6-Hour Night Shark Fishing Adventure in Cape May
Picture this: it's 7 PM and you're heading out into the dark waters off Cape May with Guide Kevin for what might be the best fishing night of your life. This isn't your typical day trip - we're talking prime time shark and stingray action when these predators are most active. Six hours of pure adrenaline from 7 PM to 1 AM, targeting some of the Atlantic's most powerful fish. Kevin brings decades of local knowledge and all the heavy tackle you'll need, plus he's got that rare combination of being both a fish whisperer and a great teacher. Whether you've never held a rod or you're chasing your next personal best, this top-rated night fishing experience delivers the kind of stories you'll be telling for years.
What to Expect on the Water
Cape May's offshore waters come alive after sunset, and Kevin knows exactly where to find the action. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with just one other angler, so there's plenty of room to work and no crowded rails. The evening starts with Kevin setting up the gear and explaining his approach - circle hooks, heavy leaders, and the kind of baits that drive sharks crazy. We're talking fresh bunker, mackerel, and whatever Kevin's been having success with lately. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, with that electric feeling you get when you know big fish are prowling below. Kevin's been guiding these waters for years, so he reads the currents, water temperature, and tide like a book. Expect to move spots if the bite slows down - this isn't a park-and-pray operation.
Gear Setup and Techniques
Kevin runs heavy tackle designed specifically for shark fishing - we're talking Penn reels loaded with 50-80 pound test and rods that can handle serious drag pressure. The terminal tackle is all about safety and success: circle hooks that hook fish in the corner of the mouth for easy releases, wire leaders that won't get cut by razor-sharp teeth, and sinkers heavy enough to keep your bait in the strike zone. Techniques are straightforward but effective - mostly bottom fishing with cut bait and live bait when available. Kevin sets up a spread of lines at different depths and distances from the boat, then it's game on. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll feel that unmistakable weight and power that separates these apex predators from everything else in the ocean. The fight is what you came for - long, powerful runs that test both your equipment and your stamina.
What Anglers Are Saying
"am a fisherman myself, without a guide I've always been a fisherman. I'm not new to the scene and what's right or wrong. You cannot and will not go wrong with the catterman adventure. One of the most knowledgeable captains I've ever met, with an incredible first mate that will both work relentlessly into the night to ensure that you have that night of your life. We called him yesterday, the same day he took us out and we caught 1 shark every hour and had many more bites and caught other species as well. It was absolutely incredible and this is the norm for these guys. Well presented, very good at what they do. I 100% recommend them. They are great people that will 100% help you accomplish your dream. A great place to invest your hard earned money to have a relaxful night of shark fishing. You will be left sore and tired from too much fun. We have no regrets and I am more impressed then I've ever been fishing with someone else. They care about the sharks immensely and take the absolute best care of them while keeping you safe. Thank you Catterman 💪🏽 this trip was so much fun, that we are booking again only 4 days later." - Hunter
"Amazing!!! We caught sharks consistently throughout the night!! Kevin and his first mate Tony were awesome!! It's hard to describe the feeling of holding one of these creatures by the tail and feeling their power!! The safety of the sharks were of utmost importance to Tony. We can't wait to schedule our next trip!!" - Ken
"We had an incredible time fishing with Kevin, from The Catterman Adventures! My kids had been dreaming of landing some big fish on our vacation to the shore, but because of some inclement weather, our charter boat was cancelled at the last minute. I was fortunate enough to find The Catterman Adventures website and Kevin had us booked for the experience of a lifetime the very next day! Kevin worked tirelessly in the rain and wind to give my kids and I the most memorable and special fishing experience ever. We landed big beautiful sharks, as well as countless other fish, and learned a great deal about the ecology and biology of the area. Kevin is an amazing teacher and demonstrates the utmost care and concern for his clients, and more importantly, for the incredible ocean creatures he loves. I highly recommend this experience to anyone. Thanks Kevin!" - Keith
Target Species Breakdown
Spinner Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, and Cape May's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These sleek predators average 3-6 feet and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked - they'll literally spin out of the water multiple times during the fight. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active during the evening hours when we're out there. What makes spinners special is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit both cut and live baits. The fight is fast and visual, with those trademark aerial displays that get everyone on the boat shouting.
Sandbar Sharks are the workhorses of this fishery - thick, powerful fish that can reach 6-8 feet and put up a sustained, bulldogging fight. They're year-round residents in deeper Cape May waters but move closer to shore during summer months. Sandbars are bottom huggers that love fresh cut bait, especially bunker and mackerel. What anglers love about sandbars is their size and the way they use their weight against