When bluefin are around Provincetown
New England Boating puts the season at June into fall, while Ginny G lists spring, summer and fall tuna trips on its own schedule. For biology and migration, see the bluefin species guide.
| Source | Season it lists |
|---|---|
| New England Boating | June into fall |
| Ginny G | Spring, summer and fall tuna trips |
Where boats run from Provincetown
Boats out of Provincetown run mainly to Stellwagen Bank, with most of the effort at its Southwest Corner and along the bank’s edges. For the broader Northeast picture (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide), see the regional guide. The three areas below are the ones this port works.
Stellwagen Bank Southwest Corner
The Southwest Corner sits about 5 miles off Race Point in about 65 ft of water. It is the main target for boats leaving this port.
The bank’s edges
Stellwagen Bank sits at about 100 ft, and boats also work its edges.
Just north of the Race
Fish are also reported just north of the Race and up toward Stellwagen. The Race is the water off Race Point, which striped bass anglers will know.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Distance from Race Point |
|---|---|---|
| Stellwagen Bank Southwest Corner | 65 | About 5 miles |
| Stellwagen Bank | 100 | |
| Race Point drop-off | 150 |
Grounds and structure near Race Point
Leaving MacMillan Pier and rounding the point, boats pass several named pieces of structure.
| Spot | Depth (ft) | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Herring Cove Beach offshore drop-off | 150 | Just offshore Herring Cove Beach |
| Wood End to Race Point drop-off | 150 | Steep sandy edge running from Wood End past Race Point |
| Race Point drop-off | 150 | |
| Stellwagen Bank Southwest Corner | 65 | About 5 miles off Race Point |
| Stellwagen Bank | 100 | |
| Peaked Hill Bar |
Herring Cove Beach offshore drop-off
The bottom just offshore Herring Cove Beach drops off to about 150 ft. The perennial striper holes off the bathhouse west of Herring Cove Beach are nearby.
Wood End to Race Point drop-off
A steep sandy edge runs from Wood End past Race Point, reaching about 150 ft.
Race Point drop-off
The Race Point drop-off reaches about 150 ft. It is the same water as the fish reported just north of the Race.
Peaked Hill Bar
Peaked Hill Bar is the other named structure off this tip of the Cape.
How bluefin are fished out of Provincetown
Local boats use three approaches, ordered here from the most involved to the lightest.
Live mackerel and pogies
Live mackerel or pogies are drifted, kited or balloon-fished. Drifting puts the bait in the water column, a kite holds it near the surface from above, and a balloon does the same job with a float.
Trolling at about 5 mph
Trolling runs around 5 mph with squid bars, spreader bars or surface Hogy-type plastics.
Spin gear for school fish
School fish are taken on spin gear with topwater lures or jigs. Anglers who fish striped bass from a boat will find this the lightest step up to bluefin.
Who fishes bluefin out of Provincetown
Three charters that list Atlantic bluefin tuna work from MacMillan Pier:
- Cape Tip’N Charter Fishing: 31 ft Contender, Captain Nico, operates from MacMillan Pier.
- Ginny G Cape Cod Fishing & Whale Watch Charters: up to 6 guests, site names Captain Dave Gibson, based at MacMillan Pier.
- FV Odysea (Provincetown Boat Rides): 32 ft BHM Downeast, Captain Ralph Wilkins, departs MacMillan Pier.
FAQ: Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Provincetown
How far is the run from Provincetown to Stellwagen Bank?
The Southwest Corner of Stellwagen Bank sits about 5 miles off Race Point.
How deep is the water at the Southwest Corner?
About 65 ft. The bank itself sits at about 100 ft, and the nearby drop-offs reach about 150 ft.
When are bluefin around Provincetown?
June into fall, according to New England Boating. Ginny G lists spring, summer and fall tuna trips.
What speed do boats troll for bluefin here?
Around 5 mph, with squid bars, spreader bars or surface Hogy-type plastics.
Can I fish school bluefin on spin gear?
Yes. School fish are taken on spin gear with topwater lures or jigs. For other tuna and methods, see the tuna fishing guides.
