Montauk Shark Fishing with Captain Ron
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore shark fishing targeting Mako, Thresher, and Blue SharksCaptain Ron provides expert guidance for monster shark encountersSmall group experience with maximum four guests per trip
When you're ready to test your mettle against some of the ocean's apex predators, Captain Ron's shark fishing charters out of Montauk deliver the real deal. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking about heading into deep water where monster sharks cruise the Continental Shelf. You'll be battling fish that can weigh hundreds of pounds and put up fights that'll leave your arms burning for days. With room for just four anglers, you get personalized attention from Captain Ron, who's been chasing sharks in these waters for over two decades.
Your day starts early at Montauk Harbor, where Captain Ron will brief you on shark fishing tactics and safety protocols. We'll steam out 15-20 miles to where the Continental Shelf drops off and the water turns that deep blue color that screams "big fish country." The boat comes rigged with heavy tackle – we're talking 50-80 pound class conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle a serious run. Captain Ron sets up a chum slick using fresh bunker and other oily baits to draw sharks up from the depths. The waiting game begins as we deploy multiple lines at different depths, some on the surface and others suspended in the water column. When a shark decides to investigate, you'll know it – the rod tip will start bouncing, then suddenly double over as hundreds of pounds of muscle and attitude takes off for the horizon.
Shark fishing requires serious gear, and Captain Ron's boat is rigged accordingly. We use circle hooks exclusively – they're safer for both angler and shark, and they're required by regulations anyway. The rigs are simple but effective: a sliding sinker setup with a long wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Baits vary depending on what's working, but expect to see whole mackerel, bluefish chunks, and fresh bunker. The key to shark fishing is patience and proper chumming. Captain Ron maintains a steady chum slick that creates a scent trail extending for miles underwater. When you hook up, the fight is all about leverage and endurance. These fish make blistering runs that can peel off 300 yards of line in seconds, then they'll sound deep, forcing you into a grueling pump-and-wind battle that can last 30 minutes or more.
Blue sharks are the bread and butter of Montauk shark fishing, showing up consistently from June through October. These sleek predators typically range from 50-150 pounds, though larger specimens over 200 pounds aren't uncommon. They're aggressive fighters that make spectacular surface runs and aerial displays. Thresher sharks are the prize catch – these prehistoric-looking beasts with their massive tail fins can exceed 300 pounds and provide some of the most challenging fights in the Atlantic. They're notorious for their acrobatic jumps and powerful deep runs that test both angler and equipment. Shortfin mako sharks are the speed demons of the group, capable of hitting 45 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water. A mako on the line means you're in for the fight of your life, with blistering runs and aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat whooping and hollering.
Blue sharks are your most likely encounter and for good reason – they're abundant, aggressive, and put up fantastic fights. These sharks prefer water temperatures between 60-70 degrees and are most active during summer months. They're curious by nature and often approach the boat, giving you great photo opportunities. Blues feed primarily on squid and small schooling fish, which is why our squid-enhanced chum works so well. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fighting style that includes long runs and occasional jumps.
Thresher sharks are the holy grail for many shark anglers visiting Montauk. These unique sharks use their elongated tail fin like a whip to stun prey, and they can grow to impressive sizes – fish over 400 pounds have been caught in local waters. Threshers prefer slightly deeper water and are most active during dawn and dusk periods. They're incredibly strong fighters that combine power with endurance, often taking 45 minutes or more to bring to the boat. Peak season runs from July through September when water temperatures are optimal.
Shortfin mako sharks represent the ultimate challenge in Montauk shark fishing. These are the fastest sharks in the ocean and arguably the most spectacular fighters. Makos are warm-blooded, which gives them incredible speed and stamina. They're most common in late summer when water temperatures peak, and they prefer the cleaner offshore waters where we do most of our fishing. A mako fight is pure adrenaline – they make runs that seem impossible and jumps that defy physics. Landing a mako is a badge of honor among serious shark anglers.
Captain Ron's shark fishing charters book up fast, especially during peak season from July through September when all three target species are most active. With only four spots available per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and individual attention. The combination of Captain Ron's local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and Montauk's world-class shark fishing makes this a bucket-list experience for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to land your first shark or add a monster mako to your logbook, these waters deliver consistent action and the chance at fish of a lifetime. Don't wait – prime dates fill up months in advance, and you don't want to miss your shot at tangling with some of the Atlantic's most powerful predators.
Captain Ron's fishing machine is built for serious shark hunting in Montauk's deep waters. This motorboat cuts through swells with ease, equipped with advanced GPS to navigate straight to the hotspots and a top-notch fish finder that'll help you locate those monster Makos, Threshers, and Blues lurking below. When you're locked in battle with a beast, you'll appreciate the solid deck space for fighting fish and maneuvering around other anglers. The onboard bed lets you grab some rest between bites during those long offshore sessions, while the toilet keeps everyone comfortable on extended trips. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without crowding. This boat handles the open ocean like a champ, getting you out to the deep water where the big sharks roam and keeping you stable when you hook into something that could drag you around for hours.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are some of the most beautiful sharks you'll encounter out here. These sleek, deep-blue beauties average 7-10 feet and can hit 200+ pounds for the bigger females. We find them in deeper water, usually 40+ miles offshore where they cruise around looking for squid and small fish. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot they love. What makes blues special is their curious nature - they'll circle the boat and really put on a show. The fight is steady and strong without being crazy aggressive. Here's a local tip: keep your chum line going steady but don't overdo it. Blues can get picky if there's too much commotion in the water.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the ultimate shark fishing challenge - fastest sharks in the ocean hitting 30+ mph and jumping 20 feet out of the water. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 8-12 feet and 200-400 pounds of pure muscle. We find them in open water from surface down to 400+ feet, usually following the warm current edges. Best fishing is late spring through fall when water temps are right. What makes mako trips special is their intelligence and fight - they'll use every trick including trying to jump in your boat! The meat is also excellent eating. My advice: use heavy 50lb+ gear with wire leaders and circle hooks. When you hook one, keep tension steady but don't horse them - they'll use your boat to break off if you're not careful.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the acrobats of shark fishing - that massive tail fin is as long as their body and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish. These guys average 12-16 feet and can push 500+ pounds, making for some serious battles. We target them 40-50 miles out in 100-2000 feet of water during summer months when bait balls are thick. What guests love is watching them breach - sometimes launching completely out of the water. The fight is pure power with those long runs. They've got small mouths despite their size, so we use strong 8/0 circle hooks with wire leaders. Pro tip: when you see birds working and bait breaking the surface, that's where threshers hunt. Drift through those areas with fresh mackerel.
Montauk, NY