Shark Fishing Off Long Island Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target mako, thresher, tiger, hammerhead, blue and brown sharks offshoreSmall group fishing with maximum 4 guests per charterFire Island Fishing Charters provides professional shark fishing experience
Get ready for some serious action targeting apex predators in the waters off Long Island. Fire Island Fishing Charters puts you right in the thick of it, where massive makos, powerful threshers, and aggressive tigers patrol the deep blue. This isn't your typical day on the water – we're talking about battling fish that can weigh hundreds of pounds and fight like nothing else in these waters. With just four anglers max per trip, you'll get plenty of shots at hooking into the fish of a lifetime while working some of the most productive shark grounds on the East Coast.
We'll head out to the Continental Shelf drop-off where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the real monsters live. The trip starts early – usually around dawn – because that's when these predators are most active and feeding aggressively. You'll be fishing in 100 to 300 feet of water, sometimes more, depending on where the baitfish are holding and where we've been marking fish on the electronics. The small group size means everyone gets personal attention and coaching on fighting technique, which you're definitely going to need when a 200-pound mako decides to go airborne right next to the boat. We provide all the heavy-duty tackle, including 50 and 80-pound class rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out.
Shark fishing is all about the right bait presentation and having the backbone to handle the fight. We'll be using fresh bluefish, mackerel, and bunker – whatever's been producing – rigged on heavy circle hooks with wire leaders that can withstand those razor-sharp teeth. The technique involves creating a solid chum slick to draw the sharks in, then presenting baits at different depths using balloon rigs and weighted lines. When a shark takes the bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod loads up hard and the reel starts screaming. These fish don't give up easy, and fights can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the size and species. The key is maintaining steady pressure while letting the fish tire itself out, because trying to muscle a big shark to the boat is a losing battle.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the crown jewel of Long Island shark fishing and what most anglers dream about hooking. These speed demons can hit 60 mph and are famous for their spectacular jumps – sometimes clearing the water by 10 feet or more. Makos here typically run 100 to 300 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 400-plus. June through September is prime time, when they follow the baitfish migrations close to shore. What makes them special is their incredible athleticism and never-give-up attitude – they'll fight right to the boat and keep you on your toes the entire time.
Tiger Sharks are the bulldozers of the shark world, and Long Island's population has been growing stronger every year. These broad-shouldered bruisers can exceed 500 pounds and have the strongest bite force of any shark in our waters. They're not as flashy as makos – no jumping – but they make up for it with raw power and endurance. Tigers show up consistently from July through October, often coming in closer to shore at night to hunt. Landing one is a true test of angler skill and endurance, because they just don't quit.
Blue Sharks are your best bet for consistent action and perfect for anglers new to shark fishing. These sleek, beautiful fish are abundant from June through November and typically range from 50 to 150 pounds. Don't let their smaller size fool you – blues are scrappy fighters that will test your tackle and give you a great introduction to shark fishing techniques. They're also one of the most beautiful sharks you'll encounter, with that distinctive cobalt blue coloration that's absolutely stunning when they come boat-side.
Thresher Sharks are the wildcards of Long Island shark fishing, known for their distinctive long tail that can be half their total body length. These unique predators use that tail like a whip to stun baitfish, and they put on quite a show when hooked. Threshers typically range from 100 to 250 pounds in our waters and are most active during July and August. They're strong fighters that combine the power of a tiger shark with some of the aerial ability of a mako, making them a favorite among experienced shark anglers.
Long Island's shark fishing scene is world-class, and this trip puts you right in the action with experienced guides who know these waters inside and out. Whether you're after your first shark or chasing a personal best, the combination of diverse species, prime fishing grounds, and expert guidance makes this a top-rated charter experience. The intimate group size ensures everyone gets shots at fish, and you'll come away with stories that'll last a lifetime. Peak season books up fast, especially weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Get ready to tangle with some of the ocean's most powerful predators – right here off Long Island.
Our motorboat is built for serious shark fishing in Long Island waters. The GPS keeps us locked onto productive fishing grounds while the fish finder helps track baitfish schools that attract those big predators. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight mako, thresher, tiger, hammerhead, blue and brown sharks without getting tangled up. The boat handles offshore swells well, so you can focus on your line instead of keeping your balance. When something hits your bait 20 miles out, you'll have a stable platform to work from. These Long Island sharks are known for their incredible runs and jumps - our setup gives you the best shot at landing them.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are probably the most beautiful sharks we target, with that deep blue coloring that fades to white underneath. They're built like torpedoes for cutting through water fast. Males run 60-120 pounds while females get much bigger at 200-400 pounds, averaging 7-11 feet long. You'll find them in deeper water around 1000+ feet where they hunt squid and tuna. Best fishing happens in cooler months when water temps are 54-68°F. Guests love them because they're active fighters and relatively easy to find. They're curious by nature, which makes them respond well to chum. For success, drift fish with a good chum slick of ground mackerel and herring. Keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - blues can jump aboard when they're worked up. Use 200lb test minimum and be patient.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are built for speed and aggression. These blue-gray torpedoes average 8-12 feet but can hit 13+ feet and 300+ pounds. They hunt in open water from the surface down to 400 feet, feeding on tuna, billfish, and other sharks. Best season runs June through October when water temps hit 65°F+. What makes them special? They're tenacious fighters that'll jump 20 feet out of the water and even leap into your boat if you're not careful. The meat's excellent too - some of the best eating shark around. My tip: use heavy wire leaders and circle hooks with fresh bluefish or mackerel. When you hook one, keep the boat moving - they'll try to use it to snap your line.
Alopias VulpinusNothing looks quite like a thresher with that massive tail that's as long as its body. These blue-gray sharks average 16 feet and 500 pounds, but the big ones push 20 feet and over 1000 pounds. They hunt in open water 40-50 miles offshore in depths from shallow to 2000+ feet, using that tail like a whip to stun baitfish at 50mph. Prime time is late spring through fall when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special is that incredible tail action - they'll leap completely out of the water and put up an amazing fight. The smaller mouth means you need to downsize hooks to 8/0 despite their size. Troll mackerel or sardines 25-50 feet deep around bait balls. My advice: use an 8-10 foot wire leader and keep the boat moving slowly at 2-4 knots when you hook up.
Galeocerdo CuvierThese apex predators are the heavy hitters of Long Island shark fishing. Tigers average 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes that fade with age. They patrol deeper waters around 1000 feet but move shallow to hunt, sometimes in just 10 feet. Late summer through fall gives you the best shots when they follow warm currents north. What guests love is the raw power - tigers are incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your gear to the limit. They're also curious and aggressive, eating just about anything. For tackle, go heavy with 100lb test and 6/0-10/0 hooks. Best bait is fresh mackerel, bluefish, or tuna chunks. Pro tip: these sharks use their camouflage to ambush prey, so look for areas with good structure or baitfish activity.
New York, NY