In the deep waters off Cape Cod, where the continental shelf gives way to dramatic underwater canyons, one of the ocean's most impressive predators prowls the depths. The bigeye tuna, a powerful and elusive species, draws passionate anglers to venture far offshore in pursuit of these sought after fish.
The following account begins with an exploration of these remarkable fish - their unique adaptations, behavior patterns, and the rich ecosystem they inhabit in the Northeast Canyons.
Then, we'll dive into my firsthand experience chasing bigeyes aboard a well-equipped vessel, where a crew of determined MFCC anglers embarked on a 100-mile journey from Osterville, hoping to encounter one of these magnificent creatures in their offshore domain.
Please scroll below to continue reading. You can also use this nifty table of content to jump around to specific sections.
Understanding the Bigeye Tuna
The bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) stands as one of the ocean's most remarkable inhabitants, a testament to nature's engineering prowess.
These magnificent pelagic predators can reach weights exceeding 400 pounds and are distinguished by their notably large eyes, which have evolved to excel in the dimly lit depths they frequently inhabit.
Pictured here is a bigeye tuna caught by MFCC member Kurt Saraceno and his dad Ted. You'll read more about my own personal bigeye adventure while fishing with these guys later on in this post.
Unlike their cousin the yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna possess unique physiological adaptations that allow them to regulate their body temperature, enabling them to dive into cold, deep waters in pursuit of prey.
The Northeast Canyons Ecosystem
Off the coast of New England, particularly in the waters of the Northeast Canyons, bigeye tuna demonstrate fascinating behavioral patterns that make them both a prized catch and a subject of scientific interest.
These underwater canyons, carved into the continental shelf roughly 100 miles south of Cape Cod, create a perfect ecosystem where warm Gulf Stream waters collide with the cooler Labrador Current.
Image from https://strikelines.com/product/ma-canyons/
This convergence generates upwellings that concentrate nutrients, attracting vast schools of squid, mackerel, and herring – the preferred prey of bigeye tuna.
Hunting Patterns and Behavior
During the summer months, bigeye tuna utilize these productive waters as feeding grounds, often moving between the surface and depths of up to 1,600 feet in a single day.
Like most tunas, bigeyes eat a wide array of different baits including mackerel, herring and of course squid, which are pictured here.
This vertical migration pattern follows their prey, which typically ascend to shallower waters during dawn and dusk. For anglers targeting these powerful fish, understanding these behavioral patterns is crucial.
The most successful fishing often occurs during these transitional periods, when bigeye tuna are most actively feeding in the upper water column.
The Challenge of Offshore Fishing
Even with 900hp traveling 100 miles offshore takes a long time and can be dangerous, not to mention expensive.
The challenge of pursuing bigeye tuna in the Northeast Canyons is not for the faint of heart. The journey itself requires careful planning, substantial fuel reserves, and favorable weather conditions for a safe round trip.
Successful anglers must master the art of trolling with multiple lines, carefully selecting lures that mimic the local baitfish, and maintaining the precise speed and depth that trigger these selective predators to strike.
The reward for such dedication, however, can be spectacular – a battle with one of the ocean's most powerful and impressive gamefish!
My Bigeye Tuna Adventure Begins
When I got the call from My Fishing Cape Cod member Kurt Saraceno that they were planning a trip for bigeyes and that they needed an extra deckhand, I jumped at the opportunity.
I met the guys in Osterville at 4AM on July 15th, 2018. Our goal was to make the 100+ mile run to the area just to the west of West Atlantis Canyon.
If all went well we would arrive at the canyon in under 4 hours, fish for the morning and early afternoon, and then make the ride back home before dark.
It would be a long haul but it was doable, especially with favorable sea conditions and 900 horsepower!
Canyons Trolling Spread
We arrived at the canyons around 7:30am and quickly got to work putting out an 8 rod trolling spread.
The spread consisted of a mix of daisy chains, spreader bars and big swimming plugs. I have included some photos of the lures we were using below.
Successfully trolling 8 different lines is no easy task, but Kurt, his dad Ted and friend Curtis made quick work of setting the spread.
In no time at all we were fishing, and trolling west towards a small fleet of just three other boats.
Sea conditions were a little lumpy but the spread was skipping nicely across the surface of the water as we trolled along.
I had just settled in and was starting to get comfortable when all hell broke loose at around 8:30am.
Bigeye Tunas On The Line
Suddenly and without any warning whatsoever one of the spreader bars got crushed in amazing fashion, and whitewater went flying high into the air.
An instant later another rod went off under the strain of a big fish, and seconds after that two more tunas jumped on the line.
Drags were sizzling as we scrambled to clear lines and fight the fish.
All eight rods were now hooked up. It was apparent that we had crossed paths with a very aggressive pack of tunas!
We dropped a couple of the fish during the ensuing pandemonium, but little did we realize what was about to happen next, soon after Ted cleared one of the spreaders on the short outrigger...
As the spreader bar skipped along the surface, just a mere yard or two from the port side of the boat, a 100+ pound bigeye tuna came hurdling out of the water and slammed the bar.
Bite Caught on Camera!
Once again we were hooked into another big fish in spectacular fashion!
It was so cool being able to visually see these tunas crashing our baits right on the surface and virtually right next to the boat.
We ended up losing one of the bigeyes just off the stern of the boat, but after a very strenuous fight we managed to get the second bigeye right to the boat.
Kurt and I grabbed a couple gaffs, Ted fought the fish and Curtis kept the boat moving forward.
It was a beautiful fish!
We didn't weight the bigeye but the guys figured she was around 125 pounds.
Bigeyes are definitely one of the hardest fighting fish in the sea. Just like bluefin tuna they do not give up and will literally fight to the death.
We trolled around for a few more hours but the bigeyes never showed themselves again.
Ahi Tuna Nachos
However, what would we have done with any more tuna anyways? We harvested plenty of meat from just one bigeye tuna.
My wife Lauren made some absolutely delicious ahi tuna nachos with firecracker slaw which I highly recommend!
Full Video of the Trip
In addition to the photos and written story above, I was able to capture the entire trip on video, which you can view below.
Beneath the video you can view timestamps if you'd like to skip ahead to certain sections. I also listed out some of the gear and equipment, which again you can access right beneath the video.
Timestamps:
00:01 - introduction
00:30 - information about West Atlantis
01:00 - cruising the 100+ miles to West Atlantis
01:43 - setting the spread
02:45 - intro to the lures we are trolling
04:18 - drag pressure setting information
04:57 - bigeye tuna on!
06:15 - another bigeye tuna slams spreader bar right next to boat
07:21 - landing first yellowfin tuna
08:00 - losing first bigeye at the boat
09:22 - gaffing a 100 pound bigeye
11:44 - summary and info about spreader bars and lures
12:38 - cruising back to Cape Cod
Equipment used in this video:
- The spread consisted of a mix of daisy chains, spreader bars and big swimming plugs from Black Bart and Carlson Tackle.
- For reels we used Shimano Tiagra 50's matched with the appropriate rods, harnesses gaffs etc. etc. the list goes on and on. LOL
- I'm not the best resource for questions regarding offshore equipment, so for help selecting offshore tackle and gear please contact my friends at the Goose Hummock Shop in Orleans, MA at http://goose.com or via their online store http://themightyfish.com
In Conclusion
Without a doubt the pursuit of bigeye tuna in the Northeast Canyons represents more than just a fishing trip. These remote underwater canyons, carved into the continental shelf over millennia, serve as a vital feeding ground for these magnificent predators, drawing them from the vast expanses of the Atlantic to our corner of the ocean.
The challenging conditions, long runs offshore, and specialized techniques required to successfully target bigeye tuna make every catch a testament to both angling skill, perseverance, and of course some good luck. Yet beyond the thrill of the catch, these experiences offer something even more valuable: a deeper understanding of these remarkable fish and their crucial role in our ocean's health.
As we returned to Osterville after this adventure, I remember having a renewed appreciation for the complex web of life that thrives in these offshore waters. I also remember being extremely tired!
For those willing to make the journey, these offshore waters offer a window into a world where the ancient rhythms of predator and prey continue to play out, far from shore but close to the hearts of those who venture out to witness it.
I have to thank MFCC member Kurt Saraceno, his dad Ted and good friend Curtis for inviting me along on this canyons trip. It was definitely another offshore adventure to remember!
Tight lines 
thanks 4 sharing can only imagine the adrenaline rush!!! when hit after hit rods loaded with tuna what we gonna do now??? really enjoyed lv greg
I’m ready !!!
That’s Awesome !!
What a trip. I give anything for a trip like that.
Your a lucky guy.
Keep up the great work.
Roger that Eddie. Thanks for reading my friend!
Well done!! we loved the article and video.thanks
Thanks for watching Judy! ??
Worked on an off shore lobster boat 30 years ago and we would troll and pick up a tuna to harvest. Special place out there. Boats today can make that run.
Special place for sure. Long ways from home! ??
wow! what a fantastic adventure! Looking forward to the video! Awesome!
Definitely an adventure! Thanks for reading Leslie
Thaaaat looked like an adventure!!! Good lad….
Pretty wild place out there Igor. Thanks for checking out the report.