Shark Fishing Charters Point Pleasant NJ
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday shark fishing with Captain Jesse Pierce offshore Point PleasantTarget blacktip and tiger sharks with expert guidance and equipmentPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests for challenging adventure
When you're looking for a fishing adventure that'll get your heart pumping, Captain Jesse Pierce's 8-hour shark fishing charters out of Point Pleasant are exactly what you need. This isn't your typical day of bottom fishing for fluke – we're talking about going head-to-head with some of the ocean's most powerful predators. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows, and Captain Jesse's got the experience and tackle to put you on fish. Point Pleasant's location gives us access to prime shark territory, and these full-day trips give us the time we need to find the action and make it count.
Your day starts early at the Point Pleasant docks, where Captain Jesse will brief you on the game plan and get everyone set up with the right gear. We're not messing around with light tackle here – shark fishing means heavy rods, strong reels, and wire leaders that can handle razor-sharp teeth. The boat heads out beyond the nearshore waters where the real action happens, and depending on conditions, we might run 10-20 miles offshore to find the best spots. Captain Jesse reads the water like a book, looking for temperature breaks, bait schools, and structure that holds sharks. Once we're set up, it's all about patience and being ready when that rod tip starts dancing. These fish don't mess around when they hit, and you'll know immediately when you've got a shark on the other end.
Shark fishing is all about using the right bait in the right spots, and Captain Jesse has this dialed in. We typically fish with a combination of live and cut baits – bluefish, mackerel, and bunker are all top producers for the sharks we're targeting. The setup involves heavy circle hooks on wire leaders, because these fish will cut through mono or fluorocarbon like it's not even there. We'll have multiple lines out at different depths, some on the bottom and others suspended in the water column. The boat carries 50-80 pound class rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with heavy braid. When a shark takes the bait, it's all about letting the circle hook do its job and then settling in for what could be a serious battle. Captain Jesse handles all the leader work and gaffing, so your job is just fighting the fish and enjoying the ride.
Smooth Hammerhead sharks are some of the most recognizable fish you'll encounter on these trips, and they're absolute warriors on the line. These sharks typically range from 6-10 feet in our waters and are most active during the warmer months from June through September. What makes them special is that distinctive hammer-shaped head that gives them incredible sensory advantages when hunting. They're strong fighters that make long runs and aren't afraid to jump, making for some spectacular battles. The smooth hammerhead's unique profile makes for amazing photos, and their fighting ability keeps anglers talking about the experience long after the trip ends.
Blacktip sharks are the speed demons of the group, known for their acrobatic fights and lightning-fast runs. These sharks usually measure between 4-7 feet and are most common from late spring through early fall in New Jersey waters. They get their name from the distinctive black markings on their fin tips, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. Blacktips are famous for their jumping ability – they'll often leap completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, making for some heart-stopping action. They're also one of the more common sharks we encounter, so your chances of hooking into one are excellent on a full-day trip.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate prize for many shark anglers, and while they're less common than other species, Point Pleasant's offshore waters do hold some impressive specimens. These apex predators can reach massive sizes, with fish over 10 feet being caught in our area. Tigers are most active during the warmer months and are known for their incredible strength and endurance. They get their name from the distinctive striped pattern visible on younger fish, and they're notorious for eating just about anything. When you hook a tiger shark, you're in for a marathon fight that will test both your equipment and your endurance. These fish are the stuff of fishing legends.
Thresher sharks are perhaps the most unique fighters you'll encounter on these trips, thanks to their incredibly long tail that can equal the length of their body. These sharks typically range from 8-14 feet in our waters and are most active during summer months when they follow bait schools close to shore. Threshers use their massive tail like a whip to stun prey, and this same tail makes for some wild fights when they're hooked. They're known for their spectacular jumps and the way they thrash that tail on the surface. Thresher sharks are considered excellent eating, and their unique appearance makes them a favorite target for many experienced shark anglers.
Captain Jesse Pierce has built a reputation as one of Point Pleasant's top shark fishing guides, and these 8-hour charters book up fast during peak season. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a world-class fishing experience you won't find everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next big fish or someone wanting to try shark fishing for the first time, this trip delivers the goods. The full-day format gives us the flexibility to adjust our strategy based on conditions and really maximize your time on productive water. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates – the best shark fishing happens during specific windows, and Captain Jesse's calendar fills up quickly when word gets out that the sharks are biting.
Captain Jesse Pierce's 32-foot Tidewater Custom center console cuts through Point Pleasant waters with twin Yamaha engines pumping 700 horsepower. This 2018 beauty hits 60 knots when you need to reach the shark grounds fast. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to fight blacktips and tigers without getting tangled up. Everything's aboard for a serious shark hunt - fish finder to mark baitfish schools, radar for those foggy Jersey mornings, GPS to hit your favorite spots, and VHF radio to stay connected. Keep your catch iced down in the onboard cooler while the multimedia system keeps spirits high between bites. There's even a bed for anyone who needs a break from the action. The boat's wheelchair accessible, so everyone can get in on the shark fishing. When these apex predators start hitting, you'll have plenty of fighting room on this well-equipped platform.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks we target, averaging 4-5 feet with those signature black-tipped fins. What sets them apart is their acrobatic nature - these guys will jump clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes right into the boat! They're found in 30-100 feet over sandy bottom and around structure, preferring warmer months when baitfish are thick. Blacktips are social but can get timid around bigger sharks, so timing matters. The fight is fast and athletic with multiple jumps that'll get your adrenaline pumping. They feed heavily on sardines, herring, and mackerel. Best technique is setting multiple lines with fresh, oily bait like mackerel chunks. Keep your drag smooth - when they start jumping, give them room to work or they'll throw the hook on you.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe smooth hammerhead is the second-largest hammerhead you'll encounter, averaging around 8-10 feet but capable of hitting 11+ feet. That distinctive curved head without the center notch makes them easy to identify. These sharks prefer our cooler New Jersey waters during summer months, typically found in 20-60 feet near the surface around bays and inshore areas. They're active hunters feeding on rays, other sharks, and bony fish. What makes them special is their schooling behavior - sometimes you'll find hundreds traveling together during migration. The fight is solid and sustained, plus that unique silhouette makes for great photos. My tip: use fresh mackerel or bluefish chunks on circle hooks with wire leaders. They rely heavily on electroreception, so keep your bait moving slightly to trigger strikes.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers of shark fishing with that incredible tail that's as long as their body. These pelagic hunters average 12-16 feet and can hit 500+ pounds. They're built for speed, capable of 30 mph bursts and spectacular jumps that rival any gamefish. We find them 40-50 miles offshore in 100-2000 feet, following baitfish concentrations from late spring through fall. What makes threshers so sought-after is that tail-whip feeding behavior and their fighting ability - pure athleticism. They use that massive tail to stun schools of mackerel and sardines. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so smaller baits work better. Key technique is trolling mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet depth around 2-4 knots near bait balls. Use strong 8/0 hooks with long wire leaders - that tail can easily cut line.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predator everyone wants to tangle with. These beasts average 11-14 feet and pack serious weight - we're talking 800-1400 pounds of pure muscle. You'll recognize them by those dark stripes that fade with age and their massive bulk. They patrol deeper waters around 100+ feet but will cruise shallower structure hunting for food. Summer through early fall gives us the best shot when water temps are right. What makes tigers special is their power and endurance - expect a long, grinding fight that'll test your tackle and stamina. They're not picky eaters, taking everything from bluefish to tuna chunks. Heavy tackle is mandatory - 100lb mono with big circle hooks. Pro tip: use really fresh, bloody bait and fish it deep. These sharks hunt by scent, so the smellier the better.
Point Pleasant