Cape Cod has earned its reputation as a world-class destination for Bluefin Tuna fishing, drawing anglers from across the globe who dream of battling these powerful, lightning-fast predators. While there are many ways to target these impressive fish, few methods match the raw excitement of casting spinning gear to surface-feeding Tuna at Stellwagen Bank.
Some fishing trips fade from memory, but others become the benchmark by which you measure every outing that follows. August 17, 2019, was one of those days. A trip that perfectly illustrated what makes Stellwagen Bank so special and demonstrated the timeless fundamentals that still produce explosive Tuna action today. Looking back at this memorable adventure offers valuable lessons about reading conditions, selecting the right gear, and capitalizing on opportunities when everything aligns.
The Stellwagen Bank Advantage
Located just off Cape Cod, Stellwagen Bank is a nationally protected marine sanctuary and one of the most productive fishing grounds in the North Atlantic. The underwater plateau creates unique oceanographic conditions that concentrate bait fish—and the predators that feed on them. In the right conditions, schools of 60-inch-class Bluefin Tuna gather here to feast on pogies (menhaden), butterfish, and other forage species.
Perfect Conditions at Stellwagen Bank
On August 17, 2019, I headed out to Stellwagen Bank with Captain Cullen Lundholm of Cape Star Charters on one of our weekly My Fishing Cape Cod group trips. These outings allow our members to purchase individual spots aboard top-quality charter boats at great rates, creating a community of anglers who share incredible fishing experiences together. Joining me that day were MFCC members Jim Murphy and Cal Wheaton. Both had signed up for what would become one of the most memorable trips of the season.
The conditions that day represented exactly what Tuna anglers hope for… Schools of 60-inch-class Bluefin actively feeding on the surface, perfect weather, and fish that—while selective—were catchable with the right approach. We were prepared for topwater action with an arsenal of sinking stick baits and soft plastics, hoping to intercept Bluefin Tuna that had been reported feeding aggressively on the surface. What unfolded became a masterclass in reading feeding behavior and adapting techniques.
And these lessons that remain just as relevant today as they were that August morning! Captain Cullen’s experience proved invaluable as he positioned us perfectly. Before long, we spotted our first signs of life—a pod of dolphins cruising through the area. Where there are dolphins, Tuna often aren’t far behind.
The Feed Erupts
What happened next was something I’ll never forget. A massive school of Bluefin Tuna suddenly erupted off the starboard side of the boat, their explosive surface feeds creating chaos on the water. The sound alone was incredible—the crashes and splashes as dozens of hungry Tuna attacked bait fish with abandon!
We immediately began casting our lures into the melee. Despite throwing directly into the schools, the fish proved selective at first. This is the challenging nature of Bluefin Tuna fishing—even when surrounded by hundreds of fish… Getting them to commit to an artificial lure requires the right presentation, the right lure, and often, a bit of luck.
Why spinning gear?
Casting to Bluefin Tuna with spinning rods isn’t for everyone. But when conditions align and school-size fish are present, nothing beats the excitement. Here’s why spinning tackle shines:
- Pure Action. Fighting a Tuna on spinning gear puts you directly in touch with every headshake, run, and desperate dive. The connection is immediate and visceral.
- Mobility. Spinning rods allow you to cast quickly in any direction—essential when feeding Tuna are moving fast and unpredictably.
- Sight Fishing. When Tuna are busting on the surface, you’re casting to visible fish. It’s visual, engaging hunting that gets your heart racing.
- Challenge. Landing a powerful Bluefin on relatively light tackle requires skill, endurance, and a bit of luck. Success is all the more rewarding!
The Right Gear Matters
Our setup included high-quality spinning reels like the Shimano Stella paired with rods in the 7–8-foot range—long enough for casting distance but with the backbone to handle powerful fish. VanStaal makes excellent options for this style of fishing.
For lures, we relied heavily on sinking stick baits and soft plastics. Lures from Siren and the Hogy Pro Tail Paddle Tail Swimbaits are excellent choices that imitate the swimming action of bait fish. Strategic Angler lures are another favorite, with hand-painted patterns that mimic local bait fish like sand eels, squid, and herring. More budget-friendly options include Shimano’s Orca plugs and Daiwa’s Dorado sliders.
A Close Call and Continuing Action
In the excitement of rapid-fire casting to moving schools, we had one scary moment when a wayward cast nearly hooked Jim in the head, taking his Red Sox hat instead! It’s a reminder that safety must always come first when casting to Bluefin. Fortunately, Jim was unfazed, and his luck continued. After several more opportunities, he finally connected with a Tuna that slammed his Siren Deep Seductress lure. The fight was on!
The Battle
Bluefin Tuna—even school-size fish in the 60-inch range—are incredibly powerful. Jim’s Tuna made blistering runs, stripping line from the reel with authority. These fish have evolved as open-ocean predators, built for speed and endurance. Every time we thought we were gaining ground, the Tuna would surge back toward the depths.
After a solid 20-minute fight that tested both angler and tackle, we finally saw color. Captain Cullen positioned the gaff perfectly, and we had our fish boatside. The Tuna was a beautiful specimen, healthy and fat from feeding on the abundant bait at Stellwagen.
Understanding the Regulations
At under 73 inches, this Bluefin fell within the legal size range for retention at Stellwagen Bank. Captain Cullen expertly processed the fish, making clean incisions along the top and through the gills before removing the head with a handsaw. The body cavity was packed with ice to preserve the meat quality—critical for fish destined for the dinner table.
We all went home with premium-quality Tuna for sushi and steaks, the ultimate reward after an incredible day on the water!
Lessons from Stellwagen Bank
Our trip reinforced several key lessons about targeting Bluefin Tuna at Stellwagen Bank:
- Patience Pays. We encountered multiple schools and had many opportunities before connecting. Persistence is essential.
- Match the Hatch. The Tuna were feeding on relatively small bait fish, so our lure selection and presentation needed to match what they were targeting.
- Read the Water. Look for birds, bait, dolphins, and other signs of life. Tuna rarely feed in a vacuum—they’re part of a complex ecosystem.
- Stay Safe. Quick hook-sets, multiple anglers casting, and powerful fish create several potential hazards. Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Respect the Resource. Bluefin Tuna are a managed species. Follow all regulations, practice good fish handling, and take only what you’ll use.
Stellwagen Bank Bluefin: One Bite and You’ll Want More!
Fishing for Bluefin Tuna at Stellwagen Bank with spinning gear offers some of the most exciting angling opportunities available on Cape Cod. Looking back at that trip reminds me why this style of fishing is so addictive… The combination of visual surface feeds, powerful fish, and the challenge of landing them on relatively light tackle creates memories that last a lifetime.
The techniques we used that day—reading the water, matching lure selection to the bait fish present, staying patient through selective feeding, and using quality spinning gear—are timeless fundamentals that produce results year after year. Whether conditions bring pogies, butterfish, sand eels, or other forage to Stellwagen, the approach remains consistent.
No matter if you’re a seasoned Tuna angler or dreaming of your first Bluefin, Stellwagen Bank should be on your radar. Book a trip with an experienced captain who knows the area, bring the right gear, and prepare yourself for some of the most heart-pounding fishing action you’ll ever experience!
Have you ever fished the Stellwagen Bank? Where did you head out of? Maybe you have some tips to share with your fellow anglers… Let us know in the comments below!
The post Stellwagen Bank Bluefin Fishing: Lessons from an Epic Day on the Water for 2025 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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