local trick is to use a teaser hook above your main bait to entice strikes. Fluke have excellent eyesight, so bright colors and movement can trigger bites. With delicate, white meat, fluke make excellent table fare. Always check size limits, as regulations can change. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just enjoy light tackle action, fluke fishing is a summer staple in our waters.
Striped bass are a favorite inshore target, typically 20-40 pounds but capable of topping 70. These powerful fish migrate along the coast, moving into bays and estuaries to spawn in spring and feed throughout summer and fall. Look for stripers around structure like jetties, rips, and drop-offs. They often hunt in schools, chasing bait near the surface. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially on moving tides. Stripers put up a great fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. Their firm white meat is delicious grilled, baked, or fried. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to help maintain populations. To target them, try live eels, chunked mackerel, or soft plastic lures. Topwater plugs can produce exciting strikes in low light. A local trick is to "match the hatch" - use lures that mimic the bait stripers are feeding on. Remember size and bag limits, which can change seasonally. With some patience and the right approach, you'll soon be hooked on chasing these iconic coastal predators.
Atlantic bluefin tuna are the giants of our offshore waters, averaging 6-7 feet long and 500+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped powerhouses cruise the open ocean but come inshore to feed, especially in summer and fall. Look for them around temperature breaks, bait schools, and underwater structure. Bluefin put up an incredible fight - they're built for speed and can dive deep in seconds. Be ready for screaming runs and epic battles that can last hours. Their rich, buttery meat is prized for sushi, making them a bucket list catch for many anglers. To up your odds, try live bait like mackerel or herring. Trolling with spreader bars or daisy chains can also be effective. Keep an eye out for working birds, which often signal feeding tuna below. When you hook up, get ready for the fight of your life against one of the ocean's apex predators. Remember, bluefin are carefully managed. Make sure you have proper permits and follow all regulations. With some skill and luck, you might just land the fish of a lifetime.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 8
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 27
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 320