Where Plymouth boats run for yellowfin
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Plymouth is an occasional encounter on offshore runs, not a dedicated fishery. 1620 Anglers lists yellowfin as a possible catch on its offshore trips, with ranges that include Stellwagen and areas south of the Cape and islands. The grounds and distances below come from Plymouth operators and port data: distances, named grounds, operators and the buoy to read. Our yellowfin tuna guide covers how the fish feed and move; this page covers this port.
Boats leave the Plymouth Harbor ramp, cross Cape Cod Bay and head for Stellwagen Bank or points south of the Cape and islands. Those are the offshore ranges 1620 Anglers lists, and yellowfin are one possibility among them. Offshore runs from Plymouth are tuna runs in general, and the tuna fishing guides cover both species.
When yellowfin show up off Plymouth
Yellowfin are an occasional encounter for the Plymouth fleet. A local offshore operator lists them as possible, and that is the extent of it. Plan the run around the grounds and conditions, and treat a yellowfin as a bonus.
For when yellowfin move through the region, see the Northeast yellowfin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide). We don’t promise fish. The aim is to help you decide where to look.
Grounds and structure near Plymouth
These are the named grounds and structure near the port, each with what its source names it for. Only Race Point has a distance from the ramp.
| Ground | What the source says | Distance from Plymouth Harbor ramp |
|---|---|---|
| Stellwagen Bank | Inside 1620 Anglers’ offshore ranges | not listed |
| Jeffreys Ledge | Named offshore structure | not listed |
| Race Point | Named by Currents | 22 nm |
| Crab Ledge | Bluefin ground east of Chatham (1620 Anglers) | not listed |
| Regal Sword | Named only | not listed |
| The Gurnet | Named only | not listed |
| The hole by Bug Light | Plymouth Bay | not listed |
| Billingsgate Shoal | Cape Cod striper hot spot (Plymouth Charters) | not listed |
Stellwagen Bank
Stellwagen falls inside the 1620 Anglers offshore ranges that list yellowfin as a possible encounter.
Jeffreys Ledge
Jeffreys Ledge is a named offshore structure in the region.
Race Point
Currents puts Race Point at 22 nm from the Plymouth Harbor ramp.
Crab Ledge
Crab Ledge lies east of Chatham, and 1620 Anglers names it as a bluefin ground.
Regal Sword
Regal Sword is a named ground near the port.
The Gurnet
The Gurnet is a named feature at the entrance to Plymouth Bay.
The hole by Bug Light
The hole by Bug Light is an inshore spot in Plymouth Bay.
Billingsgate Shoal
Plymouth Charters names Billingsgate Shoal as a Cape Cod striper hot spot. It is striper water and is not listed for tuna.
Who fishes yellowfin out of Plymouth
Local offshore work runs through the operators below.
1620 Anglers
Its offshore page lists yellowfin as a possible encounter, with ranges that include Stellwagen and areas south of the Cape and islands. It also names Crab Ledge as a bluefin ground.
Plymouth Charters
Plymouth Charters names Billingsgate Shoal as a Cape Cod striper hot spot.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of Plymouth
How far is Race Point from the Plymouth Harbor ramp?
Currents lists Race Point at 22 nm from the ramp. No source names Race Point as a yellowfin ground; the figure is only a distance.
Which buoy should I check before running offshore from Plymouth?
NDBC 44090 is the Cape Cod Bay waverider buoy. Read wave height and period there, then check the official Cape Cod Bay forecast before you go.
Does any Plymouth operator list yellowfin?
Yes. 1620 Anglers lists yellowfin as a possible encounter on its offshore trips. Its ranges include Stellwagen and areas south of the Cape and islands.
Are Crab Ledge or Billingsgate Shoal yellowfin spots?
Neither source names them for yellowfin. 1620 Anglers names Crab Ledge, east of Chatham, as a bluefin ground, and Plymouth Charters names Billingsgate Shoal as a striper spot.
Where do I find the rules for keeping tuna?
MassDMF and NOAA Fisheries set them. The regulations pages linked above carry the permit and limit details, so check those before you fish.
