There are fishing trips you forget a week later, and then there are the ones that burn themselves into your memory. Catching my first bluefin tuna off the coast of Cape Cod was the latter. It was hard, humbling, and unforgettable — and I made more than a few rookie mistakes along the way. Here’s the full story, from prepping the gear to landing the fish, along with what I’d do differently if I could do it all over again.
The plan was ambitious: chase school-sized bluefin in late June just outside Stellwagen Bank, a hotspot for tuna off the Massachusetts coast. I had some offshore experience, but this was my first real shot at bluefin.
Our setup was a 28-foot center console, and we were rigged with 50-wide conventional reels spooled with 80 lb braid backing and 100 lb mono topshots. I opted for fluorocarbon leaders — 130 lb — crimped to 8/0 circle hooks. We packed a mix of topwater plugs, trolling lures, and the real prize: live mackerel we caught at first light near Barnstable Harbor.
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In hindsight, I came into it a little cocky. I’d read the forums, watched the YouTube tutorials, and figured I was ready. What I didn’t fully understand was how unpredictable and physically demanding bluefin tuna fishing really is.
The Hookup: Chaos, Doubt, and the Tuna Run
We were trolling live baits around 8:30 a.m., drifting near some birds working a slick about 12 miles offshore. The sonar lit up with marks — tuna for sure. Then it happened.
One of our balloons shot under, and the reel screamed to life. The line peeled off like it was connected to a freight train. We scrambled — clearing lines, killing the drift, shouting over each other like total amateurs. It was chaos, and we loved every second.
I got harnessed in and took the rod. The fish ran deep. For the first 15 minutes, it was just a war of attrition — crank, hold, gain a foot, lose three. My arms were burning by minute 20. I could feel the braid humming under tension, and more than once I wondered if I’d get spooled.
The Fight: 40 Minutes of Hell and One Lucky Mistake
It took nearly 40 minutes to bring the tuna to color. At around 80-90 lbs, it wasn’t a giant by bluefin standards — but to me, it was a monster.
Here’s where I made a mistake that could’ve cost us the fish: I tried to muscle it in too fast at the end. That last 30 feet? I got impatient. The fish turned sideways and gave one last surge under the boat, nearly cutting the line on the hull. If my buddy hadn’t reacted fast with the gaff, we might’ve lost it.
We finally got it on deck. I just stood there, shaking, soaked in sweat and adrenaline, staring at this bullet of muscle and power. I’d never caught anything like it.
What I’d Do Differently
1. Train for It Like a Sport
Tuna fishing is brutal. I wasn’t in bad shape, but I wasn’t ready for a 40-minute slugfest with a fish that pulls like a pickup truck. If I had known, I would’ve spent a few weeks building up grip strength and back endurance. It’s not a casual fight.
2. Learn the Boat Dance
We weren’t coordinated. When the tuna made its run under the boat, we panicked and nearly lost it. Next time, I’d practice moving around the deck with a harness on, rehearse gaffing drills, and make sure everyone knows their job. Tuna don’t wait for you to figure it out.
3. Use a Wind-On Leader
We were using a heavy top-shot connected to the fluoro with a barrel swivel, and it clunked through the guides at the worst time. A proper wind-on would’ve made the landing smoother and less risky at the rail.
4. Respect the Fish More
I underestimated just how tough and smart these fish are. Bluefin don’t just pull — they dive, spiral, change direction, and test every weak point in your gear. Next time, I’ll double-check every crimp, every knot, and every inch of line before heading out.