Ready for some serious offshore action? Hogg Tide Charters is your ticket to the big leagues of Newburyport fishing. We're talking monster bluefin tuna and sharks that'll make your arms ache (in the best way possible). Our trips are all about getting you on the fish fast and keeping lines in the water all day long. With a max of 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to battle those beasts. So grab your seasickness patches and let's hit the high seas!
Picture this: You're cruising out of Newburyport harbor as the sun's coming up, salty breeze in your face. Within an hour, you're in the thick of it – prime offshore waters where the big boys play. Captain Paul knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got all the top-notch gear you need to land a trophy. We're talking heavy-duty rods, reels that can handle a bluefin's blistering run, and tackle that's up for the challenge. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time targeting the big stuff, we've got you covered with expert guidance and all the tips you need to maximize your chances.
When it comes to offshore fishing, we don't mess around. We'll be using a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. For tuna, we might be trolling with spreader bars and daisy chains to mimic schools of bait fish. Or, if the conditions are right, we might switch to chunking – using cut bait to create a chum slick that'll bring the tuna right to us. For sharks, we'll set up a drift with a chum bag out and baited hooks at different depths. It's all about reading the water, watching the sonar, and adjusting our tactics to what's working on any given day. And don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Paul will walk you through everything, from how to work the gear to the best way to fight these powerful fish once they're on the line.
Our regulars have been hauling in some real beauties lately. We've seen bluefin tuna pushing 700 pounds, the kind that make grown men weak in the knees. Just last week, a group from Boston tangled with a shortfin mako that put on an aerial show like you wouldn't believe – jumping clear out of the water multiple times before we finally got it to the boat. And let's not forget about the thresher sharks with their whip-like tails that can stretch half the length of the boat. Every trip's different, but one thing's for sure – when you're fishing with Hogg Tide Charters, you're in for some serious action.
Shortfin Mako Shark: These are the speedsters of the shark world, known to hit speeds of 45 mph when they're on the chase. Makos are prized for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water multiple times during a battle. They're most common in our waters from late spring through fall, and trust me, hooking into one of these is like trying to stop a freight train – pure adrenaline!
Porbeagle Shark: Often called the 'forgotten shark' by anglers, porbeagles are actually one of the most exciting catches out there. They're like the cold-water cousins of makos, built for our chillier New England waters. These sharks are stocky and powerful, known for their deep dives and dogged fights. We tend to see them more in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Landing a porbeagle is a real notch in any angler's belt.
Bluefin Tuna: The crown jewel of Northeast fishing, bluefin tuna are the reason many anglers get into offshore fishing in the first place. These fish are absolute powerhouses, capable of growing to over 1,000 pounds. We target them from June through October, with peak season usually hitting in August and September. When a big bluefin hits, be ready for the fight of your life – these fish can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds and battle for hours.
Blue Shark: While they might not have the star power of makos or bluefin, blue sharks are a blast to catch and perfect for anglers looking to cut their teeth on big game fishing. They're abundant in our waters from late spring through fall, and their acrobatic fights make for great action. Blues are known for their beautiful coloration and can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 400 pounds.
Thresher Shark: With their iconic long tail fins that they use to stun prey, threshers are one of the most unique sharks you can target. They're seasonal visitors to our waters, usually showing up in good numbers from late summer through fall. Threshers are known for their initial blistering runs and can be a real challenge to land. When that tail comes up next to the boat, you'll understand why anglers get so excited about these incredible predators.
Look, I could talk all day about the fish, but it's the whole package that keeps our clients coming back year after year. There's something special about being out on the open ocean, miles from shore, with nothing but blue water all around you. The anticipation when that rod suddenly bends double and line starts screaming off the reel – it's a rush like no other. And let's be real, the bragging rights that come with landing a monster tuna or shark? Priceless. Plus, with our 6-person max, you're not fighting for space or taking turns. Everyone gets plenty of action and personal attention from the crew. It's the kind of day that'll have you reliving the memories (and showing off pictures) for years to come.
If you're itching to get out there and tangle with some of the ocean's top predators, now's the time to lock in your date. Our prime season fills up fast, especially weekends and those peak tuna months. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to add another trophy to your list or a newbie ready to see what offshore fishing is all about, we've got you covered. Give us a call or shoot us an email to check availability and get all your questions answered. Trust me, once you experience the thrill of battling a bluefin tuna or watching a mako leap next to the boat, you'll be hooked for life. Don't miss out on the fishing adventure of a lifetime – book your Newburyport offshore trip with Hogg Tide Charters today!
Blue Sharks are one of the most common sharks we encounter offshore. These sleek predators usually run 6-10 feet long. We find them in the open ocean, often near the surface, from late spring through fall. Blues are known for their curiosity - they'll often investigate the boat. While not the hardest fighters, they make up for it with acrobatic jumps and long runs. Drift fishing with chum is the typical method. Use fresh mackerel or bluefish as bait. Medium-heavy tackle in the 30-50 lb class works well. My top tip? Keep your bait about 20 feet from the boat. Blues can get pretty active once hooked, and you don't want one thrashing around too close. They're not usually kept for eating, so we practice catch and release to keep the population healthy.
Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweight champs of our waters. These massive fish can top 1,000 pounds, though 200-600 pounders are more common. We find them offshore from June through October, often near temperature breaks or structure. Bluefin are prized for their incredibly powerful fights and world-class sushi-grade meat. Be ready for epic battles lasting hours. We typically troll with spreader bars or cast live bait to feeding schools. Heavy stand-up gear is a must - 80-130 lb class. My best advice? Watch for working birds. Find the birds, find the bait, find the tuna. And always be ready - when a bluefin hits, it's like hooking a freight train. It's an experience you'll never forget.
Porbeagles are built like torpedoes - streamlined and powerful. They typically run 5-8 feet long and pack a serious punch for their size. We find them in cooler, deeper waters offshore, usually 100-300 feet down. Late spring and summer are prime time, when they move closer to shore. Anglers love porbeagles for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty meat. These sharks will test your gear and your arms with long, powerful runs. We often chum to bring them in, then drop baited lines. Mackerel is the go-to bait, but squid works too. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 lb class gear at minimum. My top tip? Be patient on the hookset. Porbeagles have small, tough mouths, so let them really take the bait before you strike. Once hooked though, hang on tight!
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the ocean, clocking in at over 30 mph. These powerful predators average 6-8 feet long but can reach 13 feet. You'll find them in our offshore waters from late spring through fall, often near bait schools. Makos put up an insane fight - they're known for their acrobatic leaps and long runs. The meat's pretty tasty too, if you're into that. We usually troll with rigged mackerel or bluefish, but live bait works great if you can get it. Keep your gear heavy - 50 lb class minimum. And watch yourself when you're bringing one in - these sharks have been known to jump right into the boat! My best tip? Keep a close eye on your sonar for bait balls. Find the bait, find the makos. Just be ready for an arm-wrenching battle once you hook up.
Thresher Sharks are unmistakable with their huge, scythe-like tails - often as long as their bodies. They average 8-10 feet but can reach 20 feet total length. We find them offshore, usually in the upper 300 feet of water, from late spring through fall. Threshers are prized for their hard fights and their meat is excellent eating. They're known for wild, acrobatic leaps when hooked. We usually troll with rigged mackerel or artificial lures. Use heavy gear - 50-80 lb class minimum. The long tail can tangle in lighter line. My best advice? Watch your sonar for bait balls. Threshers use their tails to stun and corral prey, so finding the bait often leads to the sharks. Just be ready for an epic battle once you hook up!
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