myfishingcapecod
Wednesday July 1st Rec Tuna with Captain Willy
Wednesday July 1st Rec Tuna with Captain Willy
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Why This Trip is Special
Bluefin tuna are the most powerful, sought-after fish in the Northwest Atlantic — and Captain Willy Hatch of Machaca Sportfishing puts MFCC anglers on them. These are full-day offshore adventures departing from Falmouth Harbor at sunrise (or before), running to wherever the best tuna fishing is happening — south of the Vineyard, east of Chatham, wherever Willy's network and experience point him. This is bucket-list fishing, plain and simple.
What Makes This Trip Different:
✓ Stable, capable 36' BHM lobster boat — built for serious offshore conditions
✓ Small group (5 anglers max) — everyone gets space, attention, and a shot at the fish
✓ All gear and tackle provided — just show up ready for the fight of your life
✓ Trolling, live bait, casting, and jigging — Willy uses every tool available
✓ Bluefin tuna meat is among the most prized seafood on Earth — you'll potentially go home with $200+ worth of tuna steaks
✓ Captain Willy goes wherever the bite is best — south of the Vineyard, east of Chatham, no limits
Why Book Through MFCC?
✓ Save $1,200+ compared to booking a private charter (which would cost $1,800+)
✓ No hassle — we handle all coordination with Captain Willy
✓ Guaranteed spot — Willy's trips fill up fast every summer
✓ Meet fellow anglers — past tuna trips have sparked friendships that last well beyond the dock
✓ We've made it simple — just click, book, and show up
Your price: $589 per person | Private charter equivalent: $1,800+
Trip Details at a Glance
Dates: Tuesday July 1st
Duration: 10-12 hours
Departure: Sunrise or before (exact time emailed 24 hours in advance)
Port: Falmouth Harbor
Fishing Area: South of Martha's Vineyard, east of Chatham — wherever the tuna are
Techniques: Trolling, live bait, casting, and jigging
Group Size: 5 anglers max
Retention Limit: 1 bluefin tuna per boat, 27" to less than 73" (subject to change per NOAA regulations)
What You'll Experience
These are not casual half-day trips — they're long, immersive, full-day offshore adventures that demand everything you've got and reward you with memories that last a lifetime. Captain Willy departs early — sometimes well before sunrise — to maximize time on the fish, and he doesn't come home until he's exhausted every opportunity.
Willy goes wherever the bite is happening. That might mean running south of the Vineyard, pushing east toward Chatham, or following fresh intelligence from his extensive network of offshore contacts. Once he finds signs — birds, bait, marks on the sonar — he works it hard. Trolling spreads, live bait rigs, casting lures into breaking fish, vertical jigging — whatever it takes.
And when a bluefin tuna grabs your bait and the reel starts screaming, you'll understand instantly why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters. These fish are powerful beyond belief, and the fight is something you won't forget.
Not only that, but bluefin tuna meat is among the most highly prized seafood on the planet. Any fish kept will be divided equally among the anglers onboard — it's not unusual to go home with $200 or more worth of fresh tuna steaks.
What's Included
- All rods, reels, tackle, and bait
- Expert instruction and real-time coaching from Captain Willy
- The latest electronics and navigation equipment
- Coast Guard licensed and insured captain and knowledgeable mate
- Fish alongside fellow MFCC anglers — tuna trips have a way of turning strangers into friends for life
What to Bring
- Layered clothing including a warm sweatshirt — it's cold offshore at 4 AM even in July
- Rain gear
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water — this is a 10-12 hour day
- A cooler in your vehicle for transporting tuna home
About Captain Willy Hatch
Captain Willy Hatch of Machaca Sportfishing is one of the most experienced and well-traveled offshore captains in New England. After earning a BS in Environmental Science and Fisheries, Willy has spent decades fishing the waters of Cape Cod and beyond — running charter and commercial boats in Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, North Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas before bringing that world-class experience back to Falmouth Harbor.
Willy is widely regarded as an authority on bluefin tuna fishing. He has an extensive network of offshore contacts, deep technical knowledge of tuna behavior and techniques, and the kind of calm, focused demeanor that makes a long offshore day genuinely enjoyable. His boat, the Machaca — a fully rebuilt 36' BHM with a 400hp Cummins diesel — is a rock-solid offshore platform designed for exactly this kind of fishing.
Why anglers come back for more:
- Decades of offshore charter and commercial fishing experience
- Fishes bluefin tuna from Cape Cod to the Canyons — world-class expertise
- Extensive network of contacts for real-time offshore intelligence
- Soft-spoken, patient, and genuinely invested in his anglers' success
- Goes the extra mile — extended days, extra effort, no shortcuts
- The Machaca is a supremely stable and comfortable offshore platform
What Anglers Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This trip made me think — this is a perfect example of why Ryan created My Fishing Cape Cod. Just some strangers sitting in the back of the boat creating fishing friends for life." — Brian Blair, MFCC Member
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Most boats were reporting a very slow day, but Willy put in extra effort. He gave us an extended day — we left around 4 AM and were back after 6 PM. When he did see signs, he worked that small area hard and it produced. Soft spoken and easy to talk to." — Dave Amaral, MFCC Member
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Kudos to Captain Willy Hatch — nice guy and very personable. He made the long day enjoyable and with a smile. We are already planning our next fishing trips together. Well done!" — Richard Montague, MFCC Member
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Captain Willy was an exceptional captain. He put us on tuna and some good size cod. I really enjoyed the trip!" — Steve Wilson, MFCC Member
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "He's a great guy and worked his butt off for us. It was a great trip on the water and an experience I won't forget. I can't wait to book another one." — Will Felegi, MFCC Member
See These Trips in Action
Read the Reports:
- November Tuna, Cod & Pollock with Captain Willy Hatch — MFCC member Jeff Cotto's detailed account of a pre-dawn offshore departure, tuna marks on the sonar, and what happens when the reel finally screams
- My First Tuna Fishing Adventure — A firsthand account of what it feels like to experience your first bluefin tuna trip with Captain Willy aboard the Machaca
- Dream Trip — One angler's account of the offshore tuna adventure they'd been dreaming about — and what it was actually like when it became reality
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip suitable for beginners? Yes — Captain Willy and his mate are patient coaches and will make sure every angler knows exactly what to do. That said, this is a physically demanding, full-day offshore trip. Come rested, eat well beforehand, and be prepared for a long but incredible day.
What techniques will we use? It depends entirely on conditions and where the fish are. Trolling is often the starting point, but live bait, casting, and jigging are all in play. Willy uses whatever is most effective that day.
How rough is the ride offshore? The 36' BHM is a remarkably stable offshore platform — it was designed for exactly these conditions. That said, offshore fishing involves real ocean swells. If seasickness is a concern, we strongly recommend taking Dramamine the night before and the morning of the trip.
What is the retention limit for bluefin tuna? The current retention limit is 1 bluefin tuna per boat, between 27" and less than 73". Any fish kept will be divided equally among all anglers onboard. Please note that NOAA bluefin tuna regulations are subject to change — we'll communicate any updates before your trip.
What happens if the weather is bad? Safety first. If Captain Willy cancels for any reason, you'll receive a full refund.
Can I bring my own gear? Yes, though everything you need is provided. If you have your own heavy spinning or conventional gear you're comfortable with, feel free to bring it.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
14+ Days Notice: Full refund, no questions asked
Less than 14 Days Notice: We'll do our best to find someone to take your spot. If we can fill your spot (or if you find a replacement), you'll receive a full refund.
Weather Cancellations: If Captain Willy cancels due to weather or safety concerns, you'll receive a full refund.
Important Notes
- Maximum capacity: 5 anglers
- Retention limit: 1 bluefin tuna per boat, 27" to less than 73" (subject to NOAA regulation changes)
- Any tuna caught will be divided equally among all anglers onboard
- Gratuity is customary — suggested tip is approximately $80 per person for an exceptional trip
After You Book
You'll immediately receive an email confirmation with your receipt and reservation details. In the days leading up to the trip, we'll send you:
- Final trip details and meeting instructions at Falmouth Harbor
- Exact departure time (24 hours in advance)
- Weather updates and any schedule changes
- What to bring reminders
- Captain Willy's contact information
Questions? Email ryan@myfishingcapecod.com anytime.
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Ten to twelve hours offshore, five anglers, and one of Cape Cod's most experienced tuna captains — running to wherever the bluefin are feeding. These are the trips MFCC members talk about for years. Spots are extremely limited and they often sell out within minutes.
Tight lines!
