All Skill Level Shark Fishing Charter Maine
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour private offshore charter targeting blue and porbeagle sharksAll skill levels welcome with stepbystep captain guidance providedCatchandrelease trip includes quality rods, tackle, and gear
Maine's offshore waters hold some of the most powerful predators in the North Atlantic, and Little Falls Fishing Charters knows exactly where to find them. This 8-hour private shark fishing trip takes you deep into the Gulf of Maine, where blue sharks, porbeagle sharks, and thresher sharks patrol the depths. Captain Richard has been running these waters for years, and he's got the experience to put you on fish whether you've never held a shark rod or you're chasing your next personal best. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, this catch-and-release charter focuses on conservation while giving you the fight of a lifetime against apex predators that can stretch over 12 feet and tip the scales at 500 pounds.
You'll meet Captain Richard at the dock before sunrise, ready to head out to the prime shark grounds that lie 15-20 miles offshore. The ride out takes about an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the Maine coastline fade behind you. Once we hit the fishing zone, the real work begins. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're targeting apex predators in their own backyard, and that means heavy tackle, strong leaders, and baits that can handle the power of a charging shark. The captain provides all the gear you need, from the sturdy rods and reels to the wire leaders and circle hooks that keep both you and the sharks safe during the fight. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to battle these monsters without bumping elbows. The boat stays positioned over productive bottom structure and current lines where sharks actively hunt, and Captain Richard reads the water like a book to keep you in the strike zone all day long.
Shark fishing requires a completely different approach than your standard groundfish or striper trip. We're talking heavy conventional reels loaded with 80-pound test, paired with rods built to handle sustained pressure from fish that don't know when to quit. The captain sets up a drift pattern using multiple lines at different depths, with fresh mackerel, bluefish, and other oily baits that create a scent trail sharks can follow from miles away. Wire leaders are essential – these fish have teeth designed to slice through anything softer than steel cable. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for conservation reasons and because they drastically reduce deep hooking when you're planning to release your catch. The technique involves patience and power in equal measure. You'll watch the rods for subtle taps or screaming runs, then it's time to buckle down for what could be a 20-minute battle against pure muscle. Captain Richard coaches you through the entire process, from setting the hook to working the fish up from the depths, making sure even first-time shark anglers can handle these powerful predators safely and successfully.
Blue sharks are the most common species you'll encounter on these Maine waters, and for good reason – they're perfectly built for the open ocean lifestyle. These sleek predators average 6-8 feet but can grow much larger, and they're known for their incredible stamina during a fight. Blues prefer the warmer months from June through October, when water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. What makes them special is their acrobatic fighting style – they'll make long runs, sudden direction changes, and even jump clear of the water when they feel the pressure. Their electric blue coloration is something you have to see to believe, and they're surprisingly curious fish that will often circle the boat before taking a bait.
Porbeagle sharks are the bruisers of Maine's offshore waters, built like underwater torpedoes with the power to back up their reputation. These close relatives of the great white shark can reach 10-12 feet and pack serious muscle into their stocky frames. Porbeagles prefer cooler water than blues, making them available earlier and later in the season when other sharks head south. They're ambush predators that hit baits hard and fight with sustained power rather than flashy runs. The real thrill with porbeagles is their raw strength – they'll test every component of your tackle and push your endurance to the limit. Their distinctive pointed snout and robust build make them easy to identify, and they're considered one of the premier gamefish in the North Atlantic.
Thresher sharks are the wild cards of the Maine shark scene, famous for their impossibly long tail fins that can make up half their total length. These unique predators use their tails like whips to stun schools of baitfish before moving in for an easy meal. Threshers are less common than blues or porbeagles, but when you hook one, you'll know it immediately – they use that powerful tail during the fight, creating a battle unlike any other fish in these waters. They prefer deeper water and are most active during dawn and dusk periods, which lines up perfectly with our early morning departure. Landing a thresher is considered a trophy catch by serious shark anglers, and their prehistoric appearance makes them one of the most photogenic species you'll encounter.
This top-rated shark fishing charter fills up fast during peak season, especially among anglers looking for that perfect combination of expert guidance and world-class fishing opportunities. Captain Richard's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and his commitment to catch-and-release practices ensures these incredible fisheries will be around for future generations. The 8-hour format gives you maximum time on the prime fishing grounds, and the private charter setup means the day revolves entirely around your group's goals and experience level. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, corporate outing, or just want to scratch shark fishing off your bucket list, this Maine offshore adventure delivers the kind of fishing stories that get better every time you tell them. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before you commit. The season runs from late spring through early fall, with peak action typically hitting during the warmer summer months when shark activity reaches its peak.
Your ride for chasing Maine's legendary sharks is a 27-foot Trophy walkaround that's built for serious offshore fishing. This 2001 cabin cruiser runs on twin 150HP Mercury engines, pushing you out to the deep water at up to 35 knots when conditions are right. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with a walk-around design that gives everyone room to move when a big blue shark or porbeagle takes the bait. Essential gear includes GPS and radar for navigating Maine's waters, plus a fish finder to locate the best fishing spots. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour trip, while the enclosed head means comfort when you're miles offshore. Captain Richard knows these waters and will position the boat where the action is, whether you're a first-timer or seasoned shark angler ready to battle fish over 12 feet long.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the speed demons you'll encounter on our Maine trips. These beautiful deep-blue sharks typically run 7-10 feet and 100-300 pounds, though we've seen 12-footers. They cruise the deeper offshore waters, usually 100+ feet down, and they're curious by nature - sometimes a little too curious around the boat. What draws anglers back? That torpedo shape means serious speed and acrobatic fights. They're also one of the most striking sharks you'll see with that brilliant blue coloring. Blues respond well to a good chum slick - the bloodier the better. They'll come right up to investigate. Pro tip: keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat once you get them interested. In a feeding frenzy, they can get aggressive and you don't want 200 pounds of muscle slamming into your transom.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the bruisers of Maine's offshore waters. These torpedo-shaped sharks average 5-7 feet but can push 12 feet and 500+ pounds. Look for that telltale white patch behind the dorsal fin - that's your porbeagle. They love our cold waters, hanging around 30-300 feet deep during summer months when they cruise the continental shelf. What makes them special? Pure power and endurance. They'll jump clean out of the water and fight for hours thanks to a special blood vessel system that keeps them warm in our chilly North Atlantic. Fresh mackerel is your best bet - it's their favorite meal. Here's the local trick: use heavy 300-400lb line because their skin is like sandpaper and will cut lighter tackle during the fight. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot when they're feeding close to shore.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers - that tail can be as long as their body, sometimes hitting 20 feet total. Average fish runs 12-16 feet and 400-500 pounds. They work the outer edges of our continental shelf, usually 40+ miles out in 100-2000 feet of water. What makes them special? They use that massive tail like a whip to stun baitfish at 50mph before eating them. The fight is pure spectacle - jumps, runs, and that tail thrashing the surface. Best time here is late summer into fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 65°F. They're tougher to target than blues or porbeagles, but worth the effort. Local secret: look for diving birds working bait schools. Threshers often hunt the same areas. Use smaller hooks than you'd think - they've got surprisingly small mouths for such big fish.
Maine