Offshore and Sharks - New York
When you're ready to leave the coast in your dust and chase the big boys in deep water, this offshore charter is where serious anglers separate themselves from weekend warriors. We're talking about getting into the real blue water offshore from New York, where the continental shelf drops off and the trophy fish live. Captain and crew at Bitchin' Fishin' Charters know exactly where to find yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, white marlin, swordfish, and those adrenaline-pumping mako sharks that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills. This isn't your typical day trip - we're heading to where the ocean gets serious, and so does the fishing.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll be heading out before sunrise, because that's when the magic happens in offshore fishing. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes us well beyond the continental shelf, sometimes 30-50 miles offshore depending on where the fish are showing up. Water color changes from that murky green inshore stuff to deep blue that goes down thousands of feet. The boat handles six anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod space or dealing with crowds. Plan on a full day - we're talking 10-12 hours total, with most of that time spent with lines in the water once we reach the productive zones. The crew will have you rigged and ready, but bring your A-game because these fish don't mess around. Weather plays a huge role out here, so be flexible with dates since offshore conditions can change quickly.
Trolling and Bottom Tactics
We run a spread of trolling lures and baits to cover different depths and attract various species. For tuna and marlin, we'll be pulling spreader bars, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs at different speeds to match what the fish want. When we mark fish on the finder or see birds working, we might switch to chunking or live bait fishing to get them fired up. For swordfish, we're talking about dropping baits deep, sometimes 1,000 feet down where these giants cruise during daylight hours. Mako sharks respond well to fresh bait like mackerel or bluefish chunks, and once you hook into one, you better hold on tight. The tackle is heavy duty - 50-80 pound class rods and reels that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. Circle hooks are the standard for most applications, and the crew will coach you through proper fighting techniques to land these beasts without losing them at the boat.
Top Catches This Season
Shortfin mako sharks are the apex predator you'll remember forever. These guys average 100-200 pounds but can push 300+ pounds when you get into a real monster. They're built for speed - fastest shark in the ocean - and they'll jump clear out of the water when hooked. Best time to target makos is late spring through early fall when water temperatures hit 65+ degrees. What makes them special is their fight - they don't just pull like tuna, they go absolutely crazy, jumping and spinning and making blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Yellowfin tuna show up consistently from June through October, running anywhere from 30 pounds up to 100+ pound giants. These fish are pure muscle and stamina, making long steady runs that'll test your endurance. They school up around temperature breaks and underwater structure, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop.
Bigeye tuna are the heavyweights of the tuna family, often running bigger than yellowfins and fighting even harder. They prefer deeper, cooler water and are more likely to bite in low-light conditions - early morning, late evening, or overcast days. A 150-pound bigeye will give you a workout you won't forget, making deep runs and using their broad shoulders to pull against you. White marlin are the most common billfish in our waters, typically running 40-80 pounds but making up for size with spectacular aerial displays. Peak season runs July through September when water temperatures are warmest. They're incredibly fast and acrobatic, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. Swordfish are the ultimate challenge - these prehistoric-looking fighters can exceed 200 pounds and are notoriously difficult to hook and land. They feed during the day in deep water, often 800-1,500 feet down, requiring specialized techniques and serious patience.
Time to Book Your Spot
This offshore adventure represents the pinnacle of Northeast fishing - pursuing apex predators in their natural habitat where only the most dedicated anglers venture. With just six spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from an experienced crew who lives for putting clients on fish of a lifetime. The combination of target species means every trip has multiple shot opportunities, whether you're looking to check a mako shark off your bucket list or land your personal best tuna. Weather-dependent dates and seasonal timing make advance booking essential, especially during prime summer and fall months when conditions align perfectly. Don't let another season pass watching other anglers post photos of the fish you should be catching - reserve your spot now and experience why offshore fishing from New York produces some of the most memorable days on the water.