OUR QUARRY
Here's what we hunt and how we hunt'em
White Marlin
The white marlin fishing off Cape Cod can only be described as exhilarating. It would be accurate to say that White Marlin are the most abundant billfish caught by charter boats off Cape Cod .
- WHEN: These highly migratory billfish provide ample and spectacular action throughout the summer months. Over the years, May, June, July, August, and September have all proven to be an excellent time for White Marlin fishing. Stragglers will be caught on either side of these months. Absolute best fishing times are July and August. White Marlins range in size from 25 to 100 lbs.
- HOW: We troll small dead baits on light tackle and often in the course of a day have multiple shots and hook-ups.
- LIMIT: White Marlins are strictly catch and release.
Blue Marlin
Cape Cod, Massachusetts was once unknown for Blue Marlin catches. Catches of this magnificent fish are rare, but seem to have been on the rise in recent years, especially the larger fish.
- WHEN: Blue Marlin are caught off Cape Cod, with the peak months being July through October on our Canyon Trips.
- HOW: The preferred fishing methods for Blue Marlin are trolling large dead baits and big lures.
- SIZE: The fish off Cape Cod can be anywhere from 50 lb. babies to 1000 lb. giants, the average fish weighing between 200 and 500 lbs.
- LIMIT: The Blue Marlin fishery is strictly catch and release fishing aboard the charter boat Diablo.
Yellowfin Tunas are one of the most abundant fish found on our Canyon Trips off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. These fish travel in schools and are often caught in great numbers. When charter boat fishing, multiple hook-ups from 3 to 8 fish are the rule rather than the exception.
- WHEN: Peak periods for Yellowfin Tuna are June through November.
- HOW: The methods our charter boat uses for catching these fish are trolling dead bait and artificial lures.
- SIZE: Yellowfin Tunas range in size from 25 to 125 pounds.
- LIMIT: The Yellowfin Tuna limit is 3 per person, including the captain and the mate.
Bluefin Tuna
Giant Bluefin Tunas in their feeding frenzy, chasing bait fish, cause the desperate fish to gather into a tightly packed school in a futile attempt to save themselves. This phenomenon is known as "balling bait". Bluefin Tuna are the ultimate heavy tackle test providing a spectacular show when striking baits.
- WHEN: We begin fishing for Bluefins in June and continue through early to mid-November. We are often asked about the "best" time to go Bluefin fishing. Once the fleet locates the fish early in the season, any time is a good time! We invite you to call us for further information on this truly exciting fishery!
- HOW: Because Bluefins act differently every season, the techniques vary. The most standard procedure is trolling 2 to 4 lines with 80 lb. tackle until the school of fish is located. Often it is possible after a fish is hooked to stop the boat and chunk Menheden to keep the school around the boat. Although this method produced tremendous numbers of fish in the middle to late 90's , over the last few seasons the majority of the fish caught have been caught trolling. We provide 130 lb. outfits because many of the fish are over the size limit that can be kept and we feel that heavier tackle gives them a better opportunity of survival after release. However, many of our customers prefer to bring their own lighter tackle.
- SIZE: Bluefin Tunas range in size from 50 to 1500 lbs.
Long Fin Albacore
The Long Fin Albacore is easily recognized by a long pectoral fin, often extending past its second dorsal fin. Albacore are excellent eating
- WHEN: Albacore can be caught on Canyon trips from July through mid-October.
- HOW: We troll for Albacore using either live or artificial bait. Albacore action can be spectacular with a whole day's catch hitting in a half hour period.
- SIZE: Average size is 25-60 lbs.
Big Eye Tuna
Big Eye Tuna are easy to spot due to an eye is more prominent than that of other tunas and a shallow notch at the center of the caudal fin fork. The eye size is not so prominent in juvenile fish which often have 7-10 white unbroken stripes crossing the lower sides vertically, substantially fewer than in juvenile Yellowfin Tuna. Smaller big eyes are often found with surface schools of similar fish such as Yellowfin Tuna and Skipjack Tuna. Larger big eye tend to travel in schools of big eyes only.
- WHEN: Big Eye Tuna can be caught on Canyon trips from July through mid-october.
- HOW: We troll for Big Eye using either live or artificial bait. Big Eye Tuna are one of the hardest fighting fish in the sea.
- SIZE: Average size is 125-200 lbs., with 300 lb fish occasionally landed.
Dolphin, Mahi Mahi, Dorado
Fishing for Dolphin off Cape Cod, Massachusetts is fantastic family fun in the summer months. Dolphin fish are highly sought after, free swimming food fish of the gulfstream. Another name for dolphin is Mahi-Mahi.
- WHEN: In late July we start seeing Gaffer Dolphins in the 15-20 lb. range. August brings the really large Dolphins, 25+ pounds, as well as large schools of Bailer Dolphins. Large and small Dolphin fishing remains excellent through the entire summer into the early fall.
- HOW: We often catch Dolphins in schools, fishing from a drifting boat using light tackle. This method is extremely popular with families, since even the smallest child can excel at this type of fishing. Most of the larger dolphins are caught on trolling baits on 20-50 lb. tackle often while fishing for marlin or other species.
- SIZE: Off Cape Cod, Massachusetts we catch Dophins in good numbers ranging from small (Bailer Dolphins) weighing from 3-10 lbs., to large (Gaffer) Dolphins weighing from 10 to as much as 60 lbs.
- LIMIT: The Dolphin limit is 60 fish per boat per day. Wahoo!
Although not much is known about this elusive and wonderful tasting fish they are believed to be one of the fastest in the ocean. They are a rare catch off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but it does happen.
Blue Shark
The Blue Shark has a slender body, with a blue back and white bottom. Dorsal fin is well behind pectoral fins and the body gradually tapers into the tail. The IGFA record for a blue shark is 528 pounds.
- WHEN: We catch Blue Sharks throughout the Summer and Fall season on our Offshore Trips.
- HOW: Shimano 80 lb bent butt standup outfit.
Mako Shark
The New Zealand Maori, used their word Mako to describe this extraordinary fish. The high leaping, boat attacking great game fish worldwide is the shortfin Mako, Isurus Oxyrinchus. We have some of the largest Makos in the world in our New England waters. A running jumping Mako is probably the best game fish in the world. The IGFA world record Mako was caught just off Marthas Vineyard and weighed in at over 1200 lbs.
- WHEN: We catch Mako Sharks throughout the Summer and Fall season on our Offshore Trips.
- HOW: Shimano 80 lb bent butt standup outfit.
Thresher Shark
The Thresher Shark, named for their exceptionally long tail or caudal fin that is actually used by the fish as a weapon to stun their prey. The Thresher prefers deep ocean and is usually found in the upper 500 meters of water along the continental shelf. The largest species of Thresher reaches 25 feet (7.6m) in length and over 700 lbs.
- WHEN: We catch Thresher Sharks throughout the Summer and Fall season on our Offshore Trips.
- HOW: Shimano 80 lb bent butt standup outfit.
Inshore Species
The Bluefish, is a trophy species highly prized by anglers because it is a champion battler and voracious predator. More info on Bluefish here....
Black Sea Bass
The Black Sea Bass is known for putting up a good fight and providing a tasty meal. More info about Black Sea Bass here....
Fluke
Fluke, also known as Summer Flounder, are remarkable for their ability to change color to match their surroundings. More info about Fluke here....
Striped Bass
Stripers are one of the most avidly sought of all the inshore sportfish. They're fun to catch and great eating. More info about Striped Bass here.....
Atlantic Cod
The Atlantic Cod more than any other fish is a symbol of the New England fisheries. A model of the Atlantic Cod hangs proudly in the Massachusetts Statehouse. More info on Atlantic Cod here....
Scup
The Scup or Porgy is easy find and to catch. The record Scup was well over five pounds, but most common are Scup under two pounds. More info about Scup here.....