Offshore and Sharks - New York
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, marlin, and swordfish offshoreBattle fierce mako sharks in deep Atlantic watersAccommodates up to 6 guests for premium sportfishing adventures
When you're ready to leave the nearshore crowds behind and test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, this offshore charter with Bitchin' Fishin' Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. We're talking about pushing out to the deep blue waters off New York's coast where the big boys live - yellowfin and bigeye tuna that'll smoke your reels, white marlin that put on aerial shows, swordfish that fight like submarines, and shortfin makos that'll remind you why sharks are apex predators. This isn't your typical harbor cruise - it's a full-contact fishing experience that separates the weekend warriors from the real deal.
Your day starts early because the best fishing happens when most people are still hitting the snooze button. We'll be running anywhere from 20 to 60 miles offshore depending on where the fish are showing up on the charts and what the water temps are telling us. The boat's rigged for serious fishing with outriggers, downriggers, and all the heavy tackle you'll need to handle whatever we hook into. You're looking at 8-12 hours on the water, so come prepared for a full day of fishing. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and they'll put you on fish if they're biting. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Pack your own food and drinks because we're not catering this trip - we're too busy putting you on fish.
Most of our fishing is done trolling with spreader bars, daisy chains, and large lures that mimic the baitfish these pelagic species are hunting. We're pulling everything from cedar plugs and spoons for tuna to large ballyhoo rigs for marlin and even wire leaders when we're targeting makos. The tackle is heavy - we're talking 50 to 80 pound test class rods because when you hook a 200-pound tuna or a fired-up mako, light tackle just becomes expensive fish food. The crew will handle the rigging and boat positioning while you focus on fighting the fish. When we're swordfishing, we'll often switch to deep-dropping techniques with electric reels because these fish are hanging 1,000 feet down during daylight hours. The boat's equipped with quality fishfinders and GPS to locate structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools that hold these trophy fish.
The shortfin mako shark is hands down the most exciting predator we target out here. These speed demons can hit 60 mph and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it instantly. They average 100-300 pounds in our waters and they're most active from June through October when the water temperatures hit that sweet spot above 65 degrees. What makes makos special is their aerial acrobatics - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight, and watching a 200-pound shark go airborne 10 feet from the boat is something you'll never forget. They're also excellent eating, with meat that tastes more like swordfish than typical shark.
Yellowfin tuna are the workhorses of our offshore fishery, running anywhere from 30 to 200+ pounds. These fish are pure muscle and they'll test every ounce of strength you've got. Peak season runs from July through November when they're following the bait schools. Yellowfins are notorious for their initial runs - they'll peel 300 yards of line off your reel before you can blink, and then it's a battle of endurance. The bigger ones, which locals call "footballs," are incredibly strong and can fight for over an hour. Fresh yellowfin sashimi right on the boat is about as good as it gets.
Bigeye tuna are the heavyweights of the tuna family in our waters, often pushing 200-400 pounds. These deep-water giants are most active at night and during dawn and dusk periods. They're less common than yellowfins but when you connect with one, you're in for a marathon fight. Bigeyes have incredible endurance and they'll sound deep, using their weight and the water pressure to their advantage. September through November is prime time for the biggest specimens.
White marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world, and while they're smaller than their blue marlin cousins, they make up for it with spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. These fish typically range from 50-80 pounds and they're most active during the warmer months from June through September. What makes white marlin fishing special is the visual aspect - you'll often see them "lighting up" behind the baits before they strike, and once hooked, they'll put on an aerial display that'll have everyone on the boat cheering.
Swordfish are the ultimate challenge for offshore anglers. These deep-water gladiators can exceed 300 pounds and they fight like nothing else in the ocean. During the day, we target them in 1,000+ feet of water using specialized deep-dropping techniques. Night fishing for swords is becoming increasingly popular, as they rise to feed in shallower water after dark. The fight is more about power than speed - swords will sound deep and use their broad tail and bill to leverage against you. Landing a swordfish is considered a badge of honor among serious offshore anglers.
This offshore adventure isn't for everyone - it's for anglers who want to test themselves against some of the ocean's most formidable fish. You'll be fishing in deep water where anything can happen, from giant tuna that'll have you questioning your life choices to makos that remind you why sharks have ruled the oceans for millions of years. The crew at Bitchin'
This fully-equipped offshore fishing machine is built for serious anglers targeting the big game species that roam New York's deep waters. With capacity for 6 guests, she features everything you need for extended offshore trips - air conditioning to beat the summer heat, a full kitchen and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh, plus a comfortable bed and head for those long days chasing yellowfin tuna and marlin. The electronics package includes GPS, radar for when the fog rolls in, VHF radio for safety, and a top-notch fish finder to locate schools and structure. Whether you're trolling for swordfish at dawn or battling aggressive mako sharks, this boat has the range and comfort to get you to the productive offshore grounds and back. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the long runs to the fishing grounds, while the large ice box ensures your trophy catch stays perfectly preserved for the trip home.
Thunnus ObesusBigeyes are the deep-water cousins of yellowfin, built for diving into oxygen-poor zones most fish can't handle. These thick-bodied fighters typically run 60-150 pounds but can push 400. You'll find them in 250+ feet of water, often deeper than other tunas. Best fishing happens at dawn and dusk when their sensitive eyes give them an advantage. What guests love about bigeyes is the combination of raw power and prime sashimi-grade meat - they're actually more valuable per pound than yellowfin. The fight is different too, more of a bulldogging battle than the surface runs of other tunas. Pro tip: when targeting bigeyes specifically, start trolling an hour before sunset with dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe world's fastest shark, makos are pure muscle and attitude. These guys average 6-8 feet but can hit 13 feet and 300+ pounds. They cruise open water from the surface down to 400 feet, preferring warmer offshore waters. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps are right. What makes makos special? They're smart, lightning fast, and will absolutely test your skills - plus they can leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. The meat's actually excellent too, firm and mild. Here's the thing about makos: when you hook one, keep your distance from the boat. They'll use anything to snap your line, including jumping right into the cockpit if you're not careful.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate nighttime challenge - massive, powerful, and found in the deep. These giants average 9 feet and 400 pounds, but fish over 1,000 pounds swim out there. They live in 300-1,500 feet of water, coming up to feed at night. Peak season runs April through September, with the best action happening after dark. What draws people to swordfish is the sheer size and the unique deep-drop technique - it's completely different from daytime fishing. Plus, the meat is outstanding, firm and meaty. The fight is a marathon, not a sprint. My go-to setup uses bright lights and fresh squid on a 24-32 ounce sinker. Key tip: patience is everything - let your bait soak at depth for at least 30 minutes before checking it.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller, scrappy cousins of blue marlin, but don't let size fool you - they're pure athletes. Most fish run 40-80 pounds and stretch 6-7 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. These billfish love deep, warm water around underwater structure like canyons and drop-offs. Peak season runs June through September when water temps hit their sweet spot. Anglers chase whites for the spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs - it's like hooking a rocket. The meat's good eating too. Here's what I always tell clients: watch the area around your ballyhoo, not just the bait itself. Whites are sneaky and will appear out of nowhere. When one shows up, don't rush the hookset - let them eat.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - fast, aggressive, and built like torpedoes. Most fish we see run 40-80 pounds, but they can reach 200+ and hit 50 mph when they want to. These guys love the upper 100 feet of blue water, especially around temperature breaks and current lines. Summer months are prime time here in New York waters. What makes yellowfin so popular is the complete package: they fight hard, taste amazing (think sushi-grade), and you can catch them multiple ways - trolling, chunking, or jigging. When nothing else is biting, yellowfin usually save the day. Best advice: when you mark fish deep but they won't bite your spread, pull in the lines and drop jigs. Sometimes they want that vertical presentation.
Montauk, NY