Blue marlin fishing out of Falmouth / Woods Hole is a canyon game. Boats leave Falmouth Harbor and run to Atlantis Canyon. The port’s benchmark is a 1,260 lb blue marlin weighed at MacDougall’s Cape Cod Marine Service in Falmouth. For ramps, marinas and harbor approaches, see the Falmouth / Woods Hole port guide.
When blue marlin are off Falmouth
The season here centers on the July Cape Cod Bluewater Classic. Tournament teams and private boats work the same window out of Falmouth.
The regional timing and water temperatures that set the window are in the Northeast blue marlin guide (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide).
For trip planning, that means:
- Plan around July. The Classic marks the part of the year when Falmouth boats focus on blue marlin.
- Expect company. Tournament teams and private boats fish the same grounds.
- Treat the target as a canyon run. Blue marlin are not caught on the inshore grounds covered below.
Where Falmouth boats run
Atlantis Canyon
Falmouth boats run to Atlantis Canyon for blue marlin, reaching it by boat from Falmouth Harbor. The run is long, so fuel reserve and crew stamina need planning.
Leaving Falmouth Harbor and Woods Hole
None of the structure below is marlin ground. It is what you pass on the way out. Boats from both Falmouth Harbor and Woods Hole clear Vineyard Sound on the way offshore, and Nobska Light is the landmark off Woods Hole.
| Name | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hedge Fence Shoal | 20 ft | Between Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth |
| Port Hunter wreck | 25 ft | West end of Hedge Fence Shoal |
| Nobska Light rips and boulder field | Off Woods Hole | |
| Stone Pier, Woods Hole | Woods Hole | |
| Lucas Shoal and Middle Ground | Vineyard Sound |
Chart contours and every other chart layer we show are not for navigation. Use the official chart.
How blue marlin are fished out of this port
Trolling the spread in the canyons
The local method is trolling a spread in the canyons. Spread layout, tackle and how blue marlin come into it are covered in the blue marlin species guide.
Plan for a long fight
The 1,260 lb fish was fought for about three hours on the rod before it reached the boat. A fight that long far offshore uses up crew stamina and fuel reserve before the run home, so build that into the day:
- Fuel. Carry reserve beyond the run out and back.
- Crew. Rotate anglers and keep the boat handler rested.
- Daylight. Subtract the hours a long fight takes from the time you have for the run home.
That fish was weighed at MacDougall’s Cape Cod Marine Service in Falmouth.
Who fishes for blue marlin out of Falmouth
Three Falmouth charters list blue marlin. Captains beyond this port are listed under billfish guides.
Castafari Sportfishing
Castafari Sportfishing runs a 45 ft custom Jim Smith express under Capt. Damon Sacco.
Machaca Charters
Machaca Charters fishes The Machaca, run by Capt. Willy Hatch with first mate Ryan.
Tunacious Charters
Tunacious Charters lists blue marlin under Capt. Bill Manthorne.
FAQ: blue marlin fishing out of Falmouth / Woods Hole
When are blue marlin off Falmouth?
The season here centers on the July Cape Cod Bluewater Classic.
Where do Falmouth boats run for blue marlin?
Atlantis Canyon, reached by boat from Falmouth Harbor.
Where was the 1,260 lb blue marlin weighed?
At MacDougall’s Cape Cod Marine Service in Falmouth.
How long can a blue marlin fight last?
The 1,260 lb fish was fought for about three hours on the rod before it reached the boat, so plan crew and fuel for a long fight.
Which Falmouth charters list blue marlin?
Castafari Sportfishing (Capt. Damon Sacco), Machaca Charters (Capt. Willy Hatch with first mate Ryan) and Tunacious Charters (Capt. Bill Manthorne).
Where do I check conditions before the run?
Read the NWS marine forecast for Vineyard Sound for wind, wave height and period. Check it again before you leave the dock.
