5.0(1 Reviews)8-Hour Shark & Stingray Fishing in Cape May
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
8hour guided shore fishing trip targeting sharks and stingraysMosquitoproof enclosure with comfortable beach chairs providedAll fishing gear and equipment included with professional guide
Cape May's waters hold some serious predators, and with Guide Kevin leading this 8-hour shark and stingray adventure, you're going to get face-to-face with them. This isn't your typical cast-and-hope fishing trip – we're talking about a focused evening hunt for some of New Jersey's most sought-after species. You'll be fishing from the beach in comfort, with multiple rods working the surf while you wait for that telltale screaming drag. Kevin's got the setup dialed in with a mosquito-proof enclosure and comfortable chairs, so you can focus on what matters: landing fish with serious teeth and serious attitude.
This top-rated fishing experience kicks off in the evening when the sharks start moving into the shallows to feed. Kevin sets up his operation right on Cape May's prime shark fishing beach, where the deep water runs close to shore and the baitfish congregations draw in the big predators. You'll be working from a mosquito-proof enclosure – trust me, you'll appreciate this touch when the bugs start coming out at dusk. The comfortable beach chairs aren't just for show either; shark fishing is a waiting game, and you might as well be comfortable while your baits are soaking. We're deploying multiple rods with different baits at varying distances, creating a spread that covers everything from the close surf to the deeper water beyond the sandbar. Kevin includes dinner as part of the package, so you won't be fishing on an empty stomach during those prime evening hours when the action heats up.
All your fishing gear and equipment comes included, and Kevin's got this beach shark game figured out. We're talking heavy surf rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with braided line – the kind of setup that can handle a 100-pound sandbar shark without breaking a sweat. The bait presentation is key here, and Kevin runs a variety of offerings depending on conditions and target species. Fresh bunker chunks work great for the bigger sharks, while smaller baits like spot or croaker can be deadly for the stingrays and smaller shark species. The rod holders are positioned strategically to keep your baits in the strike zone, and the circle hooks we use are designed for clean hooksets that reduce gut-hooking. Kevin monitors the rods constantly, reading the subtle signs that separate a crab picking at your bait from a legitimate fish pickup. When something big grabs your offering, you'll know it – that drag will start screaming and the rod will double over like it's hooked to a freight train.
"My son and I have been fishing with CATTERMAN every summer for 5 years now. Kevin is an incredible guide and we always catch fish! 100% recommend for anyone looking for a unique fishing experience." - Bill White
The Dusky Smooth-Hound is one of Cape May's most reliable shark species, and these guys are active feeders throughout the summer months. They typically run 2-4 feet long and have a preference for crustaceans and small fish, making them perfect targets for our multi-bait approach. What makes them special is their curious nature – they'll often mouth a bait several times before committing, giving you that heart-stopping anticipation as your rod tip bounces. These sharks are also excellent table fare if you're looking to take a fish home, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Southern Stingrays are the pancakes of the sea, but don't let their flat profile fool you – these fish can put up a serious fight. Cape May's rays typically range from 2-4 feet across the disc, and they're most active during the warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed on clams and worms. The exciting part about hooking a stingray is the initial confusion – you'll think you're snagged on the bottom until that "bottom" starts moving. They use their entire body like a wing, creating incredible resistance as they try to plane away from shore. The key is steady pressure and patience, letting the fish tire itself out rather than trying to horse it in.
Spinner Sharks are the acrobats of Cape May's shark population, and their name says it all. These fish are known for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked, often spinning completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're most common in late summer and early fall, typically running 4-6 feet long with a preference for schools of baitfish. What makes spinners so exciting is their speed and agility – they'll make blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, then suddenly change direction or launch skyward. Kevin targets these fish specifically during their peak season, timing the trip to coincide with the baitfish migrations that draw them close to shore.
Sandbar Sharks are the heavyweights of this fishery, regularly reaching 6-8 feet and occasionally pushing into the triple-digit weight range. These are the fish that test your tackle and your endurance, with broad shoulders and incredible stamina. Sandbars are most active during the evening and night hours, which aligns perfectly with our 8-hour format. They prefer the deeper water just beyond the surf, where Kevin positions the longer baits specifically for these bruisers. The fight is all about power and endurance – no fancy jumps or spinning, just raw strength and determination. Landing a big sandbar shark from the beach is a bucket-list achievement for any angler.
Blacktip Sharks bring both size and athleticism to the table, combining the jumping ability of spinners with the fighting power of sandbars. These world-class gamefish typically run 4-7 feet in Cape May waters and are incredibly aggressive feeders during their peak season. Blacktips are known for their tendency to jump repeatedly when hooked, often clearing the water completely in spectacular fashion. They're also
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese sharks are pure energy - known for their acrobatic jumps when feeding and fighting, they can launch 21 feet into the air. Averaging 5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet, they're built for speed with that streamlined body and distinctive black-tipped fins. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around artificial reefs and areas with good baitfish activity. They're most active during warmer months when following schools of herring, mackerel, and sardines north. What makes them special is their excitable, social nature - they can work themselves into feeding frenzies that create fast action. The fight is explosive with multiple jumps and strong runs. They can be timid though, often watching from a distance before committing. My best advice is to use plenty of chum - ground up oily fish like mackerel or herring - and be patient. Once you get them fired up, the action can be non-stop. Live sardines on circle hooks with 20-50 pound braid handles their runs perfectly.
Mustelus CanisThese smaller sharks average around 4 feet and are perfect for anglers wanting a manageable fight without the intimidation factor. You'll find them cruising sandy bottoms in 20-60 feet of water, using their blunt teeth to crush crabs and shellfish rather than tearing into fish like other sharks. They're most active from late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. What makes them special is their docile nature - completely harmless to humans and they put up a steady, determined fight rather than going crazy on the line. The meat's actually pretty decent eating too. My go-to trick is using fresh squid or mackerel strips on a fish-finder rig with a 2-ounce sinker to get your bait right on the bottom where they're hunting. These guys rely heavily on scent, so don't be afraid to let that bait get a little funky.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusThese are the heavyweights of our coastal sharks - females can reach 8 feet and males around 6 feet, with that distinctive tall dorsal fin that makes them easy to identify. They hang out in 60-200 feet of water around sandy bottoms and continental shelf edges, preferring deeper structure than most beach sharks. Peak season runs May through October when they move into our warmer waters. What guests love about sandbars is the serious fight they put up - these are powerful, determined sharks that will test your gear and your back. The meat's actually quite good eating too. They can live 40+ years, so you're potentially battling an old, wise fish. My key tip is using fresh, oily bait like bluefish or skate on a proper shark rig with at least 200-pound leader. Once hooked, they'll make long, strong runs toward deeper water, so make sure your drag is set right and be patient. Don't horse them - let them tire themselves out.
Hypanus AmericanusThese flat diamonds can get impressive - females reach almost 6 feet across while males stay smaller around 2 feet. They love burying themselves in sandy flats and mud bottoms in shallow water, usually under 30 feet deep. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and small fish they dig up by flapping their "wings." What draws people to target them is the unique fight - it's like trying to pull a dinner plate through the water sideways. They're strong and stubborn, not fast and flashy. The meat's excellent if you know how to clean them properly. One thing I always tell folks - when you're bringing one to shore, never grab near that barbed tail. Use a long-handled net or beach them carefully. These rays aren't aggressive but that defensive tail spike will ruin your day fast. Live pinfish or cut bait works great.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaNamed for their spectacular feeding behavior where they rocket through baitfish schools and spin right out of the water - sometimes three full rotations before splashing back down. These sleek sharks average 6 feet but can hit nearly 10 feet, and they're built for speed with that pointed snout and bronze coloring. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water during warmer months when they follow bait schools up from the south. What makes them exciting targets is that aerial show plus a fast, hard fight once hooked. They have poor eyesight but incredible smell, so oily baits like bonito, bluefish, or king mackerel work best. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're chasing migrating baitfish. Here's my trick - when the bite slows, switch to live pilchards and drift them just under the surface. These sharks hunt by scent first, so give them something that really stinks up the water column.
5.0 out of 5.0My son and I have been fishing with CATTERMAN every summer for 5 years now. Kevin is an incredible guide and we always catch fish!...
Cape May, NJ