Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Portland / South Portland starts with a short run: Humphrey puts water of 300 to 400 ft just 8 to 10 miles out. That makes the Portland departure one of the shorter bluefin runs on the coast. For biology and the general picture, see our Atlantic bluefin tuna guide. This page covers when the fish are here, where boats run, which grounds to mark, and how local boats fish them.
When bluefin are off Portland
High season is July through September, so build trip dates inside that window first.
Season start
Fishingbooker’s Maine guide says the season starts in late spring and peaks in summer. That description covers the whole state, so treat the start date as a loose edge rather than a Portland-specific one. The full statewide picture is in Fishingbooker’s Maine season guide. For Gulf of Maine-wide timing, see bluefin timing across the Atlantic Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
How far boats run and where
The run is short and the water gets deep fast. Start with that range, then pick grounds inside it.
The offshore run
Boats run about 8 to 10 miles to reach 300 to 400 ft of water (Humphrey). The fishing depth is about 300 ft.
Named grounds
These ledges, banks and reference points sit around the port. Each depth below is the figure we have for that ground.
| Ground | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffreys Ledge | 162 ft | Also on Fishingbooker’s statewide list |
| Platts Bank (New Ledge) | 180 ft | Also called New Ledge |
| The Kettle | 150 ft | Also on Fishingbooker’s statewide list |
| Mistaken Ground | 600 ft | About 10 miles from Platts Bank |
| The Garden | n/a | Near Eagle Island in Casco Bay; reference point |
| Spring Point Ledge breakwater and light | n/a | South Portland harbor landmark |
Mistaken Ground sits at 600 ft, well below the fishing depth of about 300 ft elsewhere on this page. The Garden and Spring Point Ledge are Casco Bay reference points for finding your way, and we have no bluefin marked on them.
You can mark the named ledges and banks against the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Statewide listings
Fishingbooker’s Maine guide lists the Kettle, Mistaken Ground and Jeffreys Ledge as bluefin areas. It is a statewide guide, not a Portland operator’s report, so weigh it against the port-level run data above.
How bluefin are fished here
Local boats troll or chunk with cut bait. The choice depends on whether you want to sit on a mark or cover water.
Chunking
Chunking with cut bait is described as especially effective.
Trolling
Trolling is the alternative when you would rather cover water than sit on one mark. For setups and rigging across both approaches, see trolling and chunking setups across our tuna guides.
Baits
Local baits for chunking or trolling:
- cut bluefish
- herring
- mackerel
- sardines
- whiting
- squid
Tide and depth
Bluefin are said to prefer slack tides, so plan your arrival on the grounds around slack. Keep the fishing depth of about 300 ft in mind when you pick a mark.
Who handles Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Portland / South Portland
Four local charters list Atlantic bluefin tuna, and one tournament runs each summer. If you want to see the water with a local captain first, start here.
Charters
- Teazer Charter: Capt. Pete Morse. Teazer Charter with Pete Morse
- Molly Jane Charters (Maine Tuna Charters): Erik Christensen and Kurt Christensen. Maine Tuna Charters site
- Tuna Maine Charters: Capt. Nick Nichols. Tuna Maine Charters site
- Maine Deep Sea Fishing Charters (F/V Liveliner): Capt. Hugh Mitchell, USCG licensed and Registered Maine Guide. Maine Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza
The Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza is the local bluefin tournament, usually held in July.
FAQ about bluefin tuna out of Portland
When is bluefin season in Portland, Maine?
High season is July through September. Fishingbooker’s statewide Maine guide says the season starts in late spring and peaks in summer.
How far offshore are the tuna grounds from Portland?
About 8 to 10 miles to reach 300 to 400 ft of water, per Humphrey. The fishing depth is about 300 ft.
Is chunking or trolling better for bluefin here?
Local boats do both. Chunking is described as especially effective. Bluefin are said to prefer slack tides, so time your arrival around them.
What bait do local boats use for bluefin?
Cut bluefish, herring, mackerel, sardines, whiting or squid.
Which Portland charters target bluefin?
Teazer Charter (Capt. Pete Morse), Molly Jane Charters / Maine Tuna Charters (Erik Christensen and Kurt Christensen), Tuna Maine Charters (Capt. Nick Nichols), and Maine Deep Sea Fishing Charters, F/V Liveliner (Capt. Hugh Mitchell).
When is the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza?
Usually July.
