Premium Shark Fishing Adventures Off Cape Cod Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target blue, mako, and thresher sharks offshore Cape CodSmall group charter accommodates maximum three guestsWeatherdependent trips require flexible scheduling commitment
Nothing gets your heart pounding quite like the moment a shark takes your bait. Our Cape Cod shark fishing trips target the apex predators that cruise the deep waters south of Martha's Vineyard, where blue sharks, makos, and the occasional thresher shark patrol the continental shelf. With only three anglers per trip, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time when these monsters show up. Fair warning though – Mother Nature calls the shots on these adventures, so we only head out when conditions are right for both safety and success.
We'll steam out to proven shark grounds where the continental shelf drops off into the deep blue. The ride out takes us through some of Cape Cod's most productive fishing waters, and you might spot seals, dolphins, or even whales along the way. Once we reach the fishing zone, it's all about setting up the perfect chum slick. We'll deploy our secret blend of fish oils and ground bait to create an underwater dinner bell that draws sharks from miles around. The atmosphere gets electric when that first dorsal fin cuts through the surface behind the boat. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and wire leaders – essential gear when you're dealing with fish that can bite through just about anything. The small group size means everyone gets multiple shots at hooking up, and there's always someone ready to coach you through the fight when you're connected to 100+ pounds of pure muscle.
Shark fishing is all about patience and preparation. We start by establishing a proper chum slick using a mix of bunker oil, ground fish, and other attractants that create a scent trail sharks can't resist. The chum bag goes over the side first, then we set up a spread of baits at different depths using sliding sinker rigs. Circle hooks are mandatory for shark fishing – they're designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making releases safer for both angler and shark. We'll rig your baits with 6-8 feet of wire leader because shark teeth can slice through mono or braid like a hot knife through butter. The waiting game begins once everything is set, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's boring. You need to stay alert because when a shark picks up your bait, things happen fast. The key is letting them run with it before setting the hook – sharks like to grab, shake, and reposition their prey before swallowing.
Blue sharks are the bread and butter of Cape Cod shark fishing, showing up consistently from late spring through early fall. These sleek predators average 6-8 feet long and put up a scrappy fight with lots of runs and jumps. Blues are curious by nature and often approach the boat to investigate, giving you some incredible photo opportunities. They're also the most cooperative when it comes to catch-and-release, making them perfect for anglers who want the experience without keeping the fish. What makes blues special is their acrobatic ability – they'll leap clear out of the water and tail-walk across the surface when hooked.
Shortfin mako sharks are the holy grail of Cape Cod shark fishing. These torpedo-shaped speed demons can hit 40+ mph and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Makos typically show up in our waters during the warmer months when water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. A good-sized mako will test every bit of your tackle and stamina, often making blistering runs that strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're notoriously unpredictable fighters – one minute they're screaming drag, the next they're launching themselves 10 feet in the air. Makos are less common than blues, but when one shows up, it's an experience you'll never forget.
Thresher sharks are the wild cards of our offshore shark fishing. These unique predators are easily recognized by their incredibly long tail fin, which can be as long as the rest of their body. Threshers use that tail like a whip to stun schools of baitfish, making them fascinating to observe and catch. They're not as common as blues or makos in our waters, but summer months occasionally bring them within range. When hooked, threshers fight differently than other sharks – they use that massive tail to their advantage, creating unpredictable pulling patterns that keep you guessing. Landing a thresher is considered a real trophy catch in New England waters.
Cape Cod shark fishing delivers the kind of raw, primal fishing experience that stays with you long after you're back on dry land. Whether you're looking to check sharks off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler ready for your next challenge, these trips offer something special. The combination of world-class fishing grounds, small group atmosphere, and the chance to tangle with legitimate ocean predators makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. Weather-dependent scheduling means we only go when conditions favor success, so when your trip happens, you know the odds are in your favor. Ready to feel 200 pounds of shark on the end of your line?
Our 3-person motorboat is built for serious shark fishing in Cape Cod waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning for the perfect chum slick, while the fish finder helps locate bait schools that draw in blues, makos, and the occasional thresher. GPS and radar keep you on course to the productive waters south of Martha's Vineyard, even when fog rolls in. The VHF radio connects you to other boats and coast guard if needed. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long battles with apex predators. The onboard toilet means you won't miss any action during these extended offshore trips. When a mako takes your bait and starts its runs, you'll appreciate having a solid platform designed for handling big fish in open water.
Prionace GlaucaThe most beautiful shark out there, blues are what we see most often on our chum trips. These torpedo-shaped predators average 7-10 feet and can hit 200+ pounds, with females getting much bigger than males. They cruise the deeper waters south of Martha's Vineyard, usually 40-60 feet down, following the warm Gulf Stream waters. Blues are curious by nature, which makes them perfect for chumming - they'll investigate that slick of mackerel and herring we put out. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes them special is their brilliant blue coloring that fades to white underneath. They're strong fighters but not crazy aggressive, making them great for first-time shark fishing. Pro tip: keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - they can get excited in the chum slick.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of shark fishing - fastest shark in the ocean and they'll remind you of it. These muscle-bound predators average 13 feet and 130-300 pounds, with that classic pointed snout and metallic blue coloring. They patrol the open waters near the surface but will dive deep when hunting. We target them during the warmer months when they follow the tuna schools through our area. What makes mako fishing special is their intelligence and fighting ability - they'll jump 20 feet out of the water and have been known to land in boats, so stay alert. Their meat is actually excellent eating, which adds to the appeal. These sharks are aggressive hunters, feeding on tuna, mackerel, and even other sharks. Here's the key: use at least 50-pound tackle with heavy wire leaders and circle hooks. When you hook one, expect it to use every trick including circling your boat to break the line.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the holy grail of our shark trips - that massive tail fin is unmistakable and can be as long as their body. These guys average 16 feet and 500 pounds, making them serious gamefish. They hunt by whipping that tail to stun baitfish, and when one hits your line, you'll know it. We find them in the deeper offshore waters, usually 40-50 miles out where they follow schools of mackerel and herring. Late spring through fall is prime time when bait concentrations are thick. What gets anglers fired up is watching them breach - they'll launch completely out of the water, which is something you don't forget. Their small mouths mean strong 8/0 hooks are essential, and despite their size, they have tiny teeth. The fight is what brings people back - pure power and those aerial shows. My advice: use a heavy braided leader and be patient when they make those long runs.
Mashpee, MA