Shark, Ground Fish, & Tuna in Maine
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target shark, groundfish, and tuna in Maine watersChoose between 8-hour active or 10-hour relaxed tripsSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests
Maine's offshore waters are packed with some serious predators, and Diamond Pass Outfitters knows exactly where to find them. This isn't your typical lobster boat cruise – we're talking about getting after bull sharks, little tunny, and bluefin tuna in some of the most productive waters off the Pine Tree State. With trips running 8 to 10 hours, you'll have plenty of time to work the best fishing grounds and put some real meat in the cooler. We keep groups small at just 2 anglers max, so you won't be fighting for rod space or watching someone else land your fish.
These offshore trips put you right in the mix where the big fish hunt. Our 8-hour charters are perfect if you want to maximize your fishing time and cover more water. We'll hit multiple spots, work different depths, and adapt to what's biting that day. The 10-hour option gives you a more laid-back pace – perfect for soaking up some Maine sunshine between fish. You can crack a cold beer, enjoy the ride, and still put plenty of bent rods. Either way, you're looking at a full day in some of the most fish-rich waters on the East Coast. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to all the terminal tackle. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and maybe a cooler for your catch.
We mix up techniques depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For tuna and sharks, we'll spend time trolling with spreader bars, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs. This covers water fast and triggers aggressive strikes from pelagics cruising the thermoclines. When we mark bait or structure on the sounder, we'll drop lines for groundfish using circle hooks and fresh cut bait. The key is reading the water – watching for bird activity, temperature breaks, and current edges where predators ambush prey. Maine's offshore waters can change quickly, so we stay flexible with our approach. Some days the tuna are hitting topwater presentations, other times they want something deeper in the water column. That's where local knowledge pays off, and our captains know these waters like the back of their hand.
Bull sharks in Maine waters are something special – these apex predators can push 8 feet and 300+ pounds when you hook into a good one. They're most active during the warmer months from July through September when water temps climb above 65 degrees. What makes them so exciting is their raw power and unpredictable fighting style. They'll make long runs, sudden direction changes, and aren't afraid to come to the surface. Little tunny, or "albies" as most anglers call them, are the speed demons of this fishery. These smaller tuna relatives rarely exceed 20 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in pure speed and stamina. They school up in late summer and fall, creating some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find anywhere. Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of Maine offshore fishing. These fish can range from school-sized 30-pounders to giants exceeding 200 pounds. Bluefin are incredibly intelligent and powerful – they'll test your drag system, your knots, and your endurance. Peak season runs from June through October, with the largest fish typically showing up during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration.
Maine's offshore season is short but sweet, and the best dates fill up fast. Whether you're after that trophy bluefin for the wall or just want to experience some world-class fishing action, these trips deliver. With only 2 spots per charter, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Diamond Pass Outfitters has built a reputation on putting clients on fish, not just taking them for expensive boat rides. The combination of skilled captains, quality gear, and prime fishing grounds makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Don't wait until the season's halfway over – book your Maine offshore adventure now and get ready for some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
Our motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing in Maine's productive waters. Equipped with a reliable GPS navigation system to get you to the best fishing grounds and an advanced fish finder to locate schools of tuna, sharks, and groundfish below. The boat comfortably handles 2 anglers, giving you plenty of room to fight those big fish without getting tangled up. Whether you choose our 8-hour adventure to maximize your catch or the more laid-back 10-hour trip where you can crack open a cold beer between bites, this vessel will get you out to where the action is. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of finding productive spots, while the GPS ensures we can return to those hot zones. Perfect for targeting Maine's diverse offshore species - from hard-fighting tuna to unique shark encounters and bottom fish that'll fill the cooler.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate prize fish - these torpedo-shaped giants average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, with that brilliant blue-silver coloring. They're incredibly fast swimmers that can dive over 3,000 feet and hit 43 mph. Around Maine waters, they show up following bait schools during warmer months, often near offshore structure and deep feeding areas. The fight is legendary - expect blazing surface runs and deep dives that'll test your heaviest tackle. Most guests are after the bragging rights and that world-class sashimi meat. For bait, fresh herring is gold standard, though squid and mackerel work too. Trolling covers the most water to locate schools, but once you find them, chunking keeps them around. Best bite times are early morning and evening. Keep your drag smooth - these fish will find every weak point in your setup.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are thick-bodied predators running 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds, with that distinctive gray-on-top, white-below coloring. What makes them unique is their ability to handle both salt and fresh water - they'll cruise right up rivers and into brackish areas where most sharks can't survive. Around Maine, you'll find them in coastal waters during warmer months, typically in shallower areas near shore structures. They're aggressive feeders and put up a serious fight once hooked. For bait, fresh eel works magic - the high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on your hook through smaller fish. Cut mackerel or whole mullet work well too. These sharks respond great to chum, and once they're up, they'll hit topwater lures hard. The fight is what guests remember most - powerful runs and stubborn resistance.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunnies, also called false albacore, are smaller tuna averaging 10-12 pounds with that distinctive torpedo shape and dark metallic blue coloring. They travel in schools around nearshore waters, especially near jetties, inlets, and sandbars where baitfish gather. You can often hear them feeding - they get pretty noisy when working a school of bait. These fish are strong swimmers that'll give you a real fight despite their size. They prefer warmer water, so late summer into fall is prime time here. Trolling with small lures decorated with bright feathers works well, but they'll also hit live bluefish or pinfish. The meat is darker and stronger-tasting than regular tuna, but fresh it's actually quite good. My tip: when you see birds diving and hear splashing, get there fast - the school won't stick around long.
Portland