5.0(2 Reviews)8-Hour Shark & Stingray Fishing Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Eight-hour evening shark and stingray fishing experience in LewesAll equipment, bait, dinner, coffee and drinks provided by guideMosquito-proof enclosure with comfortable chairs overlooking Delaware Bay
When the sun starts to dip over the Delaware Bay, that's when the real action begins. This 8-hour guided shark and stingray fishing trip with Captain Kevin "Catterman" is hands down one of the most popular evening charters out of Lewes. Starting at 6 PM and running until 2 AM, you'll get the full night fishing experience – complete with a gorgeous sunset, steady action, and plenty of time to really dial in on these apex predators. With a maximum of just 2 anglers, you're getting personal attention from one of Delaware's most knowledgeable shark guides, plus all the gear, bait, and even meals are covered. This isn't your typical pier fishing – we're talking serious beach fishing with the kind of setup that consistently puts fish on the line.
This trip is all about comfort and results. Kevin sets up a mosquito-proof enclosure right on the beach with comfortable chairs, so you can relax between bites without getting eaten alive by bugs. The whole setup is designed for an 8-hour session, which means you're not rushing anything – there's time to enjoy your surroundings, watch the sunset paint the Delaware Bay, and really get into the rhythm of shark fishing. You'll start with dinner and coffee as the light fades, then settle into the prime evening and night hours when sharks and rays are most active. The Delaware Bay coastline provides the perfect backdrop, but more importantly, it's home to some serious fish that come into the shallows after dark. Kevin knows exactly where to set up based on tides, weather, and recent activity, so you're fishing the most productive water available.
We're talking heavy-duty surf rods and reels designed specifically for targeting sharks and rays from the beach. Kevin provides all the tackle, including circle hooks, wire leaders, and pyramid sinkers that'll hold bottom in the current. The bait game is where experience really shows – fresh bunker, bluefish chunks, and other oily baits that send out a scent trail sharks can't resist. You'll learn how to properly cast big baits beyond the breakers and set up multiple rods to cover different depths and distances. The key to successful shark fishing from shore is patience and proper technique – knowing when to set the hook, how to fight a fish in the surf, and when to back off and let the drag do the work. Kevin handles all the technical stuff like rigging and bait prep, but you'll pick up plenty of tips about reading the water, timing your casts, and managing multiple lines in the surf zone.
"There are not enough stars to rate this trip. I booked it for my fiancée 40th birthday. Kevin and Jayden were so amazing. We were hooking sharks from the time we started til we left at 2am. Kevin was so knowledgeable about the sharks. Jayden was on top of it taking the bait out in the kayak. We also had our 7 year old daughter and they made sure she was catching fish, also she said it was the best trip of her life. Fishing with Kevin and Jayden felt like we had been friends for years. This is now going to be our yearly vacation booking a trip with Catterman Adventures. Can't wait to see you guys again next year." - Alicia
The Dusky Smooth-Hound is one of the most consistent catches on these evening trips. These smaller sharks typically run 2-4 feet and are perfect for getting into the groove of shark fishing. They're active feeders in the shallows, especially during the evening hours, and they put up a solid fight on medium-heavy tackle. What makes them special is their reliability – when other species are being picky, smooth-hounds usually cooperate. They're also great for younger anglers or anyone new to shark fishing since they're manageable but still give you that authentic shark fishing experience.
Southern Stingrays are the other bread-and-butter species on these trips, and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These flat fighters can span 3-4 feet across and know how to use every inch of that wing span to their advantage. They bury themselves in the sand during the day but become active hunters at night, cruising the shallows for crabs and small fish. Fighting a big stingray from the beach is like being connected to a submarine – they pull hard and steady, testing your drag and your patience. The Delaware Bay has a healthy population of rays, and they're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall.
Spinner Sharks bring the acrobatics to your fishing trip. These sleek predators are known for their jumping ability and fast runs, making them one of the most exciting catches you can hook from the beach. They typically range from 4-6 feet in local waters and are most active during the summer months when baitfish are plentiful. Spinners are opportunistic feeders that cruise the surf zone looking for easy meals, which makes them perfect targets for well-placed baits. When you hook one, be ready for a show – they'll often jump multiple times and make long runs that'll test your equipment and your skills.
Sandbar Sharks are the heavyweights of this fishery, often reaching 6-7 feet and providing the kind of fight that'll have you talking about it for years. These powerful sharks are common in Delaware waters during the summer and fall, and they're known for their strength and endurance. Sandbars are bottom feeders that cruise the deeper channels and drop-offs, but they'll move into the surf zone at night to hunt. Fighting a big sandbar from the beach requires teamwork – Kevin will coach you through the fight, help you manage the line, and make sure you stay connected to what might be the fish of a lifetime.
Blacktip Sharks round out
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks you'll encounter, known for their incredible jumping ability and aggressive feeding behavior. These medium-sized sharks typically run 4-5 feet but can reach over 9 feet, and they're built for speed with their streamlined bodies. They patrol waters around 100 feet deep near reefs and structure where schools of sardines, herring, and mackerel gather. Spring and early summer offer the hottest action when they move north following bait migrations. What makes them special is their acrobatic nature – they'll jump 20 feet out of the water and occasionally even land in boats during feeding frenzies. Despite being excitable feeders, they can be surprisingly timid at times, which keeps things interesting. The fight is fast and furious with multiple runs and jumps that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Use heavy braided line in the 20-50 pound range with circle hooks to handle their energy. The trick with blacktips is setting up a good chum slick with oily fish like mackerel or sardines – once they find it, be ready for non-stop action.
Mustelus CanisThe dusky smooth-hound is a smaller shark that typically runs around 4 feet long, making it perfect for beach fishing. These bottom-dwellers hang out in shallow waters less than 60 feet deep along our Delaware coast, preferring sandy areas where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What makes them unique is their flat, blunt teeth – they're built for crushing shellfish, not cutting like other sharks. They're completely harmless to humans and actually pretty sluggish most of the time. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one when they move into warmer shallow waters. Guests love targeting them because they're a great introduction to shark fishing without the intimidation factor. The fight is steady rather than explosive, and they're curious enough to investigate baits thoroughly. My go-to tip: use fresh mackerel or squid strips on a 30lb mono rig with plenty of weight to keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusSandbar sharks are the heavyweights of our local shark fishing, with females reaching over 8 feet and males around 6 feet. They're built thick and strong with that distinctive tall dorsal fin that makes them easy to identify. These sharks prefer deeper water between 60-200 feet around sandy bottoms and continental shelf areas, though they'll come shallower to feed. Summer months bring the best action when they move into our waters following schools of skates, eels, and bottom fish. What makes them a favorite target is the serious fight they put up – once hooked, they'll make powerful runs that really test your drag system and endurance. They're also one of the safer sharks to handle, being generally docile around humans. The key to success is heavy tackle – don't go light on these bruisers. I always recommend at least 65-pound test line with a solid shark rig using 9/0 or bigger circle hooks. Fresh, oily bait works best, especially bluegill or skate. When you get a bite, be patient and let them run rather than trying to stop them right away.
Hypanus AmericanusSouthern stingrays are fascinating creatures that glide along sandy bottoms like underwater flying carpets. Females can reach nearly 6 feet across and weigh up to 50 pounds, while males stay smaller around 26 inches. They love shallow bays, river mouths, and sandy flats where they dig for crabs and small fish by flapping their "wings" to uncover prey. These rays are most active during warmer months when they move into our nearshore waters to feed. What draws anglers to them is their unique fight – instead of running like a fish, they use their flat body like a sail, creating incredible drag that tests your tackle and patience. They're also surprisingly gentle creatures that rarely use their venomous tail unless stepped on. The key to landing one is patience – don't rush the fight. Use live pinfish or cut bait on the bottom with heavy tackle, and when you hook up, take your time. Let them tire themselves out against steady pressure rather than trying to horse them in.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinner sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for their spectacular leaping ability when they hit schools of baitfish. These sleek sharks average around 6 feet and can hit speeds of 46 mph when feeding. They patrol waters less than 100 feet deep, often moving close to shore during spring migrations when baitfish are thick. What sets them apart is their feeding behavior – they'll charge through schools of fish with mouths wide open, spinning completely out of the water up to three times before crashing back down. Late winter through early spring is prime time when they follow migrating sardines and herring north along our coast. Anglers love them for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays once hooked. They're strong fighters that make several runs before tiring out. The meat is excellent eating too, often sold in markets. For best results, use live pilchards or oily baits like bonito since spinners hunt primarily by smell rather than sight. Set up a good chum line and be ready for fast action when they show up.
5.0 out of 5.0There are not enough stars to rate this trip. I booked it for my fiancée 40th birthday. Kevin and Jayden were so amazing. We were ...
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