Tuna Tail Charters is located in Gloucester, providing the best and most successful trips in the area. Senior Captain John DeMarco has been fishing commercially and professionally from Mexico to New England, in and offshore, for over 45 years. His experience in the local waters gives him the ability to know where the fish are.
Capt. John aims to tailor every trip so you have the best fishing adventure. Depending on what we are fishing for, bottom fishing, trolling, drift fishing, jigging, kite fishing, and popping are only a few of the techniques we use. The goal is for you to have an incredibly successful trip.
Your adventure begins aboard F/V Lobster Tales, a legendary 35' custom Duffy. It was built in Maine for New England waters. She is very large, so there is no crowding and plenty of deck space. The boat is fully equipped with 2 navigation and fish-finding systems, multiple VHF radios, a raft, a full toilet, bunks, a dinette, iced coolers, AC, and more. Beautifully finished interior, but it is a fish-catching boat.
All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. Your trip will include all the necessary fishing licenses for the day at no additional cost.
You'll be able to keep any legal species caught during the trip. There will be a first mate on board to help you with anything you need. Tips for good service are always appreciated.
Up for a family trip? Children ages 6 and above are welcome, and younger kids may be allowed with prior approval. This is a child-friendly and veteran-owned charter, so bring your loved ones and make unforgettable memories together.
Best of Gloucester Charter Boat 2022!
Awarded the Fishing booker Anglers Choice Award
Member of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
No one works harder to make your trip the most exciting and memorable adventure. We do everything possible to achieve these goal.
The boat is cleaned and sanitized after each trip, a definite plus
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (227)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
87%
Jun 27, 2025
12 Hour Trip – All Day Mar
I’m 69 and have owned a boat most of my life. I went on a 12 hour trip with my 25 year old son and 2 of his friends. We had a great time and I can’t think of anything that should have been done differently. Here are some of my observations… Captain - decades of experience, friendly, creates great environment on the boat, knowns where the fish are. Mate - see above. Could be a captain in his own right. Loves the ocean. Boat - Has open area in back for fishing with all the equipment including large live well. Has large cabin that easily seats 7 to get in from the cold or heat or weather. Cabin has full windows all around for view the horizon from all directions. This is helpful for those who might be prone to sea sickness. Relatively quiet engine so you can carry on a conversation while the boat is underway. Has automatic life-raft and of course, fire extinguishers, life preserves and EPIRB. Relatively low center of gravity, which minimizes his side to side rocking and likelihood of getting seasick. Bunks below deck, in event someone needs to lie down. Good cruising speed of about 15 to 20 kn. Handles the water well.
I’m 69 and have owned a boat most of my life. I went on a 12 hour trip with my 25 year old son and 2 of his friends. We had a...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Jun 25, 2025
5 hr Bass and blues PM 12:30
I couldn’t be happier with our family fishing experience. Captain John and first mate Jeff were so patient with our kids, skilled fisherman, and completely entertaining. We caught a variety of fish. Enough of the Haddock were large enough that we had a DELICIOUS meal with them back at our rental apartment (my son cooked the rest for breakfast the next morning). The boat was great too. Covered seating areas and a bathroom. I’ve been on crowded charter boats before and this was not crowded. All 5 of us fished at the same time. Next time we return to the Boston area we will definitely book with John again.
I couldn’t be happier with our family fishing experience. Captain John and first mate Jeff were so patient with our kids, skilled...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Jun 3, 2025
5 HR Haddock Deep Sea adventure PM
Two of us were on bereavement and wanted to spend the day out to sea catching fish. We all did just that. It was actually a really nice day, with decent spring weather and calm seas. Our captain was really nice and accommodating and had very good communication with us. The crew member was also super nice and personable and we enjoyed sharing stories while waiting for bites. Both the captain and crew member were quick to help untangle any crossed lines and to put on new hooks and bait as needed. We went home with 24 filets of fish and a very large cusk. The crew member gave me instructions on how to cook the cusk and I made a delicious fish chowder with it. We will consider using this charter again for tuna fishing as the season starts to open up more. Thank you for being available last minute and giving us a good day.
Two of us were on bereavement and wanted to spend the day out to sea catching fish. We all did just that. It was actually a really...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Jun 29, 2025
5 hr Stripe Bass Morning Fun
We had a beautiful morning out on the waters of Gloucester. Captain John was extremely knowledgeable of the fishing waters from all of his experiences. We fished the bay then headed out further to catch live mackerel and use them to catch striped bass. Fished multiple areas and enjoyed catching fish on light tackle. The early morning fog lifted and the scenery was magical. First mate Jeff was also very friendly and helpful. We were having so much fun the Captain even extended our trip by another hour. I would definitely recommend Tuna Tails Charter to any angler.
We had a beautiful morning out on the waters of Gloucester. Captain John was extremely knowledgeable of the fishing waters from...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Jul 23, 2025
5 hr Bass and blues PM 12:30
John and Jeff are forever my homies. Jeff had me as a little passenger princess and casted all my reels for me. Caught a beast that was too big to keep, but rather catch a beast than no beast at all. If you like history, just wait and book this trip and learn all the history of every surrounding no doubt. If you’re still not convinced, you should be done fudgin’ and just trust my word on my brothas John and Jeff for Tuna Tails. <3 ya, tight lines
John and Jeff are forever my homies. Jeff had me as a little passenger princess and casted all my reels for me. Caught a beast...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (227)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
87%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
12 Hour Trip – All Day Mar on June 27, 2025
I’m 69 and have owned a boat most of my life. I went on a 12 hour trip with my 25 year old son and 2 of his friends. We had a great time and I can’t think of anything that should have been done differently. Here are some of my observations… Captain - decades of experience, friendly, creates great environment on the boat, knowns where the fish are. Mate - see above. Could be a captain in his own right. Loves the ocean. Boat - Has open area in back for fishing with all the equipment including large live well. Has large cabin that easily seats 7 to get in from the cold or heat or weather. Cabin has full windows all around for view the horizon from all directions. This is helpful for those who might be prone to sea sickness. Relatively quiet engine so you can carry on a conversation while the boat is underway. Has automatic life-raft and of course, fire extinguishers, life preserves and EPIRB. Relatively low center of gravity, which minimizes his side to side rocking and likelihood of getting seasick. Bunks below deck, in event someone needs to lie down. Good cruising speed of about 15 to 20 kn. Handles the water well.
I’m 69 and have owned a boat most of my life. I went on a 12 hour trip with my 25 year old son and 2 of his friends. We had a great time and I can’t think of anything that should have been done differently. Here are some of my observations… Captain - decades of experience, friendly, creates great environment on the boat, knowns where the fish are. Mate - see above. Could be a captain in his own right. Loves the ocean. Boat - Has open area in back for fishing with all the equipment including...
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 hr Bass and blues PM 12:30 on June 25, 2025
I couldn’t be happier with our family fishing experience. Captain John and first mate Jeff were so patient with our kids, skilled fisherman, and completely entertaining. We caught a variety of fish. Enough of the Haddock were large enough that we had a DELICIOUS meal with them back at our rental apartment (my son cooked the rest for breakfast the next morning). The boat was great too. Covered seating areas and a bathroom. I’ve been on crowded charter boats before and this was not crowded. All 5 of us fished at the same time. Next time we return to the Boston area we will definitely book with John again.
I couldn’t be happier with our family fishing experience. Captain John and first mate Jeff were so patient with our kids, skilled fisherman, and completely entertaining. We caught a variety of fish. Enough of the Haddock were large enough that we had a DELICIOUS meal with them back at our rental apartment (my son cooked the rest for breakfast the next morning). The boat was great too. Covered seating areas and a bathroom. I’ve been on crowded charter boats before and this was not crowded....
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 HR Haddock Deep Sea adventure PM on June 3, 2025
Two of us were on bereavement and wanted to spend the day out to sea catching fish. We all did just that. It was actually a really nice day, with decent spring weather and calm seas. Our captain was really nice and accommodating and had very good communication with us. The crew member was also super nice and personable and we enjoyed sharing stories while waiting for bites. Both the captain and crew member were quick to help untangle any crossed lines and to put on new hooks and bait as needed. We went home with 24 filets of fish and a very large cusk. The crew member gave me instructions on how to cook the cusk and I made a delicious fish chowder with it. We will consider using this charter again for tuna fishing as the season starts to open up more. Thank you for being available last minute and giving us a good day.
Two of us were on bereavement and wanted to spend the day out to sea catching fish. We all did just that. It was actually a really nice day, with decent spring weather and calm seas. Our captain was really nice and accommodating and had very good communication with us. The crew member was also super nice and personable and we enjoyed sharing stories while waiting for bites. Both the captain and crew member were quick to help untangle any crossed lines and to put on new hooks and bait as needed....
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 hr Stripe Bass Morning Fun on June 29, 2025
We had a beautiful morning out on the waters of Gloucester. Captain John was extremely knowledgeable of the fishing waters from all of his experiences. We fished the bay then headed out further to catch live mackerel and use them to catch striped bass. Fished multiple areas and enjoyed catching fish on light tackle. The early morning fog lifted and the scenery was magical. First mate Jeff was also very friendly and helpful. We were having so much fun the Captain even extended our trip by another hour. I would definitely recommend Tuna Tails Charter to any angler.
We had a beautiful morning out on the waters of Gloucester. Captain John was extremely knowledgeable of the fishing waters from all of his experiences. We fished the bay then headed out further to catch live mackerel and use them to catch striped bass. Fished multiple areas and enjoyed catching fish on light tackle. The early morning fog lifted and the scenery was magical. First mate Jeff was also very friendly and helpful. We were having so much fun the Captain even extended our trip by another...
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 hr Bass and blues PM 12:30 on July 23, 2025
John and Jeff are forever my homies. Jeff had me as a little passenger princess and casted all my reels for me. Caught a beast that was too big to keep, but rather catch a beast than no beast at all. If you like history, just wait and book this trip and learn all the history of every surrounding no doubt. If you’re still not convinced, you should be done fudgin’ and just trust my word on my brothas John and Jeff for Tuna Tails. <3 ya, tight lines
John and Jeff are forever my homies. Jeff had me as a little passenger princess and casted all my reels for me. Caught a beast that was too big to keep, but rather catch a beast than no beast at all. If you like history, just wait and book this trip and learn all the history of every surrounding no doubt. If you’re still not convinced, you should be done fudgin’ and just trust my word on my brothas John and Jeff for Tuna Tails. <3 ya, tight lines
Mark review as helpful