When bluefin are off Newburyport
Two local operators list different season windows: Dark Horse runs commercial tuna trips July through December, and Mass Charter Fishing lists its bluefin season as August through November. This page is for skippers running their own boats. It covers when fish are around, where Newburyport boats run, how deep the ledge edge is, how it is fished locally, and who charters it. It won’t promise fish, but it should help you decide where to look. For ramps, marinas and the river entrance, use the Newburyport port page. For biology and behavior, see the Atlantic bluefin tuna species guide.
Commercial trips, July to December
Dark Horse lists its commercial tuna trips for July through December.
Bluefin season, August to November
Mass Charter Fishing lists its bluefin season as August through November. Plan inside the overlap of the two windows, or ask the operator.
| Operator | Listed window |
|---|---|
| Dark Horse (commercial tuna trips) | July through December |
| Mass Charter Fishing (bluefin season) | August through November |
Where Newburyport boats run
Jeffreys Ledge is the main named ground reached from Newburyport. For how the ledge fits into the wider Gulf of Maine, see the Northeast bluefin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
The grounds the local fleet names:
- Jeffreys Ledge: the main ground
- Stellwagen Bank: named by the harbormaster
- Outside Flag: named tuna area
- Pigeon Hill: named tuna area
Jeffreys Ledge
According to the Game and Fish ledge guide, the ledge runs northeast from Cape Ann to Cape Neddick. Newburyport sits inside that span.
Stellwagen Bank
Harbormaster Paul Hogg, quoted by Northshore magazine, names Stellwagen Bank as a ground for Newburyport boats.
Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill
The same harbormaster names Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill as tuna areas that the local fleet talks about.
Grounds and structure
The shallow features are at the river mouth. The fish-holding structure is offshore on the ledge.
River mouth flats
Joppa Flat, on the Newburyport side of the Merrimack River mouth, is 5 ft deep. Salisbury Flat is 7 ft.
Jeffreys Ledge depth
The ledge sits at about 160 ft. Game and Fish puts the working range on the ledge at about 160 to 210 ft, on the reasoning that bluefin cruise the edge and feed on bait the current pushes up.
| Ground | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Joppa Flat | 5 ft | Merrimack River mouth, Newburyport side |
| Salisbury Flat | 7 ft | Shallow feature at the river mouth |
| Jeffreys Ledge | about 160 ft; edge about 160 to 210 ft | Main named ground, reached from Newburyport |
| Stellwagen Bank | Named by the harbormaster | |
| Outside Flag | Named tuna area | |
| Pigeon Hill | Named tuna area |
To read the 160 to 210 ft edge on the chart, use the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How it is fished here
Anchoring at the ledge edge is the local method. For drifting, trolling and other approaches, see the tuna fishing guides.
Anchoring the edge
Game and Fish advises anchoring at or just over the edge of the ledge, where bluefin cruise on bait the current pushes up.
Reading conditions
Two Captains’ home page links a forecast for the Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy. Read wind, wave height and period there before the run, and check again before you leave the dock.
Who fishes bluefin out of Newburyport
Local charters that list Atlantic bluefin tuna:
- Dark Horse Charters tuna trips: FV Dark Horse. Commercial tuna trips run July through December.
- Two Captains Charters home page: The Reel Easy. Captain Jeff is listed as USCG Master 25 Ton. The home page links the Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy forecast.
- Hogg Tide Charters boat: The Hogg Tide, with GPS, fish finder, outriggers and seating for 6.
- Fish Newburyport (Dorado Don’s Adventure Tours and Fishing Charters): Captain Don is named on the tuna page.
- Northeast Sportfishing: The Provider, a 42 ft WeSmac. Captain Johnny Walker.
- Mass Charter Fishing: Based at the Newburyport Boat Basin. Its bluefin season runs August through November. A testimonial names Captain Kyle.
FAQ
When is the bluefin season for Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Newburyport?
Dark Horse lists commercial tuna trips July through December. Mass Charter Fishing lists bluefin August through November. For Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Newburyport, plan inside the overlap or ask the operator.
Where do Newburyport boats fish for bluefin?
Jeffreys Ledge is the main ground, running northeast from Cape Ann to Cape Neddick. The harbormaster also names Stellwagen Bank, Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill.
What depth is the Jeffreys Ledge edge?
Game and Fish puts the working range at about 160 to 210 ft. The ledge sits at about 160 ft.
Where do you anchor for bluefin on Jeffreys Ledge?
Anchor at or just over the edge, per Game and Fish, where bluefin cruise on bait the current pushes up.
Where can I check conditions before running to the ledge?
Use the Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy forecast linked from Two Captains’ home page. Read wind, wave height and period there.
