Shark Fishing Adventures Off Cape Cod
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target blue sharks, makos, and thresher sharks offshoreSmall group trips accommodate just three guests maximumWeather-dependent charters south of Martha's Vineyard waters
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, our shark fishing charters south of Martha's Vineyard deliver the real deal. We're talking about heading out to deep water where blues, makos, and the occasional thresher shark patrol the continental shelf. This isn't your typical Cape Cod fishing trip – it's a serious offshore adventure for anglers who want to feel what it's like when something with serious teeth decides to take your bait. With just three spots available per trip, you'll get the personal attention and room to fight these fish properly without bumping elbows with a crowd.
We launch early and make the run south to the productive waters off Martha's Vineyard, where the continental shelf drops into the deep blue. Once we're on the fishing grounds, it's all about setting up a proper chum slick and getting our baits in the right zone. The whole experience revolves around patience and preparation – we'll spend time getting our spread just right, with circle hooks rigged on heavy tackle that can handle whatever shows up. The atmosphere is different from inshore fishing; there's this anticipation in the air because you never know if the next fish could be a 200-pound mako or a hefty blue shark that's going to give you a 20-minute fight. Weather plays a huge role in these trips, so we're pretty selective about when we head out. Calm seas aren't just about comfort – they're essential for working the chum line effectively and spotting fins when sharks come up to investigate.
Success on these shark trips comes down to creating an effective chum slick that draws fish from miles away. We use a mix of ground fish, fish oil, and chunks to create a scent trail that drifts with the current. The key is maintaining a steady flow while positioning our baits at different depths in the chum line. We're fishing with heavy conventional reels spooled with at least 50-pound test, paired with wire leaders that can handle those razor-sharp teeth. Circle hooks are mandatory – they're safer for both the angler and the shark, and they dramatically improve hook-up rates. The technique is all about letting the fish run with the bait before setting the hook, which takes some getting used to if you're more accustomed to inshore fishing. We'll have multiple lines out at varying depths, from just below the surface down to about 50 feet, covering the water column where these apex predators typically hunt.
Blue sharks are the bread and butter of Cape Cod shark fishing, and for good reason. These sleek predators are incredibly acrobatic fighters, often jumping clear of the water multiple times during the fight. They typically range from 50 to 150 pounds in our waters, with peak season running from June through September when water temperatures hit their stride. Blues are curious by nature and often cruise right up to the boat, giving you some amazing photo opportunities before release. What makes them special is their endurance – they'll fight hard for 15-20 minutes, testing your tackle and technique throughout the battle.
Shortfin mako sharks are the holy grail of New England shark fishing, and when one shows up, everyone on the boat knows it immediately. These fish are pure muscle and speed, capable of reaching 40 mph and launching themselves 15 feet out of the water. Makos in our area typically run between 100-300 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing even bigger numbers. They're most active during the warmest months, particularly July and August, when they follow baitfish close to the continental shelf. The fight is absolutely explosive – makos make blistering runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds, followed by those famous aerial displays that'll get your heart pounding.
Thresher sharks are the wild card species that keeps every trip interesting. These unique predators are instantly recognizable by their incredibly long tail, which they use like a whip to stun baitfish. Threshers are less common than blues but when they show up, usually in late summer, they provide one of the most unusual fights in saltwater fishing. They typically weigh between 75-200 pounds in our waters, but their fighting style is completely different from other sharks. Instead of long runs, they use that powerful tail to create chaos, often spinning and rolling in ways that'll test your drag system and your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Cape Cod shark fishing represents some of the best big game angling on the East Coast, and with only three anglers per trip, spots fill up fast during peak season. These aren't the kind of trips you can count on year-round – they're weather dependent and seasonal, which makes each successful outing that much more special. Whether you're looking to check sharks off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler ready for the next challenge, this is your chance to experience what it feels like when something truly wild decides to eat your bait. The memories from landing your first shark or watching a mako go airborne will stick with you long after you're back on dry land. Ready to find out what's swimming in the deep water off Cape Cod?
Our fully-equipped motorboat gets you out to the productive shark waters south of Martha's Vineyard where blue sharks, makos, and thresher sharks patrol the deep. The 28-footer handles offshore swells with ease while the fish finder helps locate the best spots for chumming. When a shark takes your bait, you'll appreciate the stable platform and fighting chair setup. The wireless trolling motor keeps us positioned quietly over productive water without spooking fish. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation to the grounds and back, while the VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats and shore. Ice box keeps your catch fresh, and the onboard head means comfort during these longer offshore runs. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to work big fish without crowding. These Cape Cod shark trips put you face-to-face with some serious apex predators in their element.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are probably the most beautiful sharks you'll see out here, with that deep blue coloring that fades to white underneath. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the deeper waters south of the Vineyard, typically running 7-10 feet and weighing 60-200 pounds, though females get much larger. They're drawn to our chum slicks like magnets, feeding on squid, mackerel, and whatever else they can find. The fight isn't as wild as a mako, but they're curious and will circle the boat, giving everyone a great look. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot they love. Here's the key: keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - these guys can body-slam your hull if they panic close in.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the ultimate challenge - fastest shark in the ocean and smart as hell. These bruisers average 10-13 feet and pack serious muscle, hitting 30+ mph when they want to. They patrol the open water south of Martha's Vineyard, usually near the surface but will drop to 400+ feet chasing food. Summer and early fall are your best bet when the water warms up and bait moves through. What makes them special? Pure adrenaline - they'll jump 20 feet out of the water and might even try to land in your boat. The meat's also top-shelf eating. My advice: use at least 50-pound gear with heavy wire leaders and circle hooks. When you hook one, watch your stern - they're smart enough to use the boat to break your line by wrapping around the hull.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers of our trips - that tail is as long as their body and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish at 50 mph. These are our occasional guests, but when they show up, it's something special. They average around 16 feet and 500 pounds, cruising the deeper water 40-50 miles offshore where we chum. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're following the bait schools. The fight is pure power - they'll burst to 30 mph and sometimes launch clear out of the water. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so I always use smaller 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders. The key trick? When you see them slashing through a bait ball with that tail, that's your moment to drop a fresh mackerel right into the chaos.
Mashpee, MA