Cape Breton Tuna

THE FISHING

The Nova Scotia Fisheries Department, in an effort to preserve and sustain the blue fin tuna population off the coast of Nova Scotia, has been limiting the number of seasonal tuna tags awarded to each charter boat. At present, the number of tuna allowed to be kept per tuna boat is 1 and in some very rare cases, 2 fish per season. What this has meant for the tuna fishing industry in Nova Scotia is that the tuna boats that used to catch and kill tuna have now turned to catch and release sport fishing for their livelihood.

These are superbly skilled fishermen who are experts at catching giant blue fin tuna and it’s a rare opportunity for sport fishermen to be guided by the very best commercial anglers within the industry. The tuna stocks have bounced back dramatically over the past few years, which has demonstrated that the Fisheries Departments efforts to protect the species are working.

The healthy mackerel, herring and squid populations in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, have also played a crucial role in the recovery of the Giant Blue Fin stocks. And recover they have! The tuna fishing has become so good the last couple of years that the tuna boats are now landing 800 to 1000 pound blue fin tuna almost daily between late August and mid October. The two boats we work with are fishing an area every day off Inverness where the world record 1498 pound tuna was landed.

We first discovered the quality of this fishery, a couple of years ago, while fishing for salmon on the Margaree River. We now have the ability to offer an incredibly unique trip to Cape Breton, anglers will fish for Salmon for 4 days and then go giant blue fin tuna fishing for 2 days during the week. There are very few places on earth where a trip like this can occur and we are delighted to be able to offer it.

While the tuna boats have very little experience in fly-fishing, they are more than game if guests want to bring their own gear and give it a go. A 14 weight rod would be required for a tuna in the 100-120 pound range. When the big boys show up, (fish over 200 pounds) guests will have to forget about the fly rod altogether. But, it is a great option for the smaller fish, when they show up.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

The tuna charter was custom built in 2009 by the captain himself. The Dawn Treader 1 is a 45 foot fibreglass hull, perfectly suited for group big game tuna fishing. She’s fitted with a state of the art fighting chair, and is fully equipped with a galley, bunks, cabin heater, fresh water, head and shower. The crew keeps it squeaky clean, ensuring an ultimate level of comfort.

This tuna charter is also fitted with a cutting edge depth sounder and marine electronics. She’s powered by 700 lugger, equipped with a Sirius satellite radio, Transport Canada approved and a model of proper safety standards. All tuna fishing tackle is provided on board.

GETTING THERE

Guest will fly to the Sydney Nova Scotia International Airport where they will be met outside the airport by our shuttle driver for the ride down to Margaree and the Normaway Inn. The drive from the airport to the Normaway is a very scenic 1 hour and 45 minutes. From the Normaway Inn, it’s just a 25 minute drive each morning down to the harbor where the tuna boat is waiting to take guests out.

Another alternative to flying into Sydney, although certainly less desirable, is to fly into and out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The drive from the Halifax Airport up to Margaree is considerable and takes on average about 6 hours in total, each way.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

2024 Rates

7/6 DBL $4,900 USD
6/5 DBL $4,300 USD
5/4 DBL $3,700 USD
4/3 DBL $3,100 USD