All Skill Level Shark Fishing Charter Maine
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour private offshore charter targets blue sharks and porbeagle sharksAll skill levels welcome with step-by-step guidance from Captain RichardCatch-and-release trip includes quality rods, tackle, and gear provided
Get ready for eight hours of pure adrenaline as you chase some of Maine's most powerful predators with Little Falls Fishing Charters. Captain Richard runs this top-rated offshore shark adventure that starts at 7:00 AM and takes up to six anglers into the deep waters where blue sharks, porbeagle sharks, and thresher sharks patrol. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're heading miles offshore where the water drops off and the real monsters live. Whether you've never held a fishing rod or you're a seasoned angler looking for your next challenge, this catch-and-release charter delivers the fight of a lifetime while keeping conservation at the heart of everything we do.
Your day starts early with a 7:00 AM departure from Maine's coast, heading into the deeper offshore waters where sharks actively feed. Captain Richard has been running these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the action. The boat is rigged with quality rods, heavy tackle, and everything you need to handle fish that can tip the scales at 500 pounds and stretch over 12 feet long. You won't need to bring anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and plenty of water – though Captain Richard recommends packing your own lunch since meals aren't provided on this charter. The entire crew is focused on safety first, especially when dealing with apex predators, but they also make sure everyone gets hands-on experience regardless of their skill level. First-timers get step-by-step coaching on how to fight these powerful fish, while experienced anglers can push their limits against some of the ocean's most respected fighters.
Shark fishing is all about patience, preparation, and the right technique. Captain Richard uses a proven chumming method that creates a scent trail in the water, drawing sharks from miles away. We'll set up a chum slick using fresh bait and let it work its magic while we deploy circle hooks on heavy wire leaders – the only safe way to handle these toothy predators. The rods are loaded with high-capacity reels spooled with heavy braided line because when a 400-pound porbeagle decides to make a run, you need gear that can handle the punishment. We fish with whole mackerel, bluefish, and other oily baits that sharks can't resist. The key is staying alert because strikes often happen fast and hard. Once you're hooked up, the real work begins – these fish don't give up easy, and fights can last 30 minutes or more. Captain Richard coaches you through the process, teaching proper pumping and winding techniques while making sure you stay safe around the boat.
Blue sharks are the most common catch on these Maine offshore trips, and for good reason – they're built for speed and endurance. These sleek predators can reach 12 feet in length and are known for their beautiful blue coloration and long pectoral fins. Blues are active year-round in Maine waters but peak during summer months when water temperatures rise. What makes them so exciting to catch is their tendency to make long, powerful runs followed by acrobatic jumps. They're also curious by nature, often circling the boat multiple times before committing to the bait. Blues are catch-and-release only, and watching one swim away after a hard fight is something every angler remembers.
Porbeagle sharks are the powerhouses of Maine waters and the fish that really test your skills. These stocky, muscular sharks are built like underwater torpedoes and can weigh up to 500 pounds. Porbeagles are actually related to great whites and share that same explosive power when hooked. They prefer cooler waters, making Maine's offshore environment perfect habitat. What sets porbeagles apart is their incredible strength – they don't jump like blues, but they make bone-jarring runs that will leave your arms burning. The best time to target them is late spring through early fall when they move into shallower waters to feed on mackerel and herring schools. Landing a big porbeagle is considered a badge of honor among New England shark anglers.
Thresher sharks are the wildcards of this fishery – less common but absolutely spectacular when they show up. These sharks are instantly recognizable by their massive tail fins, which can be as long as their entire body. Threshers use these tails like whips to stun schools of baitfish before feeding. They can reach lengths of 15 feet or more, with most of that being tail. When hooked, threshers put on an aerial display that's hard to believe – they launch completely out of the water while whipping that massive tail around. They prefer deeper waters and are most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Catching a thresher is relatively rare, but when it happens, it's the kind of fishing story you'll tell for years.
This world-class shark fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak summer months when conditions are most favorable. Captain Richard limits trips to six anglers maximum, ensuring everyone gets personalized attention and plenty of chances to get on the rod. The eight-hour format gives you enough time to properly work the fishing grounds and handle multiple hookups without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before booking. The combination of Maine's productive offshore waters, Captain Richard's local knowledge, and the conservation-focused catch-and-release approach makes this one of the best shark fishing opportunities on the East Coast. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or you're a serious angler targeting new species, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for a day of fishing that will remind you why these apex predators have ruled the oceans for millions of years.
This 27-foot Trophy Walkaround gets you out to Maine's shark waters fast with twin 150HP Mercury engines pushing 35 knots. Built in 2001, she's got everything you need for serious offshore fishing - GPS and radar to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate your targets, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to fight those big blues and porbeagles without getting tangled up with other anglers. With space for up to 6 fishermen and a head onboard, you can focus on the action instead of comfort. The cabin keeps you dry during rough weather, while the open cockpit gives you the fighting room you need when you hook into something serious. Perfect setup for targeting Maine's monster sharks.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are probably the most beautiful sharks you'll see - deep blue topside fading to white underneath. They typically run 7-11 feet and 60-400 pounds, with females getting much bigger than males. These curious sharks cruise the deeper offshore waters around 1,000+ feet but come up at night to feed. Summer's your best shot when they move closer to our continental shelf following the warmer currents. What guests love is how they respond to chum - get a good slick going with mashed mackerel and herring, and they'll show up in numbers. They're fast and acrobatic fighters that'll test your skills without being too aggressive. The key trick is keeping your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - they get excited in a feeding frenzy and you don't want a 200-pound shark body-slamming your gunwale.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are built like torpedoes with that distinctive white patch on their dorsal fin - makes them easy to ID. These cold-water sharks average 5-7 feet but can push 12 feet and 500+ pounds. They've got a special blood vessel system that keeps them warm in our Maine waters, which is why they love it here from spring through fall when temperatures hit that 40-60°F sweet spot. You'll find them anywhere from 30 feet down to 650 feet, often cruising the continental shelf. What makes them so popular is their dog-like fighting spirit - they'll leap clear out of the water and give you a two-hour battle. Fresh mackerel is your best bet for bait. My tip: use heavy 300-400 lb line because their skin is like sandpaper and will cut lighter stuff during the fight.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers with that massive tail fin as long as their body - absolutely wild to see in action. These guys average 16 feet and 500 pounds, using that whip-like tail at 50 mph to stun schools of baitfish. They prefer the continental shelf waters 40-50 miles offshore in depths from shallow to 2,000 feet, loving those 60-70°F temperatures we get late spring through fall. What makes them special is watching them hunt - they'll leap completely out of the water and put on a spectacular aerial show during the fight. Despite their size, they have surprisingly small mouths, so don't go too big on hooks. Best success comes trolling mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep around bait balls. My advice: use an 8/0 hook with heavy leader - their tail can wrap your line during the battle.
Maine