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Bluefin Tuna Fishing Tips

Hunting for bluefin tuna makes for some of the most exciting fishing available in the Northeast. These fish can get huge – some can be larger than 10 feet long and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. They’re also know for putting up a serious fight, requiring anglers to battle them with strength, endurance and intellect. Here are a few tips for how to land bluefin tuna.

  • You can occasionally find bluefin tuna near the coast, but your best bet is to look for them in open water miles offshore. Around Cape Cod, you can often find them off Provincetown or east of Chatham.
  • During the summer, you’ll find tuna near the water’s surface enjoying the warmth of the sun. In winter, they go into deep water, making it difficult to land them. Off the coast of Cape Cod, the tuna season generally runs from June until November.
  • You can land bluefin tuna using artificial lures, but your best bet is using fresh bait like herring or mackerel.
  • Look for a flock of birds near the water’s surface. If you see birds feeding on baitfish, there’s a good chance tuna are there, too.
  • If you’re trying to land giant bluefin tuna, make sure to use a sturdy rod and a large, high-quality reel. Also, use high test line so your fish doesn’t snap it during a run.
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