8-Hour Shark Fishing Charter with FV Margarita
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour shark fishing charter targeting apex predators offshoreCaptain Tim Yagnisis provides expert guidance and toptier equipmentSmall group experience accommodates maximum 4 guests aboard FV Margarita
Looking for a serious fishing challenge off Long Island? Captain Tim Yagnisis and the FV Margarita crew run one of the most respected shark fishing operations out of Island Park, NY. This isn't your typical day of bottom fishing – we're talking about an 8-hour deep water adventure targeting some of the ocean's most powerful predators. With only 4 anglers max per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference when you're after blues and threshers.
Your day starts early at Island Park's marina, where Captain Tim briefs the crew on conditions and strategy. The FV Margarita is rigged specifically for shark fishing – heavy tackle, circle hooks, and a setup that can handle whatever comes up from the depths. We'll steam out to proven shark grounds where the continental shelf drops off, usually 15-25 miles offshore depending on where the fish are showing. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs and watch the depth finder as we move from shallow bay waters to the deep blue. Once we're on the grounds, it's all about patience and staying alert – shark fishing isn't constant action, but when it happens, you'll know why anglers get addicted to this style of fishing.
We run heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80lb test line because when a big shark decides to run, it's going to test everything you've got. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano gear, though you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Our preferred rig is a simple but effective setup: wire leader, 10/0 or 12/0 circle hooks, and fresh bait that includes bunker, mackerel, and sometimes bluefish depending on what's available. We'll set up a chum slick to draw sharks in close – it's a waiting game that requires patience, but the payoff is worth it. Captain Tim will walk you through proper fighting techniques because a 100+ pound shark fights nothing like the stripers or fluke you might be used to. The key is letting the fish tire itself out while maintaining steady pressure – no pumping and winding like you would with smaller fish.
Blue sharks are the bread and butter of our summer shark fishing here off Long Island. These sleek predators typically run 50-150 pounds and are absolute athletes in the water. Blues are most active from June through September when water temperatures hit that sweet spot in the mid-60s to low 70s. What makes them special is their speed and endurance – a good blue will make multiple long runs and test your stamina as much as your tackle. They're also incredibly beautiful fish with that distinctive cobalt coloration that really pops when you get them boatside. Most anglers are surprised by how smart blues are – they'll often follow the chum slick right up to the boat and circle for 10-15 minutes before committing to a bait.
Thresher sharks are the holy grail of our local shark fishing scene. These prehistoric-looking predators can exceed 200 pounds and are famous for that massive tail that's nearly as long as their body. Threshers use that tail like a whip to stun schools of baitfish, making them one of the most unique hunters in our waters. They're trickier to target than blues and tend to be more active in the early morning or late afternoon hours. Peak season for threshers runs from July through early October, with the biggest specimens showing up in August and September. Landing a thresher is a bucket-list experience – they're incredibly strong fighters that will test every knot and connection on your rig. The first jump usually catches everyone off guard because you don't expect something that big to come completely out of the water.
Captain Tim's shark trips book up fast during peak season, especially weekends and holidays. With only 4 spots available, this charter offers the personalized attention you won't find on larger party boats. You'll spend 8 solid hours targeting apex predators in some of the most productive shark waters on the East Coast. The FV Margarita's reputation speaks for itself – this is a top-rated charter operation that's been putting anglers on quality sharks for years. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or ready to try something completely different from your usual fishing routine, this trip delivers the kind of memories that keep you coming back. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates go early, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
The FV Margarita is a reliable 26-foot Stratos center console that's perfect for chasing sharks in New York waters. This 1998 build packs a serious 300HP Suzuki engine that'll get you out to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 34 knots when conditions are right. Captain Tim keeps her well-equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting apex predators - GPS and radar to navigate safely, plus a quality fish finder to locate the action. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to fight big fish without getting tangled up. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips, while the onboard head means you won't have to cut the day short. She's built tough for Island Park's inshore waters and designed to handle whatever these powerful predators can dish out.
Prionace GlaucaThese beautiful torpedo-shaped sharks are real speed demons with that classic blue coloring that fades to white underneath. Blues typically run 7-11 feet and can weigh anywhere from 60 pounds for males up to 400 pounds for the bigger females. They cruise the deeper waters, usually around 1,000+ feet, preferring temps in the 54-68°F range. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot at them here off Long Island. What makes blues special is their curious nature - they'll come right up to investigate your chum line. The fight's solid but manageable, and they're surprisingly acrobatic. My tip: keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat and use a heavy line rated for 200+ pounds. Fresh mackerel or herring in your chum gets them fired up every time.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers of shark fishing with that massive tail that's as long as their body. These apex predators average 16 feet and 510 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20 feet and over 1,000 pounds. They hunt in deeper continental shelf waters, usually 40-50 miles offshore in depths up to 2,100 feet, though sometimes they'll come shallow. Late spring through fall is prime time here in New York waters. What gets people hooked is watching them use that tail like a whip to stun baitfish - they can generate 50mph strikes. The fight is pure power and they'll sometimes jump clear out of the water. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so I always tell my clients to use 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders. Fresh mackerel works great, and patience pays off with these giants.
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