8-Hour Sharking Special – Targeting Sharks
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour private shark fishing trip for up to 4 anglersLight tackle targeting with shark tagging and release programExpert guidance from Captain Sebas MacMillian on 27' boat
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, there's no better place than Buzzards Bay aboard Fishlinked Charters' 27-footer. Captain Sebas MacMillian has built his reputation around these top-rated shark fishing adventures, and for good reason – this is where serious anglers come to battle blue water bruisers. You'll spend a full 8 hours in prime sharking territory, targeting four of the Atlantic's most sought-after species while contributing to important conservation research. With only 4 anglers max per trip, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make this a customer favorite among New England shark enthusiasts.
This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're heading out with one mission: finding sharks. Captain Sebas knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the drop-offs and temperature breaks where these apex predators cruise. You'll be fishing in 60-200 feet of water, sometimes deeper, depending on where the fish are showing up. The 27-foot boat gives us the mobility to chase the bite while staying comfortable in the offshore conditions. Most trips start before dawn to maximize your time in the prime feeding windows, and you'll be working both the early morning bite and the afternoon action. Don't expect to head home with a cooler full of fillets – this is catch, tag, and release fishing at its finest. You'll actually get to name the sharks we tag, and you'll receive updates on their movements from the research team.
We run a mix of conventional and spinning tackle depending on conditions and target species. For the bigger makos and threshers, we'll have you on heavy conventional gear with 50-80 pound test, while the blues and smaller sharks can be targeted on lighter spinning setups for maximum sport. Captain Sebas provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring, just let him know ahead of time. We're fishing with circle hooks exclusively – better for the sharks and required for catch and release. Bait selection changes based on what's available and what the sharks are keying on, but expect fresh mackerel, bluefish, and sometimes squid. We'll set up a chum slick to bring the sharks in close, then work live and dead baits at various depths. The key is patience – shark fishing isn't fast-paced like striper fishing, but when one picks up your bait, you'll know why anglers get hooked on this style of fishing.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the crown jewel of New England shark fishing, and Buzzards Bay sees some world-class specimens. These speed demons can hit 60 mph and are known for their aerial displays when hooked. Makos typically show up in our waters from June through October when water temps climb above 60 degrees. They're ambush predators that love the temperature breaks where warm and cold water meet. What makes them special? Pure athleticism – no fish fights harder or jumps higher than a mako, and specimens over 200 pounds aren't uncommon in these waters.
Porbeagle Sharks are the mako's cold-water cousin, and they're absolute bulldogs on the line. These chunky sharks prefer cooler water and show up earlier in the season, sometimes as early as April. They don't jump like makos, but they'll drag you around for 45 minutes with their powerful swimming style. Porbeagles are curious sharks that often come right up to the boat after release – perfect photo opportunities. They're also less common than other species, making them a prize catch for serious shark anglers.
Blue Sharks are the most common species you'll encounter, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy. These sleek predators are built for endurance and can stretch a fight out longer than any other shark. Blues are around from late spring through fall, and they're excellent for anglers new to shark fishing since they're more predictable in their behavior. They're also the most photogenic – that brilliant blue coloration looks amazing in photos before release. On slower days, blues keep the action going when other species aren't cooperating.
Thresher Sharks are the wildcard in Buzzards Bay waters. These unique sharks use their elongated tail fin to stun baitfish, and they put on quite a show when hooked. Threshers are less predictable than other species, often showing up in late summer when water temperatures peak. They're strong fighters that use their distinctive tail to their advantage during the fight. Landing a thresher is considered a badge of honor among shark anglers – they're not easy to find, and they're even tougher to land.
Captain Sebas MacMillian's shark fishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when all four target species are active. This 8-hour adventure gives you the best shot at multiple species while contributing to important shark research. Remember, a 20% tip for the mate is standard – these guys work hard to make your day successful. Deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before booking. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or looking to try something completely different, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. The combination of Sebas's local knowledge, prime Buzzards Bay fishing grounds, and the chance to battle these apex predators makes this a must-do experience for any serious angler.
This 27' Grady White cuts through Buzzards Bay waters like it was built for shark hunting. Captain Sebas MacMillian knows these offshore grounds where the big predators cruise, and this boat gets you there with serious fishing power. The fish finder picks up movement below while GPS keeps you on the hot spots. Four anglers fit comfortably with room to fight hard-pulling sharks on both conventional and spinning tackle. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour hunt. When nature calls, the onboard head means no cutting lines short. The kitchen lets you fuel up between hookups. Most sharks get tagged and released, but you'll name yours when the data goes to marine research. This boat handles offshore swells while you battle these apex predators that call Buzzards Bay home.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the most beautiful sharks we target - deep blue backs fading to white bellies with that classic torpedo shape. They typically run 7-11 feet and prefer deeper water around 300-1000 feet, though they'll come up at night to feed. These curious sharks are attracted to chum like magnets, especially when we grind up mackerel and herring. Summer and early fall are prime time when they follow the warm water into our area. What guests love is their aggressive nature on the bite and their willingness to come to the boat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with attitude and those spectacular leaps. Keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - they've been known to jump aboard when excited. A bloody chum slick is key to success with blues.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water cousins of makos, averaging 5-7 feet but packing serious power in their stocky, torpedo-shaped bodies. You'll spot them by the white patch behind their first dorsal fin - it's their signature mark. These blue-gray sharks prefer our cooler waters from 40-60°F and hunt between 30-300 feet deep. Summer brings them closer to shore where they chase mackerel and squid. What makes them special is their endurance - they'll fight for hours and sometimes jump clear out of the water. Their rough skin can cut through lighter lines, so we always use heavy wire leaders. The fight is pure muscle and determination. Here's a trick: drop a whole fresh mackerel on a 12/0 circle hook. It's their favorite meal and they can't resist it.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos average 8-13 feet and can hit speeds over 30 mph. These blue-gray torpedoes with pointed snouts are the ultimate challenge - they jump 20 feet out of water and fight like nothing else. We find them in open water around 100-400 feet deep during warmer months when they follow tuna and bluefish into our area. Their intelligence makes them tricky, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding. They're known to leap right into boats, so we keep our distance when fighting them. The meat's excellent too - some say it's the best eating shark. My tip: when chumming, mix plenty of tuna scraps in your slick. These smart predators can tell the difference, and they go crazy for fresh tuna blood in the water.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are unmistakable with tails as long as their bodies - these living whips use that tail to stun schools of baitfish at 50 mph. Most run 12-16 feet and weigh 400-500 pounds, making them serious adversaries. We find them in 25-200 feet of water during late spring through fall, usually hunting around bait balls. What makes them special is watching them hunt - they'll leap completely out of water while using that tail like a weapon. The fight is all power and acrobatics. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so we use smaller 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders since that tail can wrap your line. Fresh mackerel or sardines work best. Pro tip: look for diving birds working bait schools - that's where threshers will be feeding underneath.
Wareham, MA