Shark Fishing Charter - Atlantic Ocean
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target apex predators including Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, and Blue SharksAll fishing gear and licenses included for hasslefree experienceSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guests offshore
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, this Atlantic shark fishing charter delivers the real deal. We're talking about chasing down Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, and Blue sharks in waters that consistently produce trophy-class fish. Cape Cod Offshore has dialed in the formula for putting anglers on apex predators, and with all gear and licenses covered, you can focus on what matters most - landing the fish of a lifetime. This isn't your typical fishing trip; it's a chance to match wits with some of the smartest and strongest fish swimming in New England waters.
This charter takes you into prime Atlantic shark territory where these apex predators patrol the continental shelf and nearby drop-offs. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped offshore vessel designed to handle the open ocean conditions and the powerful runs these sharks are famous for. The crew sets up a proper chum slick to draw sharks in close, and they know exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent fish activity. Expect to spend your day in 100-300 feet of water, sometimes drifting over structure that holds baitfish, sometimes working the edges where warm and cold water meet. The Atlantic off Cape Cod offers world-class shark fishing from late spring through early fall, with peak action typically happening during the warmer months when baitfish are most abundant.
Shark fishing is all about patience, preparation, and having the right setup when these fish show up. The crew uses a drift fishing approach, letting the boat move naturally with the current while maintaining a steady chum line. They'll have heavy conventional reels loaded with 80-130 pound test line, paired with sturdy rods that can handle the initial shock of a shark strike and the sustained pressure of a long fight. Wire leaders are essential when targeting these toothy predators, and the crew uses circle hooks to ensure solid hooksets and safer releases. Baits typically include fresh mackerel, bluefish, and other oily fish that create a strong scent trail. The key is getting baits at different depths - some near the surface, others down 50-100 feet to cover the water column. When a shark takes the bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish don't nibble; they grab and run, often peeling off hundreds of yards of line on their initial surge.
The Shortfin Mako stands out as the premier target species on this charter, and for good reason. These rockets of the deep can hit speeds over 40 mph and are known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Makos typically range from 100-300 pounds in these waters, with fish over 400 pounds caught regularly during peak season from June through September. They're ambush predators that follow schools of bluefish and striped bass, making them relatively predictable if you know where to look. What makes Mako fishing so addictive is their fighting style - they'll jump, run, and test every inch of your tackle and technique.
Porbeagle sharks offer a different but equally exciting challenge. These cold-water cousins of the Great White are incredibly strong and persistent fighters that prefer the cooler waters found here from April through June and again in the fall. Porbeagles typically run 150-250 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fighting style - long, powerful runs followed by determined circles near the boat. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the chum slick, giving anglers a chance to see exactly what they're dealing with before the fight begins.
Blue sharks are the most common species you'll encounter, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy. These sleek predators can reach lengths of 10+ feet and are incredibly acrobatic fighters. Blues are present throughout the season but peak during the summer months when water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s. They're known for their beautiful indigo coloration and their habit of showing up in numbers - it's not uncommon to hook multiple blues during a single drift.
Thresher sharks round out the target species list with their unmistakable whip-like tails that can be as long as their bodies. These unique predators use their tails to stun schools of baitfish, creating feeding opportunities that savvy anglers can capitalize on. Threshers are less common than the other species but when they show up, usually in mid to late summer, they provide one of the most unique fishing experiences available. Their fighting style is unlike anything else - they'll use that massive tail to throw hooks and create leverage that can break even the heaviest tackle.
This top-rated shark fishing charter fills up fast during peak season, especially weekends and holidays when conditions are prime. The crew at Cape Cod Offshore has built a reputation for consistently putting anglers on fish, and their repeat customer rate speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. With all fishing gear and licenses included, plus the flexibility to bring your own food and drinks, this charter offers excellent value for serious anglers looking to target apex predators. The 4-person capacity ensures you'll have plenty of room to fight fish properly and plenty of opportunities to get on the rod. Whether you're an experienced shark angler or looking to try it for the first time, this charter provides the perfect platform for an authentic offshore fishing adventure that you'll be talking about for years to come.
Your shark fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed to handle the Atlantic's challenging waters. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything needed to track down apex predators - a high-quality fish finder to locate schools and structure, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for those foggy morning runs. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and shore, while the onboard ice box ensures your catch stays fresh. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers and a marine toilet for longer trips, you can focus on what matters most - hooking into Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, and Blue sharks. The boat's reliable engine gets you to productive offshore waters quickly, so you spend more time with lines in the water chasing these incredible predators rather than traveling.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are probably the most elegant sharks you'll encounter, with that stunning deep blue color fading to white underneath. They typically run 7-10 feet and prefer the deeper offshore waters around 1,000+ feet, though they'll come up to hunt at night. These are warm-water sharks that follow the Gulf Stream, making late spring through early fall our best season. What's great about targeting blues is they're curious and respond well to chum - they're not as aggressive as makos but still put up a solid fight. They're also abundant, so you'll usually get multiple shots during a trip. The key with blues is patience and keeping your chum line going with mackerel, herring, or squid. Once they show up, they'll stick around. Just remember to keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - they can get unpredictable near the surface.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the tough guys of cold Atlantic waters, averaging 5-7 feet but capable of reaching nearly 12 feet and 500+ pounds. You'll spot them by the white patch behind their dorsal fin - it's their signature mark. These sharks love cooler water temps around 40-60°F and typically cruise 30-300 feet down, though they'll go deeper during the day. Summer brings them onto the continental shelf where we target them most effectively. They're absolute bulldogs when hooked - pure power and endurance that'll give you a two-hour fight if you're not careful. They're also considered great eating in many places. My go-to technique is dropping a full mackerel on heavy tackle - 200-400lb line is a must since their skin is rough enough to cut lighter stuff during the battle.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are built for speed and power. These guys average 8-12 feet and pack serious muscle - they'll hit 30+ mph and leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. We find them cruising the open Atlantic waters near the surface, though they'll dive to 400+ feet hunting tuna and squid. Summer months are prime time when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What makes them special? The fight is legendary - they're smart, aggressive, and will test every inch of your tackle. Plus, they're one of the best-eating sharks out there. Pro tip: when chumming with mackerel and tuna, keep that chum line steady but be ready for anything - these sharks have been known to jump right into the boat during a fight.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are hands-down the most unique shark you can target - that tail is as long as their body and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish at 50mph. Most run 12-16 feet, but the big ones can hit 20 feet and over 1,000 pounds. We find them 40-50 miles offshore in 25-200 feet of water, hunting around bait balls during late spring through fall. The fight is what makes them special - they're powerful, fast, and those aerial displays when they breach are something else. They've got smaller mouths than other sharks, so we use 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders. Best approach is slow-trolling mackerel or sardines around 25-50 feet deep near schools of bait. Watch for bird activity - where there's birds diving, there's bait, and where there's bait, threshers aren't far behind.
Brewster, MA