Since 2012, “Wicked Tuna” has followed teams of bluefin tuna fishermen as they try their best to haul in the biggest and baddest fish around. The National Geographic Channel’s hit show has given rise to a spinoff set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. But the original is set considerably further north. Where exactly is the bluefin tuna fishing hotspot of New England?
Bluefin Tuna is one of the most in-demand fish in the world. For the crews on “Wicked Tuna,” all it takes is a couple dozen of the monsters to make their season. Though, hauling them in is anything but easy. Before that conversation even starts, however, the tuna need to be found.
Northern bluefin tuna make their home in the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. As a result, fishermen like “Wicked Tuna” star Dave Marciano seek them out there. And one particular place has proven to be a reliable fishing ground.
The storied past of New England fishing culture is well known. In the days before electricity and oil refinement, whalers would leave from ports in Nantucket and all up and down the coasts of Massachusetts and Connecticut. It’s fitting then that the modern-day sea monsters sought out on “Wicked Tuna” seem to be concentrated off of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
According to Dave Carraro, a Gloucester native and longtime figure on the National Geographic show, the concentration of fish is simply higher off of Massachusetts. In an interview with Northshore, he talked about how he left his home state of New Jersey behind for that exact reason.
Many of the Boats Featured on the Show Dock at Cape Ann Marina
Because Gloucester is a relatively small town, there are only so many places for the boats to dock. There’s a good chance that fans of “Wicked Tuna” can find their favorite personalities at the Cape Ann Marina.
The good news for fans of the show is that there’s a resort located directly adjacent to the docks. That means curious folks can stay for a few days. They might get a chance to see the show filming if they’re there at the right time.
The Difference Between Tuna Fishing in Gloucester and the Outer Banks
Iconic as Gloucester is for its bluefin tuna fishing, the fish are found all over. But no one area is the same as the next. And further, no two tuna are exactly the same. Dave Carraro talked about the differences between fishing for bluefin up north and down in the Carolinas.
“It’s completely different from how we fish up in Gloucester. Up here, we’re sitting on anchor and we’re waiting for the fish to come to us,” Carraro continued in the interview. “Whereas down in the Outer Banks. We’re not on anchor, we’re moving, trolling, and we’re looking for the fish. Two different techniques. What works up here wouldn’t work down there.”
