Stellwagen Bank
A sunken bank where whales and giant bluefin share the sand eel buffet.
Most likely: Giant Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Mako Shark
Cap’n Ray“Follow the whales. The bluefin ain't far behind.”
Round 7 of 10
Cape Cod Giant Tuna Shootout
Cold water, fog and fish the size of a sofa. Sweaters in July, zero irony.
3fishing spots
Tunacounts at the scale
500–800 lbwhat the rivals land
6 AM–4 PMone fishing day
Stellwagen BankRace Point RipThe CanyonsThe rules
Heaviest single tuna wins. Bluefin or yellowfin; marlin are just a nice photo.
Cold, rough northern water. Fish the day from six in the morning to four in the afternoon, keep up to 11 fish in the box, and bring your heaviest to the weigh-in. Beat every rival’s best to win the round.
What’s biting
Each spot has its own mix. Deeper, harder spots hold bigger fish.
How to win the Cape Cod Giant Tuna Shootout
What you need: the field’s best fish usually weighs between 500 and 800 lb, so you’ll need a giant tuna to take the round. Only tuna — bluefin or yellowfin count at the scale.
Rig for it: 130 lb line lands fish that size; anything lighter gets more bites but risks a break-off on the big one. The giant bluefin tuna likes the Large Live Bait and the Large Skirt best.
Where to start: Stellwagen Bank is the gentlest spot (★★★☆☆) — a good place to find your rhythm. The Canyons holds the heaviest fish, if you can handle them. Birds work hardest over Stellwagen Bank: follow them to the bait.
Near shore: at Stellwagen Bank you troll within sight of the beach — mind the sandbars and the pier.
Read the forecast: on cloudy mornings and evenings run your lure shallow; under a bright midday sun, go deep. A windy forecast means a rough sea, a rolling boat and more drift, so plan your passes into the wind.
The spots
Race Point Rip
The tide rips round the tip of the Cape. Bluefin wait in the churn.
Most likely: Giant Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Mako Shark
Cap’n Ray“Heavy line, son. Fifty-pound test is a donation.”
The Canyons
Far offshore, where the shelf drops off. The biggest bluefin roam here.
Most likely: Giant Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Mako Shark
Cap’n Ray“Marlin out here are pretty. The scale wants tuna.”