PLYMOUTH FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Chasing Old Charlie: Giant Bluefin Tuna Out of Plymouth
A 10+ hour, small-group tuna trip out of Plymouth where anglers jig live mackerel en route, adapt tactics to the school, and have their catch filleted or steaked on return.
Chasing Old Charlie: Giant Bluefin Tuna Out of Plymouth.
Embark from Plymouth with Plymouth Charters for an exhilarating giant bluefin tuna outing: the crew jigs for live mackerel en route, then reads the school and either stops, drifts, anchors, or trolls—using live offerings or a spread of squid bars, chains and cedar plugs—until the bite dictates the tactics. Your mate guides gear and technique, and fish are filleted or steaked back in Plymouth.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Jig for Live Bait, Fight Giant Bluefin
Trips begin by jigging up live mackerel en route to the grounds; once the tuna are found the crew adapts—stop, drift, anchor, or troll—so you can hook into fish that can exceed 72 inches.
Crew Support and Onboard Technique
A mate will help with gear and technique and keep things light with good humor; anglers rely on that guidance through the long hours on the grounds.
Catch Handling and Preparation
On return to Plymouth your catch will be filleted or steaked for you; very large tuna over the retained size limit are handled as market fish per the operator’s policy.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a long, focused day—jigging for mackerel to produce live bait, running to productive grounds, and then shifting tactics to match what the tuna demand: quiet drifting with live offerings, anchored presentations, or a full trolling spread. The pace is set by the fish; the mate sets you up to hook them and helps turn a brutal run into a memorable fight before the crew processes the catch on return.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
These are long days: trips run 10+ hours; plan around a full-day commitment.
Bring sea-ready clothing for a long day and personal flotation devices for children 12 and under (they are required to bring and wear their own lifejackets).
Trips depart from and return to Plymouth with a maximum of six passengers—confirm embarkation details with Plymouth Charters when booking.
On return to Plymouth your legally sized tuna will be filleted or steaked for you; tuna measuring over the operator’s retained threshold will be sold as market fish.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a tuna trip?
Trips run 10+ hours.
Are children allowed?
Yes; children aged 12 and below must bring and wear their personal lifejackets.
What happens to very large tuna?
Tuna greater than 73 inches will be retained and sold as market fish; tuna under 73 inches and of legal size will be filleted or steaked for the customer.
How many people can fish on a trip?
The trip is limited to a maximum of six people.
Are there days I should not book?
Giant Bluefin Tuna have restricted fishing days per NOAA regulations—do not book Friday, Saturday, or Tuesdays.