Bigeye tuna fishing out of Newburyport means a trip to the Northeast Canyons. The port’s tuna boats work the nearer grounds, Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank. This page covers where boats run, the named water between the dock and the canyons, who runs bigeye trips, and where to check conditions and rules out of Newburyport.
When and where boats run for bigeye
Bigeye runs from this port go to the Northeast Canyons. The canyons are the destination, and the ledges and banks are water you cross or skip on the way. For the species itself, including timing, see the bigeye tuna guide.
The Northeast Canyons
Mass Charter Fishing lists the Northeast Canyons, and Northeast Sportfishing lists bigeye. No run distance is published for this port, so you will need to plot it on your own chart. For the wider canyon picture, read the Northeast Canyons (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide) guide.
| What | Where it stands |
|---|---|
| Destination | Northeast Canyons |
| Run distance from Newburyport | Not published |
| Operators listing bigeye | Northeast Sportfishing, Mass Charter Fishing |
Grounds and structure near Newburyport
The places below are listed from the river mouth outward. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Name | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Joppa Flat | 5 ft | Merrimack River mouth, Newburyport side |
| Salisbury Flat | 7 ft | |
| Outside Flag | Harbormaster-named tuna area | |
| Pigeon Hill | Harbormaster-named tuna area | |
| Jeffreys Ledge | 160 ft | Reached from Newburyport |
| Stellwagen Bank |
Joppa Flat and Salisbury Flat at the river mouth
Joppa Flat is 5 ft deep and sits at the Merrimack River mouth on the Newburyport side. Salisbury Flat is 7 ft. Both are shoals to know on the way out and are not bigeye water.
Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill
Newburyport’s harbormaster names Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill as tuna areas. Nothing more is stated about them.
Jeffreys Ledge
Jeffreys Ledge is 160 ft deep and is reached from Newburyport. It is near ground, separate from the canyon run.
Stellwagen Bank
Stellwagen Bank is a named ground near the port.
How bigeye are fished from this port
Bigeye fishing out of Newburyport is a canyon trip, run past the ledges and banks that the local tuna boats work. For bluefin and other tunas on Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank, use the tuna guides.
Reading conditions
Two Captains links a forecast for the Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy. Check it before the run and weigh the numbers against your boat and your crew:
- Wind: speed and direction in knots
- Wave height: in feet
- Period: in seconds
Who fishes bigeye out of Newburyport
Two charters at this port list bigeye.
Northeast Sportfishing
The boat is The Provider, a 42-foot WeSmac, and the captain is Johnny Walker. See Northeast Sportfishing’s Fin & Field listing.
Mass Charter Fishing
Mass Charter Fishing is based at the Newburyport Boat Basin. A testimonial names Captain Kyle.
FAQ about bigeye tuna fishing out of Newburyport
How far is it to the canyons from Newburyport?
No run distance is published for this port. Bigeye runs go to the Northeast Canyons, so plot the run on your own chart.
Where do Newburyport boats go for bigeye?
The Northeast Canyons, which Mass Charter Fishing lists.
Are there bigeye charters in Newburyport?
Yes. Northeast Sportfishing runs The Provider, a 42-foot WeSmac, with Captain Johnny Walker. Mass Charter Fishing is based at the Newburyport Boat Basin.
Are Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill bigeye spots?
Newburyport’s harbormaster names them as tuna areas. Nothing more is stated.
What are Joppa Flat and Salisbury Flat?
They are river-mouth flats at 5 ft and 7 ft. Know them on the way out; they are not bigeye water.
Where can I check offshore conditions?
The Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy forecast, linked by Two Captains. It gives wind, wave height, and period.
